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USAID, SON Partner to Reduce Lead Poisoning and Protect Nigerian Children
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
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Damboa LGA of Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected kidnapper in Azir community, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola Malama that the suspect was apprehended at about 5:00 p.m. on March 28 by troops of 25 Brigade and 19 Battalion (Mechanised) deployed at a Forward Operating Base in Azir.
The source disclosed that the suspect was alleged to have been involved in kidnapping activities within the Damboa and Azir general areas.
“During preliminary investigation, the suspect claimed to be a cattle courier operating within Damboa and its environs,” the source said.
He added that one bicycle was recovered from the suspect at the point of arrest.
The suspect and the recovered item are currently in troops’ custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Damboa LGA of Borno
Troops arrest 58 illegal miners in Edo state
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation MESA have arrested 58 suspected illegal miners at an illegal gold mining site in Ososo general area, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
A security source disclosed that the suspects were apprehended at about 1:00 p.m. on March 28 during a fighting patrol conducted by troops of 195 Battalion (Rear).
According to the source, the troops stormed the mining site and arrested the suspects without resistance.
“The suspects are currently in troops’ custody for further action,” the source said.
He noted that the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining activities and other criminal enterprises within Edo State and its environs.
Troops arrest 58 illegal miners in Edo state
Army troops arrest two suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers in borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with operatives of the Joint Intelligence Fusion Centre (JIFC), have arrested two suspected logistics suppliers to Boko Haram terrorists in Gubio town, Borno State.
A military source disclosed that the suspects, identified as Mal Bunu Gojemi and Zanna Alhaji Mallam, were apprehended at about 11:30 a.m. on Saturday during a joint logistics strangulation operation conducted by troops in the area.
According to the source, the suspects confessed during preliminary interrogation to being long-time suppliers of logistics to the Boko Haram.
Items recovered from them include three mobile phones, a traditional cap, and the sum of N40,000.
“The suspects have since been handed over to operatives of the Joint Intelligence Fusion Centre for further investigation,” the source said.
He added that the operation was carried out without any incident.
The Nigerian Army and other security agencies have continued to intensify operations aimed at cutting off logistics supply chains to insurgents as part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the North-East.
Army troops arrest two suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers in borno
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Damboa LGA of Borno
Troops arrest 58 illegal miners in Edo state
Army troops arrest two suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers in borno
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