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Category: General News

  • Ogun bars traditional rulers from signing MoUs on land

    Orders
    By Yetunde Fatungase
    Abeokuta, June 22, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has issued three Executive Orders, an official said on Saturday in Abeokuta.
    Two of the three orders are establishing two new agencies, while the third restrains traditional rulers from signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on land in the state.
    Abiodun’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mr Kayode Akinmade, in a statement, listed the agencies as the Ogun State Mineral Resources Development Agency and Ogun State Landscaping and Recreation Agency.
    “In addition to the establishment of these two agencies, the third executive order restrains traditional rulers from entering into any form of agreement or MoU concerning mining activities or any other land matters in their domain,” he said.
    Akinmade said the Mineral Resources Development Agency would establish a working relationship with host communities in order to conduct geo-technical and geological surveys of solid mineral deposit within their domain.
    “The second agency is responsible for sustaining the achievement of the Ministry of Environment in the area of environmental regeneration and restoration and through the provision of parks, gardens and recreational centres state-wide to preserve the biodiversity and ecosystem of the environment,” he added.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor’s aide said the three executive orders take an immediate effect.
    “Executive Order One is based on Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution which vests in the governor the exercise of executive powers of the state for the purpose of effective governance.
    “The agency shall, directly or through qualified third parties, conduct and establish working relationship with host communities and local governments for the conduct of geo-technical and geological surveys of solid mineral deposits within their domain.
    “It will conduct geo-technical survey of solid mineral deposits in the state and maintain relevant data in the sector, (and) organise the solid minerals sector to the best interest of the state.
    “To realise its objectives, the agency shall be funded through fees generated from regulatory agency, budgetary allocation, grants and financial intervention from both local and international development partners, as well as gifts, aid and other legitimate contributions,” he explained.
    Akinmade said Executive Order Two was on the basis of the Ministry of Environment starting a massive and aggressive tree-planting campaign to complement the beautification and landscaping programmes.
    ”This is to ensure environmentally sustainable, healthier and beautiful society, and the agency shall administer, maintain and manage all designated parks and recreation centres in the state.
    “For the purpose of realising its objectives, it shall be funded through budgetary allocation or monies received for services rendered, grants and financial intervention from both local and international development partners, as well as gifts, aids and other legitimate contributions.”
    He added that Executive Order Three bars traditional rulers in the state from entering into any form of MoU with reference to mining or any other land matters.
    “The State has observes the current trend in which miners and investors circumvent regulations and government oversight by encouraging traditional institutions to interfere with land management by entering into MoUs and other irregular legal arrangements.
    “Therefore, all forms of traditional institutions existing within the state are hereby with immediate effect barred from entering into any form of MoU or agreement with any individual, companies or organisations seeking land within any part of the entire state for purposes of mining or industry.
    ”They are to forthwith refrain from issuing any form of consent letters for mining across the state.
    “Any traditional institution or stakeholder in the institution who flouts this order shall be sanctioned in line with the provisions of the Kings and Chiefs’ Law and other relevant criminal statutes.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    YAF/OLAL
    =========
    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)

  • Rotary executes N68m worth of impactful projects in Plateau

    Rotary executes N68m worth of impactful projects in Plateau

    Projects

    By Peter Amine

    Jos, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Rotary Club of Jos Central, has executed 17 impactful projects valued at N68 million.

    Mr Kayode Fasua, the club’s outgoing president, who made the disclosure on Friday evening, at a dinner/award night, said that the projects, spread across Plateau, were in line with Rotary International’s seven areas of priority.

    Fasua listed some of the projects executed to include the donation of a motorised solar-powered borehole to the Alheri community, and the donation of medical equipment to some selected secondary schools in Jos.

    The president added that under his leadership, the club distributed grinding machines to widows and wheelchairs to disabled persons.

    He further said that the club provided uniforms, sandals, socks, school bags, and shoes to 90 students from three primary schools.

    According to him, the club also donated 90 modern school desks (30 per school) to three primary schools and also provided 3,000 notebooks, with 1,000 going to each school.

    “Additionally, we planted 200 economic trees in Jos East to benefit the environment.

    “In addition to N14 million worth of projects, we executed a global grant project in partnership with the Rotary Club of Calgary, North Canada, and Rotary International.

    ”The project, worth N54 million Naira, was carried out in five communities across Plateau and Kaduna states.

    “We trained 10 youths in each community in brick molding technology to help rebuild their communities that were destroyed as a result of attacks.

    “We held a medical outreach in Tudun Wada, attending to over 600 inhabitants for various medical interventions, including complex gynecological procedures, thanks to Professor Ishaya Pam, former CMD of Jos University Teaching Hospital.

    “We visited internally displaced persons camps in Mangu, providing foodstuffs, sanitary pads, and clothing. We also erected a peace signboard in front of the local government,” he added.

    The outgoing president believed that he would be fondly remembered for a major leap in membership recruitment, stating that within one year, the club gained 29 new members.

    He pointed out that the feat was the largest recruitment in the entire district, spanning 26 states.

    Mr Mike Nwanoshiri, District Governor-Elect for District 9127, lauded the club president’s sterling leadership, which he said would be indelible in the history of the club and beyond.

    “However, remember that our work is far from over; there are challenges, needs to be met, and lives to be changed.

    “In our collective strength, we will continue to be the changemakers, the vision carriers, and the history makers in communities and beyond,” Nwanoshiri said.

    Mr Hilary Ezeadilieje, Assistant District Governor, appreciated all rotarians on the Plateau, saying that achievements would not have been possible without their unflinching support.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that different categories of awards were given to individuals who distinguished themselves during the rotary year. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    PAT/DOR
    ========

    Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

  • Climate Change: Forum to assist NGOs, SMEs, others access funding

    Some of the participants at the Summit in Abuja

    Climate Change: Forum to assist NGOs, SMEs, others access funding

    Funding

    By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

    Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Africa Business Ventures and Investment Group, says it will assist Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and others access funding to address climate change and infrastructure deficit in Africa.

    The Chairman of the Board, Mr Moses Owharo made this known at the inaugural Washington DC edition of the African Infrastructure, Climate Change and Investment Summit (AICIS) and Exhibition held via zoom, on Friday.

    The Summit with the theme “Fastening Collaboration with United States of America in Fostering Climate Resilient, Economic and Infrastructure, and Industrialisation in Africa” was organised by the Group.

    Those in collaboration with the Group include Office of Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), and the private sector.

    Owharo, who is also a Harvard Business School Alumni, said the forum usually organised international conferences and Summit where policy makers, government and private sectors come together to look at challenging issues.

    “We have had programmes in Ghana, Russia and other countries.

    “This one holding is in the Washington DC, USA and due to some challenges; we are doing it in both Nigeria and U.S. via zoom.

    “The objective is to set up a fund for Africa. That fund will assist organisations and even governments across Africa. This is because government cannot do it alone.

    “Where there are gaps, we want to close the gaps. So we will set up those funds that practitioners, NGOs, Small and Medium-sized Enterprtise (SMEs), local governments and countries in Africa will participate.

    “We will not do it alone, we will work with UN, American Government, Nigerian Government and other countries in Africa.

    “This is to ensure that our deprived NGOs, CSOs SMEs and citizens of African can have resources that can be used to be actively involved in climate change actions and area of economy development,” Owharo said.

    On the area of Mining, he said that a lot of small scales Miners in Africa did not have capital to involve in active mining.

    According to him, lack of capital usually push them into illegal mining that lead to collapse of mining site and death of Miners

    He stressed that mining was a good venture but they needed training, capacity building and initial seed funding.

    “There is need to open a portal or data base for them.

    “That is one of the things that we are doing, especially with SMEs that are into commodity.

    “We want to help them package and showcase their commodity to the international community which will increase their revenue.

    “We also want to help them source for funding from funding agencies across the world,” he said.

    Owharo further explained that the group also had partners in health infrastructure that would want to donate medical equipment to institutions that could deliver quality health care services to their community.

    He also said that the group was in collaboration with Ministries of Trade and Investment, Foreign Affairs, Environment and SGF, Climate Change Council and many others.

    Owharo added that the group would expand and solidify its relationships with both international and local partners.

    Meanwhile, Prof. Chris Schrage from the University of Northern Iowa, said that Africa needed to address the issue of mismanagement.

    Schrage, who said that some African countries have unique transportation and educational system, added that climate change campaign should start from the schools.

    She said that this was necessary to enable the young one get educated on dangers of climate change and how to address it.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that during the Summit, Dr Brima Deen and other experts on Infrastructure, climate change and business investments from Washington DC and Abuja in Nigeria made impactful presentations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    CMY/AMM

    =========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Gov. Otu appoints new traditional rulers council chairman

    Appointment

    By Christian Njoku

    Calabar, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River has approved the appointment of His Royal Majesty, Ovai Solomon Edward,  the Paramount Ruler of Abi Local Government Area, as the Chairman of the State Council of Chiefs.

    Otu approved the appointment in a statement by Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Secretary to the Government of Cross River, on Friday.

    It would be recalled that Otu had on June 14, approved the immediate dissolution of the state’s Council of Chiefs, whose tenure elapsed many years ago.

    This was after the State House of Assembly passed a resolution for a change of the leadership of the State Council of Chiefs, who had overstayed their term in office.

    The governor said the dissolution was in line with the power vested on him by Section 3 of the Council of Chiefs Law of Cross River, 2004.

    According to him, the appointment of the new chairman is for a period of two years, effective from June 21.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the position of the chairman of the council of chiefs was rotational among the three senatorial districts of the state.

    The newly appointed chairman is from the Central Senatorial District, and after two years, it would go to the Northern Senatorial District before returning to the Southern Senatorial District. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CBN/FON/JNC
    =============
    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Delta reiterates demolition exercise is not witch-hunt

     

    Delta Taskforce on Recovery of Government Lands on Friday demolishing buildings illegally erected on State Government land at Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai, Asaba

     

    Delta Taskforce on Recovery of Government Lands on Friday demolishing buildings illegally erected on State Government land at Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai, Asaba

     

     

     

    Demolition

     

    By Ifeanyi Olannye

     

    Asaba, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Delta Government has reiterated that its land recovery mission was not to witch-hunt anyone but to do the right thing by putting the record straight.

     

    The Chairman of the Delta Taskforce on Recovery of Government Lands, Chief Frank Omare, said this during Friday’s demolition exercise of illegal buildings at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta had given a matching order to a constituted task force to recover illegally acquired government lands across the state.

     

    Deploying three “Swamp Buggies” bulldozers to the site, Omare said the one-month-old land recovery exercise would be done in all 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

     

    According to Omare, the lands were gazetted many years ago by the government, but land grabbers stepped in and sold them to unsuspecting individuals without approved documents.

     

    He, however, challenged aggrieved victims to come up with valid titled documents on the lands acquired.

     

    He said the government would not pay compensations for illegally erected buildings, adding that its actions in Asaba would serve to warn other illegal occupiers across the state.

     

    He said the people were adequately sensitised and warned ahead of the demolition exercise but remained adamant until they saw the bulldozers approaching them.

     

    Omare said, “This demolition exercise is a continuation of the task force assignment in the state.

     

    “We are still in Asaba axis; we are coming to Ibusa, Agbor, Kwale, Warri, indeed across the 25 LGAs of the state.

     

    “It is a process and our governor is determined to recover all the lands to the government.

     

    “How can we pay compensation; the victims ought to pay for the equipment the government is hiring for the demolition.

     

    “We are looking for the land grabbers who sold the lands and misinformed the less privileged, putting the people in this present suffering.”

     

    Omare said the land had been gazetted since the administration of Capt. Ibrahim Kefa and upheld by subsequent administrations of Chief James Ibori, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa and now, Oborevwori.

     

    “Government cannot fold its hand; it is not about Gov. Oborevwori or to witch-hunt anybody; it is about government policies,” he said.

     

    He advised the people to obtain reasonable information from appropriate government agencies, adding that they should promptly remove their valuables if their acquired or rented property was on government land.

     

    Omare dismissed claims by some of the affected landlords that the government had assured them regularisation of the land titles after they were served quit notices.

     

    NAN reports that over 30 buildings including warehouses were demolished at Camp 74, the landed area mapped out and gazetted for Dennis Osadebay University.

     

    Speaking to NAN, some victims said the government should have given enough notice to enable them to relocate and evacuate their wares.

     

    Others said although they were served quit notices, they had a meeting with the government and were assured their landed properties would be regularised by giving them ownership titles.

     

    The impacted residents of the area were seen lamenting and making concerted efforts to salvage some of their belongings. (NAN) (www.nannews.com.ng).

     

    IO/MAS

     

    Edited by Moses Solanke

    ===========

  • Obi, others, bid farewell to late Nollywood actor, Amaechi Muonagor

     

    Farewell

    By Monday Ajogun

    Obosi (Anambra), June 21, 2024 (NAN) Mr Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, the State Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Entertainment, Mr Dom Onyenji, among others were present to mourn the late Nollywood icon, Mr Amaechi Monagu.

    Muonagor was on Friday buried in his Obosi country home in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state, amid tears from family members, relatives and the Nollywood family.

    Obi, while delivering his condolence speech, lamented the death of the icon and urged the bereaved family to take heart and prayed God for repose of his soul.

    On his part, the State Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Entertainment, Onyenji, described Nollywood as an industry for those who were creative.

    He noted that the industry had lost a creative personality in the late Amechi Muonagor.

    Onyenji maintained that the government of Anambra was on ground to mourn with Nollywood as the legend played his roles well while alive and mentored stars in the industry.

    In his remarks, the National President, Actors Guild of Nigeria, Mr Emeka Ejezie, urged the bereaved family to take heart as the deceased was a great man.

    Ejezie, who was represented by a veteran actor, Mr Steve Eboh, prayed that God in His infinite mercy will give them the heart with which to bear the loss.

    In her speech, the state chairman of AGN, Mrs Chinyere Anyaegbunam, said that they lost somebody who was very precious to all, emphasizung that the late icon was somebody people looked up to as a father figure in the industry.

    Anyaegbunam said that late Muonagor mentored so many of them in the movie industry. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AJOM/

     

  • Oyo creating enabling environment for journalists – Gov. Makinde

    Oyo creating enabling environment for journalists – Gov. Makinde

     

    Journalism

     

    By Olatunde Ajayi

     

    Ibadan, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for journalists to operate without fear or hindrance.

    The governor stated this at the opening of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Friday, in Ibadan.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation,  Mr Dotun Oyelade, the governor promised that his administration would continue to support and partner with the NUJ to ensure that journalism thrives in the state and Nigeria at large.

    “As a government, we recognise the critical role the media plays in our democracy and we are committed to creating an enabling environment for journalists to operate without fear or hindrance.

    “Our administration has been working tirelessly to improve the welfare and safety of our citizens and we believe that a free and independent press is essential to achieving this goal.

    “In the area of journalists’ welfare, we have provided financial support to the NUJ during national and state functions, including donation of a brand new bus among others,” he said.

     

    Earlier in his remarks, the NUJ Chairman in Oyo state, Mr Demola Babalola, said that journalists must acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead in journalism profession.

    According to him, the rise of fake news, the erosion of press freedom and the threat to the profession from vested interests that seek to undermine its credibility and objectivity are all issues that must be confronted head-on.

    “We must adapt and evolve, embracing new technologies and platforms, while simultaneously upholding the timeless values of our profession.

    “In this era of rapid digital transformation, it is imperative that we equip ourselves with the necessary skills to navigate the complex landscape of modern journalism.

    “We must embrace innovation, diversity, and the power of storytelling to shape narratives and change lives.

    “It is through these efforts that we will secure the sustainability and relevance of our profession for generations to come,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NUJ quarterly NEC meeting being held in the state will end on Saturday.

    The NUJ President, Chris Isiguzor; the NUJ Vice-president Zone B, Ronke Samo; and Abdulrasaq Alege, NUJ Zone B Secretary; are among participants at the meeting.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    TUN/EBI/SOA

    Edited by Benson Iziama/Oluwole Sogunle

  • Oborevwori lauds traditional institutions for development of Delta

     Onyeme (left) with the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri kingdom, Kingsley Orereh, Igbi 11 at the installation …on Friday in Warri, Delta

    Oborevwori lauds traditional institutions for development of Delta

    Partnership
    By Edeki Igafe
    Warri(Delta), June 21, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta says his administration will continue to nurture the existing partnership with the traditional institutions for the development of the state.
    Oborevwori gave the assurance on Friday in Warri during the presentation of Staff of Office to the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom, Kingsley Orereh, Igbi 11.
    The governor was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme.
    According to Oborevwori,  his administration holds traditional rulers in high esteem due to the important role they play in governance, particularly at the grassroots.
    “We are here to witness and be part of the joy of the good people of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom for the presentation of Staff of Office to the royal father, Kingsley Orereh, Igbi 11, the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri kingdom.
    “My administration enjoys robust partnership with the traditional institution. We will continue to cultivate and nurture the existing partnership.
    “The event of today is the high point of activities lined up for the installation of the traditional ruler to the throne of his fore fathers.
    “I commend the people of Agbarha- Warri for the ability to organise themselves in a most harmonious manner, which has resulted to the palpable joy we are all witnessing today.
    “I sincerely hope that the love, understanding, unity and sense of purpose manifesting among you today, will become a permanent feature of all the activities of the people of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom,” he said.
    Oborevwori, while tasking the king to be proactive on issues bothering on security, urged him to uphold all the cherished cultural norms and values of his people.
    He urged the king to be fair to his subjects through regular consultations and prudent handling of matters that affect the people and the kingdom.
    The governor expressed hope that the ascension of the traditional ruler into the throne of his forebears would make significant impact on the peace and harmonious co-existence in Agbarha-Warri kingdom.
    “The people of Agbarha-Warri kingdom have a long history of good neighbourliness, peace and love both among themselves and other inhabitants.
    “Government, therefore, has every good reason to look forward to an enduring atmosphere of calmness and a sustainable development in this kingdom,” he
    said.
    Oborevwori urged the people of Agbarha-Warri to accord the king the needed privileges and respect the traditional institution.
    Earlier,  Chief Chris Orode, Chairman, Staff of Office Planning Committee, said that the Agbarha-Warri Kingdom was strategic in building bridges of peaceful coexistence with the traditional rulers of Okere-Urhobo and others
    Orode promised that the people of Agbarha-Warri kingdom would support the Oborevwori-led administration for peace in the kingdom. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    EDI/OJI/JI
    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Joe Idika

     

  • Man, 25, bags 1 year in prison for stealing N1000 food items

    Man, 25, bags 1 year in prison for stealing N1000 food items

    Stealing
    By Joy Akinsanya
    Abeokuta, June 21, 2024 (NAN) An Abeokuta Magistrates’ court in Isabo, on Friday, sentenced one Kazeem Salami, 25, to one year imprisonment for stealing food items worth N1000.

    The Magistrate Mrs V.B. Williams said that the prosecution had proved it’s case beyond reasonable doubt, adding that the convict was guilty as charged.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the convict had at his arraignment pleaded not guilty.

    Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp. Lawrence Olu-Balogun, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on March 5.

    He said that the offence was committed at 3:00a.m., at Duroja Street in Ake village via Laderin in Abeokuta.

    The prosecutor explained that the convict was noticed by residents of the community loitering around the community, which caused some  suspicion.

    He said that when the convict was accosted and interrogated, by security officers in the community, he could not give a satisfactory account of where he was going to in the community

    According to him, the convict could also not give account of where he got the yam flour, palm oil and other food items in his possession, all worth N1000.

    The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun 2006.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    IOJ/AOS

    =========

    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

  • NGO donates relief materials, cash to 2,010 displaced households in Plateau

    Donation
    By Polycarp Auta
    Mangu (Plateau), June 21, 2024 (NAN) An NGO, Plan International, has donated relief materials and cash to 2,010 displaced households in communities in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau.
    Presenting the items to the beneficiaries on Friday in Mangu, Mr. Hanoch Hebron, the Gender Advisor of the organisation said that the gesture was in collaboration with Action Aid, Christian Aid and supported by Start Network.
    “Today we are here to support the people that were affected by the series of conflicts by providing non food items to cushion the effect of their current hardship.
    “The gesture is intended to support these households to restore their dignity and basic needs to enable them to go about their normal lives in spite of what has happened to them.
    “In all, we are supporting 2,010 households; we have beneficiaries in Tielangpat, Mangun, Chikam and other two locations that form part of Mangu and Bokkos.
    “Here in Mangun, we have a total of 282 households beneficiaries while there are 700 beneficiaries in other locations.
    “We also presented N60,000 cash to each of the beneficiaries to enable them to start petty businesses to become economically independent,”he said
    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Happy Dauda, expressed delight over the gesture saying it would go a long way to ameliorate their plight.
    She promised that the beneficiaries would put the items to good use.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the items donated include mattresses, mosquito nets, torchlights and blankets.
    Other items donated were bathing and washing soap, kitchen accessories – knifes, plate, spoons among others.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AZA/IU
    =========
    Edited by Isaac Ukpoju