Category: General News

Drug

By Bukola Adetoye

Abeokuta, June 20, 2024 ( NAN) The Useful Youth Vision Concepts (UYVC), an NGO, has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA), on its resilience towards rehabilitating illicit drug users in the country.

The Founder, Mrs Adetokunbo Shonibare-Ayantunji made the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abeokuta.

Shonibare-Ayantunji said that the estimated global rise in the use of illicit drug in the next six years should be a huge concern to everyone.

She quoted the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, as saying that illicit drug intake would witness about 40 per cent rise globally.

“The projections also indicated a significant rise in drug intake in Africa, and particularly in Nigeria, by 2030,” she said.

The UYVC founder, said that in spite of rise in drug intake, NDLEA had remained focused and committed to the campaign against drug abuse

She said that the agency had made remarkable impact in the rehabilitation of illicit drugs users, saying, “this involves counseling and treatment”

“Only recently the NLEA published that between January 2021 and March 2024, it counselled and treated no fewer than 32,402 drug users.

“The agency also secured about 9,034 convictions with no fewer than 12,000 other cases ongoing in different courts, this is a great feat.

“We should not leave these remarkable achievements to go without being marked out and appreciated. You have indeed shown true commitment to your duty” she said.

Shonibare-Ayantunji, said that there was need to address the root causes of the rise drug abuse and addiction in the interest of a saner and more productive society.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OBA/DE/AZU
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Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Azubuike Okeh

S/Korea slams N/Korea-Russia treaty, hints at potential arms supply to Ukraine

Condemnation

Seoul, June 20, 2024 (Yonhap/NAN) The South Korean government on Thursday said it would reconsider its stance on arms supply to Ukraine after North Korea and Russia signed a treaty to mutually provide immediate military assistance if one of them is attacked.

National Security Advisor Chang Ho-jin also condemned “the comprehensive strategic treaty” signed during the summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang on Wednesday.

“The government expresses grave concern and condemns the signing of the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between North Korea and Russia, which aims to strengthen mutual military and economic cooperation,” Chang said in a press briefing at the presidential office.

Chang said any cooperation that directly or indirectly aids North Korea’s military enhancement is a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and will be subject to international scrutiny and sanctions, and vowed to take corresponding measures.

“We plan to reconsider the issue of arms support to Ukraine,” Chang also said, suggesting a shift in South Korea’s policy of not providing lethal aid to Ukraine.

A presidential official said South Korea will maintain strategic ambiguity regarding the types of weapons that could be supplied to Ukraine.

“Specific measures will be revealed later, and it will be interesting to see how Russia responds, rather than revealing our plans in advance,” the official told reporters.

Air defense systems could be on the list as Ukraine is in desperate need of missile shields to counter Russian air strikes, according to government sources.

South Korea will also slap additional sanctions on four Russian ships, five organizations, and eight individuals involved in the transfer of weapons and oil between Russia and North Korea, Chang said.

There are 1,159 items subject to export controls to Russia following the Ukraine war, and South Korea will add 243 new items, bringing the total to 1,402 items under sanctions.

Chang said it is “troubling” that North Korea and Russia, with their history of initiating the Korean War and the Ukraine War, respectively, pledged military cooperation based on the hypothetical scenario of a preemptive attack.

“This is a fallacious and irrational argument that disregards international responsibility and norms,” he said.

In light of deepening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow, the government vowed to sternly respond to any security threats in coordination with the international community.

“We will further strengthen the extended deterrence of the S. Korea-U.S. alliance and the security cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan to deter North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats,” Chang said. (Yonhap/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

YEE

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(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Congratulation

By Salif Atojoko

Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu  has felicitated  his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on his birthday.

“Mr Onanuga is one of Nigeria’s finest journalists with a string of accomplishments in the media and beyond to show for his efforts,” the president said in a statement on Thursday by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.

“He was a prominent figure in the pro-democracy struggles in Nigeria and, at various times, had to endure indignities over his progressive beliefs and pursuits. 

“He co-founded The News Magazine and was the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of PM News,” Tinubu added.

The president  noted that Onanuga  previously served as Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria.

He commended the ace journalist  for professional excellence, and described him as a dependable and resourceful adviser.

The president wished Onanuga many more years in good health as well as renewed strength in his service to the nation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

SA/IGO 

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Ramaphosa underscores need for stronger partnership between  S/Africa, Nigeria

Partnership

By Salif Atojoko

Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa on Thursday in Johannesburg, underscored the need for a stronger partnership between Nigeria and his country.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement on Thursday, that Ramaphosa stated this during a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Johannesburg.

He said that Ramaphosa thanked Tinubu for honouring the invitation to attend his inauguration for a second term in office.

“Thank you so much for coming for the inauguration. I was very happy to see my brother at the ceremony,” the South African President said.

President Tinubu said that Ramaphosa’s inaugural speech captured most of the challenges faced by African countries, and the need for more collaboration among leaders and citizens to provide solutions.

“I really enjoyed your speech at the ceremony. I was delighted to listen to you. We have lots of issues in common, and we need to work more closely together. It was a good celebration,” the Tinubu said

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ramaphosa was re-elected for a second term on June 14, following an agreement for a Government of National Unity between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

SA/JPE

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Mark consoles Saraki over mother’s demise

Death

Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Former President of the Senate, Sen. David Mark has consoled his successor Sen. Bukola Saraki over the death of his mother, Madam Florence Morenike Saraki.

Mark stated this in a statement by Mr Paul Mumeh, his Media Adviser on Thursday in Abuja.

He described the late Madam Saraki as an ideal mother who was noble in words and deeds.

He said the success story of Sen. Saraki and his siblings bears eloquent testimony that Madam Saraki gave her children good upbringing to be responsible and patriotic citizens.

The former senate President described Madam Saraki as “a kind and compassionate woman who made tremendous contributions to the development of the society”.

“Your services and commitment to the ideals of nationhood I believe can be attributed to Mama’s hard work, care and discipline which she imparted on you to be responsible and patriotic citizen,”he said.

Mark said that the encomiums on Madam Saraki since her transition to the great beyond showed that she was a woman of valour, who touched others in many positive ways.

He urged the children to uphold and indeed sustain the good attributes of Mama, especially her good neighbourliness and philanthropy which endeared her to many whilst she was alive.

Mark prayed that God in His infinite mercy grant the deceased eternal rest just as he prayed that the Almighty gives the immediate family the fortitude to bear the loss.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

JPE/AMM

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Skills

By Habibu Harisu

Sokoto, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Alhaji Ahmad Muhammad, the Executive Chairman, Sokoto State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has urged students to take steps towards improving their spelling and pronunciation skills.

Muhammad made call on Thursday in Sokoto at the end of a quiz and spelling competition organised by SUBEB with support from United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF).

Represented by the Director Administration, Alhaji Tukur Abdullahi, Muhammad said it was important for students to learn how to spell and pronounce words properly.

“School children should learn these two important skills early, these skills will help them as they move up their academic and working careers,” he said.

The chairman commended UNICEF for investing resources in the academic upbringing of children, saying,”this investment will help them to excell as they grow”

Also speaking, a UNICEF Education Specialist, Mr Francis Elisha, said that the exercise was to make school children to begin early to learn spelling and pronunciation skills.

“The intention is to catch them young, the competition serves as a booster to the children’s educational growth,” he said.

Elisha said that the exercise was part of activities to mark the 2024 Childrens’ Day Celebration, and assured of UNICEF’s continued readiness to support children academic upbringing.

“We saw how the participants displayed brilliance during the quiz and spelling competitions, it shows that the future is bright for them.

“I urge every child to be confident, you must pursue their dreams without fear. Always be willing to correct your errors and develop yourself,” he said.

He enjoined parents to create a conducive environment for their children to grow, learn and make positive impacts on the society around them.

Delivering a lecture, Prof. Mustapha Namakka, the Executive Secretary, Sokoto State Female Education Board, commended SUBEB and UNICEF for organising the competition.

He said that the exercise had given the school children an opportunity to understand the importance of early acquisition of spelling and pronunciation skills.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 68 junior secondary and primary schools participated in the quiz and spelling competition.

The participants were drawn from schools in Bodinga, Binji, Dange/Shuni and Sokoto North Local Government Areas.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

HMH/AZU

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Edited by Azubuike Okeh

Cancer

By Joshua Olomu

Abuja, June 20, 2024(NAN) Move Against Cancer Africa (MACA), a volunteer-based NGO has called for increased awareness to ensure early detection and treatment of kidney cancer.

MACA champions campaigns and education on cancer-related issues across Africa,

Mr Caleb Egwuenu, Project Officer of MACA,  made   the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the 2024 Work Kidney Cancer Day (WKCD).

NAN reports that every year, the World Kidney Cancer Day is observed in June to raise awareness about the disease, its causes, symptoms, and available treatments, and this year’s WKCD  is June 20.

According to Egwuenu, adequate awareness on cancer-related issues, including risks, treatment, survivorship, palliative care, and prevention, was important in combating the scourge.

“To mark this year’s World Kidney Cancer Day, the International Kidney Cancer Coalition (IKCC) and its affiliates, including Move Against Cancer Africa, have chosen a theme: “We need to listen.”

“It is an important reminder to listen to our body and educate ourselves about kidney cancer, its symptoms, the steps we can take to reduce our risk and support those affected by the disease.”

“Note that there are no obvious symptoms of kidney cancer, but when there are symptoms, they can include blood in the urine,  a lump or swelling in your back, under your ribs, or in your neck.

“Other possible symptoms include pain between your ribs and waist that does not go away, loss of appetite or loss of weight, consistent tiredness  or no energy, persistent fever  or excessive sweating , including at night.

“This is why routine checkups are very crucial, and healthcare professionals are advised to listen to their patients.

“Patients should have the right to be heard, and If you feel you are not being listened to, seek a second opinion for symptoms that do not improve”.

“Patients with kidney cancer, are advised to listen to healthcare professionals who provide them with advice and support, and have  open conversations to ensure  access to enough information for informed health decisions,” he said.

According to Egwuenu, open communication between a patient and a healthcare provider is needed in handling cancer-related issues to ensure shared Decision-Making (SDM).

He added that early detection of kidney cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes and, therefore, called for regular health check-ups and screenings, especially for individuals with a family history of kidney cancer or other risk factors.

He noted that adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, managing high blood pressure, and avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals, can reduce the risk of kidney cancer.

“By raising awareness and promoting early detection and treatment, we can strive towards better outcomes for individuals battling kidney cancer,” he said.(NAN)(nannews.ng)

JOSH/EAL

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Trader jailed 1year for illegal possession of firearms

Sentence

By Zainab Oyekan

Jos, June 20, 2024 ( NAN) A Jos Magistrates’ Court on Thursday , sentenced a 35 year-old trader, Samaila Salisu to a year imprisonment for illegal possession of firearms.

The Magistrate, Shawomi Bokkos, summarily tried and sentenced the defendant after he pleaded guilty to the charge.

The magistrate, however, gave the convict an option to pay N20, 000 or spend one year in prison.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp Ibrahim Gokwat told the court that the case was reported on May 13, at the Laranto Police station, Jos, by a team of police officers on patrol.

The offence, according to him, is punishable under the Plateau State Penal Code Law. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OIZ/JPE

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Training

By Aderonke Ojediran

Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Office of Infrastructure, Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure on Thursday began training of no fewer than 60 engineers on bridge construction.

The three-day training  is taking place  at the Public Service Staff Development Centre, Magodo, Lagos State.

The training, with the theme: “Bridge Building: From Theory to Practice”, will focus on practical application of knowledge.

It is aimed at enhancing the skills and expertise of engineers in bridge and road constructions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training covers various aspects of bridge building such as design, construction, and maintenance.

Experts in construction engineering are the resource persons at the training.

The Special Adviser to the Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Infrastructure, Mr Olufemi Daramola, said that the participants were drawn from Lagos State Ministry of Works, the Office of Infrastructure, and  Public Works Corporation.

” The training is not just an event but a cornerstone in the state’s ongoing commitment towards enhancing infrastructure development.

“We have gathered experts and thought leaders in the field who will share their insights, experiences and cutting-edge techniques to enhance our technical skills and also empower us to implement these designs effectively in our day-to-day activities.

” I would like to acknowledge the contribution of my predecessor, Engr Aramide Adeyoye, under whose leadership a solid foundation was laid for development  in the state Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

“Her unwavering dedication and strategic initiatives have been instrumental,” Daramola said.

He urged the participants to listen attentively, ask questions, share perspectives, and tap into the wealth of eexperience of the resource persons.

“The knowledge you gain here will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our infrastructure projects and, by extension, the future of Lagos State.

” The emphasis on practical application is particularly noteworthy, as it allows engineers to gain valuable experience.

“Participants will be working on real-world projects, applying theoretical concepts to actual bridge-building scenarios,” the special adviser said.

Daramola said that punctuality and active participation would be  key to success, and encouraged the participants to take advantage of the training to develop themselves.

“Together, we shall continue to build a Lagos that stands as a beacon of progress and innovation,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary in the Office of Infrastructure, Mr Lateef Somide,  enjoined the participants to take the training seriously.

Somide expressed gratitude to the facilitators, Messrs GELD Construction, and the Project Monitoring, Evaluation and Training Department, for efforts.

The General Manager of GELD Construction, Mr Nabeel Esaw,  urged the participants to be open to knowledge.

“The training  is a crucial step towards enhancing the skills and expertise of engineers in Lagos State,” he said.

He added that the training would equip the participants to handle the complex challenges of bridge building and maintenance in a special terrain such as Lagos. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OAF/IGO

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola