Enugu, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The price of cassava flakes, popularly known as garri and rice have recorded more than 50 per cent increase in Enugu metropolis, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
The NAN Correspondent, who conducted a market survey on Thursday in Enugu, observed that prices of foodstuffs such as garri and rice have increased by 50 per cent in the metropolis.
The survey showed that a cup of garri, which sold for ₦150 in April, now goes for ₦250 while a five litre paint bucket is sold for between ₦4,000 and N4, 300
Similarly, the current price of a bag of garri is sold for ₦45,000 as against N₦30,000 in April.
At the Garki Market, Enugu, the price of a 50-kg bag of foreign rice rose from between ₦70,000 and ₦75,000 to between ₦95,000 and ₦100,000, depending on the brand.
NAN reports that a 50kg bag of local rice is sold for between ₦80,000 to ₦85,000 depending on the brand.
Mrs Gladis Ugwu, a garri seller at the New Market, said that the only way to reduce the high cost of garri would be by securing farmlands and stopping exportation of the produce to other countries.
Ugwu said exportation of the commodity had affected the availability of the produce in the country.
Mr Arinze Ozor, a rice seller at Ogbere Main Market, said that the high cost of rice in the country would persist if the government failed to act urgently to address food insecurity.
Ozor said that the traffic of buyers of foodstuffs in his shop had reduced since prices of every item increased.
A buyer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, attributed the high cost of living in the country to subsidy removal from petroleum products. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Ado-Ekiti, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Two men, Akinboyewa Akinola, 24, and Ogunfalu Clement, 23, on Thursday appeared before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged stealing.
The defendants, of unknown addresses, are facing a charge of stealing.
The police prosecutor, Insp Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendants committed the offence on June 13 at about 01:00 a.m. in Oye-Ekiti.
He alleged that the defendants stole one Elepac generator set valued at N1.6 million belonging to one Ademola George.
Oriyomi said the offence contravened Section 302(1) (a) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
He urged the court to adjourn the case to enable him study the file and assemble his witnesses.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them.
Counsel to the defendants, Mrs Adunni Olanipekun, urged the court to grant the defendants bail, with a promise that they would not jump bail.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Olarewaju Owoleso, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
He adjourned the case till Aug.20 for hearing.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Kaduna, Jun.20, 2024(NAN) Brig.-Gen. Yushau Ahmed, the Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has urged stakeholders, specifically, staff of the scheme to treat corps members with caution and respect.
Ahmed made the call in Kaduna on Thursday at the opening of the 2024 Batch ‘B’ pre-orientation workshop for NYSC critical stakeholders drawn from the 36 states and Abuja.
The D-G said that it was important for every staff of the scheme to control their emotions while dealing with the youths.
Ahmed who spoke on the theme: “Emotional Intelligence: An Indispensable Tool for Successful Orientation Programmes” insisted that the current crop of young Nigerian graduates should be handled with care.
The D-G said that emotional intelligence as a concept in psychology remained germane to the scheme’s mandate to take charge of young graduates.
He said that the pre-orientation workshop was aimed at bringing stakeholders to the realisation that caution and respect were critical to their duties in dealing with corps members.
“We need to exercise restraints in the way we treat corps members. We must always control our emotions because the youths of today must be treated with caution,” he said.
Ahmed urged the stakeholders to give priority attention to the welfare of corps members during and after orientation courses.
“We need to give them the necessary attention, they are the reason for the service scheme. I urge you to be very patient with them all the time,” he said.
Earlier, Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, reiterated the importance of the NYSC scheme to national integration since its establishment 51 years ago.
Represented by Hajiya Rabi Salisu, the Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Sani said that the scheme had enhanced the spirit of patriotism and hard work in Nigerian youths.
He commended the scheme’s management for showing rare interest in the welfare of corps members through workshops and other stakeholder engagements.
“These engagements have enabled you to examine and strategise on how your operations will continue to meet up with challenges
“The engagements also serve as avenues for evaluating the performance of the scheme in achieving its objectives.
“l use this forum to reaffirm the commitment of the Kaduna State Government towards supporting the activities of NYSC in our dear state and beyond,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Founder of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr Boniface Aniebonam, says the party is not behind the unfounded allegation accusing the Federal Government of creating crisis in Kano State.
Aniebonam stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday.
Kwankwaso was reacting to the ongoing Emirate Tussle in Kano state, alleging further that Federal security agencies, with constitutionally assigned responsibility for ensuring peace, law and order, had been backing the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.
NAN reports that Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, NNPP’s 2023 presidential candidate had on Monday, accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government of attempting to create a new breed of Boko Haram terrorists in Kano state.
Aniebonam told NÀN that the NNPP’s stand on the Emirate Tussle had been that it was not a political matter but an internal cultural matter concerning the people of Kano state.
According to him, such weighty and unfounded allegation against the Federal Government is condemnable as it is capable of triggering crisis in the state.
“Kwankwaso has long been expelled from NNPP and so, his allegations are personal and not the stand of our party.
“We firmly believe that the Federal Government can wade into the matter if it may lead to loss of lives and property of citizens living in Kano state.
“But making such allegation without proof is in our estimation, tantamount to incitement and we totally disagree with that.
“As a political party that is peace loving, we refuse to be dragged into the Emirate Tussle crisis despite being the ruling party in Kano state.
“We also will not be dragged into unsubstantiated allegations against the Federal Government,” Aniebonam said.
While praying for peaceful and fast resolutions to the crisis, Aniebonam urged Gov. Abba Yusuf to tread with caution so as to continue to preserve the peace and respect accorded the state.
He also sued for calm among members of the NNPP in the state, its supporter and people of Kano state. (NAN)
Board
By Bolanle Lawal
Ado-Ekiti, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, on Thursday, received the report of the committee set up to recommend names for appointment into various boards, parastatals and commissions in the state.
The governor said the appointment committee was aimed at ensuring a merit-based, transparent and inclusive appointment system that would allow for party supremacy.
Oyebanji explained that the setting up of the committee was in fulfillment of his campaign promise to return the party to the leaders.
He said that the committee’s recommendations were rooted in the best practice to foster greater public service trust in government and enhance effectiveness and transparency of board appointments across the state.
While expressing appreciation to the committee members for their diligence in ensuring that the most qualified individuals were appointed to serve, Oyebanji assured that his administration would promptly implement the recommendations.
“Let me start on the note of appreciation for our leaders for the tedious job.
“It is a very tough assignment and I must thank you for accepting to serve our people and to also reiterate my belief in party supremacy.
“What has happened today is a confirmation of my belief in what I told party members when I was running that I would return the party to the leaders.
“I have strong belief that the names here came from our leaders from respective wards and local governments,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe, said that the committee consulted with relevant stakeholders across the 177 wards in the state to ensure fair representation and inclusive governance.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Awe stood in for the committee chairman and former Deputy Governor of the state, Prof Modupe Adelabu.
He said that the committee screened and recommended names of suitable candidates for appointment into boards and commissions, based on merit and competence.
The special adviser stated that it also reflected gender balance and people living with disabilities as well as religious and local peculiarities.
Other members of the committee present at the occasion included: Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr Adeoye Aribasoye; Chairman of Local Service Commission, Elder Alaba Bejide and the acting Chairman of APC in the state, Mr Sola Elesin. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
FFB/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
Mrs Abimbola Agbebiyi, the Tabitha-Abimbola Foundation handling pack of food to an indigent woman during the just-concluded Eid el-Kabir festival in Lagos.
Giving hope to Nigerians not for govt alone- NGO
Hope
By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Tabitha-Abimbola Foundation, says providing hope to indigent and disadvantaged Nigerians should not be a task for government alone.
The Founder, Mrs Abimbola Agbebiyi, said this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.
Agbebiyi noted that many citizens across various communities were in search of hope, which could be provided by well-meaning Nigerians ,both at home and abroad.
She said that her foundation was created out of the need to support those in need .
According to her, the foundation started out officially on June 25, 2023 ,and will commemorate its first anniversary on July 10.
She added that the NGO would be re-launched and an office unveiled on the the anniversary , with the theme: “Inspiring hope, Transforming lives”.
Agbebiyi said that the foundation had the vision to combat the scourge of poverty that had continued to limit the potential of women (widows, single mothers).owing to lack of access to resources.
She said that the re-launch and the unveiling of office in Ikeja ,Lagos, would give the foundation a platform to share its vision, introduce initiatives and provide opportunities for collaboration and engagements.
“Our desire is to bring these women out of devastating situations through our various economic empowerment initiatives.
“Our mission is to create a world where these persons ,regardless of their background or circumstances ,can have access to essential resources and support.
“We look for a world where women can make significant contributions in the home and in the society at large.
“Driven by this passion, we are not just committed to upholding the principles of charity and social justice in our work, but also strive to make these positive impacts by promoting education and healthcare access in underserved communities.
“One family at a time, until our impact is felt across Nigeria and beyond its shores,” Agbebiyi said.
The founder said that the foundation was dedicated to helping the poor with special focus on indigent women and less privileged children in the society.
She added: “With determination as our driving force, we embarked on a journey of transformation.
“As a steadfast advocate for change, we have partnered with corporate organisations and individuals to rewrite the story of the marginalised, nurturing a future built on sustainable development.”
Speaking further on the birth of the organisation , Agbebiyi said that the foundation started with project L.E.A.R.N- (A Street to School Initiative).
“What began as a passion to provide support for indigent women in local communities is slowly evolving into a multi-faceted empowerment and endowment initiative which has continued to expand.
“At inception, the foundation embarked on a mission to empower indigent women with the resources they need to reach their full potential.
“But it is taking a step further by delving into uplifting children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds by offering them not only free education, but also providing them with educational materials to aid learning.”she said
According to her, with reports of school age children roaming the streets increasing at an alarming rate , the foundation decided to join hands with government to bring down the scary number.
“We are full aware of the various factors responsible for this; from insecurity to poverty, ignorance, gender inequality, religious and cultural influences among others.
“Our goal is to give the needed educational support to out-of-school children and disadvantaged young people.
“Every child deserves education in a clean and safe environment. This is our unwavering commitment to their educational journey.
“In the last 12 months, The TABITHA-ABIMBOLA Foundation has written an inspiring story of impact. Spurred by the testimonies of transformation of lives and guided by our unwavering dedication to humanity.
“We have touched the lives of women and children, wiping away their tears and putting smiles on their faces,” she said.
Agbebiyi said that with “Project Feed” ,the foundation had fed many families through the distribution of food items with the recent one tagged “iléyá food pack”
She said that it was carried out in collaboration with the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-West), Miss Moremi Ojudu. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AYO/OJI/BHB
Drugs
By Oboh Linus
Lafia, June 20, 2024 (NAN) National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nasarawa State Command, says it seized 7,149 kilograms of drugs between July 2023 and June 2024.
Commander of NDLEA in the state, Peter Onche-Odaudu, disclosed this at a news briefing on Thursday in Lafia.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the briefing was part of week-long activities to mark the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Onche-Odaudu said that the arduous task of checking the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, in spite of the daunting challenges of logistics and paucity of funds, had resulted in the modest achievements.
He said that cannabis sativa accounted for 7,037.2 kg of the seizures; cocaine, 0.011 kg, methamphetamine, 0.185 kg, while sundry psychotropic substances accounted for 111.534 kg.
The commander said that United Nations had set aside June 26 of every year for the commemoration of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by member nations.
He stated that that the theme for this year’s Day: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”, was apt, as it emphasised the importance of prevention over cure in issues of drug abuse.
Onche-Odaudu said that a couple of activities had been lined up by his command to commemorate this year’s day.
These, he said, would include: an advocacy walk, starting from Lafia square and ending at Lafia Stadium, with the grand finale holding on June 26 at the Conference Room of the Federal Secretariat, Lafia.
The commander further stated that the command would take anti-drug sensitisation campaign to GSM Village, Lafia and Lafia Custodial Centre on Monday and Tuesday.
He thanked Gov. Abdullahi Sule for his support to the command toward the drug war in the state.
The commander also appreciated the support of journalists, sister security agencies and stakeholders in the war against drug abuse in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
OLO/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
Ado-Ekiti, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The police have on Thursday arraigned a 28-year-old man, Obaike Monday, for allegedly breaking into and stealing from a farm settlement.
Monday, whose address was not provided, is facing a three-count charge of forcible entry, malicious damage and stealing before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to the prosecutor, Insp Olasunkanmi Bamikole, the defendant allegedly committed the offences with three others still large in January at Bolorunduro Camp, Igbogun farm settlement.
Bamikole said the defendant and his accomplices forcibly entered the farm of the complainant, Dr Ogunmilade Johnson, and maliciously damaged some economic trees valued at N5 million.
He alleged that the defendant used the trees for charcoal business without the complainant’s consent.
The prosecutor said the defendant also allegedly stole tubers of cocoyam, water yam, and cassava from the farm.
According to him, the offences contravened Sections 65, 363 and 302 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
The prosecutor, however, asked the court for an adjournment to enable him to assemble his witnesses.
The Defence Counsel, Mr Sunday Balogun, urged the court to grant his client bail, promising he would not jump bail.
Subsequently, the Chief Magistrate, Mr Saka Afunso, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50 000 with two sureties in like sum.
Afunso said one of the sureties must be a blood relation of the defendant.
He adjourned the case until July 29 for mention. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Ado-Ekiti, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Three men– Gbenga Oladapo, Godwin Daniel and Dennis Martins, on Thursday, appeared before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court charged with tampering with a transformer.
The men, Oladapo, 33, Daniel, 20 and Martins, 25, whose addresses were not provided, are facing a charge of tampering with a transformer.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the court did not take the pleas of the defendants.
The Prosecutor, Insp Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendants committed the offence on June 12 at 1:00 a.m., in Ijero-Ekiti area of Ekiti.
Oriyomi said that the defendants were caught by passersby tampering with a transformer in Ijero-Ekiti community.
He said that the passersby raised alarm and members of the community apprehended the men and then handed them over to the police for questioning.
Oriyomi said that the offence contravened Section 9 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, CAP, 2024.
The prosecutor urged the court to remand the defendants pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
However, the Defence Counsel, Mr Busuyi Ayorinde, urged the court to grant his clients bail on liberal terms, promising that they would not jump bail.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Olarewaju Owoleso, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N500,000 each with two sureties in like sum.
Owoleso said one of the sureties must be a property owner or a civil servant not below grade level 14 in the employ of Ekiti State Government.
He adjourned the case until July 29 for mention.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Another cargo ship seized on suspicion of violating UN sanctions on N/Korea
File photo shows a cargo ship, DEYI, on March 30, 2024, in waters off Yeosu committing alleged activities in violation of UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea. (Yonhap).
Seizure
Busan (South Korea), June 20, 2024 (Yonhap/NAN) South Korea seized a 2,900-ton cargo ship near the Korea Strait on Thursday on suspicion of violating UN Security Council (UNSC) sanctions against North Korea, sources said.
The foreign-flagged freighter, reportedly carrying coal and iron ore with 10 crewmembers, was en route from Russia to China, presumably via North Korea, when it was seized.
The vessel is now anchored at an anchorage in Busan on the country’s southeastern coast.
“With the vessel’s suspected violation of the UNSC sanctions, relevant government agencies are taking necessary steps in line with the international and domestic laws,” the foreign ministry said in response to a Yonhap query about the ship, without providing further details.
In late March, another 3,000-ton cargo ship, DEYI, which was heading to Vladivostok, Russia, was seized in waters off Yeosu, along the southern coast, under similar suspicions.
The ship is also currently anchored at the anchorage at Busan Port, with the captain and other crew onboard. (Yonhap/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
