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Category: General News

  • Don tasks Plateau commissioner on completion of stadium, other projects

    Don  tasks Plateau commissioner on completion of stadium, other projects
    Stadium
    By Peter Amine
    Jos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) A University don,  Associate Prof. Godfrey Danaan, Head of Department of Mass Communication, University of Jos, has urged Plateau Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Lawandi Datti to prioritize the completion of Jos Ultramodern Stadium and other projects.
    Danaan stated this on Wednesday when he led staff of the department on a congratulatory visit to the commissioner, who is an alumnus of the department.
    The head of department said that they were not in doubt of Datti’s ability to add significant value to the Gov. Caleb Mutfwang-led state government.
    He described the commissioner as a gentleman, who has worked so hard, even while in school, and that they saw the potential to excel at evey assignment in him.
    Danaan noted  that the department had followed what had been happening in the ministry and that they believed that there would be positive results.
    “So being a cabinet member, we have said it is not just enough to say congratulations, but that there are many responsibilities that lie ahead.
    “There are many tasks, one of which is that in the ministry of youth and sports, we see a stadium that has been there.
    “We feel that the stadium is something that needs urgent attention. But we know the kind of product we have in him.
    “We are aware that even before we shared this idea about the stadium, you must have been dreaming of the stadium and many other projects.
    “We know what we have produced in you, and we are confident that you will give the best to the state,” he said.
    Danaan commended Mutfwang for assembling a young and energetic team, of which Datti happens to be one of the youngest in the cabinet.
    According to him, the governor had begun well and was using this team to transform the state.
    “What he has met, he’s building on, and that is what governance is all about. It’s not about coming to say that man didn’t do it well.
    “Or the previous set didn’t do it well. But whatever I have come to see, let me continue to do it well because we’re serving the state,” he added.
    Datti, in his remarks, said that he lacked words to adequately convey his appreciation.
    The commissioner promised to make the department proud by doing his best for the state.
    “It would interest you to know that it is not only the stadium but also our youth centres that will see a lot of activities manifesting by the grace of God within this year.
    “If you recall, I told you last month that I was out of the country, not for pleasure but for an important matter relating to youth development.
    “In the next few weeks or, let’s say, a few months, it will manifest, and it will be a plus for Plateau.
    “As you know, the government of Plateau is the government of the people. The governor is the people’s governor. During our campaign, we said the time is now.
    “And the time is now for our youth on the Plateau to feel inclusive. The time is now for the sporting activities on the Plateau to progress astronomically,” he stated.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlight of the event was the presentation of a Distinguished Ambassador Award to Datti by the department in recognition of his support for the department and service to Plateau. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    PAT/YGA
    ========
    Edited by Gabriel Yough

  • Olubadan throne: Gov. Makinde approves appointment of Olakunleyin

    Olubadan
    By David Adeoye
    Ibadan, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the appointment of Oba Owolabi Olakuleyin as the 43rd Olubadan of lbadanland, an official said in Ibadan on Wednesday.

    The state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Olusegun Olayiwola, disclosed in a statement that Makinde gave the approval in a memo signed on Friday.

    “This was in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Section 19 (Cap 28) Law of Oyo State 2000 as amended.

    “The approval was a culmination of a series of processes stipulated by the extant laws of the state regarding ascension to royal thrones,” he added.

    The Commissioner stated that the governor also congratulated the new Olubadan, and prayed that his tenure would bring about greater developments in Ibadanland and Oyo State as a whole.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    DAK/OLAL
    =========

    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)

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  • Jos South LG supports Plateau Govt. executive order implementation 

    Jos South LG supports Plateau Govt. executive order implementation

    Support

    By Peter Amine

    Jos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The management of Jos South Local Government Area (LGA), has pledged unalloyed support to the Plateau Government on the implementation of Executive Order 003.

    The LGA Transition Implementation Committee Chairman, Mr Peter Dung, stated this on Wednesday in Jos, while speaking with newsmen on the skirmishes that occurred in Bukuru.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the Executive Order 003 is aimed at ensuring that activities in the Jos metropolis conform to the Greater Jos Master Plan.

    NAN also reports that cars and houses were razed down by some hoodlums when the taskforce led by the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB), was enforcing the order in Bukuru on Monday.

    Dung described the unfortunate incident as ”pure madness by some miscreants who don’t want peace to reign”.

    “They have nothing to do with the taskforce.They are hoodlums, and the government will never tolerate them.

    “We appreciate what the security operatives have done. The security personnel stood there to ensure that peace was restored, and that peace had come to stay.

    “The executive order 003 is a law that nobody can challenge.

    “The order must be implemented, and it has come to stand, and JMDB would work to ensure that they achieve order 003.

    “As a government, we are totally in support of the state government, and we will not be intimidated by miscreants,” he stated.

    The chairman said that peace has since returned to the area and that people were going about their businesses peacefully without molestation.

    Dung further stated that in line with the state government’s resolve to restore sanity on the streets of Jos, the local government built a multimillion-naira ultramodern motor park to rid the area of illegal parks.

    The chairman promised to wholeheartedly serve the people of Jos South as their chief servant. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    PAT/DOR
    ========
    Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

  • Appeal Court affirms Adediwura as Obalufe, overturns lower court’s verdict

    Appeal Court affirms Adediwura as Obalufe, overturns lower court’s verdict
    Judgment
    Akure, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Court of Appeal, Akure Division, on Wednesday, overturned the verdict of an Osun State High Court which affirmed Prince Abayomi Olubuji of Aga ruling house as the Obalufe of Ile-Ife.
    Obalufe is the second in Command to Ooni of Ile Ife.
    Justice Yusuf Bashir, who delivered the judgment of the panel of justices, said that the matter, which he described as hostile, should have been commenced  by writ of summon and not by originating summon.
    He said that the form of commencement of the case in the lower court was wrong.
    According to the judge, the trial court ought not to have assumed jurisdiction over the matter without asking the parties to file pleadings.
    He said that the lower court gave judgment based on assumptions without going into the details of the matter.
    Bashir, therefore, struck out the verdict of thr lower court and declared Oba Idowu Olaniyi Adediwura, as the Obalufe of Ile Ife.
    Reacting to the verdict, Mr Abdulkadir Orire, the lead counsel for the appeallants, said that the appeallants approached the court having found error in the lower court’s ruling.
    Orire said that the appeallants were ready if the respondent wanted to challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court.
    In his remarks, Mr Edmund Biri-Omoni, the respondent’s counsel, said that he would consult his clients to know the next line of action.
    Also speaking to newsmen, Oba Idowu Olaniyi Adediwura, the validated Obalufe, appreciated God for the victory.
    He said that the Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, had made several efforts to settle the matter between the two parties without any result.
    Oba Adediwura said that he would extend a hand of fellowship to the respondent and ensure peace reign in Ile Ife.
    ” I have nothing to do than to draw them closer. They are still my brothers and sisters,” he said.
    The respondent, Prince Abayomi Olubuji,  is from Aga Ruling House while Adediwura is from Ajagbusi Ruling House.( NAN)
    OKEO/AOS
    =========
    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

  • Ilorin Emirate mourns Saraki’s mother

    Ilorin Emirate mourns Saraki’s mother

    Mourning

    By Mujidat Oyewole

    Ilorin, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) has expressed shock over the death of Mrs Florence Saraki, mother of a former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

    This is contained in a condolence message signed by the National President of the union, Alhaji AbdulMumini Abdulmalik on Wednesday, in Ilorin.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Florence, wife of the former Senate Leader and immediate past Waziri of Ilorin, late Dr Olusola Saraki, died on Tuesday.

    Abdulmalik described her death as a big loss to the renowned family, good people of Ilorin Emirate and the nation at large.

    According to him, late Saraki was an embodiment of humility, hard work and fraternity.

    He said that IEDPU sympathised with the current Waziri of Ilorin and former governor of Kwara, Sen. Bukola Saraki and Sen. Gbemisola Saraki, former Minister of State.

    The union, he said, also sympathized with other members of Saraki family on the demise of their mother.

    He said that the IEDPU also sympathised with the Kwara State Government, Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on the death of a senior member of Ilorin Emirate community.

    “It prayed that Almighty Allah grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deceased was the wife of former Senate Leader and immediate past Waziri of Ilorin, late Dr Abubakar Olusola Saraki.(NAN)www.nannews.ng

    MOB/ISHO/IAA

    ==========

    Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Isaac Aregbesola

  • All victims of Abakaliki collapsed building are safe- Ebonyi Govt, Police

    Building
    By Chukwuemeka Opara
    Abakalikii, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Ebonyi Government and the Police have confirmed that all victims of the  collapsed building incident which occurred in Abakaliki on June 18 are safe.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three- storey building under construction is owned by a member of the Ebonyi House of Assembly, Mr Oluchukwu Ezeali.
    The state Commissioner for Capital City and Urban Planning, Chief Sunday Inyima told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday that two construction workers trapped inside the building’s rubble had  been rescued.
    Inyima said that four other construction workers at the site successfully escaped when the building collapsed.
    “We went to the hospital with the four workers to see the two rescued victims and they confirmed that the workers worked with them on the site.
    “We are happy that all the workers are alive and we can presently face technical matters,” he said.
    The commissioner assured the public that the matter would be thoroughly investigated to serve as deterent to others.
    “We call on the owner of the building to present himself to security agencies for investigations.
    “I spoke with him and he promised to bring the site workers and the supervising engineer to the ministry but he has only brought the workers,” he said.
    He noted that the building was not approved by the ministry as the owner was advised not to erect a high rise building in the area.
    “The building was situated at Udensi/ Nnodo low-cost housing estate of Abakaliki and only bungalows were approved for the area.
    “The owner ignored the advice and according to information in his records, he was constructing a three-storey building.
    “He did not obtain a building approval as whatever he did concerning the structure was illegal,” he said.
    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Joshua Ukandu, also confirmed that the two trapped  victims were responding to treatment at the Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital.
    “The divisional police officer in charge of the area is on top of the situation and can confirm that the victims are responding to treatment,” he said.
    One of the victims, Celestine Arua, thanked God for saving him as he thought he would die under the rubble.
    NAN reports that officials of the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and other engineering regulatory bodies all visited the site and confirmed that it didn’t meet relevant engineering stipulations.
    The Lawmaker, Ezeali, when approached by newsmen, said that he was still in shock over the incident and would address the press appropriately. (NAN) (nannews.com)
    RCO/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • World MSME Day: 1000 entrepreneurs for business development summit

    Summit

    By Perpetua Onuegbu

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Niger Delta Young Professionals (NDYP) says it will organise a Summit/Bootcamp for over 1000 young professionals across the Niger Delta region to cross-fertilise ideas on business development.

    Mr Moses Siasia said on Wednesday that the summit would be specially designed to hold in Port Harcourt, Rivers, on June 27, to bring together a cross-section of economists, policymakers and business development experts.

    Siasia said that the theme of the summit ‘Building a Culture of Entrepreneurship and Self-reliance Beyond Oil’, was designed to help entrepreneurs know the best way to wriggle out of the current economic challenges faced in the country.

    He said the experts would examine the critical role of MSME in the overall development of the economy.

    Siasia said this year’s event is strategic, as it coincides with the 2024 United Nations World MSME Day.

    “The World MSME Day is specially marked to create a platform to discuss and exchange ideas.

    “The ideas are on how key stakeholders, including policy makers, large companies, financial institutions, and the international community can support micro, small and medium-sized businesses to advance the 2030 Agenda.

    “It also contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty eradication and decent work for all.

    “The Niger Delta MSME Summit/Bootcamp is a sustained initiative that has been creating enormous opportunities and growth for young MSME owners in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region,” Siasia said.

    According to him, the event will enable a cross-section of economists, policymakers and business development experts to examine the critical role of MSME in the overall development of the economy.

    He noted that in spite of lack of support from the governments in the region, poor management of MSMEs, high-interest loans from banks, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure, the initiative had pulled through with sustainable impacts over the years.

    Siasia said that Mr Summy Francis, the President of Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs (A.Y.E.) would be speaking at the event.

    “Other speakers include Mr Temitope Runsewe, the CEO of Dutum Company Limited; Mrs Esther Adebayo, President of the Women Agro Processors, Agricgen and Exporters Initiative (WAPAGEIN).

    “Mr Otuya Okecha, CEO Firbesol Nigeria Limited; Dr Martins Fregene, Director of Agriculture, African Development Bank, among others, will also be speaking at the event.

    “The summit is expected to “ignite the next generation through expanding entrepreneurial culture in the Niger Delta region.

    “Participants for the summit will be drawn from the nine states of the Niger Delta region, as past editions produced positive results which are indication of secured future of entrepreneurs in the oil-rich region.

    “This year’s event would feature product exhibitions, grants, bootcamp, main-stage keynotes, panel discussions, interactive master sessions, style breakout.

    “There will also be a business-to-business meetings, mentoring sessions, networking opportunities featuring outstanding line-up of successful entrepreneurs, innovators, strategists and business leaders from top brands.”

    Siasia noted that the beneficiaries of past editions, many of whom have received grants to grow their businesses, have been able to grow a huge business capital and create employment opportunities for other prospective MSMEs.

    “The inaugural edition of the summit held in 2021 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State had over 400 Niger Deltans benefitting from the NIRSAL Intervention Loan for small business owners in the area of Agriculture, Creative Industry and ICT.

    “In the second edition held in Asaba, Delta State in 2022, and the third edition in 2023 in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, the NDYP gave out grants to innovative businesses,” Siasia added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    PUO/EMAF
    =========
    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

  • Accept N62,000 minimum wage offer, Osun Ex-Perm Sec. urges labour

    Wage
    By Dorcas Elusogbon
    Ile-Ife (Osun), June 19, 2024 (NAN) A former Permanent Secretary in Osun, Alhaji Fatai Kolawole, has urged civil servants in Nigeria to accept the N62,000 new minimum wage offered by the Federal Government.
    Kolawole, who retired as Permanent Secretary in the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), stated this in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday in Modakeke, Ife East Local Government Area of Osun.
    He attributed his position on the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers on the present economic downturn which, he said, was global.
    Kolawole, however, described the economic challenges as a passing phase, calling on Nigerians, particularly the civil servants, to exercise patience with President Bola Tinubu on the country’s economic condition.
    He said that the civil servants should consider the N62,000 minimum wage offered by the government for now, as thing would be getting better gradually.
    The retired permanent secretary expressed the hope that prices of petroleum products would soon come down, particularly with the ongoing turn-around maintenance of the Port Harcourt Refinery and the coming on stream of Dangote Refinery.
    “Dangote Refinery has reduced diesel price from N1,600 to N1,200 per litre and has said that by July, petrol will come down to between N400 and N400 per litre.
    “We should note that the economic downturn is global, as those in foreign countries are also not having it easy.
    “So what is happening is not in Nigeria alone. It should, however, be seen as a passing phase,” he said.
    Kolawole noted that the federal government was re-jigging the system during which things might be a bit hard.
    “This is a bitter pill that Nigeria must take now and hopefully, within the next one year, things will change for better. Surely, there’s light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
    The retired technocrat expressed confidence in the handlers of the nation’s economy, whom he described as capable hands, assuring that the things would soon turn around for better. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    EDA/CHOM/WAS
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Shettima inaugurates distribution of NEDC-assisted agric inputs in North East 

     

    Some of the mini rice mills and other farm inputs distributed to farmers

    Shettima inaugurates distribution of NEDC-assisted agric inputs in North East

    NEDC

    By Yakubu Uba

    Maiduguri, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has inaugurated the distribution of agricultural inputs and equipment supplied by the North East Development Commission (NEDC), to farmers in the zone.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the vice president also laid the foundation of the over N26.8b NEDC head office complex in Maiduguri.

    NAN also reports that the VP conducted the Ground Breaking ceremony of the 2nd phase of Jere Bowl Road network embarked on by the commission in Borno, on Wednesday.

    Shettima speaking on the development lauded the commission for embarking on people oriented projects in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    He assured the commission of sustained support in its interventions in all sectors affected by the insurgency in the North East.

    “The NEDC is a critical engine driving the development of the North-East.

    “In the face of adversity, it has demonstrated resilience, vision, and an unyielding dedication to its mission,” Shettima said.

    Also, the Managing Director of NEDC, Mr Mohammed Alkali, said that the commission remained committed to the implementation of the North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan (NESDMP), which is a holistic roadmap consisting of 11 Pillars that cut across various sectors.

    Alkali said the pillars were fashioned to propel Socio- economic development and long-term prosperity in the North-East Region.

    “The Master Plan, which is in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Present Administration, requires synergy, cooperation and collaboration by all Stakeholders to make a meaningful impact,” Alkali said.

    Alkali urged all stakeholders to join in re-building a safe, peaceful, enterprising and prosperous region.

    On his part, Retired Maj. Gen. Paul Tarfa, the Chairman of NEDC Board, reiterated the commitment of the commission to intervene in critical sectors that would impact positively on lives of the resilience people of the zone.

    Speaking on behalf of North East governors, the Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, lauded the commission for its interventions across the six states, urging it to stick to its master plan.

    Yahaya said that if the commission could deliver 75 per cent of its plan for the zone, it would cover everything in the zone.

    Members of House Committees on Special Duties from the National Assembly, who spoke also lauded the commission’s sustained interventions and assured it of the national assembly’s support to continue to deliver.

    NAN reports that the agricultural inputs distributed to farmers at the occasion included rice transplanter, ridger, rice thresher, rotary tiller, iron bull tractor, disc plough and mini rice mill. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    YMU/AMM

    ===========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Destruction of campaign billboards worries APOSPON in Edo

    Destruction of campaign billboards worries APOSPON in Edo

    Billboards

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Benin,June 19, 2024(NAN) The Edo State Chapter of Association of Professional Outdoor Signage Practitioners of Nigeria, (APOSPON) on Wednesday lamented the destruction of campaign billboards across the state.

    Speaking with newsmen in Benin,  the State Chairman of APOSPON, Mr Esokpunwu Ekuase, said that the development had negatively affected their business.

    Ekuase said that the destruction of the billboards cut across all political parties.

    He added that the association would formally write a petition to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 5, Benin and the state police command to notify them of the development.

    He noted that the practitioners always bear the cost of replacing any billboards already paid for by political parties when vandalized.

    “We are using this medium to call on all those going about vandizing and destroying  campaigns/advert messages deployed on our billboards to desist from this act forthwith.

    “These structures are our investments and capital intensive. Same can be said of our clients who spend so much money producing advert materials deployed on our structures.

    “We cannot fold our hands and watch our investments being destroyed.We are therefore, activating every device to protect our investments and source of livelihood from going down the drain.

    “We have been engaged to handle political campaigns over the years, and this year’s should not be different, we are law abiding citizens doing our business legitimately,” he said.

    According to him, any person caught perpetrating  or linked to act of vandalism would be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the state.

    It would be recalled that the governorship candidate of Labour Party, (LP) Barr. Olumide Akpata had few weeks ago raised an alarm over the destruction of his campaign billboards.(NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)
    NY/JI

    Edited by Joe Idika