WordPress

Category: General News

  • WAEC to gradually eliminate use of papers in examinations — Official

    WAEC to gradually eliminate use of papers in examinations — Official

     

    WAEC

    By Abiodun Lawal

    Abeokuta, June 20, 2024 (NAN) West African Examination Council (WAEC) in Nigeria says it would gradually eliminate the use of papers in the conduct of its examinations.

    Dr Amos Dangut, Head of National Office, disclosed this on Thursday after monitoring the conduct of the ongoing West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Abeokuta.

    The WAEC boss, who was in the company of the Permanent Secretary, Ogun Ministry of Education, Mrs Mariam Oloko, explained that WAEC was planning to deploy electronic devices to various recognised examination centres across the country for the future conduct of WASSCE.

    He said that the deployment of the devices would eliminate the current use of paper registration of candidates and detect all forms of malpractice in the centres.

    ” We are saying that in the future, we are going to give this provision where schools that have facilities to do computer-based testing will take the examination on the computer where those that are not ready will do the pen and paper.

    ” We will work in consultation with the Ministry of Education to have a timeline for this. When the time comes we shall roll it out,” he said.

    Dangut explained that the assessment was  satisfactory, noting that the schools and the students had prepared well for the examination.

    He, however, added that there was need for schools to have bigger laboratories that would cater for the students with sufficient equipment.

    According to him, over 1.8 million candidates are writing the examinations across the country.

    On her part, Oloko noted that the Gov. Dapo Abiodun-led administration had already commenced the process of online registration of pupils in both public and private schools in the state.

    The permanent secretary assured continuous upgrading of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and other facilities in public schools to prepare teachers and students.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the monitoring team visited Abeokuta Grammar School and Baptist Girls College, both in Idi-Aba.

    The team also visited Sacred Heart College, Oke Ilewo and Charis College, Oke Ata, both in Abeokuta.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    LKA/KTO/SOA

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

    Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Oluwole Sogunle

  • Protesters urge Gov. Sani to invite EFCC to arrest predecessor

    Protesters urge Gov. Sani to invite EFCC to arrest predecessor
    Protest
    By Hussaina Yakubu
    Kaduna June 2024(NAN) Protesters on Thursday stormed Kaduna Government House, asking Gov. Uba Sani to invite the officials of EFCC and other relevant security agencies to prosecute his predecessor, Nasil El-Rufai, over an alleged fraud of N423billion.
    The protesters, in their large numbers, conducted the peaceful protest under the auspices of  a group, ‘Kaduna Citizens Watch for Good Governance (KCWGG)’.
    They began trekking  from UTC  Bus stop that leads to the Government House, singing solidarity songs for Sani and displayed several placards with different inscription.
    They condemned  the alleged financial mismanagement, abuse of power and a growing debt burden incurred for eight years by the last  administration.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that sme of the inscriptions read, “We will occupy all MDAs to chase out all indicted persons in the report’.
    Others were: ‘Stop servicing all loans that did not follow due process before they were obtained. Jimi Lawal almost killed Kaduna State the way he killed a bank some years ago’.
    NAN further recalled that on March 30, 2024, Sani had revealed during a town hall meeting that the state was facing  a substantial debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities inherited from the previous administration.
    He lamented ,”This has led to over 70 per cent of the state’s allocation being used to service the inherited debts.”
    NAN also reports that, in response, the Kaduna State House of Assembly formed an ad-hoc committee to investigate the state’s financial transactions from May 29, 2015 to May 29, 2023.
    The committee, led by Henry  Magaji, submitted its findings on June 5, 2024, revealing significant unaccounted funds and alleged irregularities in financial transactions.
    The report highlighted the alleged mismanagement of funds, diversion of loans, over-payment of contractors, and lack of transparency in the usage of state funds.
    Addressing journalists shortly after arriving Government House, the Chairman of the protesting group,Victor Duniya said, “We, the Kaduna Citizens Watch for Good Governance , appreciate your presence as we express our grievances today.
    ”Our state has endured financial mismanagement, abuse of power, and a growing debt burden for the past eight years.”
    He further explained that the most troubling finding was the alleged diversion of N10.5billion meant for pastoral nomadism and the construction of the Milk Industry at Damau, Kubau LGA and that of Galaxy Mall, Kaduna
    Duniya added that the report uncovered over-payments to contractors, payments to unregistered companies, and funds disbursed for work not completed, amounting to over N36.3 billion.
    “The report also revealed large sums of money withdrawn from the state treasury without proper documentation of its usage.
    ”Furthermore, an expenditure of over N11 billion on a non-existent MRT transportation scheme was documented with no evidence to support it,” he said.
    He added that as concerned citizens, they condemn in the strongest terms possible, the alleged outright and merciless looting of the state.
    The group also commended Sani for holding on to the ideals of the democracy he worked for by not interfering in the activities of assembly as widely expected.
    Duniya added, “We commend  Sani for running an open government, where regular consultations are carried out with the various stakeholders, especially during town hall meetings.
    “We commend the Kaduna State House of Assembly for the thorough work done in unraveling the financial atrocities committed against our state, in spite of blackmails and threats from the beneficiaries of the alleged financial heist.”
    The group further called on Sani to implement relevant sections of the report that fell under his purview.
    “We call on him to officially forward the findings of the committee report to the  relevant anti-corruption agencies to enable them to swing into action and recover our resources at their disposal,” he said.
    The chairman of the group was later received by the Deputy Governor, Hajiya Hadiza Balarabe,  Secretary to the State Government, Abdulkadir Meyere, Deputy Chief of Staff, Umar Hassan-Waziri, Private Personal Secretary (PPS) and Prof. Bello Ayuba, among others.
    The government officials appreciated the group’s peaceful protest and assured them that their message would be forwarded to the governor who was unavoidably absent at the time the protesters arrived government house.(NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)
    HUM/BRM
    ==============
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • FAO, Adamawa Govt. distribute farm inputs to 187,250 farmers

    Farmers

    By Talatu Maiwada

    Jabbi-Lamba (Adamawa) June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Adamawa Government have begun the distribution of farm inputs to 187,250 farmers in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States

    Speaking at the event on Thursday at Jabbi-Lamba, Girei Local Government Area, Adamawa, Mr Dominique Kouacou, FAO’s Nigeria/ECOWAS Representative, said that the support followed the seeming escalation of food insecurity in the country.

    Represented by Mr Luck Manga, Head of Office, North-East, Kouacou, said that a large population of people in the North-East were at the risk of facing food insecurity.

    Kouacou said that the intervention, supported by the European Union, USAID, Swiss Development and Norway’s Foreign Affairs among other partners, was targeted at benefiting about 26,750 households.

    “In all, the intervention will benefit no fewer than 187,250 individuals across the the three states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe,” he said.

    The FAO representative, said that a total of 5,350 households and 37,450 individuals would benefit from the programme in Guyuk, Madagali, Michika and Girei areas of Adamawa.

    “They will receive essential inputs such as cereal seeds, legume seeds, vegetable seeds and NPK fertilisers.

    “This collaborative effort is geared towards restoring and strengthening food security in the state.

    “It is also aimed at supporting the communities to restart their individual means of  livelihood, improve food production and foster economic resilience,” he said.

    Earlier, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri, said that the collaboration was a significant milestone in the effort to transform agriculture in the state and the North-East region at large

    Represented by Prof. David Jatau, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Fintiri commended FAO for the support, describing it as timely and impactful.

    “Agriculture is not just a sector, it is a way of life. Your support has been instrumental in building resilience in our agriculture sector and ensuring food security.

    “From these initiatives, the farmers will receive high quality seeds, fertiliser and other inputs that will help to produce high yielding crops,” he said.

    The governor said that the state government was already providing training supports to farmers to improve their skills and competence.

    “Our intention is to develop sustainable agricultural practices that will ensure long-term food security for our people,” he said.

    Halilu Bello, a beneficiary, appreciated FAO and the state government for the initiative, saying that the inputs would help the farmers to eliminate hunger and rebuild their sources of livelihood.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations that is leading international efforts to eliminate hunger. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TIM/FON/AZU

    ==========

    Edited by Florence Onuegbu and Azubuike Okeh

  • Obasanjo mourns Ogunleye, Ogun traditional ruler

    Obasanjo mourns Ogunleye, Ogun traditional ruler
    Demise
    By Yetunde Fatungase
    Abeokuta, June 20, 2024 (NAN) A former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has described the death of Oba Olufemi Ogunleye Towulade I, as a great loss to the Owu chiefdom and Ogun, in general.
    Ogunleye, the traditional ruler of Akinale Town in Owu chiefdom of Ogun, died on Wednesday, June 19,  in the United Kingdom after a brief illness at the age of 79.

    Obasanjo, in a statement on Thursday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, said the death of the Oba was shocking, having informed him about his travelling some weeks back in high spirits.

    Meanwhile, the Owu Traditional Council formally announced the demise of the Oba on Thursday.
    Obasanjo, who is in South Africa for the second term inauguration ceremony of President Cyril Ramaphosa, said Nigeria, as a whole, would miss Ogunleye for his resourcefulness and promotion of the cultural heritage of his homestead. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    YAF/KTO/SOA
    ==================
    Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Oluwole Sogunle

  • Pernod Ricard, FABE promote glass recycling at beach clean-up

     

    Glass
    By Mercy Omoike
    Lagos, June 20,2024 (NAN) The Foundation For a Better Environment (FABE) in partnership with Pernod Ricard, on Thursday, embarked on a beach clean-up to promote glass recycling.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Baadun Beach clean-up at Okun Ajah area of the state was in commemoration of Pernod Ricard’s Responsib’ All day.
    The Responsib’ All Day launched in 2011 seeks to encourage the sharing of best practices and the implementation of concrete initiatives by gathering all Pernod Ricard employees for one day devoted to Corporate Social Responsibility.
    The objective of this day is to make every one of the 18.000 employees an ambassador of responsible consumption.
    The convener of the beach clean-up, Mrs Temitope Okunnu, founder and Chief Executive Officer FABE Foundation, applauded Pernod Ricard’s efforts in promoting sustainability awareness among Nigerians.
    “Today in partnership with Pernod Ricard Nigeria, we are celebrating the Responsib’All Day. We are proud of what Pernod Ricard is doing in promoting environmental sustainability.
    “To mark this event, we are here to clean-up Baadun Beach in Okun Ajah. We picking up all glass bottles, plastic, and aluminium cans on the beach.
    “We are creating awareness and sensitisation on climate action and how we can be part of those promoting sustainability globally.
    “We are excited people are getting more aware of sustainability and are willing to be part of the clean-up,” Okunnu said.
    She also restated the importance of glass recycling.
    “We can recycle our waste glass materials, all we just need are more collections points. Recycling should not be limited to plastics,” she said.
    On his part, Mr Michael Ehindero, the Managing Director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, said clean-up was part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility to the country.
    “The Responsb’All Day is a day we as a company celebrate one of the five pillars of our CSR and actualise it.
    “This is the 12th Responsib’ All Day event we are celebrating as a company. And this year’s event is all about the environment.
    “We are concerned about taking care of the environment the best way we can. Sustainability is a lifestyle for us at Pernod Ricard.
    “At our company events, we have stopped all single-use plastics such as pet bottles, straws and disposable spoons.
    “We want Nigerians to be more aware of the environment, if we have respect for ourselves and the environment, we will avoid littering the environment,” Ehindero said.
    Also speaking, Dr Femi Idowu-Adegoke, President Recyclers’ Association of Nigeria, urged Nigerians to play part in ensuring the attainment of a circular economy via glass recycling.
    “In Nigeria we are aiming to achieve the vision of transitioning from a linear economy to a circular economy by 2050.
    “Glass recycling is now getting attention alongside plastics. The value of recycled glass is on the increase and we are giving the collectors value for the glass bottles they drop.
    “A kilogramme of used glass bottles cost as much as N8 to N10. So, we have to start sorting our waste from source to get more value for it.
    “There is value in waste and we appreciate what Pernod Ricard is doing today. It is not waste until it is completely wasted.
    “As citizens, we must all take part in waste management and sustainability. We cannot leave everything to the government. We must be involved and take responsibility for sustainability,” Idowu-Adegoke said.
    Mr Joshua Ademuwagun, HR Pernod Ricard Nigeria, also restated the company’s commitment to promoting sustainability in the country.
    “The Responsib’ All Day is a global initiative across all Pernod Ricard offices globally. This particular edition on our sustainability pillar called Circular Making.
    “It focuses on the five Rs of which recycling and reusing are part of. The beach clean-up is our way of giving back to the society by shelving work and engaging in a clean-up exercise .
    “It is also our own way of adding our perspective to climate change matters plaguing the world globally,” Ademuwagun said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
    DMO/JNC
    ========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Navy hands over seized cannabis to NDLEA in Badagry

    Lt.-Cdr Bitus Zoaka, the Base Operations Officer, Forward Operating Base, of Nigerian Navy, Badagry, representing the Commanding Officer , Navy Captain Augustus Amakiri handing over seized suspected cannabis sativa to Mr Ogbogoh Emmanuel, the Assistant Commander Narcotics, Sème Spécial Command, NDLEA, on Thursday.

     

    Navy hands over seized cannabis to NDLEA in Badagry
    Navy
    By Raji Rasak
    Badagry (Lagos State), June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy, Badagry, Lagos State, on Thursday, handed over four sacks of cannabis sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in Badagry.
    Lt.-Cdr. Bitus Zoaka, the Base Operations Officer, FOB, representing the Commanding Officer FOB, Navy Captain Augustus Amakiri, said the patrol team of the Base intercepted the suspected hard drugs on May 31.
    According to him, at about 6.20.a.m, on Friday, May 31, the FOB personnel while on routine patrol along the the waterways got credible intelligence about the movement of suspected sacks of hard drugs.
    “They moved into action and intercepted the hard drugs at beachside, close to the Falcon Eye sensor at Daddi, Barrier Island, Iworo, Badagry.
    “The suspected drugs were believed to have been smuggled from Ghana into Nigeria and was breach-landed using wooden boat,” he said.
    Zoaka said the four sacks of the seized substances contained 65, 60, 51 and 43 pellets respectively.
    ‘The handing over exercise is in line with the Harmonised Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention and Prosecution (HSOP-AD&P) 2016.
    “Recall that since the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla assumed office, he stated that his mission was to maintain and equip a professionally competent naval force capable of defending Nigeria’s maritime area of interest in fulfillment of national security imperatives.
    “Similarly, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Mustapha Bala Hassan, on Nov 9, launched Operation Water Guard.
    “This operation is aimed at denying smugglers and other criminal element the freedom of action within Badagry General Area in order to ensure security and economic stability in the region while fulfilling the Navy’s constitutional roles.
    “Accordingly, these sustained efforts of FOB Badagry are all geared towards complying with the CNS Strategic Directive 2023-6 which is to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea for economic activities to thrive,” he said.
    Zoaka said this would be the second time such exercise was being conducted since assumption of office of the current administration of FOB Badagry in February 2024.
    Receiving the exhibit, Mr Ogbogoh Emmanuel, the Assistant Commander Narcotics, Sème Spécial Command of NDLEA,  promised that an investigation would commence on the seized items.
    He commended the Nigerian Navy for the seizures, assuring them that the perpetrators would not go unpunished. (NAN)
    ROR/SOA
    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • We must restore peace to Rivers, says PDP Nat. Vice Chairman

    Chief Kamorudeen Ajisafe, PDP’s South West Zonal Chairman and National Vice Chairman (South West)

    We must restore peace to Rivers, says PDP Nat. Vice Chairman

    Rivers

     

    By Adeyemi Adeleye

    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) A National Vice -Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Kamoru Ajisafe, has called on party stakeholders to do everything possible to resolve  the leadership crisis rocking the Rivers chapter.

    Ajisafe ,also South West Zonal Chairman of the party,made the call  in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

     

    He said the crisis was getting out of hand ,urging stakeholders to take urgent steps to bring about peace in line with the party’s constitution.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)reports that the state  has been engulfed in political crisis  since the early period of Governor Fubara in office, a fallout of the battle between him and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, for control of the political structures in the state.

    Wike, currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), still wields enormous political influence in the state, which  Fubara, backed by Wike  to win last year’s governorship election, appears poised to whittle down.

    Local government chairmen elected when Wike was governor , are still loyal to him. They had  vowed to stay in office at the expiration of their tenure,  saying the state House of Assembly had extended their tenure by six months.

     

    The crisis-ridden 31-member House of Assembly is divided, with an overwhelming majority of 27 of them who claimed to have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the ruling party in the state, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), backing  Wike.

    A policeman was killed on Tuesday as  some youths attempted to dislodge the Chairman of Omuma Local Government,a Wike loyalist, at Eberi-Omuma.

     

    Reacting to the development, Ajisafe said  political actors and stakeholders must act to end the crisis through strict adherence to the relevant provisions of the PDP’s  and Nigeria’s Constitution.

    “My response to this Rivers political crisis is that the players and stakeholders in the party should follow the dictates of the Nigerian Constitution and of our party.

    “If we can apply the grundnorms, it will resolve all these contentious issues. The actors and key players are already dancing in the arena.

    “”There must be peace in Rivers, we have no option.

    “This democracy, we should not forget that some people dissipated their energy and lives to bring it to us. We should not allow their sweats to go down the drain.

    “We should not underestimate anything. We should not abort this democracy that we have had in the last 25 years,” Ajisafe said.

    He alleged that  some people, who had traded away membership of the party,  were still inside troubling the peace within the party.

    “One thing that I cannot trade away is my membership of the party and I will always stand by what will benefit the party.

    “If there are options on the table, we should pick the one that will favour the party, PDP. Fubara is the governor on the platform of PDP and this is clear,” the said.

    Ajisafe  said towards ensuring lasting peace,the party must identify the  genuine members of the party in Rivers and those are  not.

    He described  the killing of a cop and vigilante in the clashes between pro-Wike loyalists and  youths loyal to Gov. Fubara on Tuesday at the expiration of the tenure of local government chairmen in the state as unfortunate.

    “When there are agitations, no matter how small, our prayer is that we should not have casualties,” he said.

    Ajisafe expressed optimism that Gov. Fubara, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, had moved to do the right thing for peace to reign.

    He said that the police must also step up their game to douse agitations and prevent any further ‘collateral damage’.

    On implication of the leadership crisis on the party, Ajisafe said that no one should take PDP for granted.

    “In politics, you win some and you lose some. You cannot approbate and reprobate at the  same time. You can’t be here and there,” he said(NAN) (www.nannewa.ng)

    AYO/BHB

     

    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

     

     

  • Nsukka residents groan as price of egg soars

  • Keyamo flags off Zamfara Airport project, pledges FG’s support

    Keyamo flags off Zamfara Airport project, pledges FG’s support

    Airport
    By Shuaib Sadiq
    Gusau, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, on Thursday flagged off the construction of Gusau International Airport in Zamfara.

    Speaking at the construction site in Gusau, Keyamo promised to support the state in the actualisation of the project within the 30 months completion period.

    He said that the project, being executed by the Zamfara government, would positively improve the economic development of the state through job creation for the youth.

    The minister described the international airport project as critical to the rejuvenation of economic development in the North West region.

    He applauded Gov Dauda Lawal for embarking on the project, as it was capable of driving the economy of the state.

    Keyamo said the federal government would consider lifting the non-flight zone declared by the Bello Matawalle administration in 2022 at height of insecurity in the state.

    Gov Dauda Lawal, on his part, said
    the state government would ensure the project was completed within the 30 months timeline.

    Lawal said that funds for the project had been set aside to ensure its timely completion.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project, to be executed by Triacta Nigeria Limited, is at the cost of N62 billion.

    The airport is to be fitted with state-of-the-art facilities including a 3.4-kilometre primary runway suitable for commercial aircraft.

    Others include a modern terminal building with passenger facilities, check-in counters, a waiting area, as well as Customs and Immigration services building.

    It will also have an aircraft control tower, maintenance hanger, fire fighting and rescue station, access roads, among others.(NAN)(www.nannews)
    SSA/SOA
    =========
    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • Corruption has no place in our government — Gov. Fintiri

    Corruption has no place in our government – Gov. Fintiri

    Corruption

    By Ibrahim Kado

    Yola, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has charged Chairmen and members of Boards and Commissions to avoid corrupt practices, warning that it had no place in his administration.

    Fintiri gave the charge at their swearing-in ceremony in Yola on Thursday.

    He said that transparency and accountability were not negotiable, while corruption would not be tolerated.

    The governor warned that those found guilty would be shown the way out.

    “You must fully understand our administration’s vision and goals.

    “I urge you to thoroughly digest our eight-point agenda and be guided by it.

    “We are determined to change the narrative of how things are done. We must embrace transparency, accountability and innovation to drive progress,” he said.

    He said their selection was carefully made based on their integrity, capacity, loyalty and pedigree.

    According to him, the work ahead is enormous and the task is clear, which required them to work hard.

    “We are the eyes of the people, and they look up to us for solutions.

    “Our administration is committed to addressing the economic challenges facing our people.

    “ I charge you to come up with innovative contributions to help alleviate these challenges,” he said.

    In his remarks, Mr Musa Kaibo, Chairman Civil Service Commission, who spoke on behalf of the board chairmen, appreciated the governor for finding them worthy to serve.

    He assured him that they would do everything possible to contribute to the development of the state.

    Among others inaugurated were chairmen and members of Local Government Pension board, Planning Commission, Health Services Management Board, Fiscal Responsibility Commission and Universal Basic Education.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng )

    IMK/EBI/SOA

    Edited by Benson Iziama/Oluwole Sogunle