Connect with us

News

USAID, SON Partner to Reduce Lead Poisoning and Protect Nigerian Children

Published

on

USAID, SON Partner to Reduce Lead Poisoning and Protect Nigerian Children

By: Michael Mike

The United States Government through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Nigeria, through the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), have agreed to collaborate on mitigating lead poisoning in the country.

By this arrangement, they plan to enhance surveillance, regulation, and enforcement of standards related to consumer goods and paints in Nigeria.

Lead can affect individuals of any age, but children are particularly vulnerable due to their behavioral patterns and susceptibility to toxicity at lower exposure levels.

Globally, an estimated one-third of children have blood lead concentrations that impair cognitive development and contribute to learning disabilities and attention deficits. A 2011 survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that unsafe mining and ore processing are the leading causes of lead poisoning in Nigeria.

USAID/Nigeria Mission Director, Melissa Jones in a meeting with SON Director General Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, said: “USAID is committed to leading the Government of Nigeria’s mitigation efforts to save Nigerian children from further risk of lead exposure.”

A statement on Thursday said USAID will provide technical assistance to SON to raise awareness about the safe use of products that contain lead, support Nigeria in joining the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint (Lead Paint Alliance), and aid SON in enacting legislation to identify lead-containing products and its manufacturers. SON will lead engagement with other federal agencies working on lead removal in high-risk communities.

SON Director-General Dr. Okeke said that to limit lead in consumer goods and paints, SON adopted global and regional standards prohibiting the production and importation of paint products with lead concentration beyond 90 parts per million.

In April 2024, SON will participate in the United States and Nigeria Bi-National Commission meeting, contributing to technical discussions on policy framework, regulation, and sensitization on lead mitigation in Nigeria.

USAID, SON Partner to Reduce Lead Poisoning and Protect Nigerian Children

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Nigeria Sympathizes with Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti on Devastation of Hurricane Melissa

Published

on

Nigeria Sympathizes with Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti on Devastation of Hurricane Melissa

By: Michael Olugbode

Nigeria has sympathized with the governments of Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica over the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa that ravaged the countries.

A statement on Sunday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa read: “The Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have received with profound sorrow and deep sympathy the news of the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa on our sister nations, the Republic of Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica.

“The images and reports emerging from the countries, detailing widespread destruction, severe flooding, and the tragic loss of lives and livelihoods, are truly heart-wrenching. Nigeria stands in solidarity with the governments and the resilient peoples of Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica during this period of immense adversity and destruction.

“We commend the swift and courageous efforts of the national emergency response teams in both countries, who are working tirelessly under extremely challenging conditions to provide relief and save lives.

“In the spirit of South-South cooperation and the enduring bonds of friendship and solidarity that Nigeria shares with the nations of the Caribbean, the Federal Government of Nigeria extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a full and speedy recovery to the injured.

“The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria calls upon the international community and our partner organisations to rally in support of Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica, and to provide all necessary assistance to help these nations in their urgent recovery and rebuilding efforts.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Government and people of the Republic of Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica.”

Nigeria Sympathizes with Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti on Devastation of Hurricane Melissa

Continue Reading

News

NCYP Urges Tinubu, Northern Governors to Safeguard Inter-Religious Peace After U.S. CPC Designation

Published

on

NCYP Urges Tinubu, Northern Governors to Safeguard Inter-Religious Peace After U.S. CPC Designation

By: Michael Mike

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that Nigeria’s recent designation by the United States as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) does not degenerate into religious tension or undermine peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims, especially in the northern region.

Reacting to the public response that followed the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump, NCYP called for calm and constructive dialogue, warning that while international engagement is important, neglecting domestic dialogue would be a costly mistake.

The group noted that public reactions on social media already underscore the urgent need for local engagement in order to prevent the situation from escalating into inter-religious misunderstanding or violence.

The group, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Isaac Abrak, said: “We recalled that Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and NCYP had earlier appealed to the U.S. Government not to list Nigeria as a CPC, warning that such a move could “undermine the delicate interfaith dialogue and reconciliation efforts built over the years.” Unfortunately President Trump has still gone ahead and listed Nigeria, as such we must not allow this fear to turn into reality.

“While we commend President Tinubu for his inclusive approach to governance and his ongoing efforts to address insecurity, the NCYP stresses that more must be done to protect innocent lives—Christian, Muslim, or otherwise—and to strengthen national unity.

“NCYP must also express our concern that many northern governors have remained silent on this matter, as this is ia clarion call to the Northern Governors Forum, led by Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, to work closely with the President and stakeholders in preserving the budding peace between the two faiths, particularly in flashpoint areas.

“Finally, NCYP reaffirmed its commitment to promoting unity, tolerance, and peace across Nigeria.”

NCYP Urges Tinubu, Northern Governors to Safeguard Inter-Religious Peace After U.S. CPC Designation

Continue Reading

News

Buni appoints Dr. Bulama as the new program manager for livestock in Yobe

Published

on

Buni appoints Dr. Bulama as the new program manager for livestock in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, of Yobe State, has appointed Dr. Bulama Maina Yaro as the new program manager of the Yobe State pilot livestock development program.

The appointment letter was signed by the Acting Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu, who revealed that the appointment takes immediate effect.

Governor Buni urged the new program manager to bring his wealth of experience, dedication, and professionalism to bear in advancing the objectives of the livestock development program in Yobe State.

According to Governor Buni, the Yobe state government remains committed to the sustainable transformation of the livestock.

He revealed that, in line with its broader agenda for agricultural development and economic diversification.

Buni appoints Dr. Bulama as the new program manager for livestock in Yobe

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights