WordPress

Category: General News

  • Man, 34, docked over alleged possession of stolen sewing machine

    Possession

    By Funmilayo Okunade
    Ado-Ekiti, June 25, 2024(NAN) A 34-year old man, Basiru Mohammed, was on Tuesday, arraigned before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly being in possession of a stolen sewing machine.
    Mohammed, who’s address was not given, is being charged with possession of stolen sewing machine.
    The Police Prosecutor, Insp Olasunkanmi Bamikole, told the court that the defendant committed the offence at about 6.00a.m, on June 21, in Ado-Ekiti.
    Bamikole said that the defendant had in his possession a sewing machine suspected to have been stolen.
    The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 345 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
    He prayed the court for an adjournment to avail him time to study the case file and assemble witnesses.
    Counsel to the defendant, Mr Femi Olarewaju, urged the court to admit the defendant bail, and promised that he would not jump bail.
    The Chief Magistrate, Saka Afunso, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N25,000 with one surety in like sum.
    He adjourned the case until July 16, for hearing.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FOA/EBI/AZU
    ==========
    Edited by Benson Iziama and Azubuike Okeh

  • Avoid excessive speed, night travels to reduce crashes – FRSC

    Speed

     

    By Ige Adekunle

     

    Sango-Ota (Ogun), June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Ogun Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has advised motorists to avoid excessive speed and night travels in order to reduce road crashes on the nation’s roads.

    The FRSC Sector Commander, Anthony Uga, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ota on Tuesday.

    Uga was reacting to an accident that happened around 9.33 p.m. on Monday, on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

    NAN recalls that seven of the 18 persons involved in the accident lost their lives, while the rest sustained injuries.

    The sector commander said the disaster could have been averted, if the driver of the Mazda bus had strictly adhered to an average speed limit.

    He attributed the cause of the incident to excessive speed as the bus driver rammed into a moving truck from the rear.

    “We are appealing to motorists to refrain from speeding and avoid night journeys because of poor visibility which sometimes leads to road crashes.

    “In addition, the passengers should not hesitate to report any erring driver found flouting traffic rules and regulations by calling 122 toll-free number,” Uga said.

    He also admonished motorists against reckless driving and wrongful overtaking, which often lead to crashes and loss of lives and propwrty. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    IGE/MAS

     

    Edited by Moses Solanke

     

     

  • Fake, ineffective sunscreens increasing cases of skin cancers in Nigeria – says Dermatologist

     

    Fake, ineffective sunscreens increasing cases of skin cancers in Nigeria – Dermatologist
    Albinism
    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
    Awka, June 25, 2024 (NAN) A Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Folakemi Cole-Adeife, says  fake and ineffective sunscreens in the Nigerian markets are contributing to the massive increase in the number of skin cancer cases.
    Cole-Adeife of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, made the assertion at a Stakeholders Advocacy for Skin Cancer Prevention in the Albinism Community, organised by La Roche-Posay, from L’Oreal International.
    The programme had the theme: “Introducing Anthelios for People with Albinism and Mela B3 Serum for Sub Saharan Africa”.
    Anthelios has the most efficient Ultraviolet (UV) filter against the most insidious UV rays and offers ultimate protection against deep skin cell damage.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that  people with albinism are advised to use sunscreens labeled SPF(sun protection factor) of 20 to 30, hence Anthelios and Mela B3 Serum come highly recommended.
    Cole-Adeife described albinism as a genetic disorder that causes a decrease in the production of melanin in the skin, hair, and eyes, which affect both male and female of all races as well as plants and animals.
    According to her, albinos in sub-Saharan Africa are a thousand times more likely to develop skin cancer due to partial or complete absence of melanin, than a person with normal dark skin colour.
    “Since their skin has no melanin to protect them from the sun, they develop sunburn easily and the most dreadful is their increase risk of having several types of skin cancers.
    “This is why they are always in need of sun protection in the form of sun hats, sunglasses, sun protective clothings, umbrellas, and sunscreen lotions to prevent sun damage.
    “But a major problem is lack or limited access to sunscreens. There is the need for access to effective skin care product that is affordable.
    “Fake, low-cost and ineffective sunscreens that are prevalent in our environment is contributing to the massive increase in the number of skin cancer cases we see in our clinics.
    “There was this cheap, fake and ineffective sunscreen in the market. Everybody especially persons with albinism were using it.
    “They ended up with burns and early skin cancers,” she said.
    Cole-Adeife urged persons with albinism to go for regular health and skin check, use effective sunscreens in addition to sun protection clothings, hats, sunglasses and umbrellas to prevent skin cancers.
    “If the skin is well managed, people with Albinism can live a comfortable, healthy and beautiful life,” she said.
    Cole-Adeife appreciated the Lagos State Government for supporting the Albinism community by providing free umbrellas, hats, skin cancer creams, sunscreens and free skin cancer surgeries.
    She urged other state governments to emulate the gesture to make the albinism community feel a sense of relief and belonging.
    Also speaking, Mrs Beatrice Eneh, La Roche-Posay representative in Nigeria, said the organisation had been partnering Nigerian dermatologists to promote skin care and health of the albinism community.
    “We work and carry our researches with dermatologists in Nigeria to come up with medications that will prevent skin cancers, especially in the Albinism community,” she said.
    In his remarks, Mr Jake Epelle, Founder, The Albino Foundation (TAF),  said persons with albinism in Nigeria always have to contend with some health challenges due to the genetic condition they have.
    He appreciated La Roche-Posay and Nigerian dermatologists for prioritising the health of persons with albinism. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
    LCO/VIV
    =====
    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Naira abuse: Court strikes out charge against Cubana Chief Priest

    Charge
    By Sandra Umeh
    Lagos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday struck out a charge against celebrity bartender, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, over alleged abuse of the naira.

    Justice Kehinde Ogundare  struck out the charge following the adoption of terms of settlement between parties to the suit.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had on April 17, arraigned Okechukwu on a three-count charge of allegedly spraying and tampering with the Naira notes during a social event at Eko Hotel in Lagos.

    He had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N10 million.

    At the last adjourned date on May 2, the Defence Counsel, Mr Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), informed the court.

    Ojukwu noted that the parties were exploring settlement and had applied that the matter be settled pursuant to the provisions of section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.

    Following the position, he applied for a withdrawal of a preliminary objection filed by defence, and since there was no objection from the prosecution, the court granted same.

    The court, consequently, adjourned the case until June 5, for report of settlement.

    On June 5, the case could not go on following the absence of the defence counsel who had reportedly written to the court praying for an adjournment.

    The court had adjourned the case until June 25, for report of settlement.

    When the case was called on Tuesday, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari appeared for the prosecution, while Mr Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), appeared for the defence.

    Bilikisu informed the court that the prosecution had filed the terms of settlement dated June 24 and adopted same.

    In response, the defence counsel said he agreed with what the prosecutor said and equally adopted same.

    He thanked the court for its indulgence adding that part of the obligations contained in the said terms had been performed.

    He urged the court to make the consequential orders of dismissing the case.

    In a short ruling, the court held that: “Upon the agreement of the prosecution and defence pursuant to the EFCC Establishment Act, the agreement having been presented to the court, this charge is hereby struck out as the defendant is hereby cautioned,” he said.

    Meanwhile, a copy of the terms of settlement which was obtained by newsmen in court provided as follows:
    “The agreement applies only to the findings relating to contravention of the law contained in the pending charge preferred against the defendant.

    “The defendant shall enter into a bond with the EFCC to be of good behaviour and never indulge in any Economic and Financial Crime or related offences.

    “The defendant shall engage in rigorous and intensive sensitisation and/or campaign against the abuse of coins and notes issued under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act as legal tender.

    “The defendant shall bi-monthly post on his various social media handles a minimum of two video clips of his sensitisation/campaign against abuse of Naira and sundry offences.

    “The defendant shall pay to the consolidated revenue fund of Federation such sum not below the sum of N10 million only upon the execution af this agreement,” he said.

    In the charge, the defendant was said to have tampered with the funds in the denomination of N500, while dancing at the social event in Eko Hotel.

    The offence contravenes the provisions of section 21(1) of the CBN Act of 2007.(NAN)
    UNS/JNC
    ========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • KNSG urges donor agencies to report breaches in project implementation

    KNSG urges donor agencies to report breaches in project implementation

    Report

    By Aminu Garko

    Kano, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has  called on donor agencies to report any breaches or anomalies in the implementation of projects in the state.

    Yusuf stated this at the inauguration of a programme on effective utilisation of International Development Funds (IDF) on Monday in Kano.

    The governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Shehu Sagagi, restated his administration’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption.

    The governor assured of his administration`s commitment towards ensuring accountability, and prompt execution of projects to benefit the people of the state.

    He encouraged donor agencies to report directly to him any breaches observed in project implementation.

    The Accountant General of the State, Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, convener of the event, stressed the importance of effective utilization and implementation of IDF to achieve project deliverables within time, cost and scope.

    He said that the state has released N600 million as counterpart funding for new projects, highlighting the need for value for money and effective implementation.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event covered various sectors, including water supply, agriculture, food security, climate change, education, sanitation, rural access roads and healthcare services.( NAN)( www.nannews.ng)

    AAG/MAM/JPE

    ============

    Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Joseph Edeh

     

     

     

     

     

  • NGO champions mentoring for young journalists

    NGO champions mentoring for young journalists

    Mentorship

    By Zainab Oyekan

    Jos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Mr Gad Peter, the Executive Director CLEEN Foundation, an NGO, says mentoring young journalists should be paramount in the minds of veterans.

    Peter said this during a 2-day workshop organised by the NGO, in collaboration with UNWomen on Tuesday in Jos, to train women journalists.

    According to him, mentoring and networking are important aspects of the overall training that will enable younger ones gain valuable skills and knowledge.

    The director said mentoring would afford young journalists supportive network of contacts that would help them build professional connections.

    “Mentoring is likened to sewing a seed that if well nurtured, will produce good fruits, so we expect every professional to mentor at different levels,” he said.

    Peter further noted that the good thing about mentoring was that it would help the young journalists develop confidence and self esteem, which was a top requirement to be on the field.

    He therefore, urged professional journalists to take mentoring as a mandatory aspect of their job and be intentional about it. (NAN)

    OIZ/DOR
    =======

    Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

  • Tinubu congratulates Sanwo-Olu on birthday

    Congratulation
    By Salif Atojoko
    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday congratulated the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on his birthday.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The statement noted that Sanwo-Olu had a successful career in the private sector before joining the public service, scaling the leadership ladder.

    “Mr  Sanwo-Olu was elected Governor of Lagos State in 2019 and re-elected in 2023 for a second term in office.

    “The President prays for many more years in good health for the Governor and wishes him more wisdom and energy in his service to Lagos State and the nation,” said the statement. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    SA/JNC
    =======
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Foundation urges wealthy Nigerians to give back to society

    Society

    By Sylvester Thompson

    Abuja, June 25, 2024(NAN) The Hajiya Hadiza Umar Foundation has called on wealthy Nigerians to contribute to nation building by giving back to society.

    Amb. Hajiya Hadiza, Founder of the foundation, who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, said such gesture would bring succour to the poor and less privileged.

    The philanthropist urged privileged and well positioned Nigerians not to sit on the fence and watch poor people grapple with their livelihood.

    She said that nation building also involved touching and impacting positively on the livelihood of the less-privileged in communities and neighbourhoods.

    Umar said that giving back to society should be a prerogative of well meaning Nigerians who had made it to the apex of their careers and businesses.

    “There is no better period to demonstrate and act out the role of nation building than now; when the government is trying to re-position our country for the future.

    “People are really feeling the pressure presently and the task of nation building should not be left for the Federal Government alone.

    “Nation building is a collective responsibility and wealthy Nigerians who have amassed wealth should also take the lead,” she said.

    On how the government can drive the process of nation building effectively, she said that government should supervise and monitor the process by giving responsibility to credible people who could be trusted to deliver on the job.

    Umar said that some insincere and greedy individuals existed to channel the commonwealth into their private pockets, adding that government should be critical when giving responsibilities.

    She said that the dividends of democracy would not get to the poor unless there was sanity enshrined in the process.

    Umar said she drew inspiration from the challenges she faced in her early life, urging Nigerians to bear with the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as there was light at the end of the tunnel. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    SET/OJI/CJ/

    ==========

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

     

  • Sultanate council: Disregard mischievous groups – Sokoto Govt tells MURIC, VP

    Sultanate council: Disregard mischievous groups – Sokoto Govt tells MURIC, VP

    Sultan
    By Habibu Harisu
    Sokoto, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto state says his relationship with the Sultanate Council remain cordial and urged the  Muslims Rights Concern (MURIC) and Vice President Kassim Shettima, to disregard mischievous groups.
    This is contained in a statement issued by  Aliyu’s spokesman, Malam Abubakar Bawa, on Tuesday in Sokoto.
    He said MURIC’s allegation on a plan by the state government to dethrone the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, was baseless and unfounded.
    ” It is an attempt by mischief makers and enemies of progress to fabricate false and unsubstantiated information, just to create an unfriendly atmosphere and fear in the minds of the law-abiding and peaceful citizens of the state.
    ” We assure MURIC that the present administration just like the previous administrations in the state, cherishes and respect the Sultanate Council long before MURIC was established.
    ” The Sultanate Council which has a long standing historical importance is so  reverred to all the people of Sokoto State, therefore we still hold the  institution in very high regards and esteem, ” Aliyu said.
    According to him, the relationship between the present administration and the Sultanate Council led by respected traditional ruler, Abubakar has been very cordial.
    Aliyu added that his administration always consulted with Sultan on issues affecting the state and his invaluable contributions and inputs are always respected and included in policy implementation.
    He noted that the sacking and transfer of some District Heads made by Sokoto state government was done due some unbecoming behaviours by the affected traditional rulers which they exhibited.
    Meanwhile, Aliyu urged Vice President Shettima, to  disregard the false information on the issue of removal of the Sultan.
    ” The Sultan enjoys all the powers he is entitled to, we never denied him any of his freedom or rights.
    ” We do not need to be told to guard, protect, and promote the Sultan, it is our sole responsibility.
    ” The government and People of Sokoto state cherish and adore the sultanate council and would do everything possible to protect the dignity of the revered institution” . Aliyu said.
    NAN reports that Shettima had on Monday while delivering his speech at the ongoing North West Peace & Security Summit in Katsina State said:”the Sultan is an Institution that all of us in this country need to jealously guard, protect, promote, preserve, and project for the growth of our nation.”“In all developmental issues in this country, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, I want to use him as a point of reference to recognise and appreciate all our royal fathers present here.

    “And to the deputy governor of Sokoto, I have a simple message for you. Yes, the Sultan is the Sultan of Sokoto. But he is much more than that.

    “He represents an idea. He is an Institution, that all of us in this country need to jealously guard, protect, promote, preserve, and project for the growth of our nation,” Shettima said.

    (NAN)

    HMH/SH
    =======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Hunters, forest security receives 19 crime cases in May

    Cases

    By Bosede Olufunmi

    Kano, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) says it received 19 cases of various crimes perpetrated in Kano forests in May.

    The Commander Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) Kano State Command, Abdullahi Al-ameen disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Kano.

    According to him, out of the 19 complainants, 16 had been treated and done with, while three were pending.

    “Most of the cases were on animal theft, child abuse, tricycle theft, kidnapping, phone snatching among others.

    He said the service would do its best to leave up to its mandate, including prevention, detection of crimes and illegal activities perpetrated in the forests.

    “We will continue to partner with relevant stakeholders on community policing,” he said.

    He solicited the cooperation of the public to make the state a zero-free society. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    BO/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu