News
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
News
Troops repel ISWAP attack in Bita, Borno
Troops repel ISWAP attack in Bita, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled an attack by terrorists suspected to be members of ISWAP in Bita area of Borno state following a fierce overnight encounter.
Security sources said the attack began at about 1:09 a.m. on Saturday, when the insurgents launched a coordinated assault on troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade deployed in the Bita axis.
According to the sources, the terrorists attempted to overwhelm the troops’ position but were met with stiff resistance from the soldiers who engaged them in a sustained gun battle.
“In a decisive and coordinated operation, gallant troops of Operation Hadin Kai launched a simultaneous land and air assault on terrorist positions in Bita in the early hours of today,” the source said.
The coordinated response involved ground troops engaging the insurgents while aerial support conducted precision strikes and surveillance over the battlefield, forcing the attackers to retreat.
The intense engagement compelled the terrorists to withdraw towards their enclaves after suffering heavy pressure from the combined land and air assault.
Following the withdrawal of the insurgents, troops immediately commenced exploitation operations to pursue fleeing elements of the terrorist group and prevent them from regrouping.
Troops repel ISWAP attack in Bita, Borno
News
Unrest reported at Kara Cow Market in Gusau, one person killed
Unrest reported at Kara Cow Market in Gusau, one person killed
By: Zagazola Makama
Tension erupted at Kara Cow Market in Magami, Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State following a reported shooting incident involving civilians affiliated with a Maiduguri-based Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and local vigilante groups.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 3:30 p.m. on March 13 when a group of JTF operatives, identified as DSS assets attached to PW Construction Company reportedly entered the market and discharged firearms indiscriminately, creating panic among residents.
During the unrest, an unidentified Fulani man was pursued and killed by members of the local vigilante group, known as Askarawa who intervened amid the chaos. The body was reportedly taken to the Askarawa office in Magami by members of the mob.
Authorities said investigations have commenced and the area is under close monitoring to prevent further escalation.
Residents have been advised to exercise caution and cooperate with security operatives while the incident is being thoroughly investigated.
Unrest reported at Kara Cow Market in Gusau, one person killed
News
Troops repel bandit attack on Tsafe health college in Zamfara, neutralized bandit
Troops repel bandit attack on Tsafe health college in Zamfara, neutralized bandit
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA in collaboration with local vigilante members known as Askara, have neutralised a bandit during a foiled attempt to abduct students at the College of Science and Health Technology Tsafe, Zamfara state.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred late at night when suspected armed bandits attempted to infiltrate the school premises in Tsafe with the apparent intention of kidnapping students.
The sources disclosed that troops of Operation Fansan Yanma, working in synergy with local security volunteers (Askara), swiftly responded to the threat and engaged the attackers in a gun duel.
During the confrontation, one of the bandits was neutralised while others fled into nearby bushes.
Due to the darkness and the urgency of the operation, the troops and local security volunteers were unable to immediately recover the weapon belonging to the neutralised suspect.
Troops have since intensified patrols around the area to prevent further attacks and reassure residents as well as students of the institution.
The sources said the prompt response by the troops and the local vigilantes prevented what could have been a major kidnapping incident targeting students of the college.
Bandit attacks and attempted abductions of students have been a recurring security challenge in parts of northwestern Nigeria, prompting increased collaboration between security forces and community-based vigilante groups.
Troops have urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations against bandits in the region.
Troops repel bandit attack on Tsafe health college in Zamfara, neutralized bandit
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