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Category: General News

  • Excitement in Kogi as Ododo pays June salaries

     

    Salaries

    By Thompson Yamput

    Lokoja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Palpable excitement enveloped Kogi at the weekend as Gov. Usman Ododo surprised the state workers by paying their June salaries in the middle of the month.

    A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that most of the workers were pleasantly surprised as it was the first time they were getting such gesture.

    A top government official told NAN that the gesture was to enable the people celebrate the Eid-el Kabir festival with joy.

    NAN reports that the governor also distributed food items and other palliatives to the workers and other residents of the North-Central state.

    Some of the civil servants, who spoke to NAN, expressed appreciation to the governor for the gesture which, they said, would help them to enjoy the Muslim festival.

    “The governor’s early payment of June salaries, alongside the distribution of food palliatives to workers, is a huge blessing to us,” Hajiya Fatima Baba, a civil servant, told NAN.

    Alhaji Bala Adejoh, another civil servant, who was full of praises for the governor, said that the arrival of the June salary was a “huge relief”.

    “It’s a great relief getting June salary to celebrate this Sallah.

    “My prayer for the governor is for him to enjoy God’s grace, guidance and blessings as he rules Kogi in this trying  time,” Adejoh said.

    Ododo had, in a statement by Mr Onogwu Muhammed, his
    Special Adviser on Public Relations, said that the peoples’ vote for ‘consolidation and continuity’ in Kogi, was not a mistake.

    According to him, before 2016, Kogi was burdened with a bogus and ineffective civil service system with salaries always irregular.

    “Unfortunately, efforts to sanitise the system and ensure timely wage payments for genuine workers were hindered by lack of political will and various obstacles.

    “It was the bold initiative of ex-Gov. Yahaya Bello’s administration that tackled this cumbersome system.

    “The civil service reform initiated by Bello’s administration was arduous and demanding for both the civil servants and the government.

    “Since 2017, the government policy has ensured that workers’ salaries are paid between the 25th and 27th of every month, a policy that the current administration is sustaining.

    “The civil service reform was one of the five key thematic areas of the ‘New Direction Administration’ of the previous government, focusing on education, jealth, agriculture and infrastructure.

    “Part of the fulfillment of the promise of sustainable welfare is  paying the June salaries and pensions of workers and retirees in Kogi ahead of the Sallah celebration,” the statement said.

    The statement quoted the governor as saying that prompt payment of salaries and the distribution of the second quarterly food palliative to vulnerable populations was part of efforts to ensure people enjoyed the festivities with their families.

    He was also quoted as reassuring the people that his administration would continue to prioritise welfare of workers, pensioners and all residents.

    The statement said that the reforms in the public and civil service sectors had made Kogi one of the most attractive public employers in Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TYC/CHOM/ETS

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  • Eid-El-Kabir: Foundation distributes cash, foodstuffs to 300 less privileged

    Distribution of the foodstuffs and cash gifts

     

    foodstuffs
    By Ibironke Ariyo

    Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Dr Yusuf John-Suberu Foundation has distributed food items to over 300 poor and less privileged in Iruvochinomi, Adavi Local Government Area of  Kogi.

    The Founder of the organisation, Dr Yusuf Suberu while distributing the foodstuffs and cash gifts , said the initiative is committed to reaching out to the less-privileged people in the community during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    Suberu said the gesture was borne out of  goodwill for many of the people who found themselves living in abject poverty and lacked the right and necessary assistance.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the items were distributed on Saturday to the rural community as palliatives to mark the Eid-el-Kabir Sallah celebrations.

    NAN reports that the foundation, which came into existence in August  2020, has helped thousands of the poor, needy, widows, less-privileged among others,  donating food items, money, scholarships among others.

    Suberu said the group is also committed to empowering communities in Nigeria in the areas of health, education, advocacy and livelihood, among others.

    He said the mission and vision of the foundation is to alleviate poverty and address food insecurity among others in Nigeria.

    “All we are doing is to conduct a heartwarming initiative to combat food insecurity and provide relief to the less privileged, “he said.

    According to him, today, we are here to celebrate sallah with people in the slum who feel they do not have anybody and this is what we have been doing for six years.

    “The gesture is to celebrate the sallah festival with the less- privileged and we are here today to give out what we have to people and tell them that when there is life, there is hope.

    “Hundreds of families have already received food packages containing rice. This effort has been a lifeline for many individuals who have been struggling to put food on their tables.

    Suberu called on other wealthy Nigerians to join hands by supporting the government to adequately help the needy,  especially the poor and less- privileged.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/CHOM/SH

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Sadiya Hamza

     

     

     

  • Etsu Nupe seeks emulation of Prophet Ibrahim’s good virtues

    Etsu Nupe seeks emulation of Prophet Ibrahim’s good virtues

    Emulation

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    Bida (Niger), June 16, 2024 (NAN) Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger Council of Traditional Rulers, has urged the Muslims to emulate Prophet Ibrahim’s good virtues as they celebrate the Eid-el Kabir.

    According to the Etsu Nupe, these lofty virtues include sacrifice, obedience and submissiveness to the will of Allah, in order to be successful in the worldly life and the hereafter.

    He made the appeal in his Sallah message to the Muslim community in his domain and Nigerians in general to mark the celebration at the Eid praying ground in Bida on Sunday.

    Abubakar said, “Today’s celebration is a commemoration of total submissiveness and obedience to the will of Allah, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail.

    “It is also a lesson on the virtue of keeping our promises to Allah and to our fellow men.

    “Prophet Ibrahim made a vow to sacrifice his son to Allah, and when it was time to fulfill  the promise, he didn’t back out. That is a strong virtue worthy of emulation.

    “It was in appreciation of that gesture that Allah converted what would have been a human sacrifice to that of a sheep.’’

    The traditional ruler advised the Muslims to shun societal ills and to always endeavour to do good.

    “Societal ills like bribery, corruption, drunkenness and gambling do not do any good to man, society, or the Muslim faithful, hence all believers are enjoined to avoid them,” Abubakar admonished.

    He implored Muslims in his domain and the country at large to reflect on the significance of the celebration, which bordered on encouraging piety, sacrifice and love, without which, according to him, no state or society could advance.

    Abubakar appealed to the wealthy individuals in the country to assist the poor to enable all and sundry celebrate Eid-el Kabir with a relative ease.

    He said, “God has endowed wealth on people not for themselves and their immediate families, but for the benefit of entire society.

    “The socio-economic predicament that we are facing requires such assistance from well-to-do individuals in the country.”

    Abubakar charged the Muslim faithful to pray to God to assist President Bola Tinubu, other elected and appointed leaders to overcome both the current economic meltdown and security challenges bedeviling the country.

    The leader advised his people to always monitor the movements of their children, to stem the habit of drug abuse that was rampant among the youths

    “With fervent and ceaseless prayers by the adherents of the two major religions in the country, I am sure we will witness the peaceful conduct of general elections in the country,” he added.

    The royal father also prayed for a successful Hajj and safe return of all the pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia.(NAN)(www.nannewsngr.com)

    BAB/BRM

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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Emir Sanusi urges Muslims to help needy, preach peace

    Sallah
    By Aminu Garko
    Kano, June 16, 2024 ( NAN) The Emir of Kano, Malam Mohammad Sanusi, has urged Muslims to embrace the culture of helping the needy and preaching peace.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that Sunusi  gave the advice during his sermon after leading the Eid prayers at Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Jumu’at Mosque in Kofar Mata, Kano.
    The emir emphasised the importance of following Prophet Muhammad’s teachings which emphasised helping the needy, especially during Eid-al-Adha celebrations.
    He also urged the public to intensify prayers for peaceful co-existence in Kano State and the nation.
    A NAN Correspondent in Kano observed that in spite of the economic challenges, many residents performed the Sallah sacrifices and dressed colourfully, while security personnel were deployed to ensure peace and security.
     Some of the residents, however, expressed disappointment over the cancellation of the traditional Sallah durbar.
    Police Commissioner Ussain Gumel had announced the ban, citing security concerns.( NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AAG/CHOM/BRM
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Bashir Rabe Mania

  • Gov. Nwifuru urges Muslims to pray for nation’s peace, dev’t

     

    Prayer

    By Uchenna Ugwu

    Abakaliki, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi,  on Sunday  encouraged  the Muslim Ummah to leverage the Sallah period and pray for the peace, progress, unity and development of the country.

    Nwifuru, in his message to mark the Eid-el-Kabir, prayed for Allah’s blessings upon their lives and usher them into an era of prosperity.

    This is contained in a statement  in Abakaliki by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Monday Uzor.

    “On behalf of the government and people of the state, we  wish all our Muslim brothers and sisters  happy Eid -el- Kabir.

    “And may the blessings of Allah fill your lives with happiness and open all  doors of success now and always,” Uzor quoted Nwifuru as praying.

    The governor reiterated the commitment of his administration to carry all the segments of society along,  irrespective of religion.

    He, however,  expressed satisfaction over the contributions of the Muslim faithful in the state toward the realisation of his administration’s “People’s Charter of Needs Agenda”.

    Nwifuru further assured that security arrangements had been perfected to ensure a hitch- free celebration.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    UVU/CHOM/BRM

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Bashir Rabe Mani

     

  • Sallah: Foundation urges national peace, unity

    Dr Yusuf Suberu

     

    Peace

    By Ibironke Ariyo

    Abuja, June 16, 2024(NAN) The Dr Yusuf John-Suberu Foundation has called on Nigerians to shun violence and show love to fellow citizens during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration nationwide.

    The Founder of the organisation, Yusuf Suberu, in his Sallah message on Sunday in Abuja, urged Muslims to use the occasion to strengthen the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria.

    Suberu said the season should remind citizens,  especially the Muslim Faithful of the need to make sacrifices for the overall growth of the nation.

    He said the period was believed by Muslims to celebrate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim who offered to sacrifice his only son in obedience to Allah’s command.

    ”For Islamic faithful, this act is not just a symbol of love, it stresses the need for individuals to make sacrifices for the growth of Nigeria.

    ”It is hoped that these messages of peace, unity and oneness preached before and always, will continue to resound in the minds of citizens, to encourage national development.

    ”Our foundation believe Nigeria will make quicker progress toward the fulfilment of its great potentials as a nation if its citizens foster peace, security and stability.

    ”These are essential for development by showing greater respect for national safety and public order and laws,” he said.

    Suberu called for more pro-active measures that would help in confronting multi-faceted challenges of kidnappings, armed robberies, smuggling, unemployment and youths restiveness among others.

    ”We believe in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, that these challenges will soon be a thing of the past.

    ”Let us join hands and support the leadership of the country so that we can all be boastful when things fall back to normal,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/CHOM/DOE

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Dianabasi Effiong

  • Sallah: Pray for development of Nigeria, APC chieftain urges Muslims

    Sallah: Pray for development of Nigeria, APC chieftain urges Muslims

    Nigeria
    By Victor Adeoti
    Osogbo, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Mr Dotun Babayemi, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun has urged Muslim faithful to keep praying for the development of the country. as they celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

    Babayemi stated this on Saturday in Osogbo in a congratulatory message to Muslim faithful on this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    The APC chieftain urged Nigerians not to be discouraged by the current economic situation in the country.

    “Despite some challenges facing the country, it remains one of the best in the world.

    “Nigeria is blessed abundantly with human and material resources and remains one of the few nations so blessed in the world”, he said.

    Babayemi, however, enjoined Muslim faithful to keep praying for the growth and development of the country.

    While commending Nigerians for their patriotism which had kept the nation going, he appealed that they should not relent in working and praying for the continuous growth of the country.

    “While we must not quit supplicating to our creator; for He is the one that answers prayers.

    “We must, at this time, continue to put in more efforts at our various points of duty for the development of all sectors in the country”, he. (NAN) (www.nannnews.ng)
    VE/ESI/IKU
    Edited by Ehigimetor Igbaugba/Tayo Ikujuni

  • Chief of Moroa dies after 58 years on throne

     

    Death
    By Amen Gajira
    Kafanchan (Kaduna) June 16, 2024 (NAN) Mr Tagwai Sambo, the Chief of Moroa in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, is dead.
    Sambo’s demise was announced on Saturday in Manchok by the Palace Secretary, Mr Iliya Avong.
    The first class traditional ruler was 88 and had spent 58 years on the throne.
    “Baba died peacefully in his sleep,” Avong told the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN).
    Avong added that the traditional ruler had had some health challenges since 2020.
    NAN reports that Sambo was born on Dec. 24, 1936 and ascended the throne at 30 in 1966.
    Until his appointment, he was the Commissioner for Works and Housing in the then North Regional Government. (NAN)
    AMEN/ETS
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  • FRSC begins Eid-el-Kabir special patrol in Anambra, deploys 1,020 personnel

     

    FRSC

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

    Awka, June 15, 2024(NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra Command, says it has deployed 1,020 personnel for Eid-el-Kabir special patrol for safety of road users in the state.

    The Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr Adeoye Irelewuyi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Awka.

    It will be Recalled that the federal government had declared Monday, June 17 and Tuesday, June 18 as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    Irelewuyi said that the special patrol was targeted at ensuring that all road users within and traversing Anambra state travelled in safety and devoid of any traffic hindrances during the period.

    He said that the command deployed personnel to man the identified troubled areas in the flash points of the state including Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Old Awka-Onitsha Road as well as the Upper-Iweka Road.

    According to him, personnel were also deployed to man Aguata axis for vehicles moving towards Imo and other parts of the South East.

    “There is an anticipated increase in traffic volume as a result of Muslim faithful as well as other Nigerians who may take advantage of this period to travel to celebrate with families and friends.

    “The FRSC National Headquaters has strengthened surveillance, effective patrol and adequate monitoring on the highways across the federation.

    “There will be aggressive enforcement to check offences such as speeding, dangerous driving and overtaking, route and seatbelt violations, use of phone while driving, overloading, loading trailers with passengers and illegal use of the Spy number plates.

    “All these interventions is to ensure that all road users within and traversing Anambra state travel in safety and devoid of any traffic hindrance during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration,” he said.

    Irelewuyi said that operational vehicles and recovery vehicles had been deployed for prompt response to road traffic crashes and clearing of any form of obstructions on the road.

    He urged motorists to be civil and consider other road users as well as cooperate with FRSC personnel to ensure free flow of traffic and reduction in crashes. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    LCO/OJI/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Maureen Atuonwu

     

     

  • Abia Govt. receives 3 school children rescued from human traffickers

    Abia Govt. receives 3 school children rescued from human traffickers
    Gov. Alex Otti of Abia with the three rescued school children
    Rescue
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Nvosi(Abia), June 15, 2024 (NAN) The Abia Government on Saturday received the three rescued school children that were abducted in Amaoba-Ime Oboro, Ikwuano Local Government Area (LGA), on May 10.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that three children, aged  8,  6 and 4, are biological brothers and were abducted while returning home from school.
    Speaking during the event in Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South LGA saturday, Gov. Alex Otti of Abia expressed gratitude to God and everyone involved in securing the release of the children.
    Otti also expressed delight that the children had been reunited with their parents and loved ones.
    The governor charged parents to be vigilant regarding the safety and security of their children.
    “I will like to also admonish parents to be more careful because this was avoidable.
    “First of all, you should not hand over your children to people you do not know, whether Keke or Okada riders.
    “There is nothing you’re doing that is more important than looking after your children.
    “That is my word to parents, grandparents and everybody who has something to do with one Abia child or another.
    “It is very very important that we take their security, comfort and safety very seriously.
    “A lot of lessons have been learnt from this and I believe we shouldn’t let this kind of thing repeat itself,” he said.
    He urged the security operatives involved in the rescue operations to continue with their efforts and ensure thorough follow-up investigation of the matter.
    Otti said that this would enable them to prosecute everyone involved in the abduction in order to deter others from committing similar acts.
    Otti promised that the government would provide the rescued children with the support they needed in the manner it deemed most appropriate.
    He also encouraged communities in the state to embrace the positive cultural practice of regarding all children as their own.
    He reiterated his administration’s commitment to secure Abia and develop its economy,  because meaningful development could not take place in the state without adequate security.
    Otti said: “One of the promises that we made to our people is that we must secure the State.
    “Even if it was not our intention to secure the state, but because it is our intention to develop the state and grow our economy, none of those can happen without security.
    “So when you see me working very hard, visiting security agencies and their heads, it is to sit down and be able to map out a security architecture that works for all of us.”
    He said that the  government had established a robust security architecture in order to create a conducive environment that attracts investors and  supports businesses to thrive.
    “I had told criminals, I have sent them notice that this place cannot contain themselves and us; one person must run away.
    “Unfortunately I’m not the one that would run, because I have the mandate of the people and I have the mandate of God.
    “So it’s the evil ones that would run away, even to start running before somebody starts pursuing them and that is what we are seeing.
    “We are also creating a robust economy that will accommodate everyone that has a genuine intention and genuine job to do,” he said.
    In a speech, the Transition Committee Chairman of Ikwuano LGA, Mr  Osinachi Nwaka, said the rescue unfolded in three stages and  pointed out that he personally led the first operation in Ekwulobia, Anambra.
    Nwaka described the rescue as a remarkable triumph and commended the unwavering commitment of the government and security agencies.
    In a remark, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Comdr MacDonald Uba (Rtd), commended the governor for his optimism which motivated everyone involved in the rescue operation and described him as a father.
    Also, the member representing Ikwuano State Constituency, Mr  Boniface Isienyi, said the rescue operation was not an easy task but it took God’s grace to make it a success.
    Isienyi said he would  introduce a bill requiring proper registration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, to ensuring legal status for operating a motherless babies home.(NAN)(www.nannwws.ng)
    INA/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu