Featured

NAFDAC supports 300 coys in Kano with waivers, others as palliatives

Published

4 years ago

September 9, 2020

The National Agency For Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), on Monday disclosed that it provided support to 300 enterprises in Kano State, under its COVID-19 palliative, to mitigate effects of the pandemic on businesses.

The State Coordinator of the Agency, Mr. Shaba Mohammed, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Kano on Wednesday.

Mohammed said the Agency had rolled out palliatives to support Small Medium and Small Scale Enterprises (SMEs) products, to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their operations.

He said part of the palliative was the granting of the waiver on registration fees, to enable the companies to maintain smooth operations in the face of economic disruption, occasioned by the pandemic.

Mohammed said: “We gave them 80 percent discount; what they need to pay is only 20 percent of what they are supposed to pay, if they were paying N100, 000 for instance, it means that they will now pay N20, 000, and go through the normal process.

“In addition; established cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies were given “Express Approval” for the production of hand sanitizers. Since its composition is alcohol and some other ingredients, they were given NAFDAC Registration numbers.

“We have 15 companies that are enjoying the facility in Kano State and those coming up are also being inspected, and some of them have gotten their numbers.”

The Coordinator said that the Agency also organized the companies and facilitated a donation of the hand sanitizers and other items to the state government, to curb further spread of the virus.

According to him, the Agency is also sensitizing bakers to encourage the use of local ingredients in bread processing, to guard against hike in prices of the commodity.

“The use of local alternatives is on the front burner for the past 10-years, particularly cassava, which has been promoted by the previous administrations, it has been tested for now.

“We have bread `improvers’ which are cheaper than some of the ingredients they use, we also tell the bakers when they come to register their products.

“I think it would not impact on the increase in price because the materials are locally sourced and cheap.”

Mohammed added that the Agency, in collaboration with the state government, security agencies, and other stakeholders, recorded modest achievements in its campaign against drug abuse in the state.

He added that the Agency had destroyed fake and counterfeit products worth over N3.2 billion in the past two years in the state.

Share on Facebook

Featured

Smile Attracts Smiles Foundation Reached Out To Widows In Abuja

Published

2 weeks ago

December 24, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Widows and disadvantaged women residents in the Kubwa Community of the FCT in Abuja had reasons to smile despite the hardship in the Country, as Smile Attracts Smiles Foundation distributed food items and wrappers to them.

The event, which took place on the in Kubwa as part of foundation’s usual habit to celebrate Christmas with needy especially widows, caught the attention of the residents of the community.

Owner of the foundation Bukola Adewumi who was represented at the occasion of distribution of the items expressed that, At Smile Attracts Smiles Foundation, we know that the journey of widowhood is not easy.

According to her, the challenges can feel overwhelming, and sometimes, the burden may seem unbearable. But let me assure you, you are not alone. We are here to walk this journey with you, hand in hand, heart to heart.

“This foundation was born out of a personal story and a deep-seated passion to make a difference.

“I firmly believe that God has entrusted me with this mission to stand in the gap for widows, just as He promises in His Word not to abandon those in need.

“Smile Attracts Smiles Foundation is more than an organization; it is a family, a community where widows find support, encouragement, and empowerment to rebuild their lives and rise stronger than ever.

“Here, we provide practical help, emotional support, and spiritual encouragement. Whether it’s financial assistance, skill-building programs, or just a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on, our goal is to ensure that no widow feels forgotten or forsaken.

“We aim to restore smiles, rekindle hope, and remind you that your life is far from over.

“Today, I encourage you to keep your head high, your heart open, and your faith unwavering. Know that you are loved, cherished, and valued beyond measure. Together, we can create a future where smiles replace sorrow.” She promised.

Share on Facebook