Connect with us

Nigeria News (Standard)

Kaduna Organisers Hand Over Polo Charity Event to Pupils for Children’s Day Celebration

Over 1,000 students and teachers from Access Bank Fifth Chukker School take centre stage at UNICEF-backed tournament

Published

21 hours ago

on

Over 1,000 students and teachers from Access Bank Fifth Chukker School take centre stage at UNICEF-backed tournament

More than 1,000 pupils and teachers of Access Bank Fifth Chukker School in Kaduna State became the focus of this year’s UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament, as organisers dedicated the annual event to mark Children’s Day on Friday. The celebration took place at the Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Club, bringing together children for a day of cultural performances, drama, music, games, and creative activities.

The event saw students showcase their talents in front of dignitaries including Adamu Atta, Chairman of Access Bank Plc; Ifeyinwa Osime, Group Head Corporate Communication at Access Holdings Plc; Amaechi Okobi, Non-Executive Director at Access Bank; Omosalewa Fajobi, Group Head SME Banking; and Njideka Esomeju. The pupils participated in various activities designed to highlight the importance of child development and education in Nigeria.

The annual Charity Shield Polo Tournament is organised in partnership with UNICEF to raise support for children’s welfare and access to quality education across the North-West geopolitical zone. This year’s edition coincided with national Children’s Day celebrations, drawing attention to ongoing efforts to improve learning conditions for Nigerian children. The school community used the opportunity to promote inclusivity and encourage increased investment in basic education.

Organisers said giving children the spotlight underscored the core objective of the charity event. “Our commitment is not only to sports development but also to building a future where every Nigerian child can reach their full potential,” one official stated during the programme. Representatives from Access Bank commended pupils and teachers for their vibrant participation and urged other corporate bodies to support child-focused initiatives.

The event concluded with pledges from stakeholders to deepen collaboration between private sector players and UNICEF in advancing educational opportunities for vulnerable children across Kaduna State and beyond.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/organisers-cede-stage-to-children-at-unicef-charity-shield-polo-tourney/

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Nigeria News (Standard)

Ibadan Analyst Warns Unregulated Security Outfits May Undermine National Stability

Angel Folorunso urges compliance with Private Guard Companies Act as Iru Ekun network proposal raises concerns

Published

14 minutes ago

on

June 11, 2026

By

Angel Folorunso urges compliance with Private Guard Companies Act as Iru Ekun network proposal raises concerns

A political analyst and former lecturer, Angel Folorunso, has cautioned that the unchecked spread of unregulated private security outfits in Nigeria could pose new security risks and threaten national stability. Folorunso made this warning on Tuesday in Ibadan, Oyo State, through a statement addressing recent calls for alternative security arrangements amid rising insecurity.

The analyst specifically referenced the proposed Iru Ekun security network championed by Yoruba Nation activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo (popularly known as Sunday Igboho), stressing that any group operating outside established legal frameworks might inadvertently create parallel security structures. According to Folorunso, although the worsening state of insecurity across the country has led to increased public demand for community-based or private security solutions, such initiatives must strictly adhere to existing legislation.

Folorunso explained that Nigeria’s private security industry is mainly regulated by the Private Guard Companies Act of 1986. This law stipulates that all private security firms must be licensed, wholly Nigerian-owned, and supervised by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). He noted that any deviation from these provisions could worsen the current situation by creating confusion about legitimate authority and accountability.

He further advised stakeholders considering new security organisations to consult relevant laws before launching operations. “We cannot afford a proliferation of groups acting without oversight. It will only add to our existing challenges,” he said in his statement. Folorunso emphasised that government agencies like NSCDC have both supervisory and enforcement roles under the law.

As debates continue over how best to address Nigeria’s growing insecurity, analysts like Folorunso maintain that strict regulation and adherence to legal guidelines remain crucial. There was no immediate response from proponents of the Iru Ekun network at press time.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/unregulated-security-outfits-could-create-new-threats-analyst-warns/

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

Kano State Implements 90% of Health Blueprint in Three Years, Says Commissioner

Health ministry reports major progress on blueprint targets; stakeholders urge full implementation for improved healthcare delivery

Published

14 minutes ago

on

June 11, 2026

By

Health ministry reports major progress on blueprint targets; stakeholders urge full implementation for improved healthcare delivery

Kano State government has achieved 90 percent implementation of its health sector blueprint within three years, according to the Commissioner for Health. The announcement was made in Kano on Thursday, highlighting significant progress in ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare services across the North-West state.

According to the commissioner, the state government rolled out the health blueprint as a strategic plan to improve access and quality of healthcare for Kano residents. Over the past three years, targeted interventions have been executed under the plan, including rehabilitation of primary health centres, recruitment of additional personnel, and procurement of essential medical equipment.

The health sector blueprint was introduced to address longstanding challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and human resources in public hospitals. With Kano being one of Nigeria’s most populous states, officials say improved implementation is vital to reducing disease burden and achieving better health outcomes for millions of residents.

The commissioner stated that most objectives set out in the document have now been met or are near completion. “As at today, we can confidently say that about 90 percent of what we mapped out under this blueprint has been achieved,” he said. He noted that the remaining targets will be prioritised before the end of the current administration’s tenure. Stakeholders in Kano’s health sector commended government’s commitment but urged sustained investment to consolidate recent gains.

With these achievements, Kano State hopes to further enhance access to quality healthcare services and serve as a model for other states seeking effective health system reforms. The commissioner assured residents that efforts will continue until full implementation is realised.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/health/health-news/886952-kano-implements-90-of-health-blueprint-in-three-years-commissioner.html

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

Federal Government Launches New HIV Strategy, Moves to Cut Donor Dependence

Health ministry unveils plan in Abuja, targets increased domestic funding as international support for HIV response declines

Published

44 minutes ago

on

June 11, 2026

By

Health ministry unveils plan in Abuja, targets increased domestic funding as international support for HIV response declines

The federal government on Thursday unveiled a new national HIV response plan in Abuja, aiming to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on international donors and prioritise increased domestic financing for HIV prevention and treatment programmes. The announcement comes as major external partners gradually scale back funding commitments amid shifting global health priorities.

At the formal launch event, health officials highlighted the urgent need for more sustainable local investment in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The new strategy seeks to mobilise funds from federal and state governments, as well as private sector stakeholders, to address gaps left by declining donor support. According to the health ministry, Nigeria remains one of the countries with the highest HIV burden globally, making continued investment critical for public health.

Officials explained that over the past two decades, Nigeria’s HIV response has depended heavily on international donors such as PEPFAR and the Global Fund. However, with foreign assistance now on a downward trend, there is growing concern about the long-term sustainability of treatment and prevention services for millions of Nigerians living with or at risk of HIV.

Speaking at the event, senior health ministry representatives said government is determined to bridge funding gaps by increasing budgetary allocations and encouraging partnerships with private organisations. They emphasised that enhanced domestic commitment will ensure uninterrupted access to antiretroviral drugs and other essential services. However, some public health advocates have called for transparent monitoring of how new funds are allocated and used at all levels.

The health ministry stated it will work closely with state governments and development partners to implement the new plan nationwide. Experts say success will depend on political will and accountability measures to ensure funds reach frontline services. The government has assured that it will regularly review progress towards national HIV reduction targets under this new approach.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/health/health-news/886933-nigeria-unveils-new-hiv-plan-seeks-shift-from-donor-dependence-to-domestic-financing.html

Continue Reading