CSO Conducts Stakeholders' Advocacy to Strengthen Malaria Supply Chain in Taraba

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The Association of Civil Society Organizations in Malaria Control, Immunization, and Nutrition (ACOMIN) recently conducted its monthly Stakeholders' Advocacy Visit in Taraba State.

 This visit aimed to strengthen the supply chain to combat malaria and was part of the Community-Led Monitoring Project for AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (CLM-ATM), funded by the Global Fund GC7 Grant.

The advocacy team, led by ACOMIN's State Chair for Taraba State, Alhaji Muhammad T. Danburam, met with key stakeholders, including the Logistics Management and Coordinating Unit (LMCU), State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP), Society for Family Health (SFH), and Management Sciences for Health (MSH).

During the meetings, the team advocated for the restocking of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) and Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) in two health facilities in Kurmi and Donga LGAs, where shortages have been reported. 

They also pushed for broader coverage of the upcoming Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITN) mass distribution campaign, particularly for underserved communities in Bali and Takum LGAs.

According to Alhaji Muhammad Danburam, "We are committed to ensuring that communities have access to the resources they need to combat malaria. We will continue to work with stakeholders to address gaps in the supply chain and improve the quality of malaria services."

The team highlighted gaps in the malaria supply chain, emphasizing that these shortages have increased the financial burden on patients, many of whom are already economically disadvantaged. "The stock-outs of ACTs and RDTs have serious implications for the health and wellbeing of communities," he said.

Responding, the stakeholders appreciated ACOMIN's efforts in sharing community findings and encouraged the organization to sustain its engagement. They committed to addressing the stock-outs of ACTs and RDTs, as well as the lack of ITN coverage in some communities, in the next distribution cycle.

Chess Growth Academy Jalingo Inaugurates New Chess Club at Atoshi Hotel

 

By Henry Agbu 

     Chess Growth Academy in Jalingo has inaugurated a new chess club at Atoshi Hotel, marking another step in its mission to promote chess across the state. Speaking shortly after the event, Dankema Yusufu Umar , the Academy’s Programme Director, explained that the goal is to ensure every family is represented in each club. 

   He emphasized that chess—recognized as a unifying game that fosters critical thinking—offers an inclusive platform, prompting the academy to expand its reach across the state.

     Umar further noted that chess has a set of rules designed to promote discipline and concentration. "We require a quiet environment, and we strictly prohibit drugs and alcohol to ensure that the focus remains on the game," he said.

      He added that the club is dedicated to nurturing young talent, helping them unlock their potential.

     Highlighting the benefits of chess, Umar mentioned that the academy provides mentorship to less privileged players.

      He expressed his excitement over seeing young children participate in the game, including several Primary Three students. "Chess should be part of the school curriculum," he advocated, citing the game’s many advantages in developing critical thinking skills.

     Albert Abbo, the Operations Lead of Chess Growth Academy, also spoke at the event. He stated that chess instills important values and plays a key role in integrating young people from different backgrounds.

      Abbo pointed out that the game is affordable and can serve as an effective tool for taking young people off the streets, recalling the example of a Nigerian, Tunde, who began playing chess at a young age and now, based in New York, positively impacts the lives of many children.

   The academy, which is also deeply committed to the education of its players, has already received donations from various partners, bolstering its support for the club

      Among the enthusiastic participants were twins Jotham Henry Kasimu and Jayden Henry—both nine years old and in Primary Three—who remarked that chess not only sharpens critical thinking but also helps relax the mind.

     This initiative is yet another testament to Chess Growth Academy’s commitment to fostering a love for chess, building community, and empowering the youth through education and mentorship.

Nigeria’s House of Reps orders total shutdown of porn sites nationwide.

 

Lawmakers have directed the NCC to enforce an immediate shutdown of all pornographic websites. 

Internet providers must block access under the new directive.

The Guardian Nigeria reports that the member of the Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa federal constituency of Katsina State, Dalhatu Tafoki sponsored the motion, calling it a step to “protect societal values.”

The motion was referred to committee on Information and Communication for further registration.

222 Rustled Cattle have been Recovered and returned to Owners in Taraba

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

In a bid to combat cattle rustling in Taraba State, a total number of 222 rustled cattle, 58 sheep and rams were recovered and returned to their rightful owners in a ceremony held on Thursday in Jalingo.

The ceremony was performed by a high-powered committee comprising Dr. Aminu Jauro Hassan, Chairman of the Committee on Cattle and Sheep Recovery, the ALGON Chairman, and the Chairmen of Jalingo, Lau, Ardo-kola, and Karim-Lamido Local Government Areas.

According to Dr. Hassan, a total of 198 cows and 58 sheep and rams were released to their owners, while 24 cows remained unclaimed. The recovery process was carried out under severe examination and interrogation.

"I'm happy to announce to you that after interviewing, screening and above all coming with 52 groups to come and look at the cows whether it belongs to them or not we thereafter arrive that this cows belongs to two different groups of people," Dr. Hassan said.

Dr. Hassan explained that the first group owns 198 cows, while the second group owns 2 cows, but even that two is still a subject of contention. The Committee's efforts to ensure that the recovered cows were returned to their rightful owners demonstrate their commitment to justice and fairness.

Dr. Hassan also expressed his gratitude to Governor Agbu Kefas for entrusting his committee with the responsibility of recovering the rustled cattle. The recovery process was a result of the state government's commitment to addressing the issue of cattle rustling.

"The Committee has decided to stepdown 22 cows and release 198 cows to the perceived owners that have after vigorous screening. We have unanimously agreed that the marks describe to the cows reach 90 percent," Dr. Hassan added.

The recovery of the rustled cattle is a welcome relief to the affected farmers and herders, who had suffered significant losses due to the activities of the rustlers. The return of their animals is expected to restore their livelihoods and boost the local economy.

The success of the recovery operation is a testament to the effectiveness of the committee's efforts and the cooperation of the relevant stakeholders. It also highlights the importance of collaboration between the government, local authorities, and the community in addressing the issue of cattle rustling.

Also speaking, Ya'u Ibrahim Barewa, the Taraba State chairman of Miyetti Allah, praised the committee's efforts, acknowledging their hard work in recovering the rustled cattle. His commendation adds to the growing recognition of the committee's achievements, particularly in their collaboration with stakeholders to address cattle rustling in the state.

Taraba Cheif Justice has established family court in the state.

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

Justice Joel Agya, Chief Judge of Taraba State, has designated High Court 9 as a family court for the trial of family cases in the state.

The designation was made during an advocacy visit by Mrs. Agyin Kefas, wife of the governor of Taraba State, in Jalingo.

According to Justice Agya, the family court will have jurisdiction over various family-related matters, including divorce, child abuse, neglect, and delinquency.

He emphasized that the court's primary concern will be safeguarding the best interest of the child in all cases.

Justice Agya noted that 30% of girls and women in Nigeria, aged between 15 and 49, have experienced some form of sexual abuse.

He stated that the primary legislation addressing this issue is the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, which Taraba State has domesticated.

Earlier, Mrs. Kefas had requested the judiciary to establish mechanisms for speedy trials of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) offenders.

She expressed concern over the increasing menace of child abuse and gender-based violence, and offered to collaborate with the judiciary to address these issues.

The designation of High Court 9 as a family court is expected to enhance the judiciary's efforts in addressing family-related issues and promoting justice in Taraba State.

CSO WORRIES OVER SHORTAGE OF HIV/AIDS TESTING KITS IN TARABA

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The Taraba State chapter of the Association of Civil Society Organizations, Malaria Control, Immunizations and Nutrition (ACOMIN), has decried the acute shortage of HIV/AIDS testing kits in the state.

ACOMIN'S State chairman, Alhaji Muhammed Danburam made this known during an advocacy visit to the Taraba AIDS Control Agency (TACA), Essential Drug Office, and REDAID Nigeria Foundation on Wednesday.

Danburam revealed that a recent assessment of 18 Primary Healthcare Centers in Ardo-kola, Bali, and Takum Local Government Areas showed that the facilities had run out of HIV/AIDS testing strips and clients are being charged in some facilities visited.

"The shortage of testing kits will hinder efforts to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS in the state," Danburam said. 

He called on the state government and relevant stakeholders to take urgent action to address the shortage.

Responding, Pharm. Pinkai Bade, State Coordinator of Logistics Management Coordinating Unit (LMCU), urged citizens to be resilient in ensuring quality service delivery but noted that the supply chain was so challenging as a result of the stoppage of US support to Nigeria.

He noted that Nigeria is committed to closing HIV gaps and achieving Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) by 2030.

Mr Stanley Nfor, State Technical Operation of the REDAID Nigeria and Bala Zungyeri secretary of Taraba AIDS Control Agency (TACA) took turned to explained that donors alone cannot meet the demand for test kits and other essential commodities, stressing the need for government support.

Food security: IFAD graduates 25 farm machine fabricators in Taraba

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)'s Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) has graduated 25 rice and cassava farm machine fabricators in Taraba.

Our correspondent reports that the graduates were provided with starter packs to commence operations immediately.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr Irimiya Musa, the State Programme Coordinator (SPC), said VCDP was deliberate about making use of youths within the state to create jobs.

Musa explained that the programme has designed an all-inclusive intervention for rice and cassava ranging from production, processing and marketing.

The SPC lauded Gov. Agbu Kefas for his commitment to the programme by prompt payment of counterpart funding for its success.

He also commended the Taraba State Polytechnic, Suntai for the expertise in training the fabricators for the benefit of rice and cassava farmers.

Musa charged the beneficiaries not to sell the starter packs but rather use them to create wealth for themselves and enhance food security.

"I want to caution you against selling the starter packs that you have been given. Following the good example of those we have trained before as rice seed entrepreneurs," he said.

Dr Fatima Kabiru, the National Programme Coordinator (NPC), said Taraba VCDP has achieved so much as many young talents have been trained and are doing great things.

Represented by Mr Musa Dalang, the NPC commended the Taraba government, saying the state was always the first in payment of counterpart funding for the programme.

Mrs Salla Ali, Permanent Secretary, Taraba Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security commended VCDP for the laudable programmes and projects. 

Malam Uba Saidu, on behalf of the beneficiaries, commended the Taraba government and VCDP for the opportunity to become self-employed. 

He pledged their commitment to work hard to justify the confidence reposed in them for the good of the people of the state.