Category: General News

VON partners DEPOWA, urges citizens to respect Armed Forces

Partnership

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malam Jibrin Baba-Ndace, has said that VON would partner with Defence and Police Officers’ Wife Association (DEPOWA) to project its positive and humanitarian activities to the world.

The VON boss stated this during a courtesy visit to the National President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa, on Thursday in Abuja.

He said VON was established to tell and shape the narrative of Nigeria, Nigerians, Africa and Africans, including the Nigerian Armed Forces and DEPOWA.

“We do these by broadcasting in eight languages such as English, French, Arabic, Swahili, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Fulfulde.

“We are also talking with Chinese Embassy to start broadcast in Madarin and other foreign languages.

“As D-G, working with my team, we have decided that we will be intentional and unapologetic in narrating the Nigerian stories, including the positive work that DEPOWA is doing for the youths and women in the barracks.

“I also want to commend you for all the works you are doing for widows in the country. You have a willing partner in VON, to partner and cover all your activities.

“President Bola Tinubu is committed to ensuring that the armed forces are given the best motivation and logistics to deliver on their mandate.’’

While commending the troops fighting for the safety of the country, he noted that some officers have not seen their families for over five months.

According to him, some even paid the supreme price.

“Only God will bless them.

“I also want to call on Nigerians to appreciate and respect our armed forces. Let’s respect our combatants’ armed forces who put their lives on the line,” Baba-Ndace said.

He stressed that even in death, armed forces should be respected by Nigerians.

The VON boss condemned the attitude of some Nigerians who spread fake news, misinformation and disinformation about the armed forces on the social media.

He called on citizens to respect and appreciate the armed forces paying the supreme price in the line of duty for the safety of the country.

Responding, the DEPOWA National President, appreciated Baba-Ndace for the support and partnership offered to DEPOWA by VON.

“We have skill acquisition and leadership programmes for the less privileged and other members of the society and barrack community.

“We will also be having more programmes in the coming weeks.

“Our husbands are doing a lot, but people go to the social media and spread fake comments and information that are discouraging.

“But we thank God that VON is also fighting fake news,” Musa said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Baba-Ndace and his team were taken on a tour of facilities and programmes DEPOWA is currently coordinating for the youths and women. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

CMY/MAM/AMM

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Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Abiemwense Moru

NEMA, LASEMA, hold workshop on flood free Lagos

Flood

By Fabian Ekeruche

Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency ( LASEMA), held a stakeholders engagement to fashion ways of curbing the threats of flooding in Lagos .

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop which held on Thursday at Ikeja saw the gathering of various stakeholders involved in emergency management in the state.

Speaking at the event, Director-General (D-G) of NEMA, Hajia Zubaida Umar, said that the devastating impact of flood over the years especially that of 2012 and 2022 had served as a wakeup call to all tiers of government to collaborate with NEMA, to manage disaster risks and associated hazards.

Represented by Mrs Ibitayo Adenike, Head of Operations, NEMA, Lagos Territorial Office, Umar said that in the recent past, lives had been lost, means of livelihood and infrastructure amounting to billions of Naira had been destroyed, due to unmitigated incidences of flood.

The D-G said that the rainfall and flood advisories contained in the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) and Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) respectively, have provided us with valuable early warning alerts.

“Consequently, we are expected to take actions that will drastically reduce the adverse impact of flood on the entire landscape and the Nigerian population, especially for the most vulnerable persons living in communities identified to be at risk of flooding.

“NIHSA has specifically stated in the 2024 AFO that 31 states with 148 LGAs have been predicted to be within the high flood risk areas, while 35 states including FCT with 249 LGAs are considered to fall within the moderate flood risk areas.

“The remaining 377 LGAs are forecasted for the low flood risk areas. These flood risk areas are presented with their degree of vulnerability to serve as a tool for governments at all levels to develop risk reduction measures to avert disaster losses during this rainy season.

” Similarly, sectors of agriculture and food security, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), education, health, transportation, protection and security amongst others are to set up mechanisms for disaster preparedness and risk reduction based on the early action strategies,” Umar said.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke- Osanyintolu, said that flooding had become a major unavoidable disaster in Lagos State in recent times.

Oke-Osanyintolu said that flooding had posed serious threats and damage to the livelihood and sustainability of most of the important settlements and communities in the state.

He explained that with the Year 2024 rainfall prediction by NIMET, it had become imperative to brainstorm on new ways to tackle flood and source practical technologies in flood prevention, which the State Government could embrace.

The permanent secretary said that LASEMA had conducted Vulnerability and Risk Assessment of flood in every part of the state, using integrated approach of Remote Sensing Data and Geographic Information System, for evaluation and mapping in its efforts to mitigate the impact of flood disaster in Year 2024.

“This assessment is fundamental to mitigating flood by enabling the agency provide early warning, efficient and prompt planning, facilitate quick response and rehabilitation of affected victims in the state.

” It is on this note, that LASEMA is meeting with relevant stakeholders’ such as NEMA, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Red Cross Society, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, Fire Service.

“Other stakeholders include the Office of Drainage, LASAMBUS, LASTMA, FRSC, RRS, Nigeria Army, Lagos State Neighbourhood Security Corps (LSNSC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ministry of Local Community Affairs, LABSCA.

“The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, LGSs/LCDAs, NGOs ann other stakeholders will also be involved, to develop a Work Plan, which will reduce the effect of flood on lives and properties in Lagos State,” Oke- Osanyintolu said.

NAN reports that the following LGAs, which are under High and Moderate Flood Risk Areas include Badagry, Amuwo Odofin, Ikeja, Ojo, Ikorodu, Epe, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, Kosofe, Eti Osa, Apapa, Ibeju Lekki, Surulere, Shomolu, Ajeromi/Ifelodun, Agege, Mushin, Alimosho, Oshodi/Isolo and Ifako/Ijaye. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

FBO/IFY

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Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole

Journalists task Plateau youths on peaceful coexistence

Peace

By Patience Aliyu

Barkin-Ladi(Plateau), June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Plateau Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has sensitised youths in the state on peaceful coexistence.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, held on Thursday in Barkin-Ladi, had the theme ”Inter-ethnic and Inter-religious Dialogue: Toward Ensuring Food Security in Plateau”.

Speaking at the event, Mr Polycarp Auta, Chairman of the Chapel, said that the summit was organised in collaboration with the Operation Safe Heaven (OPSH), the Special Task Force maintaining peace in Plateau and environs.

Auta said that the event with participants drawn from Bokkos, Barkin-Ladi, Riyom, Mangu and Jos South Local Government Areas of the state, would complement government’s peace efforts.

He explained that the activity also aimed at addressing the looming food scarcity in the state and country in general, by ensuring a successful farming season.

”This summit is part of our modest contribution toward the peace efforts of the state government and the security agencies, particularly the Operation Safe Heaven.

”Beyond reporting security issues, we felt the need to bring young people of different tribes and religions, from troubled communities in Mangu, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Jos South, to fashion out best ways toward a peaceful society.

”As the farming season set in, and Plateau being an agriculture hub, it has become necessary to remind ourselves of the looming food insecurity in the country.

”The desire to develop a collective approach that will allow farmers cultivate enough food to feed the state and nation in general informs the choice of the theme for this summit,” he said.

The chairman called on residents of the state to support and cooperate with the security agencies deployed to their communities to protect them.

”We are strongly convinced that dialogue serves as a major tool for conflict resolution; it enables the people to air out their views, concerns, and suggest possible ways toward addressing any pressing matter.

”We hope that this event will elicit conversations and change our mindsets toward tackling the current security challenges confronting our dear state.

”We wish to use this opportunity to particularly call on Plateau citizens to support the officers and men of OPSH in their bid to stem out bad elements causing mayhem in our communities.

”For us, OPSH is headed by a professional, committed and an accomplished military officer with proven integrity; one who is committed to the actualisation of a peaceful Plateau, but requires the support and cooperation of the civil populace to achieve it.

”It is true that few bad eggs exist within the security circle, but we are appealing to residents of Plateau to look at the larger picture and maintain a cordial relationship with the security personnel deployed to protect their communities.”

Earlier, Rev. Fr. Stephen Akpe, the Guest Speaker at the event, attributed the looming food crisis in the state to persistent conflicts that had, the over years, hindered farmers from cultivating their farmlands.

Akpe, who holds a PhD in Conflict Resolution and Mediation, maintained that interfaith dialogue remains a major tool toward addressing the current security challenges in the state.

He, however, called on the residents of state, particularly the youths, to develop a collective approach that would breed lasting peace, tolerance and unity in the society.

In a keynote address, Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, the Commander of OPSH, said that the military had adopted a myriad of non-kinetic approaches toward stemming the tides of insecurity in the state.

Represented by Col. Usman Abdusalam, Abubakar said that OPSH had launched a series of aggressive operations against kidnappers, cattle rustlers, armed robbers, illegal gun manufacturers, among other criminal elements, within its areas of responsibility.

The commander, who doubles as the General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, described the summit as timely, adding that the organisers had keyed into the peace efforts of the government and OPSH.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

PAM/AZA

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Edited by Polycarp Auta

Gov. Dapo Abiodun in the middle with members of the Ogun House of Assembly 

Food Security: Abiodun allocates farmlands to Ogun lawmakers

Food
By Abiodun Lawal
Abeokuta, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has allocated farmlands to the 26 members of the state House of Assembly as part of efforts at ensuring food security in the state.

Abiodun presented letters of allocation on Thursday to the lawmakers in his office in Abeokuta to commemorate the first anniversary of the 10th Assembly.

The governor said that the gesture was to make them contribute towards making the state the food basket of the country.

“I recall that I had promised to allocate agricultural land to all the Ogun State legislators as part of our food security and agricultural resurgence initiative, which is in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

” I am glad to present to you the letters of allocation for the speaker and the 25 members of the House of Assembly.

” I hope that you would take advantage of this opportunity to ensure that you begin to grow what you eat and eat what you grow.

” This will be your way of ensuring the fulfilment of our desire to make Ogun state the food basket of the nation,” he said.

Abiodun lauded the assembly members for their commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance and the welfare of the citizens.

He observed that their dedication to legislative excellence had been instrumental in driving the progress and development of the state.

The governor emphasised that the lawmaker had in the last one year passed numerous bills and resolutions aimed at improving the lives of the people.

Abiodun noted that their tireless efforts, unwavering commitment and collaborative spirit with the executive had made the state one of the best in the country.

Earlier, the Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide, described the last one year as turbulent and filled with tension but maintained that the desire to give the people a purposeful representation saw them through the turbulence period.

Elemide lauded the governor for embarking on the complete renovation and restoration of the assembly complex.

The speaker assured the governor of the assembly’s cooperation in making laws that would fast track the socio-economic development of the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

LKA/IKU
Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

Empowerment
By Kazeem Akande
Lagos, June 20, 2024(NAN) Dr Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA), and Dr Wale Ahmed (APC- Lagos) have offered N30 million to 135 youths in Agege area of Lagos State for start-up business.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the youths are graduands of a free empowerment and skills acquisition programme organised by Ahmed, representing Agege Federal Constituency.

Obasa, who gave N15 million to the graduands, advised them to make good use of the training and capital to start their businesses.

According to him, this is not just happening, it’s beyond empowerment, we must not allow anything to divide us in the community, not even poverty.

“I thank the honourable member, Ahmed, who organised this programme for the youths to ensure self reliance.

“You cannot depend on begging, just take advantage of this training to move a step forward in your life to achieve your goals.

“To grow in life is not about money but seriousness and hard work, don’t rely on begging because it will reduce you to nothing in the society.

“I used to sell Nylon bags while I was young at Agege market, at least to have my personal money rather than begging from people.

“You need to contribute your own positive quota to the society by eradicating the challenges of unemployment,” he said.

Ahmed, in his remarks, said the empowerment was facilitated to reduce the rate of unemployment in the society.

According to him, the training will go a long way to better the life of the youths and allow them to be self reliant.

“This programme is initiated to support the youths with different free training in various skills like hairdressing, catering, ICT, Event Planning and Decorations and others.

“We organised training for over 135 youths in the community with stipends for transportation during the four weeks programme.

“We only appeal to them to make proper use of the training and focus on how to move forward and contribute positively to,” he said.

Esther Fagbemi, one of the beneficiaries in her remarks, thanked the lawmakers for giving them the opportunity to learn the skills.

Fagbemi said the skill acquired would go a long way to advance her life and put food on her table.

“The N200,000 each we received from the speaker and Ahmed will go a long way in sustaining our businesses,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)
AKA/CHOM/IKU
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Tayo Ikujuni

Condolence

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

Ilorin, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Director General,  Michael Imoudu National Institute of Labour Studies (MINILS),  Mr Issa Aremu, has commiserated with Dr Bukola Saraki, a former president of the senate, on the death of his mother.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Chief Florence Saraki died on Tuesday, June 18, at the age of 89.

“On behalf of the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, the Management and Staff of MINILS, I hereby convey our deepest condolence to you on the demise of your beloved mother,” Aremu said in a letter made available to newsmen on Thursday in Ilorin.

The D-G also commiserated with the extended Saraki family and the Ilorin community on the loss of the cherished matriarch.

He described the deceased as a pillar of strength and a beacon of love within her community.

“We are consoled that her positive legacy will be remembered with respect and admiration.

“May Almighty God grant her soul repose and give the family fortitude to bear the loss,” Aremu said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FATY/CHOM/AOS

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Bayo Sekoni

Tree
By Henry Oladele
Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The former Minister of Solid Minerals,  Dr Oby Ezekwesili, has called on  Nigerians, especially the younger generation, to preserve nature by planting trees.
Ezekwesili said this a tree-planting programme organised by Climate Action Africa (CAA) in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), on Thursday, in Lagos.
“When people hear about climate change, they believe it is a distant word which does not have any effect on Nigerians.
“When people hear the word ‘climate change’, they think it is a distant word that doesn’t affect us at all but it is already affecting us.
“It is affecting our farmers, as our agriculture production and productivity are low. It is affecting us in terms of wildlife and some of the insecurity that you see because people are dislocated in a way that disrupts their lives.
“The challenges of climate change are here with us, the flooding and desertification, these are all the things that are happening.
“Now, God has given us the power to do things differently and to counteract some of these things that are affecting us and robbing us of our resilience, productivity and living standard,” she said.
She commended the CAA and the NCF for the initiative aimed at tackling climate change challenges.
“They have a programme to get one billion trees planted across the country. The  CAA has an agenda to plant one billion trees in 20 years.

“It is the best demonstration of Africa setting the agenda and not allowing just outsiders to talk about it.

“Africa must do what it must do in order to ensure the resilience of its own continent,” she said.
She, however, called on the media to educate the populace on the need to care about nature.
“Chopping off trees because you want to build a house is a wrong approach.
“Don’t think of your own immediate satisfaction when you are making a decision, you have to think of the long-lasting impact that decision you are making in the matter of nature is preservation.
“You have to nurture nature. it’s been given to us, spread the news, plant and preserve a tree,” she said.
She said that it was of great significance that two African organisations, the CAA through its forum is partnering with NCF to bring attention to the importance of the ecosystem.
“This is a great idea, ensuring that trees, wildlife and everything that has to do with climate resilience is brought to the public attention,” she said.
The Executive Director, CAA, Miss Oluchi Mbah, during her remarks, said the partnership with NCF was important to ensure where and what trees to plant.
“We have always wanted to contribute to conservation. It is not just planting trees but planting the right tree which is why we partnered with NCF,” Mbah said.
The Director-General, NCF, Dr Joseph Onoja, commended the CAA for the partnership, noting that he looked forward to a long-lasting partnership with the organisation.
Onoja represented by Mr Uchenna Achunine, Director of Business Development & Communications, said the NCF had been providing leadership to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
“We have worked with various government to help preserve our environment.
“We are planting some trees here while we will also plant like 100 trees in some schools soon.
“Since we started the project of tree planting in schools, we go to schools to teach them how to plant and take care of  trees. We also teach them about recycling and others,” he said.
The Project Manager, LCC, Mr Stephen Aina, while speaking with journalists, said the planting of trees was to exemplify the core message of conservation as entrenched in the story of creation.
“We have brought in trees of different species to plant here within LCC and that will be scaled up else where within Lagos metropolis, specifically Epe.
“Trees are essential to our living as humans and if the trees and the plants are no more that means automatically it means man himself will be no more because plants are the foundation for our existence,” he said. (NAN)
HOB/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Ogun assembly passes 24 motions, 7 bills in 1 year

Anniversary

By Abiodun Lawal

Abeokuta, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Mr Oludaisi Elemide (APC-Odeda) , the Speaker, Ogun Assembly, on Thursday said that the 10th assembly had passed 24 motions into resolutions and seven bills into law since its inception  on June 20, 2023.

Elemide disclosed this during a special plenary at the assembly complex in Abeokuta to commemorate its first year since inauguration.

The speaker explained that seven other bills were at various stages of legislative process.

He noted that each of the bills passed touched on the day-to-day running of government in the state, including the yearly appropriation bill.

Elemide said that various issues that required urgent public importance and immediate attention of government to enhance socio-economic and political development of the state were given immediate attention through House Resolutions.

” Today is not just an anniversary for merry making, rather it is a day to rejoice that the sanctity of the legislative arm in the State is being restored to deliver on its core duties and responsibilities,” he said.

The speaker appreciated Gov. Dapo Abiodun for his efforts in turning around the fortunes of the state for better.

He implored his colleagues to continue to work collectively for the overall success of the current administration in the state.

In their various remarks, the lawmakers commended the governor for non- interference in their legislative oversights.

The lawmakers equally extolled the leadership style of the speaker, which had helped in repositioning the assembly to record laudable achievements within a short time.

The special plenary had in attendance former speakers of the assembly including Muyiwa Oladipo, Titi Sodunke- Gomez, Tunji Egbetokun and Suraju Adekunbi .(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

LKA/SOA

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Extractivism

By EricJames Ochigbo

Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Some experts under the auspices of the Nigeria Socio Ecological Alternatives Convergence, have unveiled an alternative approach to extraction of mineral resources from the soil in a bid to salvage Nigeria’s deteriorating ecosystem.

The experts drawn from Civil Society Organisation (CSO) frontline community activists and academics unveiled the document, on Thursday in Abuja.

The Executive Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Mr Nnimmo Bassey, said that the convergence had been thinking, planning and acting to drive an alternative ecological blueprint for Nigeria.

He said that an alternative ecological approach that respected the right of mother earth, and protected the planet and its people was the sole aim.

“We will be presenting the Nigeria Socio Ecological Charter that highlight the key ecological challenges across the country and present a policy pathway that is both progressive and protective of the planet.

“The charter represents a powerful call for a fundamental transformation of Nigeria’s socio-ecological landscape.

“It outlines a vision and plan for creating a sustainable, fair, and balanced society that prioritises the well-being of individuals and the preservation of the natural world.

“The charter presents a clear roadmap towards achieving our collective vision for our ecological wellbeing, firmly grounded in the values of fairness, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability,” he said.

According to Bassey, Nigeria cannot continue to depend on extractive ideas of extractivism, believing that wealth has to be dug out of the earth crust to survive.

He said that the way mining and oil extraction had been done over the years had damaged Nigeria to a large extent.

“The national social ecological alternative is proposing that we have to start thinking and doing things in ways that are in harmony with nature, that makes it possible for every Nigerian to live at peace with the environment,” he said.

In his keynote address, Prof. Zacharys Gundu, an expert in African Archaeology, said that there was a need to think differently to reverse the challenges of Nigeria.

According to him, the thinking that brought us here is not the same thinking that will take us out of the situation.

He said that Nigeria must look inward to address the challenges facing the country, saying that sustainable solution wouled not come from outside.

On his part, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, said all Nigerians have a role to play to salvage Nigeria’s deteriorating ecosystem.

He urged all Nigerians to engage in tree-planting and farming as well to meet the high demand for food in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng

EOO/AMM

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru