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Category: General News

  • NAWOJ welcomes female Head of Service in Ekiti

    Appointment

    By Bolanle Lawal

    Ado-Ekiti, June 15, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ekiti chapter, says the appointment of Dr Olufolake Olomojobi, as the state’s Head of Civil Service is a laudable step towards achieving gender equality.

    The Chairperson, Mrs Adewumi Ademiju, who stated this is a statement in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday, commended Gov. Abiodun Oyebanji for the confidence in Olomojobi’s capacity to head the state’s civil service.

    Gov. Oyebanji had on June 13 announced the appointment of Olomojobi as the new Head of Civil Service in Ekiti.

    Ademiji described the development as a positive tone towards gender balance in the state’s civil service.

    She expressed confidence that Olomojobi’s expertise and leadership quality would undoubtedly enhance the performance of civil servants in the state.

    “NAWOJ expressed gratitude to Gov. Oyebanji for his gender-friendly stand.

    “This appointment is a testament to your administration’s commitment to gender equality and women empowerment and continued support for women’s advancement in Ekiti.

    “This is a step in the right direction, and we look forward to more inclusive decisions from your administration,” she said.

    She urged Olomojobi to utilise the opportunity to demonstrate women’s capacity in leadership positions by enhancing the productivity of the civil servants in the state.

    The NAWOJ chairperson also urged the new head of service to mentor young women and girls and inspire them to strive for excellence in their respective careers. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FFB/FDY

    ========

    Edited by Philip Yatai

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Muslim faithful lament high cost of rams in Kaduna

    Eid-el-Kabir: Muslim faithful lament high cost of rams in Kaduna

    Eid
    By Aisha Gambo
    Kaduna, June 15,2024(NAN) Some Muslim faithful in Kaduna State have lamented the high cost of rams used as sacrifice for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration around the globe.
    The ram sacrifice is an act of worship practiced by the Muslims  to emulate Prophet Abraham (AS) who dreamt that God ordered him to sacrifice his only son Ishmael.
    Abraham agreed to obey God and perform the sacrifice but a ram was sent to him for the sacrifice in place of Ishmael .
    However, due to the economic realities of the country, some residents of the state told  the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the prices of the rams and other animals  had gone high against what obtained in 2023.
    Yahya Zakari, who was seen at the livestockl market in Zango said he came to check the prices of the rams before buying,  adding that he can only afford to buy one ram.
    “I usually buy two rams , one for me and the other  for my father; but this time around, I can only buy for my father. The rams I bought last year at N75,000 is now N130,000,” he said.
    Similarly, a civil servant, Usman Muhammad, said he won’t be able to buy a ram this year as he has other bills to take care of , adding that he hoped  to be able to afford it next year.
    On his part, Mohammad Tijjani, said he bought his ram from his village in Adamawa  as it was cheaper over there.
    Meanwhile, rams and other livestock vendors said the prices of the  rams were fair depending on the customers’ needs.
    Sulaiman Umar , a animal vendor said that the prices of rams at his stand starts from N70,000 and above, adding that the customers were getting rams within their budgets.
    “Most people are assuming the price or getting information from heresay but when you come to buy, you will find a ram within your budget.
    “I urge the people with the means to come to the market themselves and stop believing in  what other people are saying “,he
    NAN reports that in Zango animal market, Tudun Wada area of Kaduna ,a ram costing N1.5 million was displayed for sale.
    Malam Haruna Adams said a customer bargained the ram at N1.2 million but it wasn’t sold to him.(NAN) 9www.nannews.ng)
    AMG/BRM
    ============
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Sallah: Rep donates 400 rams, N20 million to constituents 

    Sallah: Rep donates 400 rams, N20 million to constituents
    Rams
    By Polycarp Auta
    Dengi (Plateau), June 14, 2024 (NAN) Rep. Yusuf Gagdi (APC/Plateau), has donated 400 rams and N20 million to his constituents ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
    Gagdi, who represents Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau, presented the items on Friday in Dengi, Kanam Local Government Area.
    The lawmaker said that the gesture was to ensure that his constituents, particularly the less privileged ones, celebrate Sallah with ease.
    “It has been my tradition to distribute rams, food items and cash to my constituents during festive periods.
    ”The goal is to assist the less privileged members of my constituency to celebrate. It is a yearly ritual I have sustained since 2015.
    ”This year’s celebration came at a time prices of foodstuffs and animals have skyrocketed, hence the need for me to intervene. The 400 rams and N20 million will assist,” he said.
    The lawmaker advised his constituents to use the festival to pray for peace in Plateau and Nigeria, and assured his constituents of quality representation.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AZA/ETS
    ========

  • Firm to curb capital flight with innovative machine 

     

    Machine

    By Florence Onuegbu

    Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Pastor Sade Imoagene, the Managing Director of Global Plus Publishing (GPP), says the company will curb capital flight with its acquired innovative printing machine.

    Imogene said this on Friday in Ikeja during the unveiling of the Ecoline Manugraph Web Printing Machine, a versatile, innovative and high quality print machine.

    She said that with the availability of the printing machine, publishers would no longer send their works to other countries for printing, thereby, curbing capital flight.

    According to her, with the Ecoline Manugraph Web Printing Machine, GPP now has the capacity to serve its customers better and timelier.

    “Today is a very special day for us in GPP.

    “A day where, though we have been born 18 years ago, but we are becoming born again. Yes, because we consider this as the launch of a new era for this organisation, and of course, it can only be upward and forward.

    “Today, we celebrate a significant milestone in our journey as the foremost and preferred printing press, not only within this country, but beyond the shores of Nigeria.

    “The capacity expansion with the addition of the web that we are launching is a major leap forward in our business positioning.

    “We are ready; we have capacity that is required to face any project as small, and of course, in the process of doing that, we have also gained the mastery of adding value to our customers”.

    According to her, the company provides proofreading services for every job that comes into GPP.

    “Our valued customers will testify, they always tell us that that is something they don’t get everywhere.

    “’We don’t think it is enough to say this is what the publisher sent to us, we painstakingly look at it, and send back to you all our observations. Many times we receive a lot of appreciation for that,” she said.

    The managing director said that the organisation actually prides itself as innovative solution providers that help business to flourish.

    Also speaking, the Chairman of GPP, Pastor Yemisi Kudehinbi, said that GPP was committed to contributing to the growth of the printing industry in Nigeria.

    Kudehindi said that owing to the economic situation of the country, many printing press outfits had gone down, but GPP had continued to remain strong.

    She expressed her gratitude to the Bank of Industry (BoI) and First City Monument Bank (FCMB) for believing and supporting the organisation.

    Giving his goodwill message, the Managing Director, BoI, Dr Olasupo Olusi, commended GPP’s commitment to excellence in publishing and dedication to delivering quality content.

    Olusi, who was represented by Ag. Regional Manager, BoI, Lagos, Mr Richard Imonije, said that GPP’s contributions to the printing industry were invaluable, and BoI was honoured to be a part of the success.

    “’As you continue to inspire readers and authors alike with your innovative publications, please know that we are here to provide any assistance you may need within our purview,” he said.

    The Managing Director, FCMB, Yemisi Edun, commended GPP’s vision and innovation, and for bringing hope to Nigeria, that it may be great.

    “Again, thank you for believing and showing people that it can be done. Thank you for creating job opportunities, because this will also create even more job opportunities for us in Nigeria.

    “At FCMB, we keep supporting businesses like this. We believe that as we partner together, we will be able to take Nigeria to its greater heights again,” Edun said.

    Also, Mr Babajide Salako, President, Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON), said that he was proud seeing members embracing innovation and sustainability.

    Salako said that the installation of the new ecoline manograph web printing machine demonstrated GPP’s commitment to excellence and dedication to stay in the forefront of technology.

    “This new machine is a testament to the potential for improved efficiency, quality, and productivity.

    “I encourage all of us to continue exploring ways to enhance our craft, share knowledge, and collaborate for the betterment of our industry,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FON/VIV

    =======

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • FRSC deploys 1,536 personnel for hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir in Kano

    Eid-el-Kabir
    By Bosede Olufunmi
    Kano, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Command in Kano State has deployed 1,536 personnel to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration in the state.

    The State FRSC Sector Commander, Ibrahim Abdullahi, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Friday in Kano.

     

    Abdullahi stated that the command would do everything to ensure the free flow of traffic at critical road junctions.

     

    He noted that five ambulances, 30 patrol vehicles, one heavy-duty towing truck, and other operational equipment had been deployed on major routes and highways to facilitate smooth operations.

     

    Abdullahi added that the deployed personnel include 1,300 regular marshals and 236 special marshals positioned on major routes.

     

    According to him, special patrol operations to combat road crashes have commenced since June 14, with the main objective being the reduction of road traffic crashes and victims.

     

    “FRSC officers in all the 44 local government areas will be on standby to manage road traffic and ensure prompt removal of obstructions and conduct rescue operations during the period,” he said.

     

    He identified some of the significant reasons for road crashes to include; the use of trailers and trucks to convey human beings, embarking on night trips, fatigue, speed violations, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

     

    Abdullahi added that the FRSC had flagged off an inter-agency joint task force to enforce compliance against using trailers to convey passengers and to mitigate road traffic crashes, fatalities, and injuries resulting from the lawlessness of trailer drivers.

     

    “Since the commencement of the joint task force, they have successfully arrested 222 trailers loaded with 3,169 passengers hanging on top of goods and animals,” he said.

     

    The sector commander warned trailer drivers to desist from conveying human beings, taking night trips, and violating speed limits to avoid road crashes.

     

    He also warned tricycle drivers, especially underage drivers, to stop plying highways to avoid unforeseen circumstances, noting that violators would be prosecuted.

     

    He called on motorists and other road users to obey all traffic rules and regulations to ensure a crash-free and smooth traffic flow on the roads.

    The FRSC commander also warned the general motoring public, particularly parents who habitually give vehicles to their wards below the age of 18 during festive seasons, to desist, as there would be sanctions for violators.

     

    He congratulated Muslims and Nigerians generally on the Sallah celebration, urging drivers to exercise caution while on the road. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    BO/KOLE/AWA

    ==============
    Edited by Remi Koleoso/Olawunmi Ashafa

  • FG sensitises Niger residents to hazards of child labour

    FG sensitises Niger residents to hazards of child labour

    Labour
    By Rita Iliya
    Minna, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Ministry for Labour and Employment, in conjunction with other agencies, has organised a road walk in Minna, Niger to sensitise the public to the hazards of child labour.

    The Minister of State, Labour and Productivity, Mrs Nkiruka Onyejeocha, in a remark, said the road walk was to commemorate the 2024 World Day Against Child Labour.

    The minister was represented by Hauwa Zakariya, Controller, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, in Niger.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the road walk, which started at Obasanjo complex in Minna, terminated at Labour House.

    Onyejeocha said the day was set aside to sensitise the public on the dangers associated with child labour.

    She called on the public to intensify to eradicate the menace and the need for the stakeholders to join hands in the fight against child labour bedeviling the society.

    “Our expectation is to see that all children are given the right to education,right to live,and right to recreation,” she said.

    The minister disclosed that some communities had been identified for depriving children from going to school, adding that the event has been used to sensitise the parents.

    Onyejeocha said the ministry would leave no stone unturned in the efforts to enroll out-of-school children to school and engage them to acquire skills.

    She lauded Niger government and the stakeholders involved in accelerating action for the elimination of child labour in the state.

    In their separate remarks, Halima Ibrahim, from the Federal Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals,  and Ibrahim Gana, Chairman, Trade Union Congress in Niger, described child labour as ‘a cancer that must be fought vigorously .(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    RIS/BRM

    ==========

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • LASEMA rescues commercial bus in lone accident

     

    Bus
    By Henry Oladele
    Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), on Friday, rescued a commercial bus alongside the driver who recklessly swerved into a ditch to avoid the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) officials.
    The agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    Oke-Osanyintolu said that a female sustained minor injury during the accident.
    “The incident happened at Obadore along LASU-Isheri road.
    “We activated the state’s emergency response team from Igando base to the accident scene
    “Upon arrival at incident scene at about 11.01hrs, it was observed that a commercial bus, with registration number FKJ 870 YG, was involved in a lone accident at the aforementioned location.
    “Further investigations revealed that the accident occurred when the vehicle’s driver swerved recklessly in attempts to avoid a VIS checkpoint,” he said.
    He added that the reckless driving led to the loss of the vehicle’s control and subsequent falling into a ditch.
    “No loss of lives were recorded in the incident. However, an adult female sustained minor injuries in the process.
    “The bus was recovered with the help of LASEMA response team, the Lagos State Fire Rescue & Service and the Nigeria Police Force who were all in attendance,” he said. (NAN)
    HOB/JNC
    ========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Gov. Otu dissolves council of chiefs leadership 

    Dissolution

    By Christian Njoku

    Calabar, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River, has approved the immediate dissolution of the leadership of the state Council of Chiefs

    Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, the Secretary to the State Government, announced this in a statement in Calabar on Friday.

    Owan-Enoh said that the governor’s action was in line with Section 4(1) of the Cross River Council of Chiefs Law, 2004.

    “The governor appreciates the chairman and members of the dissolved council for their meritorious service to the state.

    “He wishes them the best in their roles as traditional rulers in their respective domains,” the statement read in parts.

    NAN recalls that the State House of Assembly recently passed a resolution for the change of the leadership of the council on the ground that it had overstayed its term in office.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    CBN/EBI/AZU

    ==========

    Edited by Benson Iziama and Azubuike Okeh

  • Eid-el-kabir: FRSC deploys 670 personnel in A’Ibom

    Personnel

    By Isaiah Eka

    Uyo, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Akwa Ibom, says it has deployed 670 personnel to enhance road safety across the state during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    The Sector Commander, Mr Lasisi Ogundele, disclosed this in Uyo on Friday while speaking to newsmen on the agency’s preparation for the Islamic celebration.

    Ogundele said that out of the 670 personnel, 408 would be regular marshals while 226 would be special corp marshals.

    He said that the command had made adequate preparations for both personnel and equipment in order to cope with the increase in traffic during the period.

    The sector commander cautioned against overloading, speeding and other anti road safety activities during the celebration.

    “Road users should strictly obey traffic rules, mobile courts shall be stationed at strategic locations, and offenders shall face immediate trial.

    “It has become our practice to acquaint the public with our level of preparedness for festivities just like the Eid-el-kabir.

    “Reflective jackets, traffic cones, tyre pressure gauges, extricating machines and digital breathalyzers are part of the tools set aside for the special operations.

    “There are also a total of 23 help areas mobilised to ensure prompt removal of obstructions and to rescue operations during the period,” he said.

    Ogundele urged drivers to exude courtesy, civility and consideration while dealing with other road users.

    He said that with the corps’ level of preparation in terms of personnel deployment and logistics, the command was confident of a successful celebration in the state.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    IE/OIF/AZU

    ========
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Azubuike Okeh

     

  • Tinubu calls for stronger collaboration with FBI to fight cybercrime, terrorism

    President Bola and FBI Director, Christopher Asher Wray, at a meeting at the State House on Friday in Abuja

     

    Collaboration

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the fight against cybercrime, terrorism, and other related crimes. 

    The President made the call during a meeting with FBI Director, Christopher Asher Wray, at the State House on Friday in Abuja.

    Tinubu described the presence of the FBI Director alongside his team in Nigeria as a recognition of the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the U.S. in the fight against financial crimes and terrorism. 

    Security chiefs who attended the meeting included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi.

    Also in attendance were the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) and Chief of Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye.

    The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede; and the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, were also present.

    Tinubu said it was an honour for him to receive Wray, the leader of an organisation that had demonstrated consistent procedural sophistication and a reputation for excellence over several years.

    “Your visit conveys the importance of Nigeria and Nigerian partnership in the work of America’s law enforcement institutions and vice-versa.

    “For us, it is a recognition of what stage we are at, who we are, and the level of interest both countries share in eliminating crimes locally and globally.

    “We cannot achieve this important feat of eliminating crimes without collaboration.

    “Incidentally, as the Chairman of ECOWAS, Nigeria is also collaborating with other West African countries to fight economic and other related crimes,” the President said.

    He told the FBI Director that his administration had prioritised education as a tool against poverty, which was generally believed to be a driver of criminal activities.

    “We are working hard to eliminate terrorism, cybercrimes, sextortion, and I am glad that we have a good number of agencies that are involved in reducing these crimes to the barest minimum, and they are also well represented at this meeting,” said Tinubu.

    Noting that no single country could combat financial crimes in isolation, he called on the U.S. to support developing countries with the requisite technology and knowledge transfer required to combat complex international crimes.

    In his remarks, Wray said he was in the country to enhance the “outstanding partnership” that existed between the government of Nigeria and the government of the U.S. 

    He lauded Tinubu for supporting the growing partnerships between various agencies of government and the FBI in order to protect the citizens of both countries. 

    “We appreciate the President’s vision in countering terrorism in the region, which is a dangerous threat, not only to the countries in the region but also to the United States. 

    “We appreciate your vision in re-engineering the role of the Office of the NSA to effectively coordinate efforts on counter-terrorism, and this has already started to bear fruits in terms of the success you are recording against ISIS in West Africa and other terrorist groups. 

    “We appreciate your support and collaboration on cyber-enabled crimes and sextortion, which has unfortunately resulted in a few tragic deaths in the United States. 

    “I want to assure you of our support whether it is on counter-terrorism, cyber-enabled crimes, kidnapping, joint investigations, and intelligence sharing. Our relationship with Nigeria is a very important one,” the FBI Director said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/VIV

    =====

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu