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Radda asks Katsina emirate why district heads shunned Sallah celebration
Radda asks Katsina emirate why district heads shunned Sallah celebration
Explanation
By Zubairu Idris
Katsina, June 30, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State has demanded an explanation from the Katsina Emirate Council for the non participation of some District Heads in the 2024 Eid-el Kabir Sallah celebration.
This is contained in the letter to the emirate council, which was signed by the Director, Administration and Supply, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Sani Rabiu, dated June 27, 2024.
The later, which was addressed to the Secretary, Katsina Emirate Council, was received on Friday.
It was titled: ‘Re: Sanarwar Hawan Sallah Babba” (Re: Information on Eid-el Kabir celebration)’.
The letter read: “I am directed to refer to your letter on the above underlined subject matter dated June 7, 2024.
“And convey the directive of His Excellency, the governor, for you to provide reasons for non participation of some District Heads in the 2024 Eid-el Kabir Hawan Sallah celebration.
“Grateful for your prompt response as always, please.”
The Governor’s Director-General on Media, Mr. Maiwada Danmallam said the matter was purely an administrative issue with no underlying motives as being misrepresented and discussed out of context in the social media.
He said, “Comments alluding to any conflict between the government and the Katsina emirate are built on baseless assumptions and conclusions.
”They are clearly intended to distract the government with trivialities given the absence of more cogent reasons to interrogate governance in the state.”
Danmallam said that the state government has the supervising authority over the two Emirates of Daura and Katsina.
“In line with this authority, it’s expected that the government will seek clarifications when and if necessary to ensure full compliance with government’s policies and directives.
“Not necessarily in a conflict situation but to ensure optimum accountability and efficiency as generally required of other MDAs by His Excellency, Gov. Radda.
“Assuredly, the Katsina State Government is enjoying a cordial relationship with the two Emirates of Katsina and Daura.
“Any idea of conflict between the state government and any of the two emirates is a figment of the imagination of some conflict entrepreneurs,” the director-general explained.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
ZI/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 30, 2024
2,075 Enugu women, youths pass out from entrepreneurial skills training
2,075 Enugu women, youths pass out from entrepreneurial skills training
Training
By Alex Enebeli
Enugu, June 30, 2024 (NAN) No fewer than 2,075 women and youths from different parts of Enugu State, on Sunday, passed out from training in different entrepreneurial and vocational skills organised by the Potters Wheel Foundation (PWF).
In a speech at the graduation ceremony held at the Indoor Sports Hall, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, the President/Founder of the Enugu-based Non-Governmental Organisation, Mr Godsown Onuzulike, lauded the graduands for their hard work, dedication and passion.
Onuzulike said that of the 2,075 graduates, 75 women and youths, selected from 165 trainees, had completed their free vocational and entrepreneurship training.
He further said that 2000 persons from the 36 states of the federation, including the FCT, participated in the online training and were also graduating.
According to him, the trainees underwent rigorous evaluations, including practicals, written exams and one-on-one assessments, after their three weeks practical training on baking and confectionary and natural beverages.
Other areas, he said, were hygienic, Skincare products, craft, social media marketing as well as business managerial soft and digital skill.
Onuzulike also said that the foundation trained the beneficiaries, in collaboration with the state Ministry of Youth and Sports.
He said, “In spite of the challenges in sourcing materials, funding and logistics, the organisation’s resolve to equip youths and women with vocational and entrepreneurial skills remains unwavering and unrelenting.”
He commended Gov. Peter Mbah for his support and providing the enabling environment for the foundation to thrive.
He, however, appealed for start-up grants for the graduands, a shared facility for NAFDAC approval and a bus for the foundation.
In a speech, Dep. Gov. Ifeanyi Ossai described the foundation’s initiative in the realm of education and economic empowerment as commendable.
Ossai, represented by the Secretary, Enugu State Boundary Committee, Dr Solomon Ejim, said that government alone could not solve the unemployment problem in the country.
According to him, it is through partnerships with committed non-profit and non-governmental organisations, like TPWF, that sustainable development and meaningful progress can be achieved.
He hailed the efforts of the foundation, saying: “Your dedication to creating opportunities, fostering education and providing support for the less privileged serves as a beacon of hope for many.
“The impact of your work resonates across our society, touching lives and transforming the future of many.
“By providing financial literacy training, entrepreneurial support and microfinance opportunities, you are helping individuals and families break the cycle of poverty and achieve self-sufficiency.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Ngozi Enih, said that the ministry was happy partnering with the foundation in training women.
Enih advised the participants to make use of what they learnt, saying that no knowledge is a waste.
“This training is to empower and lift you out of poverty, which is in line with Gov. Peter Mbah’s policy of eradicating poverty in the state.
“I want the foundation to include agriculture in the training for the next batch because it is a lucrative business,” she said.
A participant, Chioma Enyinnaya, commended Onuzulike, saying that she could fend for herself and family with what she learnt from the training.
“I learnt how to make black soap and when I displayed it online, I received order from abroad.
“The platform has given me an opportunity to do those things I didn’t know how to do before,” Enyinnaya said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AAE/BEKl/USO
Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Sam Oditah

June 30, 2024
Bayelsa traditional ruler, NGOs partner to address health issues
Bayelsa traditional ruler, NGOs partner to address health issues
Subjects
By Nathan Nwakamma
Yenagoa, June 30, 2024 (NAN) His Royal Highness Prof. Augustine Ikein, the Paramount Ruler of Igbogene in Bayelsa, on Sunday pledged to collaborate with Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) to address health and social issues in the Igbogene community.
Ikein made the commitment during a community engagement and advocacy visit by the NGOs, the Women Organised for Mentorship and Advocacy Network (WOMAN) and the Eunice Nnachi Women Advocacy Foundation (ENWAF), in Yenagoa.
Mrs Eunice Nnachi, Executive Director of WOMAN, speaking, highlighted the urgent need to tackle the consequences of cholera outbreak, drug abuse, and the neglect of maternal health in the area.
Nnachi emphasised the importance of improving sanitation and access to clean water to prevent cholera, implementing comprehensive drug abuse prevention and treatment programmes, and increasing investment in maternal healthcare services.
In his response, the royal father expressed gratitude for WOMAN’s initiative and pledged to collaborate with local authorities, healthcare providers, and community leaders to develop a holistic strategy to address the identified challenges.
He advocated the need for a multifaceted approach that leveraged the expertise and resources of various stakeholders to improve the overall well-being of the Igbogene community.
He said that the visit was a crucial step in empowering the community and fostering collaborative efforts to address the pressing health and social issues affecting Igbogene community.
The traditional ruler emphasised the importance of private initiatives like WOMAN and ENWAF in partnering with traditional rulers, the government, and other stakeholders to promote human welfare and collective well-being.
He said, “Both advanced and developing countries, encourage your kind of organisation to partner not only with traditional rulers, the government itself, in attempt to promote human welfare that should be about governance.
“You cannot leave it alone for the government to take all the work. This private initiative is a welcome idea, to add value, promote and create collective welfare.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
NN/AMM
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

June 30, 2024
Abia Rep., Aguocha, meets Buhari over Nnamdi Kanu’s release
Rep. Obi Aguocha (LP-Abia) and former President Muhammadu Buhari in Katsina
Kanu
By Femi Ogunshola
Abuja, June 30, 2024 (NAN) Rep. Obi Aguocha (LP-Abia) has visited former President Muhammadu Buhari, with a request to intervene toward the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Aguocha, representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia, disclosed the essence of his visit in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
He stated said he was in Katsina “to seek Buhari’s intervention and elicit his support for a political dialogue and constructive engagement”.
This, according to him, is to engender a resolution of the salient issues surrounding the continued detention and trial of Kanu, “which could lead to his release on pragmatic national reconciliation considerations”.
He stated, “for the missteps, utterances and ill gestures of the past, especially on the part of my constituent and brother, Nnamdi Kanu, I am deeply sorry.”
Aguocha further expressed his belief that a political resolution would not only address the grievances of parties on all sides but promote greater understanding and unity in the country.
The statement quoted Buhari as commending the lawmaker’s humility and dedication to serving his people.
Buhari was further quoted to have assured the lawmaker that his approach was welcomed and that he would not be opposed to any political solution for Kanu’s release.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Aguocha recently led a group of 50 House members across the political and ethnic divides to sign a letter appealing to President Bola Tinubu to release Kanu.
The letter requested Tinubu to direct the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fegbemi (SAN) “to invoke section 174(1)(c) of the 1999 constitution to reach a desired outcome”.
The lawmaker further stated that the meeting with Buhari was part of a broad-based initiatives aimed at securing a speedy political resolution of Kanu’s detention and trial.
This, he said, “is to secure his release in the spirit of engendering dialogue and non-contentious approaches to resolving thorny national issues”.
Aguocha said that the initiative was anchored on the understanding that “Kanu was willing, ready and able to embrace the new dynamic in joining hands across the country in building a new Nigeria”.
Kanu had been in the custody of the Department of the State Services since his extradition from Kenya in June 2021 and being prosecuted for alleged treason and terrorism charges. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ODF/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah

June 30, 2024
Minister commends NIPR’s role in PR Cadre designation in Civil Service
Cadre
By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Abuja, June 30, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has commended the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for its role in the designation of Public Relations as a cadre in the civil service.
Idris gave the commendation when the President of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku and the President of Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, Justin Green, visited him in Abuja.
The visit was to show appreciation to the minister for his support towards the successful hosting of activities for the 60th anniversary of the NIPR, which held between June 20 and June 27.
The Minister said that the Federal Government would continue to provide the needed support for Public Relations practice in Nigeria.
“Nigeria was, for the longest time, the only country in Africa that had a law that professionalised public relations.
“It was Nigeria that started it on the continent, and only last year did the Republic of Zambia come out with its own law.
“So now we have two countries on the continent, and only now in Kenya; the bill for professionalising public relations is at the second reading in Parliament,” Idris said.
According to the minister, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the NIPR and Global Alliance for the establishment of a degree-awarding institution for Public Relations and Leadership in Nigeria is a welcome development.
He also commended the recent emergence of Dr Omoniyi Ibietan, a Fellow of the NIPR, FCT Chapter, as the Secretary General of the African Public Relations Association. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
CMY/MAM/EMAF
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Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Emmanuel Afonne
June 30, 2024
Cleric reiterates importance of thanksgiving, cautions against evil conscience
Cleric reiterates importance of thanksgiving, cautions against evil conscience
Thanksgiving
By Veronica Dariya
Bwari (Abuja), June 30, 2024 (NAN) Pastor Abraham Maji of Living Faith Church, Sabon-Gari II, Bwari, Abuja, has urged Christians to imbibe the attitude of praise and thanksgiving in spite of the economic challenges in the country.
Maji gave the charge on Sunday during the Church’s Thanksgiving Service, in Bwari.
He also urged worshippers to discard the thoughts of indulging in evil acts because of the challenges.
He said the fact that one was alive meant he or she was yet to fulfill their destiny and so must keep faith and believe that all things would work for good.
Citing the Book of 1 John 5:4, he said: ” For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
“It is therefore important that we continue to trust God, to show himself in times of our struggles and not give in to temptations that will lead us to regrets.
“If you are able to eat once or twice in a day, give God the glory because someone is in lying sick in the hospital and cannot even eat.”
He further urged the congregation to have good conscience and self control concerning the issues of life because they determined the destiny of life.
He emphasised that an evil or dead conscience could lead to inhuman feelings and actions that have unfortunately increased in the society today.
He added that God appreciates a heart, who gives thanks at all times and not grumble or deviates to do evil in order to meet the pressing demands of life.
“Check your inner mind, what type of conscience controls you?
“Rejoice and be happy for people who have made progress and achieved success because it plays a vital role in fulfilling your own divine destiny.
“Also, when you are grateful and contend with what you have and appreciate others, you encounter all round rest and peace according to John 14: 27.”
Maji also said that Christians must continue to trust God and rely on Him and not on man, whom he said, may fail or disappoint at any time.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
DVK/AMM
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru
June 30, 2024
Ex minister urges Lagos govt to do more in education sector
S

Education
By Adepote Arowojobe
Ikorodu (Lagos State), June 30, 2024(NAN) A former minister of works and housing, Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe, says a lot still needs to be done in the education sector in Lagos, despite a noticeable improvement in standard.
Ogunlewe said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.
He spoke on the sidelines of the foundation laying of a 100-student capacity hostel at Lagos State Civil Service Model College, Igbogbo.
The former minister said there was a need for government to distribute free textbooks, exercise books and writing materials to every student, to support them.
“Basic education should be total and complete responsibility of government.
“Though the standard of education in Lagos state have increased, there is a lot that still needs to be done.
“Free textbooks, exercise books and writing materials should be distributed as part of government’s intervention to students,” Ogunlewe said.
He said that such action by the state government would reduce out -of- school children.
The ex minister also urged government to intensify school farming to mitigate shortage of food and reduce prices of farm produce as was done in the past.
Speaking on the hostel, he said the family donated it so that the principal, teachers and any National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member deployed would have accommodation within the school premises, for effective service delivery.
Ogunlewe enjoined the alumni of different schools to support in the management and maintenance of their infrastructure, as it was not a job for government alone to handle.
“The school land was donated by our great father for colonial and teacher training college.
“Thereafter, it turned into a civil service model college, but they don’t have enough accommodation for students, teachers and the principal.
“That is why my family decided to build the hostel for the school in celebration of our great icons, to uplift education in the community,” he said.
NAN reports that the hostel was donated in remembrance of two icons of the Fadugba-Ogunlewe royal families of Igbogbo kingdom.
The families celebrated the 50 years remembrance of the first traditional ruler of Igbogbo kingdom, late Oba Festus Ogunlewe (Fadugba 2) and 76 years remembrance of late Amos Ogunlewe. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
ADEX/CHOM/SOA
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Oluwole Sogunle

June 30, 2024
Sanwo-Olu attends ‘Chosen’ crusade, says prayer contributes to Lagos peace

Prayer
By Uchenna Eletuo
Lagos, June 30, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, on Sunday, attended a faith revival programme of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement, saying that prayer contributed to the peace of the state.
Sanwo-Olu said that the state, with many mega worship centres, had expectedly remained peaceful.
He was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayorinde.
The event was the bi-annual revival programme of the church.
It held at its headquarters in Ijesha, Lagos State, with the theme: “And the Enemies Submitted”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event attracted worshippers from within and outside Nigeria.
It featured deliverance, testimonies and souls revivals.
Sanwo-Olu expressed hope that continued prayer will attract divine intervention to that would make the state better.
He promised that his administration would continue to provide an enabling environment for businesses to flourish.
“As a government, our policies will remain people-oriented.
“It is our duty to engender policies that will make people to attain self-actualisation.
“The church, since its inception, has remained a rallying destination for upliftment of souls,” he said.

He charged worshippers to pray fervently for the state and the nation at large for advancement. (NAN)
EUC/IGO
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
June 30, 2024
Discrepancy in account names delaying Heritage Bank customers’ payment – NDIC
Delay
By Ginika Okoye
Abuja, June 30, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) says account names discrepancies in Bank Verification Number (BVN) linked alternate account of some defunct Heritage Bank customers is delaying the payment of their insured deposits.
Mr Bello Hassan, the Managing Director of NDIC told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
Hassan said the corporation had paid substantial amount to depositors of the defunct bank without BVN account linked issues.
He called on depositors of the bank who were yet to receive their insured deposit credit alert to visit the NDIC’s website and complete their verification forms for their payment.
The managing director said the verification would also include depositors without BVN alternate account.
”We have already commenced the payment of customers since June 6.
”We have paid substantial amount to the customers.
”What we leverage in making the payment is BVN of customers. We trace alternate accounts in other banks and pay them their insured amounts.
”There are some that we have challenges linking up because of some discrepancies between the names and others.
”We are calling on customers that have not received their alerts in their alternate accounts to come forward and complete their verification forms so that we can pay them,” he said.
On payment of depositors with more than five million naira with the bank, Hassan said they would be paid liquidation dividend.
According to him, NDIC have already commenced the process of disposing the physical buildings and also set the process in motion to make sure that we recover the loans and advances that were granted the bank.
”That is what we use in paying those liquidation dividends.
”We are not going to wait until we recover everything, no.
”As we recover, we will also advertise to say that we will pay liquidation dividends so that concerned depositors will be on the look out for alerts in their accounts,” Hassan said.
NAN reports that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on June 3 revoked the banking licence of Heritage Bank Plc.
CBN said the decision was made due to the bank’s failure to improve its financial performance, posing a threat to financial stability. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
GINI/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
June 30, 2024
Why more marriages break up – Counsellors
Marriage
By Moronke Boboye
Lagos, June 30, 2024 (NAN) Some Nigerians have expressed worries at the rampant cases of broken homes and the effects on the society.

They are concerned that the current economic hardship may increase divorce and separation in the country.

The citizens spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Dr Jumoke Aina, a mother and an educator, told NAN that broken homes often resulted from divorce, separation and abandonment.

According to her, these situations can be triggered by marital conflicts, infidelity, financial difficulties, substance abuse, domestic violence and incompatibility between partners.

Aina said that the consequences of marriage breakups on the children included emotional distress, academic failure and behavioural problems.

Aina added that people from broken homes had increased rates of juvenile delinquency, crime and substance abuse.

Aina said that broken homes could be avoided or minimised through provision of access to professional counselling, which could assist couples to resolve conflicts and improve communication.

Also speaking, Prof. Folasade Alade, a specialist in family sex and marital counselling, also attributed marriage breakups to financial challenges, lack of communication, infidelity, incompatibility and in-law interferences.

Alade said that the psychological and emotional impacts of home breaking on children included low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and aggression.

“As a lecturer, I easily recognise anyone from broken home in the school because they are aggressive, not always happy, and they are bullies.

“It really has negative effects on the society especially on our citadel of learning. They mix with the good ones and they corrupt some of them, ” she said.

Alade said that broken homes could be prevented with tolerance and patience in marriages.

“Since the two people who are joined together in marriage come from different backgrounds, a significant amount of patience and tolerance is, therefore, needed to prevent broken homes,” she said.

Dr Abimbola Oladotun, Founder, Happily Ever After Counselling, a non-governmental organisation, told NAN that divorce was a disease that should be denied entrance into one’s marital life.

According to her, divorce eats up the bodies, hearts and souls of those affected.

Oladotun added that hardness of heart among partners was a major cause of broken marriages.

“As humans, couples would hurt themselves in different ways, intensities and frequencies, but if couples would practise ‘advance forgiveness’, that way, each partner can decide to forgive the wrong his/her spouse is yet to commit, ” she said.

According to her, divorce makes some children to become miscreants.

She that the concept of ‘leaving and cleaving’ would also help to reduce divorce and separation.

“Most couples go into marriage not leaving their past, mistakes, fears, and wrong assumptions of the other gender, and they begin to play out in little things,” she said.

A lawyer and human right activist, Mr Kabir Akingbolu, said that many present-day marriages were too casually prepared for and arranged, leaving the couples not truly knowing themselves.

“A broken home, often times, produces irresponsible and pspsychologically-imbalanced children. These children lack patience and it leads to vices such as stealing/ robbery.

“By addressing the causes and implementing supportive measures, the negative impacts of broken homes on the society can be reduced, fostering a healthier and a more stable community,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
MTO/EBI/IGO
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Edited by Benson Iziama/Ijeoma Popoola
June 30, 2024