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Category: General News

  • Abia Govt. approves bursary for 271 students in law schools

    Abia Govt. approves bursary for 271 students in law schools
    Students
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Umuahia, June 20, 2024(NAN) The Abia Government has approved the payment of  bursary to 271 state-sponsored students in the various  law schools across the country.
    The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mr Okey Kanu, made this known on Wednesday during a press briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting, at the Government House, Umuahia.
    Kanu said that the students remained ever grateful to the state government for its support.
    He said that the government, through its untiring efforts had secured  accreditation for 18 courses for Abia University, Ututu.
    “It was a very rigorous process and this speaks to all the efforts that he has been making to ensuring that our education sector turns out to be the best,” he said.
    According to Kanu, there was a recent case of Abia students who were abandoned in India by the previous administration.
    He said that the government in response to the matter had approved the payment of the school fees for the students to enable them to continue with their education in India.
    On Sports,  Kanu said that, Mr Frank Onyeka, a son of Abia, who hails from Umunneochi Local Government Area and a footballer had proposed to build a football academy in the state.
    He said that Onyeka plied his trade in the United Kingdom, where he played for Brentford FC and he was equally  regular for the Super Eagles.
    Kanu said that the Vice Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Dr Ahmed Datti was on the other hand to lend support and promised to give adequate support, to ensure that the project succeeds.
    He said that the Governor had directed the Commissioner for Lands and Housing to quickly process a  Certificate of Occupancy for the project within 48 hours.
    “This is a way to encourage Mr Onyeka as a son of Abia and to let others know that if they have such viable projects that the state government will always be willing and ready to support them,”Kanu said.
    He said that the project would be sited between Umuahia and Aba  for ease of accessibility.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    INA/OJI/BRM
    ===============
    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • FG’ll convert Zaria Hotels to classrooms, hostels for NCAT – Keyamo

    Aviation

    By Mustapha Yauri

    Zaria (Kaduna State), June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government is to convert Zaria Hotels in Kaduna State to classrooms and hostels for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, aviation minister Festus Keyamo has said.

    Keyamo told newsmen in Zaria on Wednesday that the Zaria Hotels had been acquired as an anexture to the NCAT to widen its potential for growth.

    He spoke shortly after a familiarisation tour of the institution.

    Keyamo said that NCAT remained the best institution for the aviation industry in Nigeria and West Africa.

    “The landmass we have here is enough for expansion, so the potential for the college, in terms of expansion, is great.

    “But, in spite of that, we have also acquired Zaria Hotels as an annexure to the college. We want to add to the facilities on ground.”

    The minister assured the management of the college that government would keep working on areas that needed improvement.

    On reports that the college’s fire simulator and other facilities are to be relocated elsewhere, the minister said that there was no such plan.

    “There is nothing like that; if we do it, where are we going to take it to? NCAT is the training hub for the aviation industry; the rumour is being spread by mischief makers.”

    In his remark, Mr Joseph Imalighwe, Acting Rector of NCAT, commended the minister for the visit and support for the college. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AM/DE/ETS

    ==========

    Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Ephraims Sheyin

     

  • Gov. Otti appoints new Chief Press Secretary

    Appointment

    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom

    Umuahia, June 19, 2024(NAN) Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has appointed Mr Ukoha Ukoha as his new Chief Press Secretary.

    The Commissioner for Information and Culture ,Mr Okey Kanu, stated this on Wednesday during a press briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting in Umuahia.

    Kanu said: ”Gov. Alex Otti in a bid to rejig the media ecosystem of his administration has approved the appointment of a new Chief Press Secretary and his name is Mr Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.

    ”Mr Ukoha brings a lot of experience in advocacy and media management and of course his flair for writing to his new job.

    ”Gentlemen of the press you will be working with the new Chief Press Secretary in the days ahead.”
    (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    INA/MAM/DOE
    ===========

    Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Dianabasi Effiong

  • Market union to address high cost of commodities

     

    Market union to address high cost of commodities

     

    Cost

     

    By Olatunde Ajayi

     

    Ibadan, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The National Union of Market Traders Employers of Nigeria (NUMTEN) says it will collaborate with other market stakeholders to address high cost of food and other commodities in Nigeria.

    NUMTEN’s National President, James Ogu, said this on Wednesday, when the union paid a courtesy visit to the Oyo State Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives in Ibadan.

    According to Ogu, many traders now hide under increase in the pump price of petroleum, high dollar to naira exchange rate, tax and dues to arbitrarily increase prices of food and other essential commodities in the market.

    Also speaking, NUMTEN’s Chairman in Oyo State, Ola Makinde, said that the union would collaborate with relevant government agencies, departments and other critical market stakeholders to establish a centre in each zone, where issues could be reported and properly addressed.

     

    According to him, part of the aims and objectives of the NUMTEN is to defend integrity and independence of the market traders in Nigeria, by putting an end to activities of unregistered associations or groups exploiting traders in Nigeria.

     

    “We are working to ensure cooperation between the union and other market bodies, to maintain highest standard, etiquettes and discipline among market traders,” he said.

     

    On his part, the Oyo State Secretary of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Adebayo Aribatise, said that NLC, as mother of all unions in Nigeria, recognised NUMTEN and was in solidarity with its activities across markets in Nigeria.

    Aribatise said that NLC in the state had the mandate of ensuring that all unions that want to operate in the state complied with the rules and regulations laid down by the state government to achieve its goals.

    In his response, the Commissioner for Trade Industry Investment and Cooperatives, Demola Ojo, said that the current administration would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to improve ease of doing business in the state.

    Ojo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Bunmi Babalola, said that Gov. Seyi Makinde’s led administration had addressed issue of tax multiplicity on food commodities and improved access to cheaper food, through various initiatives.

    He said that the government had identified and was working with 12 market clusters that housed different traders associations in the state, to achieve harmony among traders.

    The commissioner, while charging NUMTEN to carry out membership drive through provision of adequate welfare initiatives, said that the government would not impose one association or union on another.

    He said that the government was ready  to partner NUMTEN and other market bodies, to address high cost of food commodities and to improve ease of doing business in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TUN/FON/VIV

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    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Vivian Ihechu

  • Mutfwang laying foundation for a prosperous Plateau – Aide

    Mutfwang laying foundation for a prosperous Plateau – Aide

    Growth

    By Patience Aliyu

    Jos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Mr Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, says that the governor is laying a solid foundation toward steady growth,  development and prosperity.

    Bere said this when Prof. Godfrey Danaan, Head of Mass Communication Department, University of Jos, visited him on Wednesday in Jos.

    Bere, who said that the governor had used his first year in office to correcting the wrongs of his predecessors, noted that the choice of Mutfwang was timely for Plateau.

    He added that the governor had dedicated the last one year to reorganising and resuscitating moribund sectors.

    He added that the governor had initiated some innovative ideas aimed at boosting the economy and improving on the welfare of the citizens.

    ”We are all witnesses to the developmental strides of our governor; he has reorganised almost every sector in the state.

    ”The rehabilitation of dilapitated roads and completion of abandoned ones, the tremendous transformation in the transport, agriculture, health, tourism sectors, including the fight against insecurity, are all visible.

    ”This goes to show that the governor is delivering on his campaign promises; he has laid a solid foundation that will take Plateau to an enviable height,” he said.

    Bere said that Mutfwang was committed to building a united and peaceful Plateau, adding that no policy initiated by the government is aimed at inflicting pains and hardship.

    ”No policy of this government is targeted at bringing hardship on the people; the urban renewal plan, for instance, is for the good of all.

    ”So, people must discard emotions and support this government in its bid to make Plateau the envy of other states.

    ”The governor will continue to pursue programmes that will better the lots of the people.

    ”All we need from the citizens is their prayers, support and understanding, because achieving a beautiful Plateau is possible,” he said.

    Bere, who obtained his first and second degrees at the department, thanked the lecturers for the visit and the support accorded him over time.

    Earlier, Danaan had said that the visit was to congratulate Bere on his appointment and advised him to live by the ethics of the journalism profession.

    He also thanked Gov. Mutfwang for appointing many alumnus of the department into various positions in his government.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Danaan was accompanied on the visit by other senior lecturers and staff of the department.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    PAM/AZA

    ==========

    Edited by Polycarp Auta

  • Oyebanji appoints Prof. Olaleye Special Adviser

    Oyebanji appoints Prof. Olaleye Special Adviser
    Appointment
    By Bolanle Lawal
    Ado-Ekiti,  June 19, 2024 (NAN) Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the appointment of Prof. James Olaleye as Special Adviser on Land, eGIS and Survey.
    A statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, on Wednesday,  Olaleye’s appointment takes effect from July 1, 2024.
    Olaleye, a professor of Surveying Engineering, bagged a first class Bachelor’s degree in Surveying from University of Lagos, Akoka in 1981.
    He bagged a Master’s degree in Surveying from the same University in 1984, and his PhD in Surveying Engineering from University of Brunswick, Canada in 1992.
    Olaleye started his academic career as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Lagos in 1982 and rose to the position of a professor in 2015.
    He held different positions including Sub Dean, Faculty of Engineering; Head, Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics.
    He retired from the University in December 2023.
    Olaleye, a specialist in Digital Mapping, Hydrography and Geomatics has extensive work experience in resource mapping, GPS and modern survey methods, especially coastal environment.
    He was awarded the price for  the best paper publication in 1994 by the American Society for Photogrammetry.
    While congratulating the new appointee, Gov. Oyebanji urged him to deploy his wealth of experience as a renowned scholar in the field of Surveying Engineering in his new assignment.
    He urged him to boost the administration’s strategic efforts in areas of land administration, urban renewal project and safer environment. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    FFB/SOA
    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • NUJ bars journalists from covering activities in Ezza North LGA

    Coverage

    By Douglas Okoro

    Abakaliki, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi council, has barred members of the union from covering events in Nkomoro community in Ezza North LGA of the state following an attack on three of its members.

    The decision is contained in a statement Wednesday in Abakaliki signed by

    Mr Samson Nwafor, NUJ Chairman in the state, gave the directive in a statement he issued on Wednesday in Abakaliki, after an emergency congress of the union.

    Nwafor stated that three journalists, Mr Uchenna Inya of Daily Sun, Mr Godwin Oguta and Dr Chinelo Okoro of Radio Nigeria’s Unity FM, Abakaliki, were attacked in the community on Saturday.

    They were attacked when the kingship tussle between two warring groups in the area took a dangerous dimension.

    The warring groups invited the journalists to cover and report the election/coronation of a new traditional ruler of the community who was to emerge that day.

    But, the event turned bloody when one of the factions objected to the coronation of a former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Chief Jacob Nwakpa.

    Mr Chika Igboke, an official of the state government had said that he was instructed by the state ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters to coronate the man.

    Igboke eventually presented the authorisation paper directing him to do so.

    Inya’s vehicle which the media team drove in, to the venue of the event, was smashed by an angry mob.

    The NUJ chairman described the incident as barbaric, wicked and wondered why journalists should be attacked while discharging their responsibilities as watchdog of the society.

    The NUJ, however, demanded an apology and compensation for the attacked journalist from the warring parties to cover for their losses.

    “Congress condemns in strongest term the attack on three members of the union, namely: Mr Uchenna Inya of The Sun newspaper, Dr Chinelo Okoro and Sir Godwin Oguta, both from FRCN, Unity FM, Abakaliki, at Nkomoro Community in Ezza North LGA.

    “Congress describes the attack as not only crude and barbaric, but a clear attempt to intimidate, subdue and force journalists into self censorship.

    “We strongly bemoan the unconcerned attitude of the people of Nkomoro community about the unprovoked attack as they are yet to sympathise with the victims of this attack more than four days after the incident.

    “Congress views this total lack of empathy by the people of Nkomoro to mean that the attack was carefully and deliberately planned and executed by the entire community.

    “Congress therefore, directs Members of NUJ in Ebonyi to henceforth desist from covering events in Ezza North LGA, pending when relevant authorities and stakeholders of the council prevail on the community to compensate our colleagues.

    “The community or perpetrators of this dastardly act are to tender unreserved written apology to them and copy NUJ as a body. Congress resolved to sanction any member who flouts this directive,” the statement quoted Igboke as saying.

    He called on the Ebonyi Government and the Commissioner of Police in the state to immediately arrest and prosecute those directly or indirectly involved in the attack. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ODO/EMAF
    ========
    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

  • Group charges FG, labour groups to quickly agree on living wage

    Negotiation
    By Mujidat Oyewole
    Ilorin, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWGN) on Wednesday in Ilorin called for further negotiation on the minimum wage and a quick agreement on a living wage.

    The group said in a statement that this would be in accordance with the promise made by President Bola Tinubu to increase the minimum wage of Nigerian workers in 2024.

    It added that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the negotiating team of the Federal Government needed to expedite action on the negotiation.

    The group, in the statement signed by its National Coordinator, Alhaji lbrahim Abdullahi, and the National Secretary, Dr Nasir Balogun, frowned at the recent strike action called by labour.

    “This affected essential service delivery, such as the switching-off of the national grid, while it also hampered air-travels and led to workers’ withdrawal of services in hospital facilities.

    “However, Section 31 of the Trade Union Act forbids essential workers from participating in strike actions, because of the critical nature of their duties,” it said.

    While stating that there was the need for a new minimum wage for workers and enhanced pension for Nigeria’s senior citizens, the group however insisted that a nationwide strike was unnecessary.

    ”Once it involves essential workers, it will be counter-productive.

    “This type of action will create more hardship for the citizens of the country,” it stated.

    The group urged labour unions to forget about strike actions and pave way for reasonable conclusion of negotiation in the interest of all Nigerians.

    “However, we urge the Federal Government to give a reasonable offer as new minimum wage when negotiation resumes,” it added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MOB/BEKI/OLAL
    ===============

    (Edited by Abdulfatai Beki and Olawale Alabi)

  • FIWON backs organised labour demand for higher national minimum wage

    Wage

    By Joshua Oladipo

    Osogbo, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Federation of Information Workers Organisation of Nigeria (FIWON) has appealed to the Federal Government to consider a higher national minimum wage for civil servants in the country to reduce the sufferings of workers.

    Coordinator of FIWON in Osun, Mr Ibrahim Olayinka, who made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Osogbo, said that what organised labour was demanding was realistic, considering the present economic realities.

    He called on President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the N62,000 proposed in the report of the national minimum wage tripartite committee and offer a living and affordable wage to Nigerian workers.

    Olayinka urged the organised private sector to adjust their cost of production and profitability to help address the present impasse.

    “This will be a good step in the right direction; that is the line of argument NECA and other stakeholders ought to have been pushing for instead of calling for a lesser minimum wage for hardworking civil servants.

    “If only the Federal Government intends to pay civil servants a higher national minimum wage, such money is channelled and recycled back to the economy in the long run,” he said.

    He stated that some private sectors are already paying above hundred thousand naira to their workers as minimum monthly salaries, while some cannot afford it.

    Olayinka appealed to the president to give workers an affordable and higher minimum wage that aligned with the present economic realities to encourage productivity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng )

    JOO/OIF/EMAF
    ============
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Emmanuel Afonne

  • Ogun Governor’s wife calls for collaborative efforts to support sickle cell patients

    Support
    By Yetunde Fatungase
    Abeokuta, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, wife of the governor of Ogun, on Wednesday said the collaborative efforts of healthcare providers, governments and international organisations remain essential in supporting sickle cell patients.
    Mrs Abiodun, who stated this during the commemoration of 2024 World Sickle Cell Day in Abeokuta, said this also applied to the delivery of equitable healthcare to them.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had the theme “Hope Through Progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally”.
    The governor’s wife noted that the theme of the event was apt, as it emphasised the importance and effectiveness of speaking with one voice to advance sickle cell care.
    She added that it was a call to unite the sickle cell community, to raise awareness, reduce stigma and encourage those affected by the disorder.
    “Sickle cell disease affects millions worldwide, transcending race and ethnicity, with a significant proportion of affected individuals in Africa.
    “According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigeria accounts for about 33 per cent of the 300,000 children diagnosed every year with the disease.
    “We can expect that a good number of such children will be born in Ogun, as our own Ministry of Health has said that 25 per cent of the country’s total population are carriers of genes that give rise to the genetic disorder.
    “The recent approval of gene therapies in America marks a significant milestone in sickle cell disease treatment, offering hope for a cure.
    “However, for us in Africa, we must work even harder to improve accessibility and affordability of these treatments for all patients,” Mrs Abiodun said.
    According to her, the disease does not only negatively impact the patient, but also the entire family.
    The governor’s wife explained that parents often bore the emotional and financial toll of caring for a sick child and watching a loved one in severe pain and other complications.
    She pointed out that the Day serves as a reminder of the daily challenges faced by sickle cell patients.
    ”I therefore call for urgent action in the area of education, sensitisation and enlightenment to checkmate the genetic disorder in the state and the world at large,” Mrs Abiodun said..
    In her remarks, the Founder, Aglow Sickle Cell Club, Dr Funke Oyeneye, commended the Gov. Dapo Abiodun-led administration for improving access to quality healthcare in the state.
    She disclosed that Ogun was the first state in the federation to have health insurance scheme for sickle cell patients and pregnant women.
    “I urge individuals and corporate bodies to continue to amplify the voices of patients and families affected by the disease.
    ”I also appeal for support from patient advocacy groups in creating awareness and reducing stigma,” Oyeneye said.
    NAN reports that the event was organised by Mrs Abiodun’s pet project, the Ajose Foundation, and the Aglow Sickle Cell Club to sensitise people to the menace of sickle cell.
    It had in attendance children and adults living with the sickle cell anaemia across the state, with side attractions such as sickle cell diary, drama, poem, talent-hunt and quiz competition.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    YAF/OLAL
    =========
    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)