News

How Communities Can Assess Philanthropic Support

Published

2 years ago

January 4, 2024

Editor

Nigerian communities have been advised on how best to assess philanthropic support from those who could help their communities in terms of development and assistance to the indigents.

Disclosing the modalities, a microbiologist, medical laboratory scientist and physician, Dr. John Kwubiri Nwadinobi, said the act of giving is spiritual and cannot be started at old age.

Nwadinobi, who is also an Assistant and Doctor of Healthcare Administration, stated this in his Amaogwugwu community at the weekend after a medical outreach organized by the Amaogwugwu Federated Union President General, Elder Kelechi Uwaoma, during which he made a presentation and donated medical equipment and medicine worth several millions of naira, used to treat indigent patients who could not afford medications.

The modalities to access philanthropic support, according to him, include the assessment of the spirit of giving, the possession of love for his community and community people, and participation in community events.

Others, he said, are the ability to identify the needs of his community, the ability to identify the needs of the needy and the vulnerable in the community to assist them, the ability to raise up and train youths for future leadership roles, his or her empowerment history and training of community members, as well as respect for elders and constituted community authorities.

He said, “If you want to have a taste of what a human being is, you have to check on what he is doing when people are not watching, his conduct when he knows that people are not watching what he is doing and what he is doing without expectation of rewards and benefits.”

He noted that people do what they want to do and there is a difference between having and having the spirit to spend on their communities, stating, “Some people are very rich, but they don’t have the spirit for community service, which is in the blood.

“You don’t learn it in the old age. I, from my youth, have been in community service, from primary school through secondary school to my university days, without expecting anything in reward and my service is apolitical.”

He urged the rich not to wait on the government to improve upon the lives of their community people, charging them to instead provide for their various communities.

Earlier in the week while addressing the media after the medical outreach, where more than 300 patients were treated, the health guru disclosed, “I have donated mattresses, IV fluid hangers, walkers, clutches, nebulizing machines, blood pressure machines, ulcer symmetry, glucometer, nebulizers and nebulizing solution, medicines for hypertension, diabetes, antibiotics for bladder infection and upper respiratory infection, stem medications for people suffering from arthritis, and a whole lots of other medications, including flagyl and metronidazole.”

As a result therefore, his Amaogwugwu people appreciated his efforts because, the medical mission and outreach that he has been conducting in his village spanned over 20 years.

He said that he has been doing that “because, I love community service and I believe in giving back to the society. Whatever we are today, God made it possible for us to be what we are and the best thing for us to do is to give back to those people who do not have the opportunity to be where we are”.

The health officer who also runs Nwadinobi Foundation, informed, “Since 2005, I have been conducting medical outreach under my person, Dr. John K. Nwadinobi. I have been giving medication that last up to six months for patients, not minding where they come from.

“Even though Amaogwugwu is the target, whoever walks in, gets equal treatment. So. we don’t discriminate. Our services are, in spite of class and geography, inclusive of humanity and the love of God.

“The medical outreach is the normal thing I have been doing over the years and has nothing to do with the low key memorial service I held for my mother few days ago. On behalf of my late mum, I am also building a modern toilet facility for our local church and it will consist of water system, male and female sections in a standard form.

“I have also been sponsoring Amaogwugwu Unity Sports competition since 1998, that is 25 years of sponsoring men and women football competition as well as 100, 200 and 400 metres race and early morning marathon, with gold and silver medals. This year’s winners are going to be well compensated and we are expanding the scope to achieve more in terms of unity and development of our community.”

News

NiMet Warns Of Flash Flooding In 19 States

Published

12 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that 19 states across the country may experience flash flooding.

In an advisory issued yesterday, NiMet said increased surface runoff and flash flooding could occur during heavy early rains due to dry and hardened soils that prevent water from properly soaking into the ground.

The agency listed the states likely to be affected as Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kwara, Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Delta, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Ondo, and Bayelsa.

NiMet said the possible impacts include flooded roads, traffic disruption, damage to homes, farmlands, and infrastructure, blocked drainage systems, power outages, telecommunication disruptions, and increased risks of injuries and water-borne diseases.

The agency advised residents to clear blocked drainage and stay updated with weather and flood alerts.

NiMet also cautioned motorists and pedestrians against driving or walking through flooded areas.

The agency asked relevant authorities and stakeholders to strengthen coordination, preparedness, and emergency response measures to reduce flood-related risks.

“An informed community is a prepared community. Know the risks and act early,” the advisory read.

The Federal Government had warned that 14,118 communities in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are at risk of severe flooding in 2026.

The states include Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, and Kano.

Others are Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara, and the FCT.

Meanwhile, Nimet and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have intensified efforts to improve disaster management in the country with plans to develop a national early warning system roadmap.

The move was announced yesterday during a courtesy visit by the Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, to the Director General of NiMet, Charles Anosike, at the NiMet headquarters in Abuja.

Mrs Umar applauded NiMet for the timely release of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction and its consistent weather forecasts, noting that the agency had recorded significant improvements under Prof. Anosike’s leadership.

News

‘Nothing New’ – Wike Defends Houses For Judges, Dismisses NBA Criticism

Published

13 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Friday defended the construction of houses for judges and justices in Abuja, dismissing concerns that the projects could compromise the independence of the judiciary.

Wike spoke after inspecting ongoing judicial infrastructure projects, including judges’ residences, the Court of Appeal Abuja Division and proposed residential projects for judges of the Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

The minister’s remarks followed criticisms reportedly raised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over executive involvement in the provision of infrastructure for the judiciary.

Rejecting the concerns, Wike argued that government provision of facilities for judicial officers was neither new nor a threat to judicial autonomy.

He said: “The mere fact that the executive constructs buildings does not mean it will interfere with the judiciary.

“We have built public houses for the National Assembly and for the judiciary before. The Supreme Court was built by government. So there is nothing new in this.”

Wike accused the NBA leadership of inconsistency, alleging that the association frequently sought financial support from state governments for its conferences and activities while criticising government interventions in the judiciary.

“All they are interested in is when state governments will sponsor NBA activities. If governments fund their conferences, does that mean they are no longer independent?” he queried.

He maintained that the FCT Administration would not be distracted from implementing projects designed to improve the welfare and working conditions of judges and justices.

“This is a voluntary act by government to make judicial officers comfortable and focused on their work. It is not done to erode judicial independence,” the minister added.

Wike said the projects formed part of activities lined up to mark President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

He expressed satisfaction with the completion level of the judges’ quarters, describing the project as well executed and nearly ready for inauguration.

“We’ve seen the judges’ quarters beautiful. I’m very elated that the job was done well. The houses are well furnished and almost 99 per cent ready,” he stated.

The minister also disclosed that preparations had begun for the groundbreaking ceremony of residences for judges of the Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

However, he expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of the finishing at the Court of Appeal Abuja Division project, despite its advanced stage of completion.

“Almost 90 per cent complete, but I must say it’s not the quality I expected. I have told the contractor that several errors must be corrected before inauguration,” he said.

Wike assured that the administration would continue monitoring contractors to ensure all projects are delivered according to specification and within schedule.

“All the promises that have been made, we are going to fulfil them. That is why we are going around to inspect and ensure contractors are ready,” he added.

News

LASG Fixes Dates For Public Service Exams, Releases CBT Guidelines

Published

1 day ago

May 7, 2026

Editor

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Lagos State Examinations Board, has released the timetable and guidelines for the 2026 Public Service Examinations.

In a statement by the Lagos State Government, the announcement, which aligns with a prior circular from the Head of Service with Ref No: CIR/HOS/’26/005 dated January 21, 2026, sets out key instructions for candidates preparing for the exercise.

The examinations will hold between Tuesday, May 12 and Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Lagos State Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC), Magodo, Lagos.

They include the Compulsory Examination for all cadres in the State Public Service, the Combined Confirmation/Promotion Examination for Clerical Officers II (CO II) and Clerical Assistants (CA), as well as the External Secretarial Examination.

According to the board, candidates are expected to begin printing their examination slips from Tuesday, May 5, 2026, through the official portal using their registration login details.

The slip will contain key information such as each candidate’s exam date and time.

“All candidates are required to present valid identification at the examination centre. Acceptable forms of identification include Staff Identity Cards, National Identification Number (NIN) slips, and Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) cards,” the statement said.

Candidates are also required to bring printed copies of their examination slips to the venue and must strictly follow the date and time allocated to them.

The board further advised candidates to acquaint themselves with basic computer skills ahead of the exercise, as the examinations will be conducted using a Computer-Based Test, CBT, format.

It also warned that dressing must be formal, adding that inappropriate dressing will not be allowed at the examination centre.

Candidates were urged to comply fully with all instructions to ensure a smooth and orderly process.

“The Lagos State Examinations Board urges all candidates to comply fully with these guidelines to ensure a smooth and orderly examination process,” the statement added.