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Category: General News

  • NBMA says TELA Maize safe for consumption 

    Safety
    By Abigael Joshua
    Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA),  has assured Nigerians of their safety in the consumption of TELA Maize.
    Mrs Gloria Ogbaki, Head Information and Public Relations, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
    She said that the agency’s attention had been drawn to concerns being raised by Nigerians following the approval and launch of TELA maize in the country.
    “NBMA wishes to state that the safety and health of Nigerians are of topmost importance, we will not compromise on this.
    “We take into serious cognisance the concerns of Nigerians because maize is a staple crop which is of great importance to the country.
    “NBMA is committed to ensuring transparency, safety and unbiased decision-making concerning genetically modified organisms,” she said.
    Ogbaki said that the agency conducted a proper risk assessment and analysis of TELA maize to ensure that it was safe for human consumption.
    She said that the risk assessment for TELA maize was thoroughly conducted by experts and scientists from the academia and other relevant agencies.
    The NBMA information officer said that experts from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Standard Organisation of Nigeria and Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service were part of the certification process.
    She further listed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, National Agricultural Seed Council and some university research centres as part of the process.
    “They worked with our internal review process, and confirmed that TELA maize meets safety standards.
    “We urge Nigerians to remain calm and trust in the rigorous evaluation process. TELA maize has been approved based on scientific evidence, its benefits to farmers are significant,” she said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AIJ/AZU
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    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • FUPRE-CSD gets NUC’s approval for PG programmes

    FUPRE-CSD gets NUC’s approval for PG programmes
    Approval
    By Mercy Neme – 08034745723
    Asaba, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Federal University of Petroleum Resources-Center for Sustainable Development (FUPRE-CSD) says the National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved professional post-graduate programmes for the university.
    This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen by Dr Emeka Elemike, Director, Center for Sustainable Development, on Monday in Asaba.
    ”The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), proudly announces the official approval and commencement of professional post graduate programmes at the Center for Sustainable Development.
    ”This significant milestone, approved by the university management and endorsed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, marks a pivotal step in FUPRE’s commitment to advancing sustainable practices and education.
    ”The Center for Sustainable Development is set to offer a suite of professional post-graduate programmes designed to equip students and professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive sustainable initiatives in various sectors, ” the statement said.
    It said that the approved programmes include: post-graduate diploma (PGD) in Sustainability Practices, Masters in Sustainable Development, and Masters in Community Development.
    Others are Masters in Energy Transition and Sustainability, Masters in  Project Management and  Doctor of Sustainable Development.
    ”We are excited to receive this approval, which underscores the university’s dedication to fostering sustainable development through education and practical engagement.
    “These programmes are meticulously designed to address the pressing needs of our society and to prepare our graduates for impactful careers in sustainability.
    ”The FUPRE-Center for Sustainable Development aims to be a leading hub for research, training, and implementation of sustainable practices.
    ”The center overtly intends to integrate advanced curricula with real-world applications. The Center also aspires to contribute significantly to local, national, and global sustainability goals,” Elemike said.
    The statement said that FUPRE was dedicated to producing world-class graduates equipped to excel in the petroleum and energy sectors.
    It also added that the institution focuses on research, innovation, and sustainability, striving to make a significant impact both locally and globally. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    MOA/AOS
    =========
    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

  • NUJ warns against attacking journalists, advises FG on rising cost of living

    Journalists

    By Olatunde Ajayi

    Ibadan, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) says the incessant and arbitrary arrest and detention of journalists in their line of duties by security personnel will no longer be condoned.

    This demand, amongst several others, is part of resolutions of the union’s National Executive Committee (NEC) which held its quarterly meeting in Ibadan between Thursday and Saturday.

    In a communique listing the resolutions, released on Sunday by the union’s National Secretary, Achike Chude, the NUJ urged that such actions by security personnel should be stopped forthwith.

    The meeting presided over by the NUJ President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, also cautioned politicians to refrain from attacking journalists on essential duties during the upcoming governorship elections in Ondo state and Edo.

    The union urged urged Gov. Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa to sign into law the Media Enhancement Bill passed by the State House of Assembly recently.

    It frowned at the lingering state of insecurity across the nation, especially kidnapping and violent crimes in the South-East, insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West.

    “NEC also frowns at rising militancy in the South-South, as well as kidnapping in the South-West and cattle rustling and attack on farmlands in the North-Central by herders.

    “We therefore call on the heads of the nation’s security bodies to rise to the occasion and address the situation.”

    The NUJ expressed dismay at the rising cost of living, particularly through increased prices of essential commodities, which is becoming unbearable to Nigerians.

    It thus called on the Federal Government to come up with measures to ameliorate the sufferings being encountered by Nigerians.

    “On this, NEC expressed concerns at the delay in production at the Dangote Refinery which would have eased the present economic hardship in the country .

    “NEC frowns at the incessant vandalisation of power installations supplying electricity to some states of the North-East and other parts of the country.

    ”We therefore call on the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Ministry of Power to immediately restore electricity supply to the affected states.”

    The NUJ further urged Federal and State Governments to urgently intervene regarding the poor state of roads in the country.

    It called on the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA)  to urgently proffer measures to ease the sufferings of motorists.

    The union called for an urgent consideration from the Federal Government to include the South-East among the zones captured in the coastal highway project.

    ”This is because no zone along the coastal line should be sidelined in the project.”

    It equally called on government to address the issue of perennial flooding affecting most parts of the country.

    “NEC requests communities in the flood-prone zones to adhere strictly to the early warnings by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and Federal Ministry of Environment to avoid regrets occasioned by flood disaster.”

    The union appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently resolve all the issues of the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

    “NEC also appeals to the Federal Government to address and resolve pending issues with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the interest of education and Nigerian students.”

    NUJ also resolved to appeal to heads of security agencies to support orphans and widows of deceased security personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of their duties.

    It urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps to regulate the activities of illegal mining in the country to avert further disasters.

    While commending Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for his people-oriented policies and programmes, it expressed its appreciation of the governor for hosting the NEC meeting successfully.

    “The NUJ NEC also urge him to sustain the tempo of development in the state,” the communique stated.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NUJ NEC meeting had in attendance the union’s national, zonal and state leaders.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TUN/OLAL
    =========

    (Edited by Olawale Alabi) This

     

  • Anglican Bishop tasks Nigerian leaders on good governance 

     

    Governance

    By Sunday John

    Lafia, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Rev. Godwin Robinson, Bishop of the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Lafia, has called on Nigerian leaders to provide good governance that would propel steady growth and development in the nation.

    The Bishop, who decried the spate of insecurity and hunger in the nation, made the call during the 2024 Synod of the church, on Sunday in Lafia.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day annual event had brought together leaders of the church to brainstorm, reflect and review its activities as well as the affairs of the nation in general.

    The event also provided opportunity for leaders of the Church to pray for God’s intervention toward enhancing the spiritual stability and prosperity of Nigeria.

    Robinson called on the politicians to privide purposeful leadership that would restore the dashed confidence and hope of the people.

    ”The political class must focus on introducing policies and programmes that will bridge the widening gap between the rich and the poor.

    ”The essence of leadership is not just to amass wealth, but an opportunity to render selfless service to improve the living conditions of the people,”he said

    The Bishop, however, called on Nigerians to be prayerful and should not lose faith in God, in spite of the current challenges.

    Speaking at the event, Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, represented by his Deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, said the citizens had greater roles to play in ensuring good governance.

    The governor noted that given the unrelenting support of the church, the state government would continue to provide people-driven policies that would stimulate growth and development in the state.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

    SDJ/AZA

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    Edited by Polycarp Auta

  • Alia to construct community roads to enhance food transportation

    Alia to construct community roads to enhance food transportation

    Road

    By Emmanuel Antswen
    Apa (Benue) June 23, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue says the State Government will build the Obagaji-Okokolo-Agagbe Road for easy transportation of farm produce from the agrarian communities on that corridor to urban centers.

    Alia said this on Sunday, while addressing the APC supporters from APA/Agatu Federal Constituency during his “thank you” tour, organised at Central Primary School, Ugboko, APA Local Government Area (LGAs).

    He said that the road, when constructed, would connect Agatu and Gwer Gwer LGAs and further address the serious security challenges within the axis.

    He said the road would also help to boost the socioeconomic life in the two LGAs.

    He also promised to construct more roads within the federal constitutuency with time.

    The governor affirmed his administration’s resolve to execute projects, policies and programmes that would have direct impact on the masses.

    He also assured all decampees into the APC that under his watch they would enjoy equal benefits from the party.

    Earlier, the APC State Acting Chairman, Mr Benjamin Omakolo, also promised the no fewer than 2,000 persons, who defected from other political parties to APC, of equal treatment.

    Omakolo charged them to continue to propagate the good work that the governor was doing in the state.

    “Our champion governor, this crowd defecting from their former political parties to APC were attracted by the numerous achievements recorded by your administration within one year.

    “Come rain, come shine, we will deliver you in 2027,” Omakolo said.

    Sen. Barnabas Gemade said the elders were with the governor to give him fatherly support to achieve the development initiatives of his administration and “not for any appointments”.

    The party’s candidate for Benue South Senatorial District in 2023, Dan Onjeh, described the governor as the champion of the masses.

    Onjeh said that the governor had demonstrated uncommon quality by changing the leadership narrative of the state and bringing development to all parts in his one year in office. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AEB/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

  • Bago calls for review of hajj operations

    Bago calls for review of Hajj operations

    Hajj

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    Niger, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger has called for the review of activities of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)

    This is contained in a statement signed by Bologi Ibrahim, the Chief Press Secretary to the  governor in Minna on Sunday.

    Bago made the call in an interview with newsmen in Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to assess this year’s Hajj operation.

    He expressed concern over the way NAHCON turned itself to an operator of Hajj activities instead of playing  regulatory roles.

    The governor who recounted the hitches pilgrims encountered, described the 2024 Hajj exercise as a failure.

    He suggested that Hajj operation should be private sector-driven for effective and efficient service delivery.

    Bago said that  he will lead a Committee of state governors to meet relevant authorities for a review of the commission.

    “Let the private sector drive Hajj operations, NAHCON should be a regulator at the centre.

    “I am leading a committee of Governors to the Nigeria Governor’s Forum, from there we go to the NEC.

    “I will propose this motion and we will send a bill to the National Assembly where this issue of NAHCON would be reviewed.

    “NAHCON is not helping matters, our Federal Government is too big to be worried about Hajj operations, these are supposed to be local government issues and not even State issues”, Bago said.

    He said that the state governments should be able to organise  pilgrimage, and engage  agents from the private as it is done in  other countries.

    He called of for the probe of N90 billion subsidy paid by the Federal government for the Hajj operations.

    The governor said that in spite the subsidy, some states including Niger still paid some  billions of naira for the exercise.

    He alleged that pilgrims were given only 400 dollars to take care of themselves for about 40 days, inspite the payment of N8 million by each pilgrim.

    Bago  said that  the N90 billion would have made more impact if shared to states.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    BAB/JPE

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    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • Davido releases pre-wedding photos

    Artiste

    By Dele Eniola

    Lagos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, on Sunday released pre-wedding pictures with his partner, Chioma Rowland.

    Their traditional wedding is expected to hold on Tuesday in Lagos.

    Davido posted the pictures via his verified Instagram handle, @davido, with the caption,#CHIVIDO2024.

    Taking to the comment section of the post, Nigerian rapper and singer, Zlatan, wrote “ATIN YOU SEE AM”.

    Digital content creator, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, wrote, “Congratulations to you and yours 001❤️”.

    Another content creator, popularly known as brodashaggi, congratulated the couple with display of emojis-💕💍🥂.

    Also, Bunkunmi Adeaga-Ilori, popularly known as kie kie, wrote, “Beautiful 🥰🥰🥰🥰”.

    Nigerian businessman, socialist and philanthropist, Obi Cubana, wrote, “Ogo m!!!! ❤️✨✨✨✨✨”.

     

    Rapper and songwriter, Folarin Falana , popularly known as Falz, commented with fire emojis-🔥🔥🔥.

    Reality TV star, Tolani Shobajo, popularly known as Tonibaj, wrote, “I’m so happy!!!! @thechefchi❤️❤️❤️”.

    Social media sensation and professional dancer, popularly known as Poco lee, wrote, “Otilo ❤️🎉🎉🎉”.

    Other celebrities and fans also took to the comment section to congratulate the couple. (NAN)

    ENI/FAA

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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Plateau govt trains 200 widows on household items production

    Plateau govt trains 200 widows on household items production

    Training

    By Zainab Oyekan

    Jos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Helen Mutfwang, wife of Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, has declared open a training for 200 widows in production of household items, to mark the International Widows Day.

    Mrs Mutfwang, who made the declaration during a press briefing in Sunday in Jos, said the widows were selected across the 17 local government areas (LGAs) of the state.

    According to her, the widows will also be supported with cash gifts to start up the production.

    “The training is in line with the demonstration of our commitment to continuously improve the well-being of our widows in the state, “ she said.

    The governor’s wife said the theme for this year’s celebration: “Accelerating the Achievement of Gender Equality”, was apt.

    She said the training and empowerment would enable widows achieve equality and financial independence.

    ”You will agree with me that once a widow is empowered through various trainings, she will be able to take care of her children and live a good life, “ she said.

    In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the government and promised to utilise the opportunity.

    Mrs Uchu Okuyho, from Bassa LGA, said the training had been impactful.

    Ladi Gyang , a mother of five, said any form of empowerment or training given to widows would enhance many lives; and commended the efforts of the governor’s wife. (NAN)

    OIZ/DOR
    ========
    Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

  • Gold programme: Major milestone in Renewed Hope Agenda – Tinubu

    Gold programme: Major milestone in Renewed Hope Agenda – Tinubu

     

    Gold

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has commended the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development over the first commercial transaction under the National Gold Purchase Programme (NGPP).

    The President said this when he received gold bars sourced from artisanal and small gold miners from Dr Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, on Sunday in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gold was refined by the Solid Minerals Development Fund, an agency of the Ministry.

    The programme has delivered 5 million dollars into Nigeria’s foreign reserves and injected about N6 billion into the rural economy.

    Tinubu said that the ministry had achieved a major milestone in the administration’s drive to diversify the economy.

    “This is another concrete step towards the diversification process under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the President said.

    Alake, who presented a symbolic gold bar to Tinubu, said the NGPP would increase the country’s foreign reserves and boost the value of the Naira.

    The minister also commended the President for supporting reforms in the solid minerals sector.

    “The successful completion of the first commercial transaction clearly demonstrates the National Gold Purchase Programme’s effectiveness.

    “It has increased the nation’s foreign reserves assets and shown that using the Nigerian Naira to purchase a liquid asset traded in dollars, such as gold, is a viable strategy.

    “This transaction has also underscored the potential of the National Gold Purchase Programme to enhance fiscal and monetary stability.”

    Alake said that the over 70 kilograms of gold sold to the London Bullion Market Good Delivery Standard marked a successful aggregation of locally mined gold.

    In her presentation, the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund, Hajiya Fatimah Shinkafi, said that the gold has met the global trade standard.

    She said it met the London Bullion Market Good Delivery Standard that is the globally recognised and trusted standard in the global trade in gold and silver bars.

    “Only gold and silver bars that meet our Good Delivery standards are acceptable in the settlement of a Loco London contract – where the bullion trade is physically held in London,” she said.

    Shinkafi said, through the NGPP, Nigeria had joined countries bolstering their gold reserves by purchasing gold in local currency.

    She said this would foster economic confidence, enhance currency stability, and create a more attractive environment for foreign investment. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/IS 

    ======

    Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

  • Plateau governor’s wife urges end to harmful practices against widows

    Plateau governor’s wife urges end to harmful practices against widows

    Widows

    By Zainab Oyekan

    Jos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Helen Mutfwang, wife of Plateau Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, has called on governments at all levels and other stakeholders, to end harmful practices against widows.

    Mrs Mutfwang made the call during a press briefing on Sunday in Jos, to mark the International Widows Day.

    She reiterated the need for governments at all levels, Civil Society Organisations, religious groups, community leaders, and the society at large, to work together to protect widows from harmful cultural practices.

    According to the governor’s wife, it is imperative that all hands are put on deck to ensure a widow-friendly environment that provides support and inclusion.

    She noted that in many countries with traditional societies, including Nigeria, women often found themselves in poverty situations, because they were most times denied inheritance and land rights, evicted from their homes, ostracised and abused, following the death of their husbands.

    According to her therefore, the International Widows Day seeks to encourage action on achieving full rights for widows, highlighting the need for more research and statistics into violence, discrimination and poverty suffered by widows.

    She further stated that the day was aimed at developing policies and programmes that should address widows’ plight.

    ”The day also affords us the opportunity to reevaluate our levels of commitment to the plight of widows in the state, and to continue to work assiduously to initiate programmes that would improve the well-being of widows in particular, and women generally,” she said.

    Mrs Mutfwang said that the state acknowledged the invaluable contributions of widows in building the state and nation, and so would support and empower them.

    “The state, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in an effort to ensure widows are empowered economically, has trained 102 widows in three vocational skills acquisition.

    “The skills include; tailoring, catering and knitting; and widows were given modern equipment and tangible Startup packs to enable them support their families and contribute to the growth and development of society, “ she added.

    Mrs Mutfwang further pledged her office’s commitment to uplifting widows in the state, and called on all hands to be on deck to end harmful practices against vulnerable women. (NAN)

    OIZ/DOR
    ========

    Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore