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Dementia not witchcraft, but old age condition — NSCC

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National Senior Citizens Centre
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Dr Emem Omokaro, the Director-General, National Senior Citizens Centre, has said that ageing is a blessing and that the society should not see dementia associated with it as witchcraft.

Omokaro disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

She said that the centre is carrying out programmes on advocacy to disabuse the minds of the people that dementia is not witchcraft.

“A lot of older persons are going through abuse, stigmatisation, isolation and maltreatment based on their dementia condition.

“There is a case of a female professor in the South-South Region of the country that was stripped naked, humiliated and shamed because of her dementia situation.

This is a former commissioner. It is that bad.
“There are a lot of similar cases in all parts of the country where older persons with dementia are being abused on false notions that they are either witches or wizards.
“We are going to take action on dementia.

People should know that ageing is a condition of living and it is a blessing to be ageing, because many people die at young age.

“Ageing is an opportunity, when someone is ageing, it means he or she is living. So, we need to dignify and respect them.

”There is need to add value to ageing and that is what the NSCC is all about. Don’t despise an older person, they have a lot to offer the younger ones,” Omokaro stressed.

On the involvement of young people in the activities of the centre, Omokaro said the youths would also be carried along.

“We will get the youths to understand via advocacy and inter-generational livelihood forum that ageing is a population; give yourself 20 to 30 years, that is where you are.

“We will also reorient the youths to be able to know that ageing is a great blessing and they should respect older persons, because, it is not easy to grow old. They should be celebrated.

“In most of our programmes, we try to create linkage between senior citizens and youths.

For instance, in the  centre we need the youths to come in as volunteers and update their digital skills and capacity.
“Both the youths and older persons would volunteer to work for the centre and get paid. Thus, carrying the youth along,” she stressed.

(NAN)

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N’Delta group Aims To Gather 10 Million Votes In Support Of Tinubu’s Re-election

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President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
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A grassroots sociopolitical organisation based in the Niger Delta, Door-2-Door, has expressed its commitment to the re-election of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. The group aims to mobilise and secure 10 million votes for the President.

Door-2-Door was founded by High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, who is also the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and an influential figure in the Ijaw nation.

In a statement released in Warri, Delta State, on Monday and signed by its National Coordinator, Sunday Adekanbi, the organisation characterised its commitment to Tinubu’s re-election as unwavering.

“As emphasised by our Grand Patron, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, Door-2-Door is unequivocally committed to the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election. Our goal of mobilising and securing 10 million votes for Mr. President is non-negotiable,” the statement read in part.

The organisation also praised President Tinubu and the National Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for electing Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as the national chairman of the party.

Offering heartfelt congratulations to Professor Yilwatda on his well-deserved election, the group described him as “a square peg in a square hole,” noting that his dedication to public service and commitment to democratic values would guide the party to greater success.

The statement continued, “Professor Yilwatda is, without a doubt, the right fit for the challenging position of APC National Chairman. His proven dedication to public service, deep political insight, and commitment to democratic ideals make him exceptionally qualified to lead the party toward new heights.

“Throughout his decades of distinguished service, Professor Yilwatda has shown remarkable talent and extensive experience in governance, policy formulation, and political strategy. These qualities are essential as the APC prepares to address challenges and solidify its leadership ahead of the upcoming elections.

“We have full confidence that under his leadership, the APC will be strengthened both institutionally and ideologically. We look forward to witnessing how his vision and expertise will enhance the party’s strengths, boost grassroots support, and inspire Nigerians to unite behind the APC’s agenda nationwide.

“Indeed, Professor Nentawe possesses the intellectual rigor and leadership charisma that this crucial moment demands. As Nigeria approaches the next election, Door-2-Door, under the leadership of High Chief Tompolo, pledges its unwavering support to Professor Yilwatda and the APC. We believe that with his guidance, the party will achieve a resounding victory, bringing hope and progress to all Nigerians.”

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FG Secures Financing For Aba-Maiduguri Rail Line, Enhances Eastern Corridor Connectivity

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Rail lines
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The Federal Government has successfully secured full financing for the completion of the Aba–Maiduguri rail corridor, which is a crucial part of the 1,443-kilometer Port Harcourt Eastern Narrow Gauge Railway Project.

Minister of Transport, Senator Saidu Alkali, made the announcement on Wednesday during a government-citizen engagement forum at Arewa House in Kaduna. He stated that the project will traverse Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Benue States, significantly boosting regional trade, passenger mobility, and economic integration across Nigeria’s eastern corridor.

“The financing for this strategic route is now secured, and we are dedicated to completing the full stretch from Aba to Maiduguri,” the minister affirmed.

Alkali also mentioned the ongoing rehabilitation of the old Lagos–Kano Narrow Gauge Railway, highlighting that freight services have resumed between Apapa Port and the Kano Inland Dry Port. This is part of the government’s efforts to decongest seaports, promote inland port operations, and support industrial logistics.

Additionally, the announcement reflects a broader initiative by the Tinubu administration to revitalize Nigeria’s aging rail infrastructure and strengthen inter-regional connectivity through modern transport systems.

Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, confirmed the minister’s statements.

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Benue Governor, Alia Dissolved State Executive Council

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Benue State Governor , Rev Fr, Hyacinth Alia
Benue State Governor , Rev Fr, Hyacinth Alia
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Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has dissolved the state executive council, retaining only the position of Chief of Staff, which will now be held by Barr. Moses Atagher, the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

Atagher, an experienced administrator and former acting Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank, was appointed as the new Chief of Staff, effective immediately, at the close of the 12th executive council meeting of 2025.

Terso Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, announced that the dissolution affects only the commissioners.

Governor Alia expressed his appreciation to the outgoing commissioners for their two years of service, encouraging those who may not be reappointed to remain loyal to the party and continue supporting the administration.

Speaking on behalf of the dissolved commissioners, Barr. Bemsen Mnyim thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve, describing the experience as a valuable learning process.

The former commissioners have been instructed to hand over their responsibilities to the permanent secretaries of their respective ministries.

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