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Category: General News

  • Oyebanji urges Muslims to imbibe lessons of Eid-el-Kabir

    Oyebanji urges Muslims to imbibe lessons of Eid-el-Kabir

    Muslims
    By Bolanle Lawal
    Ado-Ekiti, June 15, 2024 (NAN) Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has called on Muslim faithful to imbibe the lessons of love and sacrifice which the Eid-el-Kabir symbolises.

    Oyebanji in a goodwill message signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, congratulated the Muslim Ummah for witnessing this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    He advised them on the need to reflect on the significance of the sacrifice epitomised by the festival as well as promote the virtues of Islam.

    The governor urged the Muslim faithful to learn from Prophet Ibrahim who surrendered to the will of the Almighty Allah by sacrificing his son, Ishmael, based on Allah’s injunction.

    While expressing optimism that Nigeria would overcome its current challenges, Oyebanji urged Nigerians not to relent in their prayers for the country at this critical time in its history.

    He commended the Muslim community in the state for the support given to his administration through prayers, advice and solidarity, saying that he would not take them for granted.

    He also thanked them for living in peace and harmony with other adherents of other religions, thereby making the state one of the most peaceful states to live in.
    “As we celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, it is my sincere wish that we celebrate in moderation, reflect on the lessons of the Eid-el-Kabir festival and show love to one another.

    “Work and pray for the greater level of prosperity for our dear state and country. May God accept our worship as an act of ‘Ibadah. Happy Sallah”, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FFB/ESI/IKU
    Edited by Ehigimetor Igbaugba/Tayo Ikujuni

  • Tinubu congratulates Ramaphosa on re-election

    Tinubu congratulates Ramaphosa on re-election

    Re-election

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 15, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has extended his warm congratulations to President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa on his re-election

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, in a statement on Saturday said the president also congratulated the people of South Africa on the peaceful and successful conduct of the general election.

    “While wishing President Ramaphosa a successful term in office, President Tinubu calls for the strengthening of bilateral ties between Nigeria and South Africa as strategic partners in Africa for the overall advancement of the continent,” Ngelale said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/BRM

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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

     

  • Sallah: Passengers decry hike in transport fare

     

     

     

    Passengers

    By Olatunde Ajayi

    Ibadan, June 15, 2024 (NAN) A good number of those travelling from Ibadan to Lagos and other cities by road on Saturday condemned the hike in transport fares.

    The passengers, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan, lamented the manner the fares up.

    They said the fares moved farther away from what they used to be before the Sallah celebration.

    Those of them whom a NAN correspondent met at Ojoo and other motor parks visited in Ibadan said transportation fare to most destinations had increased by at least 35 per cent.

    At the motor park at Iwo road in Ibadan, transporters were discovered to be charging N3,000 and N3,500 for buses and N4,500 for cars going to Lagos.

    This was against N2,000 and N2,500 respectively charged before festive season.

    A commercial bus driver, Mr Nurudeen Akanbi, however said it was a normal thing for transportation fares to go up during the festive period.

    He nonetheless noted that the fares would always return to normal after the celebrations.

    “Passengers may even need to pay more while returning to their base after the celebrations, because there will be a big rush to catch up with work on resumption day,” the driver warned.

    He also attributed the hike in transportation fare to the recent petroleum subsidy removal which had jacked up prices of fuel and motor spare parts.

    Some passengers at the motor parks, however, condemned the sharp increase in the transport fares, saying it would affect their budget and other plans for Eid-el-Kabir.

    Mrs Rofiat Adeoye, a traveller, said she had planned to get some gift items for her relations on her trip to Lagos.

    ”But due to the increase in the transport fare, I cannot do that again because intra-city transport fares would have gone up in Lagos too,” she said.

    Another passenger, Mr Akeem Gbadegesin, urged governments to assist travellers with subsidised transportation initiatives across all routes during any festive season.

    “Commercial operators are using the rush period during the celebrations as an opportunity to exploit people,” he said.

    NAN reports that passengers, who could not afford the fare, were seen leaving the parks and moving along the Ibadan-Lagos expressway.

    This was with the hope of getting cheaper means of transportation though private vehicle owners who would take them along to use the money gained to augment the fuel purchased.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    TUN/OJI/OLAL
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    (Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Olawale Alabi)

  • FRSC deploys 1200 officers for Eid-el-Kabir in Osun

    FRSC deploys 1200 officers for Eid-el-Kabir in Osun

    Sallah
    By Joshua Oladipo
    Osogbo,June 15 ,2024 (NAN) No fewer than 1,200 personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Osun have been deployed to strategic locations in the state to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    Mr Inyang Umoh, the FRSC Sector Commander in the state, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Osogbo.

    Umoh said that the officers, which comprises of special and regular marshals, would help in maintaining orderliness on the highways to ensure road users comply with safety rules during and after the celebration.

    “We will not tolerate any reckless driving during and after the Sallah celebration. Our men are out there to ensure that motorists comply with safety regulations.

    “We have visited media houses, motor parks, churches, mosques, among others to spread the message of defensive driving during this period,” he said.

    According to him, the command has increase its enlightenment campaign towards ensuring zero free accident on highways.

    “The message is clear that motorists should embraced defensive style of driving, be disciplined while on wheels which will help in minimising road mishaps,” he emphasised.

    Umoh also said that ambulances and towing vans had been deployed to strategic locations in the state for emergency.

    He called on transport unions to educate their members on the need to be safety conscious to avoid loss of lives and property. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    JOO/VE/IKU
    Edited by Victor Adeoti/Tayo Ikujuni

  • Eid-El-Kabir: Gov. Abiodun urges Muslims to embrace virtues of Prophet Ibrahim

    Eid-el-Kabir: Gov. Abiodun urges Muslims to embrace virtues of Prophet Ibrahim

    Eid-El-Kabir

    By Abiodun Lawal

    Abeokuta, June 15, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Dapo Abiodun on Saturday in Abeokuta urged the Muslim faithful in Nigeria to use the occasion of the Eid-El-Kabir celebration to reflect on the teachings of Prophet Ibrahim.

    In his goodwill message, through his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, Abiodun said they should strive to emulate his unwavering faith, obedience and dedication.

    He emphasised the importance of submitting to the Almighty God and prioritising spiritual well-being over worldly desires.

    The governor highlighted the significance of selflessness, compassion and the willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of faith and the betterment of humanity.

    “This special season serves as an important reminder to all adherents for total submission to the Almighty God and the need to prioritise spiritual well-being over worldly desires.

    “It is also a period of sober reflection on the importance of selflessness, compassion and the willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of our faith and the betterment of humanity,” he said.

    Gov. Abiodun added that Sallah presented an opportunity for Muslims to gather with their families, strengthen their bonds, and share in the blessings of the festive period.

    “It is a celebration of virtues and a time to express our appreciation to God ,for His countless favours and to seek His forgiveness and guidance.

    “May this Eid bring us closer to our Creator, foster unity and harmony within our communities and inspire us to be beacons of compassion, generosity and righteousness.

    “May God accept our prayers, our acts of worship and our sacrifices during this blessed time,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    LKA/OLAL

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    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)

     

  • Cholera outbreak: Ogun govt. announces precautionary measures

    Measures
    By Yetunde Fatungase
    Abeokuta, June 15, 2024 (NAN) The Ogun government on Saturday in Abeokuta announced precautionary measures to prevent a possible outbreak of cholera in the state, following events in several states of the country.
    Special Adviser to Gov. Dapo Abiodun on Media and Strategy, Mr Kayode Akinmade, in a statement said the governor was seriously concerned about the development.
    ”We have to take action in view of the need to protect the people in the state, considering the proximity to Lagos and the degree of interactions between the two states,” he said.
    Akinmade said precautionary measures have been put in place especially as the Sallah holiday approaches.
    He reeled out the measures as including the directive about toilets, stipulating that all houses must have toilets.
    “Any house without a toilet should identify a room to be converted to a toilet. Residents are given three to six months of grace for compliance.
    “All petrol stations must have functional public toilets with running water as part of their corporate social responsibilities.
    “All garages, parks, markets and mechanic villages must have functional toilets with running water.
    “All schools (public and private) should have public toilets with running water,” he said.
    Akinade added that, in addition to these measures, residents are advised to drink only safe water which is either boiled or chlorinated.
    He also advised proper hand-washing with soap after each toilet visit and before handling food, just as all fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly with safe water.
    The governor’s aide further that government has advised that all foods should be cooked properly.
    ”Also, people should endeavour to buy and eat only food that is hot and cooked with water from reliable sources.”
    Akinmade assured that the Ministry of Environment would see to the strict compliance of all the measures as violators would be made to face the wrath of law accordingly. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    YAF/OLAL
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    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)

  • Abdulrazaq releases 23 inmates, reviews 18 Lifers’ cases 

    Inmates
    By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

    Ilorin, June 15, 2024 (NAN) Gov. AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara has released 23 convicted inmates to “enable them enjoy the Eid-el Kabir festival at their various homes”.

    A statement by Mr Adegbulugbe Olumide, the Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Correctional Service, Kwara State Command, said on Saturday in Ilorin that the governor decided to extend his hands of love to the inmates.

    “The governor visited the facility and freed some inmates ahead of the Eid-el Kabir celebration.

    “In addition, the cases of 18 lifers were reviewed with 10 commuted to 21 years imprisonment, six commuted to 10 years, while two were commuted to two years.

    “A female inmate serving seven years had the term reviewed to six months,” he said.

    Olumide stated that the Governor also paid the transport fares of those freed, to enable them go to their various destinations.

    According to Olumide, the reduction of terms, and the release of inmates, were based on health status and the belief that they had turned into better citizens.

    “The Controller of Corrections in the State, Mr Danmairomu Ayodeji, while reacting to the governor’s gestures, appreciated him for the good gesture.

    “He advised the inmates to be worthy ambassadors of their various homes and never go back to crime.

    “Danmairomu used the opportunity to applaud the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, for giving him the enabling environment to operate,” he said.

    He quoted Nababa as applauding the State Ministry of Justice for a job well done, noting that the  exercise would reduce congestion in the custodial centre. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FATY/ETS
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  • Tinubu appoints Ayodeji Gbeleyi DG, Bureau of Public Enterprises

    Tinubu appoints Ayodeji Gbeleyi DG, Bureau of Public Enterprises

    Appointment

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 15, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr Ayodeji Gbeleyi as the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

    According to a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, the President expects the new Director-General to bring his vast experience and competence to bear on the role.

    “The President expects him to strengthen the agency as the national resource centre for capacity building and sustenance of reforms.

    “This would be through the promotion of a competitive private sector-driven economy, ensuring social accountability and efficient deployment of public resources.

    “The President also expects him to advance effective corporate governance and fiduciary discipline in the public and private sectors,” the statement added.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Gbeleyi is a financial expert and chartered accountant.

    He is a fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN).

    He is also an alumnus of executive programmes of the prestigious London Business School, Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and Lagos Business School.

    He has over 30 years of post-qualification experience in diverse sectors including manufacturing, fast-moving consumer goods, investment and commercial banking, project finance, telecommunications, infrastructure and public administration.

    He was the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and Commissioner of Finance in Lagos State from 2013 to 2015. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/ETS

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  • Sallah: Sen. Natasha distributes rams to constituents

    Sallah: Sen. Natasha distributes rams to constituents

    Distribution

    By Thompson Yamput

    Lokoja, June 15, 2024 (NAN) Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi), on Saturday distributed rams to some of her constituents ahead of the Eid-el Kabir celebration commencing on Sunday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the lawmaker, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, distributed the rams to the beneficiaries at the central mosques in each of the five local government areas of the district.

    In a remark to commence the exercise, the lawmaker urged the Muslim faithful to use the occasion to promote love, tolerance and pray for sustained peace in the country.

    “On this auspicious occasion of Eid-el Kabir, I extend warm greetings to all Muslims in Kogi, Nigeria and across the world.

    “Eid-el Kabir, a sacred holiday commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, is a powerful reminder to us all of the values of faith, obedience and selflessness.

    “As we celebrate this joyous day, we honour the unwavering dedication of Prophet Ibrahim.

    “On this blessed moment, I join all Muslim faithful to rejoice in the spirit of unity, compassion and gratitude. Let’s imbibe the principles of peace, love, and service to humanity,” she said.

    She wished all Muslims a joyous Eid-el Kabir celebration “filled with happiness, peace and harmony”.

    Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke to NAN, were full of praises and prayers for Natasha for the show of love and kindness.

    “I’m short of words. I don’t know how to thank our lawmaker for distributing rams to us at this hard economic time,” Ibrahim Adeiza, a civil servant, said.

    Hajiya Nafisa Abubakar, a housewife, said that the lawmaker’s gesture had shown that she was a woman with human feelings.

    “Do you know how a ram cost in the market at this period? But, here I am with one, offered free, for my family to celebrate the Eid-el Kabir.

    “We’re indeed proud of Natasha for this show of love toward some of us that are finding things difficult in today’s Nigeria,” Abubakar said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TYC/ETS

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  • LASG promises continued partnership with Naija Brand Chick Trade Fair organisers

    LASG promises continued partnership with Naija Brand Chick Trade Fair organisers

     

    Fair

    By Aderonke Ojediran

    Lagos, June 15, 2024 (NAN) Lagos State Government (NAN) says it is committed to harnessing tourism and entertainment potential as well as growing the state’s economy through collaboration with Lagos Tourism Naija Brand Chick Trade Fair organisers.

    The Special Adviser to  Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Idris Aregbe, gave the assurance at the 2024 Lagos Tourism Naija Brand Chick (NBC) Trade Fair.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the sixth edition of the trade fair tagged “Buy, Sell, Network” is holding at White Stone, Oregon, Lagos State.

    It began on June 14 and will end  on June 16.

    ” The leadership of Gov. Sanwo-Olu is committed to the partnership with the Lagos Tourism Naija Brand Chick Trade Fair, which is targeting several vendors and over hundred thousand participants.

     

    “The brand is working and re-echoing that Lagos would continue to lead, while making sure the government is supporting and positively engaging residents and ensuring that young people are keying into the economic aspect of the state,” he said.

    NAN reports that the 2023 edition of the fair held in Port Harcourt.

    More than 200 vendors are expected to  display their wares at the  2024 edition.

    The Executive Officer of NBC Trade Fair, Nelly Agbogu, said the partnership with Lagos State was one of the best things that had happened over years as many vendors and small and medium scale enterprises were able to key into the fair. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OAF/IGO

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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola