FUGA seeks collaboration with NEAR Foundation to address kidney disease in Gashua

By: Yahaya Wakili

The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Gashua, Yobe State (FUGA), Professor Maimuna Waziri, has made a special request for collaboration between the university and the NEAR Foundation to address the prevalence of the chronic kidney disease (CKD) epidemic in Gashua and environs.

Professor Waziri made the request during the commissioning of a newly constructed borehole by NEAR Foundation at the institution with a view to providing students and staff with a reliable source of clean water.

In a press statement issued and signed by the institution’s head of the Information and Protocol Unit, Mallam Adamu Saleh, made available to newsmen in Damaturu.

Professor Waziri maintained that the disease has been a subject of serious concern in Northern Yobe State for decades.

“Water is essential to every part of our daily lives, and this borehole will greatly enhance the experience of our students, staff, and visitors on campus,” she said.

“We are deeply appreciative of the NEAR Foundation’s commitment to supporting education and improving lives in our community. I will also appeal to the Foundation to continue this legacy of giving by considering additional support for our university’s critical needs in the area of medical outreach programs, construction of additional classrooms to address the demands of our growing student population, and the establishment of a staff school to provide quality education for the children of our staff.”

The borehole, located between the male and female hostels of the school to maximize accessibility, is expected to serve as a crucial infrastructure for the university community.

“With an average daily campus population of several thousand, the project will significantly ease challenges related to water scarcity, especially during peak hours when demand is high. The borehole is equipped with modern pumping systems and storage facilities, ensuring consistent water availability.

Speaking earlier, a representative of the NEAR Foundation, the Foundation’s project coordinator, Abdulmalik Mamman Bulakos, said the borehole was part of their broader initiative to support educational institutions and foster community development.

“Our goal is to empower communities with the resources they need to thrive; access to clean water is foundational, and we are proud to partner with Federal University Gashua in bringing this essential service to their doorstep,” Mamman said.

He said the project is dedicated as a charity borehole in memory of late Muhammed Fethullah Gulen. Students and staff have warmly welcomed the project, noting the convenience and improvement in campus facilities; the facility will also support hygiene efforts on campus, contributing to better health outcomes.

The commissioning ceremony concluded with a demonstration of the borehole’s functionality, symbolizing a new chapter of improved amenities at Federal University Gashua. The university and NEAR Foundation officials expressed optimism for continued collaborations to support the instruction’s growth and sustainability.

FUGA seeks collaboration with NEAR Foundation to address kidney disease in Gashua

NSCDC Expresses Commitment to Peaceful Election in Ondo

By: Michael Mike

In a bid to reassure the public of adequate security and protection in the Saturday Ondo Governorship Election; the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,

Dr Ahmed Audi has reiterated the Corps’ commitment to ensuring a free, fair and credible election in Ondo State,

Audi demonstrated this readiness while speaking through the Deputy Commandant General Operations, DCG Philip Ayuba, who attended a strategic meeting with the Deputy Inspector General, Force Criminal Investigation Department (Force-CID) who also doubles as DIG Election Security, DIG Sylvester Alabi.

Ayuba said the CG has given a direct order that all officers must be apolitical and neutral, and as such, the fundamental human rights of the citizens must be protected, and there should be no occasion for comprise amongst security operatives or disenfranchisement of eligible voters.

He noted that the mandate of NSCDC in Safeguarding all Critical National Assets and Infrastructure covers all election materials, which he said have been rated very critical because any act of vandalism or destruction through election violence would, of course, hamper the smooth process and peaceful conduct of the elections.

The NSCDC Boss hinted that over 6225 operatives were drafted from 10 neighbouring States, FCT and the Corps’ National Headquarters, noting that both overt and covert operational personnel are already on the ground for election duty.

The Corps’ Helmsman said there is an existing synergy between the Nigeria Police, the NSCDC and other security agencies; therefore all security agencies have been effectively briefed on the need to work in collaboration and guard against violence, destruction of public utilities, ballot box snatching, rigging, vote buying, thuggery and other associated crimes.

He further said there is no cause for alarm; hence, the public is enjoined to come out and exercise their constitutional rights without fear or any form of apprehension.

NSCDC Expresses Commitment to Peaceful Election in Ondo

Oscar Awards: VP Shettima Rallies Support For “Mai Martaba”

*** Says creative fund access is open to all

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has pledged the federal government’s support for Nigeria’s Oscar campaign with access to the $618 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises Programme (iDICE) as Nigeria positions “Mai Martaba” to clinch the nation’s Academy Award.

Specifically, the Vice President revealed that creators will have access to the $618 million iDICE project aimed at boosting investment in digital and creative industries.

Speaking during a meeting with the film’s team led by the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa, at the Presidential Villa Abuja on Thursday, VP Shettima noted delightfully that “it’s a good day to be a Nigerian.”

“We will make sure that the kaleidoscope that represents all the colours in our nation is carried along. Let’s fuse into one and support this project. There is more that binds than divides us. Within the ethnic groups, you don’t know where the boundaries end. We are essentially one people,” the Vice President stated, emphasizing national unity through the film industry.

He charged the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy to “lead the campaign to mobilise all resources to ensure Nigeria’s success at the Oscars.”

“By the end of the century, Nigeria will be the most populous nation on earth. There is beauty in numbers. I want to reiterate my unflinching support for us to get the Oscars,” the VP added.

“Mai Martaba,” directed by Prince Daniel, has been officially selected as Nigeria’s entry for the 2025 Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film category. The film explores themes of power, love, and female leadership in an ancient African kingdom.

Speaking earlier, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, said investors were already committed to building the Creative Industry.

“We’re working with investors who have already committed to building the creative industry. We have just concluded agreements with South Korea, UK, Japan, China, and France to sign co-production agreements.

“We hopefully will have a media city, which is going to be a one-stop shop for nine sectors across the whole industry. The whole world is interested in Nigeria – not because of our oil, but because of our talent, content, and creativity.”

Addressing funding challenges, Musawa noted: “The fact is that many in the industry do not have infrastructure to be able to do the kind of first-class movies they require. Every single Nigerian, no matter what part of the country they come from, even if it’s a rural setting, has the ability to create content on their phone, to empower themselves for decent job futures.”

On his part, Prince Daniel noted the industry’s remarkable growth, saying, “We found something very interesting in the creative industry.

“Broadcasting contributes more to GDP than oil does combined, reaching 12.3%. The creative industry and broadcasting in April 2020 did more than oil and mining combined. We’ve created over 500 jobs and created work for almost 100 people overall. We’re excited because we want to go for the next Oscars,” he added.

Discussing the campaign’s important needs, Daniel said, “For every country aspiring for an Oscar, federal government backing is crucial, not only because it is capital-intensive but also because it requires high-level lobbying and diplomacy. Look at South Africa’s ‘Tsotsi’ Oscar win in 2006 – it opened up their entire industry. Today, there’s no part of Africa catching up to South Africa.”

Also, Chairperson of Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Oscars, Stephanie Linus, emphasised that it is a wonderful feat that is not just about international recognition.

“This isn’t just about international recognition. We need to start building our presence on the global stage now, not in one or two years. The Oscars represent the biggest platform for celebrating cinema,” she stated.

Oscar Awards: VP Shettima Rallies Support For “Mai Martaba”