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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
NA CAT Week: Army Flags Off Free Medical Outreach in Kaduna Community
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army has commenced pre-event activities for its Combat Arms Training (CAT) Week 2026 with a free medical outreach for residents of Birnin Yaro community in Kaduna State.
Security sources said the outreach, which held on May 2, was flagged off by the Chief of Integrated Combat Arms, Maj.-Gen. G.M. Mutkut, as part of preparations for the CAT Week scheduled to take place at Jaji Military Cantonment from May 4 to May 8, 2026.
The sources disclosed that the programme provided free medical consultations and treatment for members of the host community, as well as personnel and their family members.
According to the sources, the initiative was designed to strengthen civil-military relations while improving access to basic healthcare services for underserved communities.
They added that senior officers, including the Principal Staff Officer from Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre and members of the Central Organising Committee for the CAT Week, were in attendance.
The sources noted that the event was conducted peacefully and without any incident.
NA CAT Week: Army Flags Off Free Medical Outreach in Kaduna Community
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorists in Borno, Recover Phones and Charms
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested two suspected terrorists during a patrol operation in Ngamdu town, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 5:35 p.m. on May 2 by troops of 154 Battalion while on routine patrol within the area.
The sources disclosed that the suspects were intercepted and arrested during the patrol.
According to the sources, items recovered from them include one mobile phone, one keypad phone, a power bank, charms and other sundry items.
They added that the suspects are currently in military custody for further interrogation and investigation.
The sources noted that further action will be taken after profiling, while patrols in the area have been intensified to maintain security dominance.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorists in Borno, Recover Phones and Charms
Four Killed, Three Injured in Attack on Illegal Mining Site in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Four persons have been killed and three others injured following an attack by unknown gunmen at an illegal mining site in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on May 2 at Mazat mining site, where the victims were reportedly engaged in unauthorised mining activities.
The sources disclosed that the assailants opened fire on the victims, killing four on the spot while three others sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
According to the sources, the injured victims—two females and one male—were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention and are currently receiving treatment.
They added that the corpses of the deceased have been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy.
The sources further noted that security operatives were mobilised to the scene, while additional deployments have been made to track down the perpetrators.
They reiterated that night mining activities remain prohibited in the state, stressing that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Four Killed, Three Injured in Attack on Illegal Mining Site in Plateau
NA CAT Week: Army Flags Off Free Medical Outreach in Kaduna Community
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorists in Borno, Recover Phones and Charms
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