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Category: General News

  • Putin praises North Korea’s support for Russia’s war against Ukraine

    Putin praises North Korea’s support for Russia’s war against Ukraine

    Support
    Moscow, June 18, 2024 (dpa/NAN) Ahead of his visit to North Korea on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Pyongyang for its support in Moscow’s fight against Ukraine.

    Putin praised North Korea’s “unwavering support for Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine,” using the Kremlin’s wording to refer to the war, in a letter published in Pyongyang’s official newspaper Rodong Sinmun.

    The Russian leader also thanked North Korea for its solidarity on important international issues.

    He added that it was committed and like-minded and ready to counter the West’s aspiration to restrain the establishment of a multipolar world order.

    According to Putin, both countries have plans to collaborate on building a security architecture in Eurasia.

    And also countering Western sanctions, and establishing independent transaction systems.(dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    COO/SH
    =======
    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Sadiya Hamza

  • Eid-el Kabir: Yusuf donates cows, food items to inmates in Kano

    Eid-el Kabir: Yusuf donates cows, food items to inmates in Kano
    Donation
    By Ramatu Garba
    Kano, June 18, 2024(NAN) Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State, has donated 12 cows and food items to inmates in all Custodial Centres in the state to celebrate Eid-el Kabir.
    Yusuf, who made the donation through the Chairperson of theState Committee for Prerogative of Mercy, Hajiya Azumi Namadi-Bebeji, said that the gesture would give the inmates a sense of belonging.
    He enjoined the inmates to be of good conduct and remain resilience as they pass through reformatory programmes.
    The governpr  commended the Nigerian Correctional Service for reforming, rehabilitating and reintegrating inmates.
     Mr Suleiman Inuwa, the Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service in the state, recieved the items on behalf of the Controller-General of Correction Services, Haliru Nababa.
    Inuwa commended the state government for the gesture.
    NAN reports that some of the food items included 150 bags of  25kg rice, vegetable oil, onions and seasoning among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RG/JPE
    ======
    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • Fubara appoints administrators to take over LGAs in Rivers

    Fubara appoints administrators to take over Rivers LGAs

    Fubara

    By Desmond Ejibas

    Port Harcourt, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has directed Heads of Administration in the 23 Local Government Areas(LGAs), to assume leadership of the councils.

    Fubara gave the directive in a state-wide broadcast in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, following the expiration of the tenure of the 23 LG chairmen at midnight on Monday.

    He emphasised that the transfer of power to the administrators was critical to ensuring the continuity of governance in the LGAs.

    “The heads of administration are directed to immediately take charge of the councils and provide leadership in their respective LGAs.

    “They must do this with renewed vigour and readiness to serve, while awaiting further directives as we navigate towards even greater accomplishments together.

    “The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria must be upheld and law and order must be maintained as we continue to strive to provide leadership and direction for our people.”

    Fubara praised the former chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors for their dedicated service during their tenures, acknowledging their sacrifices and contributions to the development of their LGAs.

    The governor reassured the public that his administration would persist in delivering infrastructure, quality healthcare services, education and enhanced welfare packages for the residents and workers of the state.

    Meanwhile, the 23 local government chairmen, who are believed to be loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, have vowed to remain in office after June 17, citing a law enacted by 27 “pro-Wike lawmakers” extending their tenure by six months.

    The state ALGON Chairman, Allwell Ihunda, has consistently insisted that the chairmen would not relinquish their positions, and dared Fubara to force them out.

    He warned that any attempt to remove them from office would be resisted.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the pro-Wike legislators had amended the Local Government Law to extend the tenure of elected chairmen and councillors by six months, if elections were not conducted before the end of their term.

    But the state High Court later barred the assemblymen from parading themselves as members of Rivers State House of Assembly after they defected from the PDP to the APC.

    The court also nullified laws passed by the Martin Amaewhule-led factional assembly and declared their seats vacant after they openly defected to the opposition APC in December.

    Subsequently, the 27 lawmakers took the matter to the Court of Appeal which would decide the fate of the embattled legislators and LG chairmen on June 20.

    However, there was palpable fear on Monday as some angry youths reportedly stormed some of the LG council secretariates, calling for the ousting of the council chairmen.

    The youths invaded Asari Toru, Akuku Toru, Degema and Andoni LGA offices, and locked the gates, insisting that the outgoing chairmen must vacate office.

    In Degema, the protesters chanted war songs and appeared battle ready to stop the chairman from remaining in office after his tenure.

    In Asri Toru LGA, hordes of youth took over the council’s headquarters, issuing threats against the chairman and challenging him to show up on Wednesday after the Eid-el Kabir holidays.

    At Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor LGAs offices, heightened security presence deterred protesters with seven police patrol vans and armed personnel guarding the council offices to avert chaos.

    Meanwhile, Mr Olatunji Disu, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, has assured newsmen that steps had been taken to prevent breakdown of law and order.

    He said that the police were aware of an attempted invasion of the council offices and had deployed personnel to forestall any chaos.

    “We are aware of the crises and court orders, but we urge restraint till June 20 (when the Appeal Court will deliver judgment on the LG tussle).

    “We expect everyone to await the decision of the court. No one should take the laws into his or her hands.

    “We have deployed operatives to various strategic locations to uphold order and ensure public safety. So, we are performing our duties,” emphasised.

    Disu warned against defying the law and advised parents to deter their children and wards from unlawful actions. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DES/ETS

    =======

     

  • We must embrace new value system to make progress – Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu with the delegation of the National Assembly led by President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, on Monday evening in Lagos.

    Progress
    By Salif Atojoko
    Abuja, June 18, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu says it is imperative for Nigerians to have a change of value system for the nation to make progress.
    The President said this in Lagos when he received a delegation from the National Assembly who came to felicitate with him on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir on Monday evening.
    The delegation, led by the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, included the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Jibrin Barau and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, among others.
    “Good economics at a harsh time is the challenge that we must face. As I said in my speech, no matter how difficult it is and how challenging it can be, I will not turn my back on Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
    He challenged citizens to have a change of mindset about Nigeria if the nation is to overcome its current challenges.
    “The need (for some citizens) to change the rent-seeking mindset and become more productive to the economy is a challenge. The need to stop smuggling and all economic sabotage.
    “Why should we have people removing rail tracks and all that, stealing electric cables and sabotaging the economy?
    “We must embrace the campaign to change our value system. We must tell our people that the challenge we face is for all of us to change our mindset about our country,” Tinubu said.
    The President commended the leadership of the National Assembly for the support extended to his administration, which had resulted in some of the important developments recorded by his administration.
    “It is great pride for me to have the best of partners in the National Assembly. We have to drill down and be all-inclusive in our bid to satisfy our people.
    “It is daunting, but we cannot run away from the fact that this country must survive the hardship,” he stated.
    The President acknowledged the challenges and the task ahead, assuring the nation of his unwavering determination to turn things around.
    “Yes, there is poverty; there is suffering in the land. We are not the only people facing such, but we must face our challenges. We must find a way to eliminate banditry and terrorism so that farmers can bring out food from the farmland.
    “If you do not have good roads to bring the food to the population, even if you grow the food and you are losing 60-70 per cent to damages, you will pay the price,” said Tinubu.
    Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Akpabio said he came with the leadership of the National Assembly to pay homage and felicitate with the President on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir.
    Akpabio added that the visit was to thank the President for the purposeful leadership in the first year of his administration.
    On what Nigerians should expect from the legislature in the days ahead, Akpabio said: “Looking forward, the National Assembly will tinker with some existing legislations to further improve on the nation’s ease of doing business.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    SA/JNC
    =======
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • NiMet predicts 3-day thunderstorms, cloudiness across Nigeria

    NiMet predicts 3-day thunderstorms, cloudiness across Nigeria

    Weather

    By Gabriel Agbeja

    Abuja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and cloudiness from Tuesday to Thursday across the country.

    NiMet’s weather outlook released on Monday in Abuja, forecasts morning thunderstorms on Tuesday over parts of Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe and
    Gombe states.

    It envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kano, Bauchi, Katsina and Taraba states later in the day.

    “Partly cloudy conditions are expected over the central regions during the morning hours with prospects of afternoon/evening thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Nasarawa and Kwara states.

    “Cloudy skies are expected over the
    southern region during the morning hours with prospects of afternoon/evening rains over part of Ondo, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Abia, Ekiti, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa and Lagos states,” it said.

    According to NiMet, early morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Taraba, Adamawa and Kebbi
    states on Wednesday.

    It further anticipated thunderstorm over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Gombe, Bauchi and Kaduna later on Wednesday. .

    “Early morning thunderstorms are anticipated over
    parts of Kwara and Kogi states while later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau and Nasarawa states.

    “Morning rains are anticipated over parts of Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Bayelsa states, while later in the day, rains are expected over most parts of the southern region,” it said.

    NiMet predicted morning thunderstorms on Thursday over parts of Taraba state and thunderstorms over Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina and Kano states later in the day.

    It envisaged thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau and Nasarawa states early in the morning.

    The agency predicted thunderstorms over the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Kogi and Nasarawa states later in the day.

    NiMet forecasts cloudy skies over the southern region during the morning hours with rains over the entire region later in the day.

    “Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur, public should take adequate precaution.

    “Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports and forecasts from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FGA/KOO/AMM
    ==============
    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Abiemwense Moru

     

  • We got administrative, technical approvals for collapsed building – DMGS

     

     

    Collapse

    By Chimezie Anaso

    Awka, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS), Onitsha, says it obtained all relevant technical and administrative approvals in the construction its  collapsed centenary building.

     

    The mission-owned school made the clarification in a statement signed by Dr Chijioke Ojji, Director of Operations, DMGS Centenary, in Awka on Monday.

     

    It said the building plans approval was sought and obtained from the Anambra State Physical Planning Board, which also carried out periodic inspections during its construction.

     

    The school also said that materials used in the construction underwent rigorous quality assurance processes, including tests by the Anambra State Materials Testing Laboratory, in Awka.

    It said that it was cooperating fully with the panel set up by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria to investigate why the building  collapsed.

     

    “In order to provide necessary assurance to the general public, we wish to state  indisputable facts concerning the DMGS centenary building.

     

    “All proper administrative and technical processes were scrupulously adhered to.

     

    “The architectural design of the building was  by a qualified and experienced architect, who is registered with the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria.

     

    “The structural design of the building was by one of the foremost structural engineers in Nigeria,” the school said.

     

    It added that the construction supervision was by an experienced structural engineer with over 30 years of experience while the technical foreman was a qualified engineer with relevant experience.

     

    DMGS said that it was aware that the identification of the cause of the collapse of the building would be a complex and painstaking evidence-based exercise that would take time. 

    He cautioned against hasty conclusions.

    He urged members of the public to  patiently  wait for verifiable and scientifically-sound conclusions on the cause of the collapse.

     

    “It is therefore with incredulity that we receive various press reports containing hasty, false, malicious and completely unsubstantiated purported conclusions as to the cause.

     

    “Our priority remains the safety of everyone: so, we share the public’s desire to know the truth and to prevent future accidents,” it said.

     

    Meanwhile, the school has confirmed that one person died from the building collapse while two persons were rescued alive.

     

    It condoled with  the family of the deceased and gave assurance  of its  support in dealing with the loss. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    APC/IGO 

    ========

  • AAUA student found dead after church vigil

    AAUA student found dead after church  vigil
    Death
    By Alaba Olusola Oke
    Akure, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Miss Modupe Ayandare, a student of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), has been found dead on Monday after attending a church vigil.
    The death of Ayandare, who is of the Department of Agronomy, was made known by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the institution.
    “We express in strong terms our dissatisfaction and agony with respect to the death of one of our students, Miss Modupe Ayandare of the Department of Agronomy.
    “According to report, the deceased was said to have committed suicide in the early hours of today at about 4:00 a.m.  after she returned from a vigil in her church.
    “The incident happened beside the church she attended, around Spotless Villa.
    “The law enforcement agency have been informed already, and all hands are on deck to get to the root of the situation.
    “Be assured that justice will be served and the law enforcement agency will undertake thorough investigation,” Mr Emmanuel Olaogbebikan, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the SUG, stated.
    He asked anybody with useful information regarding the incident to give to the concerned authorities to come forward.
    Also mourning the passage of the student, the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Students (NAAS), AAUA Chapter, said the loss deeply affected the department.
    Mr Faith Igba, the PRO of the department, said the demise of Ayandare  was a profound loss to the department.
    Igba urged the members of the department to come together and be of help to one another, asking those going through challenges to seek help.
    “During this difficult time, we urge everyone to come together in each other’s support. The mental well-being of our members is of utmost importance, and we encourage anyone who may be struggling to seek help.
    “Our faculty offers counselling services, and we are here to support you in any way we can.
    “Please join me in extending our deepest condolences to Comrade Modupe’s family, friends and colleagues.
    “Let us honour her memory by fostering a compassionate and supportive environment for all,” he said.
    Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the death of Ayandare, Mr Victor Akinpelumi, the Public Relations Officer of the institution, said that the institution had confirmed the incident but was yet to know the cause of the death.
    Akinpelumi, who sympathised with the family of the deceased, told NAN that the institution would make an official statement to the public as regards the death later. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    OKEO/COF
    ===========
    Edited by Christiana Fadare

  • Kano govt. inaugurates 85km road, N21bn bridge in Madobi 

    Road

    By Aminu Garko

    Madobi (Kano State), June 17, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has laid the foundation for an 85-kilometer road project worth about N21 billion in Madobi Local Government Area of the state.

    The governor said, at the inauguration of the project on Monday, that the project was poised to redefine rural landscapes and enhance the livelihoods of the populace.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 85 kilometers spans from Bridge Madobi to Madobi town, running through Yako to Kafin Mai Yaki, culminating in Kiru LGA.

    He explained that the project underscored the commitment to bolster transportation infrastructure, which was crucial for agricultural and economic growth in rural Kano.

    Additionally, the governor said a second project featuring a 15-kilometer road and a 200-metre bridge from Madobi Town to Kubarachi to Kura was also underway.

    “This will showcase the administration’s profound dedication to catalyzing progress across the semi-urban and rural areas,” he said.

    Yusuf articulated a bold timeline, while assuring completion of the projects within 18 and 24 months respectively.

    “My vision aims not only at bridging urban-rural divides but also cultivating sustainable economic pathways, thus curbing rural-urban migration and fostering prosperity in hinterlands,” he said.

    NAN reports that former Kano State Governor, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, commended the governor’s effort toward the project while applauding the electorate for choosing wisely in the previous election. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AAG/MAM/COF

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

    Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Christiana Fadare

     

  • Tinubu to attend inauguration of South African President Ramaphosa

    Tinubu to attend inauguration of South African President Ramaphosa

    Inauguration

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu will on Tuesday depart Lagos for Pretoria, South Africa, to attend the inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the inauguration of Ramaphosa follows his re-election as president for a second term.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement on Monday that President Tinubu would return to Nigeria after the ceremony. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/SOA

    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

     

  • Edo 2024: I will run an inclusive government— Okpebholo

    Edo 2024: I will run an inclusive government— Okpebholo

    Government

    By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

    Akamkpa (Cross River), June 17, 2024 (NAN) Sen. Monday Okpebholo, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo, says he will run an inclusive government when elected in the September 21 governorship election.

    Okpebholo stated this on the sideline of a flag off of medical mission by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Akamkpa, Cross River on Monday.

    The Senator representing Edo Central in the 10th Assembly and a member of the Senate Committee on NDDC, also noted that he will adopt bottom-top approach in running the affairs of the state.

    According to him, unlike what is currently obtainable in the governance of the state, his administration will be practically driven.

    ‘‘It will be a governance that the people can relate with, a true people’s government in the real sense.”

    The APC candidate, who bemoaned the lack of infrastructural development across the 18 Local Government Area of Edo, promised to re-enact Adams Oshiomhole infrastructural revolution.

    He said that emergency would be declared on roads, schools and health infrastructure in the state.

    “We are set for that.

    “We will be taking a holistic approach to correct the decayed roads, schools and health infrastructure that have been left unattended to.

    “If the Obaseki-led administration had built upon what the government of Adams Oshiomhole did, Edo would have been competing with a state like Lagos in terms of development.

    “Our mission is to, from day one, hit the ground running and make Edo a better place.

    ‘‘A place we can actually call our own, a place that everybody will be happy to see,” he stated. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ESI/FAK/VIV

    ======

    Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi/Vivian Ihechu