Now is the Future

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  • Nkwelle Ezunaka Town Union Caretaker Committee Inaugurated

    The caretaker committee for Nkwelle Ezunaka Town Union has been formally inaugurated at Nkwelle Ezunaka Town Hall, Oyi Local Government Area.

    The committee has Ogbuefi Wilfred Okafor-Ugonwenyi as its chairman, Ogbuefi Chukwunonso Izuchukwu, first vice chairman, Mr. Vitalis Nwakobi, second vice chairman and Honourable Chris Onwuanyi as the secretary.

    Others are the financial secretary, Mr. Orafu Anyakorah, Chief Pius Okeke, treasurer and Mr. Emeka Ajulu, PRO.

    Mr. Emeka Onubuogu and Obinna Omejieke are provost one and two respectively.

    In his speech, the Parish Priest, Blessed Iwene Tansi Catholic Church Umudioka, Very Reverend Father Emmanuel Obimma said no society can record any meaningful development with bad leadership, disclosing that the town has been politically stagnant for years now but the new executive marked the beginning of a new dawn.

    Reverend Father Obimma, who is also the Spiritual Director of Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, charged the new executive to be loyal to the government of the day, forgive those, who wronged them and solicit for the cooperation of all to enable them to succeed.

    Father Obimma, an indigene of the town, who was also installed as the Spiritual Father and leader of Nkwelle Ezunaka, asked God to equip the new executive with wisdom to pilot the affairs of the community.

    In his speech, Ogbuefi Okafor-Ugonwaenyi listed some of his achievements especially in the area of security and thanked Anambra State Government for its timely intervention in the crisis that bedeviled the community saying that it restored peace among the people.

    While explaining that Reverend Father Obimma was chosen for the position of the town’s Spiritual Father because of his numerous scholarship schemes and empowerment programmes for Nkwelle Ezunaka children and youths, Ogbuefi Okafor-Ugonwaenyi called on all to contribute their quota towards the development of the town.

    Speaking to the ABS, a-two-time former President General of the town, Elder Chris Eluemunoh tasked the new executive on peace restoration as well as to prepare the community for election after the state’s gubernatorial election in November.

    The chairman, inauguration committee, Barrister Chris Onwuanyi, who commended Governor Willie Obiano for his numerous achievements in the state, thanked all sections of the town for their support.

    The chairman, Nkwelle Ezunaka Youths Association, Chief Onyeka Ikem lamented the leadership lacuna in the town which according to him deprived them of many benefits from government including the recent cars to traditional rulers, expecting that the new executive will address such issues.

    The speaker of red cap chiefs in the town, Chief Luke Okafor wants Nkwelle Ezunaka to be among progressive towns in Anambra State while Mr. Ubachukwu Okoli from Progressive Estate pleaded with the new executive to look into re-selling of lands already bought by a developer by youths of the community because according to him, it causes breach of peace and scares investors.

    Correspondent, Oggorchukwu Oranu reports that fund raising for patrol vehicles and logistics support for Nkwelle Ezunaka Vigilante Service and prayer session by Reverend Father Obimma featured during the event.

  • Bishop Isizoh Visits St  Mary’s Catholic Church Alor ,Asks Christians To Defend Faith

    The Catholic community and the people of Alor recently played host to the Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, Most Reverend Denis Isizoh as he paid a Pastoral visit to Saint Mary’s Catholic Church Alor, Idemili South Council Area.

    Staff reporter Festus Obierika, who was at the event reports, that the visit attracted parishioners and friends of the community.

    In his homily, Bishop Isizoh, who said he came to encourage the work of Evangelism and also to oversee the affairs of the Parish, appreciated Alor Community and the Parishioners for their cooperation and the love existing between them and their Priests.

    Bishop Isizoh also explained that the Sacrament of Confirmation administered on the candidates is aimed at equipping Christians with the Holy Spirit that will give them the boldness to stand firm as soldiers of Christ.

    He urged them to grow spiritually and defend their faith, emphasizing on the need for families to always pray together, which according to him will unite them.

    The Catholic Prelate advised parents to raise Godly children for a better society.

    The Parish Priest, Reverend Father Christopher Ifem thanked Bishop Isizoh for the visit, which he said will bring both physical and spiritual growth in the Parish and the town.

    The pastoral visit featured the administration of Sacrament of Confirmation on one hundred and fifty candidates by Bishop Isizoh, assisted by the Episcopal Vicar, Nnobi Region, Very Reverend Father JohnBosco Ezika.

    In their reactions, two of the candidates, who received the Sacrament of Confirmation, Miss Jecinta Orakwe and Master Michael Ekwuonu, promised to be lights to the world and thanked their parents and teachers for giving them such opportunity even as they promised to remain good children.

  • 200 Students Benefit From I.G Aguowo Health And  Academic Foundation

    Two hundred students have benefitted from the I.G Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation.

     

    The beneficiaries will have their education sponsored from basic one to university level.

     

    Correspondent, Ejike Abana reports that the empowerment took place at an event held at the Retreat Centre, Okpuno, Awka South Local Government Area, and attracted the Traditional ruler of Nibo, Igwe Michael Ngene, his Umuawulu counterpart, Igwe Joel Egwuonwu, among others.

    I.G Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation, which commenced in 2019, focuses on helping young and less privileged in the society, and between December 2019 and March 2020, several people have been mobilized to among other things, become major trustees of the foundation.

     

    Speaking at the occasion, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, commended the initiative and asked the benefactor to extend same gesture to the very poor and vulnerable ones in the society, even as he advised the wealthy to emulate Mr. Onyeka Aguowo.

    The benefactor, Mr. Aguowo, explained that the mission of the Foundation is to provide quality healthcare and educational services to the less privileged, stressing that their involvement cuts across health, academic and local community support, hospital donations, endowment to less privileged, donation of funds, items, among others.

     

    He congratulated the beneficiaries and stressed that he holds girl-child education as a priority, promising to do more interventions.

    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Miss Mitchele Ileagu expressed appreciation to their benefactor, describing the empowerment as a lifetime golden opportunity to further their academic pursuits and achieve life goals.

     

    Miss Ileagu recalled that the effort of the foundation has made it possible for the less privileged people who dropped out of school as a result of financial constraints to go back through scholarship, assuring that they will not fail.

  • NHIS Flags Off Enrollment Exercise For Persons Under GIFSHIP In Ojoto Idemili South Council Area

    The National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, has flagged off enrollment exercise for persons under the Group, Individual and Family Social Health Insurance Programme, GIFSHIP, in Ojoto, Idemili South Local Government Area.

     

    The flag off ceremony, held at lgwe Gerald Mbamalu’s palace in Ojoto, had in attendance, some members of the National Assembly, the State Coordinator of the Scheme, Mrs. Chinyere Aniebo, Transition Committee Chairman of Idemili South Council Area, Honourable Don Unachukwu, President General of Ojoto community, Chief Donatus Anozie, and was performed by the Chairman, House of Representative Committee on Health Dr. Tanko Sununu.

     

    Staff Reporter, Festus Obierika, reports that the programme is expected to provide healthcare services for over five hundred beneficiaries in ldemili North and South local Government Areas from the National Health Insurance Scheme accredited healthcare facilities across the State for two years.

     

    In his remark, Dr. Sununu, represented by Honourable Benjamin Kalu, called on Nigerians to identify with the Scheme, as it will go a long way in assisting them, especially the less privileged, in accessing free medical treatment.

     

    Addressing the gathering, the State Coordinator of the Scheme, Mrs. Aniebo said over the years, the Scheme had carried out series of advocacy to the affluent in the country and in the diaspora to adopt and pay for the poor and vulnerable in the society, and thanked the Federal Government for releasing fund for the Scheme.

     

    She commended Governor Obiano for his tireless efforts in ensuring soft landing for the Scheme in the State, and called on Ndi-Anambra to avail themselves of the opportunity.

     

    Appreciating the team for the gesture, the Traditional ruler of Ojoto, Igwe Mbamalu, promised to give all necessary supports, including providing accommodation, to enable the Scheme realize set goals.

  • Anambra Governorship Election: Obiano Inaugurates  APGA Campaign Council In Awka

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has initiated it’s campaign process ahead of the November Six governorship election in Anambra State.

     

    APGA National Leader, Board of Trustees Chairman and Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano performed the inauguration ceremony of National, State Local Government campaign Council  of the Party at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka.

     

    Government House Correspondent, Ejike Abana reports that the APGA State Campaign Council has Professor Solo Chukwulobelu as the Director General, former Deputy Governor, Emeka Sibudu as Deputy Director General, Chief Chinedu Obidigwe as Deputy Director General, Operations, Strategy and Security, Chief Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi as the Deputy Director General and Mobilization, as well as Mr. Primus Odili as the Campaign Secretary, Finance and Administration, among others.

    At the National Campaign Council, while Chief Willie Obiano is the Chairman, Chief Victor Oye is the Deputy Chairman and others are members.

     

    Performing the function, Governor Obiano, who assured of maximum support, tasked the Committee members to ensure they deliver the Party at the polls, noting that with the successful inauguration, APGA is now ready to embark on campaign for victory that will bring about smooth transition to the next dispensation.

     

    Speaking on behalf of the Campaign Council, the member representing Anambra East and West Federal Constituency, Chief Obidigwe, who described the Committees as robust, thanked Governor Obiano and the National Chairman of the Party for standing firm for the truth to come to light and expressed optimism that APGA will win again.

    He emphasized that Anambra is not a place where election can be rigged, and called on INEC to discharge it’s duties creditably to enable Ndi Anambra elect their candidate, Professor Soludo.

     

    Chairman of APGA Peace and Reconciliation Committee, Chief Victor Umeh said that the publication of the name of Professor Soludo as the Party’s candidate is worthy of celebration because the right thing has been done.

     

    While expressing optimism that Professor Soludo will win with APGA Party, Chief Umeh emphasized that Ndi-Anambra can decide who they want, and should not allow outsiders to destabilise the State.

    He stressed that Governor Obiano’s scorecard is impressive and Ndi-Anambra want the person’s that will sustain his legacies, calling on everyone, including those who are in various courts to come together for a common purpose.

     

    Also speaking, the standard bearer of APGA, Professor Soludo said the Party represents Ndi-Anambra, noting that the poverty level of the state in 2018 was fifty-three percent, but now fourteen point eight percent, and cautioned against orchestrated campaigns against APGA, saying that there are no factions in the Party.

    While thanking the Court of Appeal and hoping that the Supreme Court will uphold his victory and that of his Deputy Governorship candidate, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Oye said that God brought Professor Soludo to replace Obiano, having devoted his life to the service of Ndi-Anambra, just as Professor Solo Chukwulobelu assured that APGA campaign will be on the solid foundation laid by Governor Obiano

  • Enugwu – Aguleri Community Anambra East Council Area Celebrates 2021 ‘Alo Nmuo’ Festival

    It was a display of rich cultural heritage of Ndi Enugwu Aguleri, as their Traditional ruler, Eze Chukwuemeka Eri, performed the 2021 “Alo Nmuo” festival.

     

    The event, which took place at Eze Eri palace, Obu Gad, Enugwu Aguleri, Anambra East Council Area, witnessed series of prayers to their ancestors, whom they are following their footsteps.

    Alo Nmuo Ndi Enugwu Aguleri is a season in which they perform new yam festival to show that the crop they cultivated is due for harvest and consumption, and before that, they will celebrate yam as the king of all crops and pray God for another bumper harvest in coming year.

     

    Eze Eri started this year’s festival with breaking of Kola nut rituals, during which he prayed for safety, more blessings and protection of all Igbo sons and daughters.

     

    He extolled Ndi Aguleri World Forum for sponsoring virtually all activities and developmental projects in the community, expressing hope that they will continue to bring Aguleri community to the limelight.

    Speaking to newsmen shortly after Alo Nmuo ritual by Eze Eri, the President General of Enugwu Aguleri and Vice President of Aguleri World Forum, Chief Oba Chidozie, said after four days Eze Eri performs the ceremony, other Traditional rulers in the community can commence their’s, and advised youths to emulate their forefathers who preserved their rich cultural heritage, even as he commended Aguleri World Forum led by Pastor Jossy Akwobi for uniting Ndi Aguleri.

     

    On his part,  the Director of Culture, Iduu Eri Kingdom, Chief Anthony Obidigwe, who pointed out uniqueness of this year’s Alo Nmuo, said celebrating yam as the king of all crops is not fetish, and urged Igbos of all extractions to come together and promote their identity.

     

    While felicitating with his community, Chief Gilbert Obi said he identifies with Eze Eri because Obu Gab is the central home for all Igbos, calling on them to know their roots and celebrate their ancestors.

     

    Ndi Ichie na Ojiana Aguleri, Igwe’s cabinet, led by the Chairman, Chief Ossy Chinwuba, Anambra State Cordinator of Aguleri World Forum, Sir George Udedibie, were among the people that attended the Alo Nmuo, while killing of efi Igbo and other Alo Nmuo rituals added glamour to the ceremony.

  • Newsom announces appointments to governing boards of California’s higher public institutions

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced appointments to the governing boards of the state’s public institutions of higher education, including leaders from academia, aerospace, technology, community-based organizations and veteran services to serve on the University of California Board of Regents, California State University Board of Trustees and California Community Colleges Board of Governors.

    “These leaders bring a wide array of knowledge and experience from across the state’s diverse regions, including the Central Valley, to our world-class colleges and universities, and share a deep commitment to serving our state,” said Governor Newsom. “California is doubling down on our work to make college more affordable and accessible than ever before, spurring upward mobility and boosting our nation-leading recovery. I look forward to working with our state’s higher education leaders to help students reach their full potential and drive California’s long-term economic prosperity.”

    The Governor announced the following appointments today:

    University of California Board of Regents

    Jose M. Hernandez, 58, of Manteca, has been appointed to the University of California Board of Regents. Hernandez has been President and Chief Executive Officer at Tierra Luna Engineering LLC since 2012. He was President of PT Strategies at PT Capital/PT Strategies from 2013 to 2016. Hernandez was Executive Director of Strategic Operations at MEI Technologies Inc. from 2011 to 2012. He was an Astronaut, Legislative Analyst, Branch Chief and Materials Research Engineer at NASA – Johnson Space Center from 2001 to 2011.

    Hernandez was Program Manager, Deputy Program Manager, Group Leader and Engineer at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory from 1985 to 2001. He is a Member of the League of United Latin American Citizens and MAES – Latinos in Science and Engineering. Hernandez earned a Master of Science degree in Electronics Engineering, Signals and Systems from the University of California, Santa Barbara. This position requires Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Hernandez is a Democrat.

    California State University Board of Trustees

    Maria G. Linares, 36, of Tustin, has been appointed to the California State University Board of Trustees. Linares was a Member of the California State University, Fullerton Associated Students Inc. Board of Directors from 2018 to 2021 and served as Chair there from 2020 to 2021. Linares is a Member of Psi Beta Honor Society in Psychology. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Linares is a Democrat.

    Julia I. Lopez, 73, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the California State University Board of Trustees. Lopez was President and CEO at the College Futures Foundation from 2008 to 2017. She held multiple positions at The Rockefeller Foundation from 1992 to 2005, including Senior Vice President, Vice President and Director of Working Communities. Lopez was General Manager at the San Francisco Department of Social Services from 1988 to 1992. She held multiple positions in the California State Legislature from 1980 to 1988, including Chief Consultant, Principal Consultant for the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and Program Analyst for the Legislative Analyst’s Office.

    Lopez was Deputy Director for Legislation at the Employment Development Department in 1982. She held multiple positions working for the State of New Mexico from 1970 to 1978, including Director of Administrative Services at the Department of Criminal Justice, Deputy Director at the Criminal Justice Council, Grants Manager at the Criminal Justice Council and Analyst at the State Personnel Board. Lopez is a Board Member of The Bridgespan Group, One Future Coachella Valley and KQED; Council Member of California Competes; and Chair of The Christensen Fund, San Francisco.  She earned a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Policy. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Lopez is a Democrat.

    Yammilette Rodriguez, 45, of Fresno, has been appointed to the California State University Board of Trustees.  Rodriguez has been National Trainer and Consultant for the Youth Leadership Institute since 2020. She was Central Valley Senior Director at the Youth Leadership Institute from 2009 to 2020 and Central Valley Regional Director at Latino Issues Forum from 2008 to 2009. Rodriguez was a Governmental Relations Consultant at PG&E from 2007 to 2008. She was Director of Admissions at Fresno Pacific University from 2001 to 2007. Rodriguez was a District Representative in the Office of California State Assemblymember Sarah Reyes from 1999 to 2001.  She is a Member of the Board of Directors at the Vesper Society, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality Advisory Board and the Central Valley Latino Leaders Academy Founding Board. Rodriguez earned a Master of Arts degree in Leadership and Organizational Studies from Fresno Pacific University. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Rodriguez is a Democrat.

    Romey Sabalius, 58, of San Jose, has been reappointed to the California State University Board of Trustees. Sabalius has been Faculty Trustee for the California State University Board of Trustees since 2017. He has been a Professor at San Jose State University since 1995. Sabalius was an Assistant Professor at Utah State University from 1992 to 1995 and a Visiting Assistant Professor at Vassar College in 1992. He was a Guest Professor at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia in 1999 and 2000. Sabalius earned a Master of Arts degree in German from the University of Southern California, a Master of Arts degree in German from Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in German from the University of Southern California. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Sabalius is a Democrat.

    California Community Colleges Board of Governors

    Joshua Elizondo, 25, of Los Angeles, has been appointed to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Elizondo has been Associated Students President at Santa Monica College since 2021 and was Student Trustee for the Board of Trustees from 2020 to 2021. He has been Commissioner for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and Founder and CEO of The Foster Bunch since 2017. He was Summer Intern at Television Academy in 2019. Elizondo is a Member of the Board of Directors for California Youth Connection. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Elizondo is a Democrat.

    Irma L. Olguin Jr., 40, of Caruthers, has been appointed to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. She has been Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Bitwise Industries since 2013 and Co-Founder of Hashtag Fresno since 2011. Olguin Jr. was Co-Founder and President at Edit LLC from 2011 to 2016.  She was Co-Founder of 59DaysOfCode from 2009 to 2016. Olguin Jr. was a Professional Geek at Geekwise from 1999 to 2013. She was a Teacher at The Center for Advanced Research and Technology and at Fresno Unified School District from 2006 to 2007. Olguin Jr. is an Advisory Board Member at REDF and a President’s Advisory Board Member at California State University, Fresno. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Olguin Jr. is a Democrat.

    Jennifer Perry, 60, of Los Angeles, has been reappointed to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, where she has served since 2015. Perry has been Executive Director of Children’s Action Network since 1990. She was Director of Public Affairs at ACT III Communications from 1987 to 1990 and served as Director of Special Projects in the Office of Senator Alan Cranston from 1985 to 1988 and as a Staff Assistant in the Office of Congressman Mickey Leland from 1982 to 1983.  She is a Co-Founder of FosterMore. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Perry is a Democrat.

    Roy A. Shahbazian, 48, of Sacramento, has been appointed to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Shahbazian has been Academic Senate President and Professor of Math at Rancho Santiago Community College District – Santa Ana College since 2001. He held multiple positions at the University of California, Irvine from 2002 to 2019, including Instructor and Summer Bridge Math Coordinator. Shahbazian was  a Computer Science Instructor at Fullerton College from 2001 to 2003. Shahbazian was a Software Engineer at Odetics Inc. – Gyyr Division from 1998 to 2001. He is a Member of the Orange County Transportation Authority’s Citizen Advisory Committee. Shahbazian earned a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Master of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of California, Irvine. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Shahbazian is registered without party preference.

    Blas Villalobos, 40, of Lakewood, has been reappointed to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, where he has served since 2018. Villalobos has been Chief Executive Officer of Centerstone’s Military Services since 2021. He was Director of Veterans Affairs at Chapman University from 2018 to 2021 and served as Manager in the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs from 2015 to 2017. Villalobos was Executive Director of Community Programs and Veteran Services at U.S.VETS from 2012 to 2015, where he was a Case Manager from 2009 to 2011. He was an Outreach Worker at U.S.VETS Long Beach from 2008 to 2009.

    Villalobos served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1999 to 2003, reaching the rank of Sergeant. He served as a Member of the Department of Veterans Affairs Committee on the Readjustment of Veterans from 2017 to 2021. Villalobos earned a Doctor of Social Work degree and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Villalobos is a Democrat.

  • Magnuson and Madrona Beaches Closing After This Weekend, Pritchard Beach to close Aug. 29

    As students head back to school and Aquatics staff levels drop, Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) will be closing some lifeguarded beaches before Labor Day as we have done in years past. Madrona (853 Lake Washington Blvd.) and Magnuson (6505 NE 65th St.) beaches will have their last day this season on Sunday, Aug. 22. Pritchard Beach (8400 55th Ave S.) will have its last day on Aug. 29.

    SPR will continue to offer safe, lifeguarded beaches at Matthews (9300 51st Ave. NE), Madison (1900 43rd Ave. E), Mount Baker (2301 Lake Washington Blvd. S.), and West Green Lake (7312 W Green Lake Dr.) until Labor Day.

    Summer beaches are open daily, weather permitting, from noon to 7 p.m. on weekdays, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. It is strongly recommended to swim only where lifeguards are present.

  • ECOWAS engages with the Regional Working Group Against Gender Based Violence and Violence Against Children

    The ECOWAS Commission’s Department of Social Affairs and Gender held its 3rd Online Engagement with the ECOWAS Regional Partners/CSOs/NSAs Working Group Against Gender Based Violence/Violence Against Children (ECW-RPWG-GBV/VAC) in a two (2) day meeting 16th – 17th August, 2021, with the theme: “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health” (2021 theme for International Youth Day).

    This is part of ECOWAS‘ contribution to improve human security in the region by coordinating and providing strategic direction for the effective use of capacities and re-sources of relevant stakeholders towards stamping out GBV/VAC and ensuring that every woman and child is protected now and beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic.

    This 3rd engagement discussed emerging issues, the mapping of members of the Working Group’s competences, areas of focus and the development of Gudielines and Procedures for the operationalisation of the Working Group.

    The rational and efficient use of regio-nal/national/local resources in the fight against GBV/VAC was highlighted. The meeting also shared best practices, lessons Learnt, challenges and experiences in responding to identified gaps in combatting GBV/VAC, and the various perculiarities from different state and non-state actors.

    The Regional Working Group was established on the 12th October 2020, by the ECOWAS Commission through the Department of Social Affairs and Gender in response to a call for action, made by H.E. Jean-Claude Kassi BROU, President ECOWAS Commission, on 22nd June, 2020 when he addressed the unprecedented increase of Gender Based Violence (GBV) espe-cially Sexual Abuse on children as a shadow pandemic to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for all state actors to galvanize immediate action across the West African region towa-rds eradicating GBV/VAC.

    In her opening remarks, the Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, Dr. Sintiki Tarfa-Ugbe, who was represented by Hajiya Raheemat Momodu, PPO Human Security and Civil Society Division, emphasized the need for all hands to be on board to fight the dangerous menace of GBV/VAC which had spiked within the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Ms. Momodu briefed the meeting on the ECOWAS Integrated In-Country High-Level Advocacy, Coordination and Capacity Building of Multi-Stakeholders on the implementation of ECOWAS IHL, TIP, GBV and Child Rights which had already been carried out in The Gambia and Sierra Leone remaining Burkina Faso, Mali and Nigeria for the year 2021.

    Ambassador Musa Sani Nuhu, Nigeria Permanent Representative to the ECOWAS, in his Opening Remarks, called on citizens to embrace farming and agriculture in addressing the endemic poverty and high rate of youth unemployment in our region. According to him, “we must make agriculture enticing enough for the younger generation”.

    He reiterated the commitment of Nigeria to ECOWAS in fighting against GBV/VAC.
    Plan International in their keynote address, read by Mian-Djangone Rachelle, Director of Regional Influencing, Partnership and Business Development on behalf of the Regional Director West and Central Africa, Mr. Rotimy Djossaya, highlighted the plight of the girl child across the region with emphasis on child marriages and out of school children.

    She also drew attention to the lack of female representation in key roles and positions across the region; and called for support in using the movies and short stories to sensitize the populace on GBV/VAC. “Rewrite her Story: How film and media stereotypes affect the lives and ambitions of girls and young women”.

    Some of the best practices shared by Plan International towards youth empowerment and capacity building include the “Youth Challenge Fund and Girls Get Equal: Zoom in on Nollywood”.

    ECOWAS Efforts towards Youth Development/Empowerment was highlighted by Mr. Kennedy Barsisa, PPO Youth and Sports Development who represented Mr. Francis Chuks Njoaguani, Director, ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre, Ouagadougou.

    He gave an insight into the ECOWAS Youth Volunteer Program, Capacity and Entrepreneurship Development and Sports amongst others with participation from youth between the ages of 21yrs-35yrs across the 15 ECOWAS Member States.

    The meeting ended with an agreement to work towards greater coordination in the enhancement of collective capacities for prevention and response to GBV/VAC. In addition, ECOWAS Commission reiterated its commitment to continue to provide strategic direction and coordinate the implementation of actions of Partners, INGOs, CSOs and other stakeholders in promoting and mainstreaming protection and human security approach in Member States National Development Plans and Actions to address GBV/VAC.

    Participants at the meeting were from ECOWAS Institutions and Agencies, Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children, UN Agencies, IN-GOs, , FEWACCI, Regional and National CSO Networks and other State and Non- State Actors.

  • How to activate new PHCN BEDC prepaid meter

    Here’s your guide on how to setup your PHCN BEDC Prepaid meter from any of the PHCN companies e.g Ikeja or Eko electric.

    All steps below should/may only work when there’s power in your area and the prepaid meter is blinking green and red light.

    Connect the BEDC box to the Meter outside

    Depending on your meter type, if your prepaid meter is just installed, you are required the use the 100 units that came with your new meter for a period of at least 2 weeks, during which you cannot recharge your meter. Towards the end of this 2 weeks period, you should get your activate number through text to your registered number. If after 2 weeks you have not received your activate code, you should visit the nearest PHCN office, but preferably visit the office who came to install your meter, or call the customer care.

    Normally, your activation code will arrive in that 2 weeks. If you finish your follow come 100 units however before 2 weeks, you cannot recharge and will not have power till you receive your activation code.

    Or

    The first step to setting things up before trying any of the short codes is to connect the box to the one outside.

    Enter your meter no and hit enter. You should see the words “Connect” on the screen and then “Success” after a few seconds. If this step fails, make sure you’re close enough to the box outside and also that there’s power(light) in your area. I noticed that if there’s no light, you can’t connect to the box.

    This step registers your BEDC box to the device outside.

    Top up / Buy power tokens

    For example, rather than getting around 118 units for N6k, you’ll end up with 18units. When you recharge subsequently, you’ll then get the full value of your recharge.

    Load token.

    That’s how you setup a brand new BEDC box from PHCN.

    If you are still having issues, visit the nearest PHCN customer center.