WordPress

Category: General News

  • Ondo Speaker expresses hope for better Nigeria

    Ondo Speaker expresses hope for better Nigeria

    Hope
    By Alaba Olusola Oke
    Akure, June 12,2024( NAN) The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, has expressed hope for a greater Nigeria as the country celebrates 25 years of interrupted democracy.

    Oladiji, in his Democracy Day’s message on Wednesday in Akure, celebrated those whose efforts yielded the celebration of democracy.

    He congratulated Nigerians on the numerous benefits of democracy, saying there was need to guard the nation’s democracy jealously in order to benefit more dividends.

    The speaker called on Nigerians to be more resilient and key into the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu with the believe that the country would emerge better, stronger and greater.

    Oladiji commended governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his efforts so far in the delivery of democracy dividends to the people of the state.

    The speaker who solicited for more support for the governor, pledged the unwavering commitment of the legislative arm to continually strengthen the pillars of democracy. NAN) (www.nannnews.ng)

    OKEO/IKU
    Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

  • EFCC receives 14,000 petitions in one year – Olukoyede

    Petition

    By Isaac Aregbesola

    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Mr Ola Olukoyede, Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says the commission has received 14,000 petitions from the public in the last one year.

    EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Oyewale quoted the EFCC boss as saying this during a meeting with a special envoy for West Africa, Charles Omini in Abuja.

    Olukoyede expressed the commission’s commitment to tackling economic and financial crimes, while regretting the poverty experienced by many Nigerians in spite of the country’s wealth.

    He said that the commission’s relentless efforts in ridding the country of all forms of economic and financial crimes were geared towards ensuring that Nigerians have a taste of good governance.

    “What we are doing is about this country; there is nothing personal in it and we are passionate about giving Nigerians a taste of good governance for once in their lifetime.

    “In the last one year, we have received over fourteen thousand petitions, credible petitions; fourteen thousand, within the space of twelve months,” he said.

    According to him, Nigerians have no business being poor if the resources are well managed and leaders being accountable. 

    “If we do the right things, by now we should be at par with America.

    “There is nowhere in Nigeria that you dig and you won’t see natural resources or mineral resources. The forest alone can make us in the class of advanced countries.

    “There is no region in Nigeria that does not have tourist attractions.”

    Olukoyede reiterated that fighting corruption was winnable if all Nigerians come together and join hands with the EFCC to ensure good governance.

    “The war is winnable; there are some countries where their own cases were even worse than our own.

    “Our associates in Singapore, Hongkong told us they used to be worse than Nigeria, but we have gotten to that point where everyone will say let us come back to the discussion table and do the right thing.

    “Everybody is now realising that we have done ourselves so much evil. If all of us can come together, we will overwhelm them,” he said.

    He charged the Envoy to strengthen the anti-corruption fight more by making Nigerians realise that corruption would rob them of their rights to good life and good governance.

    “Let people know that their rights have been violated; it is not about EFCC, it is about every one of us, so let us collaborate more.”

    On his part, Dr Charles Omini stated that his team was at the EFCC to appreciate the efforts of the Commission in its efforts towards ridding Nigeria of corruption, economic and financial crimes.

    “We have seen the level of impact. You stood very well to make sure corruption in Nigeria is reduced at all levels.

    “Part of our collaboration that brought us here today is to make sure we stand with you at all levels to ensure the rights and the rights of your officers and men are defended at all,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IAA/EMAF
    ========
    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

  • Efficient judiciary key to strengthening democracy—Youth group

    Efficient judiciary key to strengthening democracy—Youth group

    Democracy

    By Aderogba George

    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Mr Okorie OKorie, President, Nigeria Youth Organisation (NYO) on Wednesday said that improved and speedy judicial process were key to strengthening democracy.

    Okorie said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja the occasion of Democracy Day.

    He urged the country’s judiciary to rise to the occasion of not only defending democracy but also sustaining it with equitable, fair and timely dispensation of justice.

    “May I use this medium to call on our judiciary to help protect our democracy with timely and just dispensation of judgments.

    “Justice delayed is denied they say. We should try to dispense justice at expected times with equity and fairness,” he said.

    He called on the judiciary to always nullify elections that lacked integrity and transparency.

    According to him, the courts should make verdicts that condemn electoral malpractices without fear or favour.

    The NYO president who congratulated Nigerians on celebration of 25 years of interrupted democracy called for a youth-inclusive at all tiers of government.

    He explained that such inclusion was necessary for national development and prosperity.

    Okorie also commended the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, for rising in defence of local government autonomy.

    The NYO boss said that local governments, as the third tier of government, should not be stifled in true democracies because they remained the closest to the people.

    Okorie identified financial and political autonomy as fundamental in engendering development in local governments.

    The NYO president advised the Federal Government to ensure that political autonomy was granted local governments by allowing INEC to conduct elections for them.

    He urged Nigerians to support Fagbemi to restore the autonomy of local governments for rural development.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Fagbemi recently instituted a suit against 36 state governors over local governments autonomy at the Supreme Court. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AG/CHOM/KUA

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

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Uche Anunne

  • Nigeria can become global talent pool, says NATEP boss

    Nigeria can become global talent pool, says NATEP boss

    Talent

    By Patricia Amogu

    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Dr Femi Adeluyi, the National Coordinator, National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), says Nigeria could become a global talent pool because of the quality of talents and skills it exports.

    Adeluyi said this when the Managing Director, Gallery of Code, Mr Oscar Ekponimo, led a delegation of experts alongside winner, STARTS4AFRICA in Nigeria to pay him a courtesy visit Tuesday in Abuja.

    STARTS4AFRICA is an initiative that will allow artists to address regional challenges around food and water, digital mapping and speculative landscapes, culture, among other thematic areas.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NATEP was launched by the Federal Government in 2023 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to catalyse job creation by exporting local talents.

    “Nigeria has a lot of niche export areas and one of our greatest exports is our talents.

    “In the next couple of decades, Africa and Nigeria will become a talent hub because we are getting closer to becoming third largest continent in the world.

    “What NATEP is focusing on is to not just jobs inside Nigeria but we are focusing on jobs that are outside the country.

    “The idea is to create jobs that can bring in foreign exchange into Nigeria that can strengthen the economy thereby using NATEP to change the Nigerian narrative’’, he said.

    He said that what virtual artist, Jibril Baba, was doing with the sponsorship from STARTS4AFRICA was a welcome development because it could help in strengthening food storage system in Nigeria.

    “This is a really good model which can be enhanced and elaborated on.

    “What Gallery of Code is doing with the STARTS4AFRICA programme is interesting, I also like the STARTS initiative’’, he said.

    Ekponimo said the visit was meant to bring home one of the three winners from the STARTS4AFRICA challenge and seek inputs and areas of collaboration with NATEP.

    According to him, the programme, a science, technology and arts-driven initiative, is a dedicated version of STARTS for Africa, an EU-led intervention with the Gallery of Code serving as the umbrella body for the initiative in Nigeria.

    “This is the first phase and the first time this is coming up in Africa and a Nigerian has been selected from among 300 applicants.

    “Jibril Baba, a visual artist, has just been awarded a grant that will support his project – a smart technology that will address food storage challenges and boost food production in Nigeria .

    “We look forward to your mentorship and collaborations and we are open to push further discussions forward on the “niche areas’ that we can leverage on for future stakeholder collaborations.

    “Jibril will be showcasing his final exhibition in Nigeria and also Austria. He was selected among the winners to exhibit at an Arts festival in Austria from Sept 4-Sept 8’’, he said.  (NAN)

    PAO/KUA

    ========

    Edited by Uche Anunne

  • Ex-student leaders laud Tinubu on local government autonomy

    Autonomy
    By Mercy Omoike
    Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The former leaders of the National Association of Local Government and Development Studies have commended President Bola Tinubu’s bold stance on local government autonomy.
    They made the commendations in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
    NAN reports that the Federal Government recently dragged the 36 state governors before the Supreme Court seeking enforcement of full autonomy of the local governments.
    Among the injunctions, the Federal Government is urging the apex court to issue an order prohibiting state governors from embarking on arbitrary and unlawful dissolution of democratically elected local government chairmen, and constituting caretaker committees in their place.
    A former member of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Students’ Representative Council and senior lecturer in the Department of Local Government at OAU, Dr Kazeem Lamidi, noted the long-standing demand for local government autonomy among stakeholders in Nigerian federalism.
    “Local governance is crucial for effective governance and clear development agenda.
    “The theoretical framework supporting local government autonomy underscores its necessity for minimising external oversight,” Lamidi said
    He applauded Tinubu’s efforts to grant local governments a distinct status within the federation, emphasising the importance of direct revenue allocation to facilitate prompt social services delivery and enhance local governance.
    This move, he argued, aimed to correct the current imbalance where state governments often assume local responsibilities, fostering a partnership for progress between local and state governments.
    On his part, Dr Ayotunde Odewale, the pioneer President of the National Association of Local Government Students at OAU, stressed that Nigeria’s development hinges on strengthening local government institutions.
    “Local government autonomy should not negate their interaction with other government tiers, especially regarding concurrent functions like primary education, healthcare, and agricultural development, as outlined in the 1999 Constitution.
    “There should be cooperative relationship between local and state governments, moving away from the historically hierarchical dynamic,” Odewale said.
    Also, Mr Oluwaloseyi Babaeko, a former CTC Chairman of the Association and past Secretary of the Nigerian Students’ Association at the University of Leeds, UK, asserted that full local government autonomy was overdue.
    Babaeko urged the National Assembly to amend Section 162 of the Constitution, which mandated a joint state-local government account.
    He decried the current weak state of local governments and called for their financial and political independence to drive national development.
    Babaeko also appealed to state governors to support President Tinubu’s initiative and suggested the creation of a Ministry of Local Government at the federal level. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
    DMO/OJI/JNC
    ============
    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Nigeria setting pace of stable democracy in Africa  – Analysts

     

    Nigeria setting pace of stable democracy in Africa  – Analysts
    Democracy
    By Reporters
    Bauchi, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Some analysts have said that the 25 years of uninterrupted cilivian administration in Nigeria is laying the foundation of a strong and stable democracy in Africa.
    The experts including academics, activists and political actors said this while commenting on the 2024 Demoocracy Day celebration in Bauchi, Dutse and Gombe.
    They said that Nigerians have displayed great political acumen and patriotism towards promoting democratic culture in the last 25 years in spite of security, social and economic challenges and the country.
    Mr Muhammad Musbahu, the Convener, Friends of Democracy Initiative, a Jigawa-based group, said that Nigeria had achieved a significant milestone in achieving 25-year of uninterrupted democracy.
    He said Nigeria was setting a pace of stable democracy in Africa, in view of its political and economic importance in the continent.
    Musbahu, however, said the progress mellowed down due to corruption and poor governance at state and local government levels.
    “Nigeria is facing corruption, abuse of power and politicisation of everything.
    “The country is grappling with poverty, high illiteracy rate, banditry, maternal and child mortality,” he said.
    He noted that ensuring effective financial and political autonomy to the legislature, judiciary and local government councils would further entrench democratic governance at the grassroots.
    Also commenting, Dr Kabir Abubakar, a lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Bauchi State University (BASU), Gadau, said that Nigeria recorded succeesses in its economic diversification drive, especially agricultural transformation.
    He said the successive administrations under the current democratic dispensation initiated viable agriculture development programmes, to reduce poverty, provide livelihoods, encourage productivity and boost government’s revenue base.
    The initiatives, he said, enhanced farmer access to credit facilities, inputs and improved entrepreneurial skills, thus adding value to the produce.
    Corroborating Abubakar, a female farmer in Bauchi, Marka Abbas, lauded the federal government’s agricultural interventions, adding that it empowered them and enhance food security.
    “Agriculture made positive contributions in building the national economy in spite of the challenges of limited access to markets, climate change, and insecurity,” she said.

    Similarly; Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State said there is no better alternative to democracy as a form of government.

    “As Nigeria celebrates its 25th Democracy day, it is a testimony to the fact that democratic governance has not only been firmly rooted but has also come to stay in the country,” he said.

    Mohammed reiterated the commitment of his administration to accountability and transparency in governance, pledging that the resources at the government’s disposal would continue to be judiciously used for the common good of the people of the State.

    “We will continue to ensure value for money for the projects that would be executed. To this end, the resources we have would be deployed for maximal effect on the socio-economic development of the State.

    “We cannot afford to embark on projects that have little or no effect on the wellbeing of the generality of the people of the State,” he said.

    The governor noted that the current economic hardship being experienced by Nigerians as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy was receiving the attention of both the federal and state governments.

    However, Dr Hassan Langa, a Lecturer, Federal College of Education (Tech), Gombe, said that Nigeria had made retrogressive progress in the last two decades.

    He attributed the problem to corruption and lack of respect for the rule of law among the political leadership.

    Hassan said that flagrant abuse of constitutional provisions was eroding the quest towards building Nigeria’s nascent democracy.

    “In 1999, local government elections were better off, because they were not conducted by the State Independent Electoral Commissions.
    “Fir instance, the then governor of Gombe State, was in the APP, and out of 11 LGAs, seven were PDP and the remaining four of the APP, which was the reflection of the desire of the people.
    “But today at 25, any governor of any party will always have all the councillors and chairmen won by his party.
    “That is the kind of retrogression, it is not better than when we started, and it is supposed to be better than when we started,” he said.
    He, however, said the country made progress, especially in the area of higher education, rail and road infrastructure in the last 25 years of civilian administration. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    Reporters/RSA
    ===========
    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • Nigeria marks 25 years of democracy with special parade

    Nigeria marks 25 years of democracy with special parade

    Democracy

    By Sumaila Ogbaje/Okon Okon

    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) As part of activities to mark the 2024 Democracy Day, the Guards Brigade Nigerian Army on Wednesday led the Nigerian Armed Forces and Nigeria Police in a special parade.

    Nigeria is also celebrating 25 years of unbroken democracy.

    The theme for the Democracy Day Celebration is “25 Years of Enduring Democracy: Prospects for the Future”.

    The parade was mounted by the personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Police who displayed a colourful parade.

    President Bola Tinubu, who is the reviewing officer for the parade mounted the special military parade vehicle with his Aide de Camp to inspect the parade at about 10.15 am.

    Afterward, the troops began the match past, first to salute the dignitaries and seek permission to commence the quick match past.

    This was followed by the silent drill display by the Guards Brigade, mass bang and cultural troupes display and other important activities

    President Tinubu and his wife, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu arrived the venue at exactly at 10.00 am heralding the commencement of the programme.

    The President of the Senate and Speaker, House of Representatives, Godswill Akpabio and Tajudeen Abbas as well as the Chief Justice of Nigerian and Secretary to the Government of the Federation arrived earlier.

    Also present were Ministers, state governors, lawmakers and security chiefs.

    Earlier in a nationwide broadcast, President Tinubu praised the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, Chief Moshood Abiola and other heroes of democracy, including General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Pa Alfred Rewane, among others.

    In his Democracy Day broadcast on Wednesday, the President also celebrated other heroes including Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Arthur Nwankwo, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Frank Kokori, and Chief Bola Ige, and other eminent Nigerians who made great sacrifices for the restoration of democracy in the country.

    The President urged Nigerians to beware of elements who might want to undermine the current democratic dispensation.

    He acknowledged the economic hardships in the country and expressed his commitment to supporting the citizens.

    He said, “On this day, 31 years ago, we entered our rites of passage to becoming a true and enduring democratic society.

    “Going through this passage was hard and dangerous. During the fateful six years that followed, we fought and struggled for our natural rights as human beings put on this earth by the divine hand of our Creator.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/MZM/SH

    ==========

    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Shiroro hydro-power station distributes food items to IDPs

    Shiroro hydro-power station distributes food items to IDPs

    Food
    By Rita Iliya
    Minna June 12, 2024 (NAN) The North-South Power Foundation (NSPF), has distributed food items to Internally Displaced Person (IDPs) in Munya and Shiroro Local Government Areas of Niger.

    Mr Hassan Abdullahi, Consultant on Corporate Social Responsibility with NSP, presented the food items to the IDPs on behalf of the company.

    The presentation of the items for IDPs in Sarkin-pawa, Chibani and Dangunu was successfully conducted at Dandaudu-Mararaba primary school.

    Also, the presentation of the items at Gwada, Kuta and Zumba was done at central primary school.

    Abdullahi said the gesture was part of NSP’s corporate social responsibility to enable the people displaced by insecurity from  its host communities to celebrate the upcoming Sallah with relative ease.

    He listed the items to include; 200 bags of 25kg rice, 200 bags of 25kg beans, 10 bags of 50kg garri and 80 cartons of Kings vegetable oil.

    Others were 80 cartons of King’s red oil, 20 cartons of maggi cubes, 20 cartons of tomato sachet,10 bags of 50kg dangote salt and 5 bags of 50kg dangote sugar.

    He called for collective efforts from government at all levels in addressing the plight of the IDPs, lamenting that the sanitary situation in the camps was unhealthy.

    Also, Mr Samson Esumeh, Public Relations Officer of NSP, said the food items were emergency intervention due to increased population in IDPs camps recently.

    He said NSP had sunk 36 boreholes, rehabilitated schools, constructed primary health centres as well as sponsored the surgery for more than 100 people from the host communities from January to date.

    Malam Yusuf Bala, the Coordinator in Kuta IDP camp, who received the items on behalf of the IDPs, said women and children were most affected and the situation in the camp was sympathetic.

    He commended NSP for its continuous support and called on government at all levels to intensify efforts to assist the victims of banditry especially with food, shelter and medical care.

    Malam Zakari Umaru, Director, Administration in Shiroro, thanked NSP for the gesture, saying the council was challenged with inadequate funds to handle the situation alone.

    Ibrahim Rabiu, one of the victims from Bassa, alleged that the terrorist slaughtered more than 30 people on Thursday in four communities, burnt houses and food stuff.

    “They slaughtered only men both young and old and spared the women, while on Monday, four of our people that went back to get food for us were all slaughtered.

    “All we want is for the government to provide security for us to go back home, we need to go and take care of our farm lands because we have already planted some crops,” he urged. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    RIS/BRM

    ==========

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • NGO donates drugs, medical supplies to correctional service

     

     

    Donation

    By Joshua Olomu

    Abuja, June 12, 2024(NAN)  Gift Health Plus (GHP), a US-based NGO, has donated  drugs and other medical supplies to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS),  for better healthcare of the inmates.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that officials of the NGO handed the items to the management of NCS at the headquarters  of the service in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Dr Chamberlain Nwanne, Executive Director of GHP said the gesture was part of the NGO’s humanitarian outreaches towards improving the welfare and wellbeing of inmates across Nigeria.

    Nwanne, who was represented by Irene Adinye, official of the NGO , said that the donation was geared towards supplementing  the healthcare the Federal Government was  providing  for inmates.

    “It is with great pleasure that I and other representatives of Gift Health  Plus join you here  today in our shared commitment to provide quality healthcare to inmates at detention centres in Nigeria.

    “ It is said that health is wealth and that  is why we want the inmates to have good healthcare, as we have always be coming here   to give them food, clothes, and other facilities to help them live well.

    “Besides, when they leave here, they will   not portray a negative image of the correctional center, so we always want to come back here to assist, to complement  government in boosting their health condition.”

    According to her, a poor prison health can contribute adversely to public health with far reaching implications, especially for communicable and chronic diseases.

    “During this visit, we are providing thousands of doses of assorted medicines for various diseases, including chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, and we also provide prescription eye glasses and personal hygiene items.

    “To help staff do their jobs safely, we are also providing personal protection items like gloves, disposable cover gowns and contactless thermometers,” she said.

    The executive director added that GHP understands that basic healthcare was a fundamental human right, and was working in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission.(NHRC).

    Earlier in her remarks, Uzoamaka Ifechi-Fred, Assistant Chief Legal Officer, NHRC, who represented the commission at the event , said it was imperative to ensure that inmates have access to healthcare as humans.

    “The National Human Rights Commission protects the rights of every Nigerian, whether you are an inmate you have your fundamental human rights.

    “It is important that   the right to health of people who are in detention, in custodial centres  and in other places of deprivation of liberty is protected.

    “ Today, in partnership with Give Health Care, we have  done this and  call on all well-meaning Nigerians to also approach the commission  for such partnership to ensure that citizens’ rights are  protected,” she said.

    Controller General, Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, commended GHP for the donation of the healthcare items.

    Nababa,who was represented by Mohammed Gombe, Assistant Controller General, Public Health, pledged   judicious  use of the items by ensuring that different correctional centres benefit from them.

    “This is not our first time Gift Health Plus is donating these items to Nigerian Correctional Service, they are members of this family.

    ”We are proud of Give Health Plus and we will  continue to be a partner with you and we will make sure that what is donated  today is used judiciously.

    “We urge more NGOs  to emulate this as  our population as a nation is increasing daily and that reflects in all areas of our lives as a nation,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

    JOSH/IAA

    ========

    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

  • FG’s continuous interventions ‘ll revamp economy – Ondo APC

    FG’s continuous interventions ‘ll revamp economy – Ondo APC

    Intervention
    By Alaba Olusola Oke
    Akure, June 12, 2024(NAN) The All Progressives Congress ( APC) in Ondo State has assured Nigerians that the APC-led government would continue to put in interventionist measures to revamp the country’s economy.

    In its message on Democracy Day by Mr Alex Kalejaye, the state Publicity Secretary, the party identified with the people over current economic reality and assured of the government’s commitment to sustainable measures.

    It explained that the APC- led government was relentlessly committed to ameliorating unfavourable economic reality.

    “The current atmosphere in the land will evaporate soon to pave way for stunning prosperity,” the party said.

    The party commended the state governor, Mr Lucky Ayedatiwa, for measures so far put in place to sustain the people’s hope for a better tomorrow.

    The party identified deployment of school buses to assist parents, revisit of the Owena Dam for potable water, prompt payment of salaries and wages for workers, among others, as indicators of great intention and commitment.

    It also assured that the APC-led government would do more in the area of palliatives to support families, adding that this would be sustained until the gains of economic reconstruction continue to manifest.

    “We congratulate our members, the good people of Ondo state and indeed, Nigerians on this memorable day.

    “We salute the unwavering support of our members, despite challenges and distractions.

    “We urge you to continue to be lawful and dutiful, as governments at different levels are working out the best ways to place the country on a desirable economic pedestal,” the party added. (NAN) (www.nannnews.ng)

    OKEO/CHOM/IKU
    ===========
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Tayo Ikujuni