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Category: General News

  • Nasarawa govt. closes mining site in Kokona LGA

    Mining
    By Sunday John
    Lafia, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Nasarawa State Government says it has closed a mining site in Amba community of Kokona Local Government Area of the state for illegal operation.

    Mr Yakubu Kwanta, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, announced this on Wednesday in Lafia.

    He explained that the illegal company was discovered by the personnel of his ministry during their routine inspections of mining sites in the state.

    “Our personnel discovered that the was operating without the consent of the state government and Amba community.

    “We took a bold step and closed the site on April 19 to secure the community following series of complaint in the area,” he said.

    Kwanta added that the illegal company was closed by a joint team of security agencies and currently the security had taken over the site on the directive of the state government.

    “The community also wrote a petition about the illegal mining activities in their area without proper consent and we needed to take action to avoid breakdown of law and order,” he added.

    The commissioner noted that Gov. Abdullahi Sule had issued Executive Order No 02 of 2022 that communities’ consent must be forwarded to the state government before any company could begin mining in any part of the state.

    “All community consent and development agreement made pursuant to Section 116 of the Mineral and Mining Act, 2007 and prior to signing by authenticated community heads shall be forwarded to the Ministry of Justice.

    “The said documents will be forwarded through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to be vetted and certified by the Attorney-General of Nasarawa State,” he explained.

    He explained that the Executive Order would avoid multiple issuances of community consents and development agreements to mining entities and ensure that community development commitments made therein would not be in conflict with the overall development master plan of the state.

    The commissioner said that the Executive Order provided that all mining entities arriving the state with authority of the Federal Government must undergo checks by the ministry responsible for environment and mining to verify their legal status, citizenship and background before settlement.

    Kwanta called on the public to disregard insinuations in all quarters, adding that the decision was to ensure peace and adherence to the existing laws guiding mining activities.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    SDJ/OIF/KAY
    ==========
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Kayode Olaitan

  • Ogundoyin family donates drugs, N5m to 500 sickle cell patients

    Donation
    By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju
    Ibadan, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Family of the late Ibadan-based industrialist, Chief Adeseun Ogundoyin, on Wednesday donated drugs and N5 million to 500 sickle cell patients in Ibadan.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the donation was done by the family, in partnership with an NGO, Sickle Cell Hope Alive Foundation (SCHAF) to mark this year’s World Sickle Cell Awareness Day.

    NAN also reports that the late business mogul, the father of the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin died on June 19, 1991 after battling with sickle cell disease.

    Speaking at the occasion, held at Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, the speaker said that the donation of the drugs and cash was in continuation of the 33rd anniversary of his father’s demise.

    Ogundoyin expressed the regret that his late father fought ‘fearlessly, courageously and tenaciously’ with sickle cell disease until he breathed his last 33 years ago.

    He said that the free drugs given to the 500 sickle cell patients from across the state would last them for three months.

    The speaker said that the family decided to embark on raising awareness, providing drugs and empowering those affected by the deadly disease in honour of the memory of a life well-lived by their patriarch.

    “Just like every other sickle cell patient, my father’s struggle with the disease was immense and intense, but he never lost hope.

    “I must say that his life was a demonstration of the power of hope and determination which all of us, including those living with the disease, must emulate,” he said.

    The speaker further stated that the family had resolved to continue their patriarch father’s tireless support to the sickle cell disease community by supporting awareness and advocacy on the disease.

    He said that the family had also continued to provide resources, drugs and access to healthcare services for the patients.

    “With this, we hope to make a difference in their lives, create a brighter future for them and ultimately keep the memory and legacy of late Ogundoyin,” he said.

    Ogundoyin urged the sickle cell patients at the occasion not to allow the genetic disorder to hamper their lives struggle and ambition.

    “As a nation, we must rise up to the challenge posed by sickle cell disease because 70 per cent of the world’s cases of the disease occur in Africa, with Nigeria having the highest number of carriers worldwide.

    “We need to come up with policies that will reduce the economic burden put on families by the patients who frequently visit hospitals and buy drugs for survival.

    “They must, therefore, have unhindered access to free healthcare services, drugs, genetic counseling, prenatal test and comprehensive medical care,” he said.

    The speaker enjoined NGOs, religious institutions, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to increase awareness to end the stigmatisation against individuals and families affected with sickle cell disease.

    “We need to show them love and give them support,” he said.

    Ogundoyin assured that the legislature would work with other arms of government in the state to pass laws that would protect the rights of sickle cell patients and improve their living conditions so that they could live productive and fulfilling lives.

    “We are not just honoring my father’s memory but the resilience of every individual who has fought against this disease.

    “We celebrate the courage of those who have lost loved ones and the determination of those who continue to battle on.

    “Let us continue to raise our voices, to support one another and to fight for a world where sickle cell disease no longer defines a person’s worth or potential,” he said.

    Vice-Chancellor Chrisland University, Prof. Chinedum Babalola, who gave the keynote address, said that Nigeria had the largest number of people affected by sickle cell disease in the world.
    According to Babalola, 50 million people, which is 25 percent of the country’s population, are affected by the disease. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    SEY/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Court remands woman for allegedly inserting firewood into 12- year-old girl private part

     

    Remand

    By Joy Akinsanya

    Abeokuta, June, 19, 2024 (NAN) An Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court sitting in Isabo, on Wednesday, remanded a 25-year-old woman for allegedly causing grievous harm to a 12-year -old girl by inserting a piece of burning firewood into her private part.

    The defendant, who resides at No 6 Isewo Dotin, in Obada-Oko area in Abeokuta, is facing a one-count charge of causing grievous harm.

    The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge and begged for the court’s forgiveness.

    The Magistrate, Mrs B.V William, ordered her remand in a correctional facility and asked the Prosecution to duplicate and send the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution for legal advice.

    William adjourned the case until June 26 for mention.

    Earlier, the prosecuting counsel, Insp Lawrence Olu-Balogun, told the court that the defendants committed the offence on June 11, at No 6, Isewo Dotin in Obada area

    He alleged that the defendant, being the victim’s guardian, inserted a burning firewood into her private part over alleged theft of beverages valued at N650.

    He told the court that the offence contravened Sections 316 and 319 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun 2006. (NAN)(nannews.ng)
    IOJ/ KOO/MNA
    ========
    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Maureen Atuonwu

  • Organisations train LASUSTECH students on Artificial Intelligence

    Training

    By Oluwakemi Oladipo

    Lagos, June 19,2024 (NAN) Two technology organisations, SIID Africa  and Tech4Dev, in collaboration with America Corner, on Wednesday  trained students of Lagos State University of Science and Technology on Artificial Intelligence.

    The Dean of Students Affairs of the institution, Dr Ademola Aderogba, said at  the training in Lagos that Artificial Intelligence would equip the students to compete favourably with their peers in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

    “I appreciate the organisers of the programme for staging a technological advancement programme in the university.

    “This training will make the students to achieve  proper knowledge about Artificial Intelligence which is evolving globally.

    “I admonish the students to always attend a programme like this to make them more knowledgeable,” he said.

    One of the resource persons, Mr Samuel Odusanya from SIID Africa, said that Artificial Intelligence was relevant in all aspects of human endeavours.

    Odusanya urged the students to leverage the training and develop Artificial Intelligence-driven solutions to human problems.

    He, however, advised that the students should  not totally displace the functionalities of the human brain by relying on Artificial Intelligence.

    Another resource person, Mr Muiz Chika, said that Artificial Intelligence would be the future and  had come to stay.

    Chika advised the students to take advantage of the training to explore the future without any form of ambiguity.

    “AI can be useful in areas such as research, book writing, medical field and any other fields you will find yourselves  as the future unfolds.

    “Embrace AI with curiosity, creativity and courage as it will help you to carry out various tasks,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OKG/IGO
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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • A’Ibom tasks public servants on commitment to duty

    Service

    By Isaiah Eka
    Uyo, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Akwa Ibom Government has urged public servants in the state to show commitment to their duties in order to enhance productivity and service delivery.
    The Head of Civil Service in the state, Mr Effiong Essien, made the call at a media briefing to mark the 2024 Public Service Week in Uyo on Wednesday.
    Esssien said that public service remained the engine room of every government because of its role in policy formulation and implemention.
    “Even the UN recognises the role of the public service in delivering services and developing the society, that’s the reason it set aside June 23 as public service day annually,” he said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the 2024 Public Service Week is: “Stay Forward Looking, Make a Difference”
    “Public Service encompasses all government’s ministries, departments, agencies and parastatals.
    “Workers in these outfits sometimes formulate policies, they ensure that  government programmes are implemented. Public service is the bastion upon which government rests,” he said.
    Essien stated that the Akwa Ibom Government was ready to pay the national minimum wage as soon as the process was concluded.
    He said that Gov. Umo Eno had released about N18 billion for the settlement of outstanding pensions, gratuities and leave grants.
    The head of service further said that government had procured 150 housing units to be allocated to workers from between Grade Levels 01 and 08.
    “Public servants in Akwa Ibom have reasons to thank God, the governor gives priority attention to workers welfare.
    “He is also interested in the welfare of retirees. Already, there is an increment in pension to cushion the effect of the current economic challenges,” he said.
    Essien said that the week-long programme would witness a novelty football match, public lecture, road walk and thanksgiving service.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IE/AZU
    =====
    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • Cholera: Lagos issues health advisory to parents, schools

    Schools

    By Oluwafunke Ishola
    Lagos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government has called for adherence to precautionary measures to ensure children’s safety amid the cholera outbreak as schools resume from the mid-term and Sallah break.
    The government in an advisory issued on Monday to parents, guardians, and school authorities urged all to adhere to safety guidelines to ensure the health and safety of children.
    It called for daily health checks and monitoring of a child’s health for symptoms such as passage of frequent watery stool with or without vomiting.
    The government appealed to parents to keep their children at home if they exhibit any signs of illness and seek medical advice.
    The state called for hand hygiene by ensuring a child carries a hand sanitizer and encouraging frequent hand washing with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the restroom.
    It advised schools to ensure that all school food handlers follow strict hygiene practices to prevent contamination and spread of cholera.
    “Ensure that Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) are available at school clinics or bays to manage dehydration cases promptly.
    “Schools should notify the emergency hotlines immediately in case of any health emergency or suspected cholera cases,” it said.
    The government appealed to parents to stay in touch with their children’s school for updates on health guidelines and report any health concerns to the school promptly.
    “Together, we can create a safe and healthy environment for our children as they return to their educational activities.
    “Stay safe and vigilant,” the government advised.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lagos state on June 11 alerted residents to the outbreak of cholera in the state.
    The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, had disclosed that laboratory tests confirmed that the outbreak was due to cholera with the identified strain being highly aggressive and contagious, with potential for widespread transmission.
    Abayomi disclosed that 350 suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 wards across multiple local government areas in the state.
    According to him, there are 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities attributed to severe dehydration caused by delayed presentation at health facilities.
    NAN reports that the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) had called for extensive measures to protect school children against the cholera outbreak in the country.
    UNICEF said cholera “critically affects” children and the young population, noting that efforts should be made to protect them.
    The agency called for efforts to prevent disruption in the academic calendar over the spread of the disease. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AIO/JNC
    =======
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • FG tasks civil servants on improved service delivery

    FG tasks civil servants on improved service delivery

    Service-delivery

    By Maureen Okon

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has urged civil servants to remain diligent and value-oriented in the execution of their official duties.

    Gabriel Aduda, Permanent Secretary in the ministry gave the charge when Ali Seidu, Chairman of the Union Executive and staff of  the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside some members of staff, visited him in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was in appreciation of Aduda’s impactful role during his tenure as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from December 2020 to October 2022.

    Aduda said that the civil service was the engine room of government adding that, it was their responsibility as civil servants to ensure effective service delivery to Nigerians.

    He further said that the civil service was crucial in actualising the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu-led Administration.

    He, therefore, urged civil servants to always give their best in their service to humanity.

    “Always put in your best at every opportunity you are given to serve. You may never have a second chance to make a first impression, so always put your best foot forward.

    “Never relent in supporting your subordinates and superiors,’’ he advised.

    Aduda reaffirmed the government’s commitment to capacity development for workers; enhance efficiency and productivity for effective service delivery in the public sector, in line with global standards.

    Responding, Seidu the union chairman expressed gratitude to the permanent secretary for his contributions to staff career progression and capacity building at the foreign ministry.

    He acknowledged Aduda’s efforts in facilitating the conversion of staff from the Executive Cadre to Officer Cadre.

    Seidu said that the knowledge and opportunities gained from these initiatives would be utilised to achieve the goals and objectives of the federal government.

    NAN reports that the high point of the event was the presentation of a customised, handcrafted thank-you card by the group. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ETIM/AMM

    ========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Hotel business receives boost in Epe — association

    Hotel
    By Idris Olukoya
    Epe (Lagos State), June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Hotel Association, Epe Branch, says hotel business in Epe and Ibeju-Lekki axis of Lagos State received a boost, recording good sales in the just concluded Eid el-Kabir.

    Mr Deji Alade, the president of the association, Epe Branch on Wednesday, said that hundreds of visitors and Muslim faithful were on tour of the area for the festival.

    He explained that members of the association had a busy time as patronage of their hotels peaked during the period.

    “Virtually, all our hotels which experienced low patronage before Eid el-Kabir, were booked,” he said.

    He said that some visitors and guests had booked their accommodation two days before the Eid el-Kabir while others checked in on the day.

    Alade described Lekki-Epe as the state’s tourists’ destination, noting that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration in Lagos State had transformed the coastal city of Epe with good road.

    He also noted that industries that “are springing up in the area, such as Dangote’s refinery, the Fourth Mainland Bridge, seaports and the coastal Lagos Lagoon has raised the tourism potential of the area”.

    A member of the association, Mr Tunde Allison, also confirmed that hotels in the area enjoyed high patronage.

    According to him, many intending lodgers did not get rooms as the hotel rooms were fully booked.

    Also, Mr Segun Balogun, an hotelier, said that there was a boost in the sector.

    “I never believe we will record good sales because of the economic hardship but in spite of that, the patronage during the celebration was overwhelming.

    “All our rooms were booked since two days before the celebration until after it. It was a huge success,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    SIO/KAY
    =======
    Edited by Kayode Olaitan

  • Emir of Ilorin commiserates with Saraki over mother’s death

    Condolence
    By Mujidat Oyewole
    Ilorin, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has commiserated with a former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, over the death of his mother, Mrs Florence Saraki.
    This is contained in a condolence message issued by the emir’s Spokesman, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, on Wednesday in Ilorin.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mrs Saraki died on Tuesday at the age of 89.
    Sulu-Gambari described the deceased as a wonderful mother, great philanthropist and virtuous wife to Dr Olusola Saraki, the late Waziri of Ilorin, whose contributions to humanity would forever be remembered.
    According to him, the deceased lived a fulfilled life, with numerous accomplishments.
    The royal father urged Saraki, a two-term governor of Kwara, and his siblings to be strong in heart over the demise of their beloved mother.
    Sulu-Gambari, who is also the Chairman of Kwara Traditional Rulers’ Council, extended his condolences to both the immediate and extended family members of the Saraki dynasty.
    “I pray that Almighty Allah grants the family and friends the fortitude to bear the great loss,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    MOB/FEO/WAS
    Edited by Francis Onyeukwu and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Number of drug users drops by 20.3% in China–report

     

    Drug

    By Vivian Emoni

    Beijing, June 19, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) By the end of 2023, the number of drug users in China stood at 896,000, marking a 20.3 per cent decrease compared to the previous year.

    This is according to an official report.

    The 2023 situation report was issued by the office of China National Narcotics Control Commission on Wednesday.

    The report said that in 2023, there were about four million individuals, who had successfully abstained from drug use for three years, representing a 7.6 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

    “The country cracked a total of 42,000 drug-related criminal cases in 2023, apprehending 65,000 suspects and seizing 25.9 tonnes of various types of drugs.

    “In addition, a total of 938.5 tonnes of precursor chemicals used in drug production were seized nationwide in 2023, marking a 42.2 per cent increase year-on-year.

     

    “Since the beginning of 2024, China has strengthened control over the sources of precursor chemicals used in the production of drugs.

     

    “China has also adjusted the list of controlled chemical substances exported to specific countries and regions, and added 24 new controlled substances to the list,’’ the report said.

     

    Wei Xiaojun, the Executive Deputy Director of the Office, said that the overall situation regarding drugs in China was manageable.

     

    Xiaojun said that the narcotics control authorities would continue to improve the drug control system and actively engage in international cooperation in drug control. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    VOE/GOM/EEE

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

    Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Ese E. Eniola Williams