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  • Residents protest indiscriminate dredging in Badagry communities

    One of the tools use in dredging in Badagry community.

    Residents protest indiscriminate dredging in Badagry communities

    Dredging

    By Raji Rasak

    Badagry (Lagos State), June 10, 2024 (NAN) Some residents of Ganyingbo and Gbaji-Yeketome communities in Badagry-West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on Monday protested indiscriminate dredging in the communities.

    The residents came out carrying placards with different inscriptions such as  ” Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, please save us from indiscriminate dredging”.

    Other placards they carried read: “Enough is enough we don’t want dredgers in our community” and “President Bola Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu save our souls from flooding.”

    Mr Henry Benjamin, a community leader in Ganyingbo, said the residents had stopped four dredgers from dredging in the community recently.

    “This one came pretending that he came to repair something, but suddenly he started dredging activities.

    “Dredging in this water will result in flooding; we don’t want them in our community.

    “The indiscriminate dredging here is dangerous to our lives and property.

    “We don’t want them here in our communities, they are planning to chase us out of this community,” he said.

    Mr Israel Oke, a community leader from Yeketome, said that the illegal activities of the dredgers had chased away youths and fishermen from the river.

    Oke begged the Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, to come to their assistance by stopping the illegal activity.

    Mr Sunday Ayedogbon, the Chairman of Badagry Fishermen Association said dredging activities in Yeketome- Ganyingbo communities are illegal.

    “I’m sure when the government comes they will sensitise the people.

    “With their activities, Gbaji Bridge is at risk, this is the only bridge that links Nigeria to the Republic of Benin and many other communities in Badagry.

    “Once the bridge is under threat, there is no way for us again.

    “We want the government to consider giving licenses to the dredgers.

    “Because dredging will result in flooding, if not controlled,” he said.

    Mr Junaid Rufai, the Youth Chairman in Gbayingbo, said the communities used to experience flooding in October due to dredging.

    “We don’t want them in our community, by October, water will start coming to us for some weeks before going back,” he said.

    Mr Samson Sowanu, a youthp representative, urged the government to stop the dredging for the sake of humanity. (NAN)

    ROR/NNO/COF

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

    Edited by Christiana Fadare

     

    Edited by Nick Nicholas

  • Oma-Benedi emerges winner of ‘I Beg to Differ’ student debate in Abuja

    Oma-Benedi emerges winner of ‘I Beg to Differ’ student debate in Abuja

    Master Oma-Benedi Excel, Over Winner of I Beg to Differ Debate Tournament Organised by Nigeria Info
    Winner
    By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Master Oma-Benedi Excel of the Government Science  Secondary School, Piakasa in Maitama on Monday emerged the overall winner of the Abuja ‘I Beg to Differ’ student debate tournament.
    While Excel clinched the prize of N1 million and a phone tablet, the runner, Miss Cindy Paul, an SSII student of Roberto Schools in Wuse II, Abuja got the prize of N500,000 and a phone tablet respectively.
    The debate tournament was organised by the Nigeria Info and supported by 3Js Hotel and Apartment, PressPay Ng and Call to fly.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Excel and Paul would represent Abuja in Lagos where they would slog it out with other winners from Port Harcourt and Lagos in the ‘I beg to differ’ debate soon.
    Meanwhile, the 13 year-old Excel described the victory as “ecstatic. It is  a brilliant feeling. I had a great time competing with the best in Abuja.
    “However, to get here was not easy, it took a lot of effort, sleepless nights and support from those around me. I hope to positively represent Abuja in Lagos.
    “For what I will do with the prize money, I prefer to keep it confidential. However, the experience of meeting Cindy, Mazida, Tommy amd others that participated in the debate was great,” Excel said.
    He appreciated the organiser, sponsors, his parents, teachers, fellow students for the support and encouragement that propelled him to victory.
    Similarly the runner up, Paul said, coming second felt like a dream, adding that she had never experienced such before.
    “Half of the prize money will be going for savings and the other half for investment.
    “In Lagos, expect more better performance. I will do much research and preparation to ensure that the Abuja team bring back the trophy,” Paul said.
    Meanwhile, the Group Programme Director of CoolWabiaInfo , Mr Prince Daniel also known as ‘Aboki’ said the debate was one of Nigeria Info’s platforms.
    “Having done ‘I Beg to Differ’ in Lagos and Port Harcourt twice and for the first edition in Abuja, is beyond our expectation. It was greater than we expected.
    “This is something we will like to continue , because our mission is to advance the cause of education in Nigeria. So using this platform gives us the opportunity to do that.
    “All the four people that made it to the semi-finals and finals will be meeting other contestants from Port Harcourt and those that won in Lagos. All will meet in Lagos to debate.
    “We actually want to power debating clubs in school and as well as begin to organise Abuja City Debate.
    “We are also construction Kids FM in Port Harcourt. We have launched one in Lagos already and soon, we will start that of Abuja,” Daniel said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CMY/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
    ====

  • Ex NIMASA MD’s death huge loss to Enugu, Nigeria- Mbah

    Death

    By Alex Enebeli

    Enugu, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State on Monday mourned the former Director-General of the National Maritime Authority (NMA) now Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Ferdinand Agu.

    The governor described Agu’s death as a “huge loss” to the state and Nigeria.

    Mbah in a message he personally signed in Enugu, noted that the deceased was a boardroom guru and technocrat, who gave his best for the growth and development of Enugu State and Nigeria.

    The governor said he received with deep grief the sudden death of his brother, Agu, a development he had been struggling to come to terms with.

    “Agu was an illustrious son of Enugu State, a fine gentleman, brilliant mind, savvy administrator, political engineer, consummate technocrat, and a quite achiever, who gave his best in service to Nigeria.

    “As a former Director-General of the defunct National Maritime Authority, NMA, now NIMMASA, as well as former Senior Special Assistant to the President between 2011 and 2015, he contributed immensely to the development of our nation and state.

    “Therefore, he will always remain in our thoughts. I send heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Enugu State, and indeed to his friends and associates across the country and beyond.

    Mbah prayed that God grant him eternal repose. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AAE/MAM/MNA

    Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Maureen Atuonwu

     

  • Gov. Mbah inaugurates N15m prize debate competition for Enugu youths

     

    Debate

    By Alex Enebeli

    Enugu, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has inaugurated a debate competition for youths, with a whopping prize of N15 million for the winning team.

    Mbah disclosed this on his verified X handle, @PNMbah, on Monday, adding that the debate was being organised through the Office of his Senior Special Assistant on Social Culture and Self-Development, with support from the private sector.

    He said the debate would feature 37 teams, representing all the 20 universities in the state, and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in the 17 local government areas.

    “My latest social culture project is a ‘Debate Tournament’ for young people in Enugu State. I have provided a platform for you to debate social issues that influence our culture, and the winning team will be rewarded with N15 million.

    “It is important to give our young people a platform to voice their opinions and contribute to the society.

    “It is important that they feel heard and understood. One of the best ways to achieve this is through intellectual discourse.

    “To our young people, this is your time and your turn; the stage is yours. Do your research and think critically; challenge the norms and amaze us with your wits and persuasion.

    “Congrats in advance to the winning team,” the governor said.

    He advised those interested in knowing more about the debate to follow the social media handles, @debatecoolit and @deradebates, and also check the state government’s website, enugustate.gov.ng. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AAE/FON/MNA

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

    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Maureen Atuonwu

  • Prof Ezeilo urges end to human trafficking, unsafe migration

     

    Trafficking

    By Alex Enebeli

    Enugu, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The former United Nations Special Rapporteur, Prof. Joy Ezeilo, has urged end to human trafficking and unsafe migration to stop Nigeria women from abuses.

    Ezeilo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) made the call in a statement on Monday in Enugu while reacting to the viral video of young Nigerian girls trafficked for forced prostitution in Ghana.

    She attributed the current economic challenges in Nigeria as the factor fueling human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and unsafe migration, including the “Japa” syndrome.

    According to her, watching the trending video of young Nigerian girls,, trafficked for forced prostitution to neighbouring Ghana is a stark reminder of the pervasive and cross-border issue of human trafficking or Trafficking In Persons (TiP).

    She observed that in Africa, one in every four trafficked persons was Nigerian, making the country the most affected by trafficking.

    “This issue remains prevalent in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Edo was once considered the epicenter of trafficking in persons but that was no longer the case.

    “Nigerian women, children, and men are vulnerable to transnational or cross-border human trafficking, primarily to Europe and Africa, as well as to other parts of the world, including Asia and the Americas.

    “Human trafficking knows no borders.

    “During my time as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, from 2008 to 2014, I encountered Nigerians who were trafficked.

    “Or living as irregular migrants in nearly 100 countries I visited as part of my global assignment,” Ezeilo said.

    She added that the main reasons for the trend included increasing poverty, unemployment, inequality, gender-based violence, lack of access to education, ignorance, conflicts and displacement.

    The Founder of Women Aid Collective (WACOL), noted that most widespread form of human trafficking was sexual exploitation, accounting for 79 per cent of cases, with girls being the most common victims of sexual exploitation.

    “I strongly urge the government at all levels to implement urgent measures to address the root causes, particularly to reduce the vulnerabilities of young girls.

    “Establishing early warning mechanisms is important to identify when girls disappear from school, fail to enroll in school, or live outside of family care.

    “Additionally, we need to address unsuitable working environments that increase the vulnerability of women and children to trafficking,” she said.

    The situations, she said, included where girls worked as waitresses in restaurants, hotels and brothels while still under 18 years of age or when they worked as apprentices in specific high-risk jobs and environment

    “End human trafficking and unsafe migration now. Stop the impunity of traffickers through effective prosecution and punishment.

    “Join NAPTIP and other actors, including WACOL, to eradicate human trafficking and unsafe migration in Nigeria,” appealed. (NAN)

    AAE/CHOM/MNA

    =======

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Maureen Atuonwu

     

  • Tinubu committed to youth empowerment, says Shettima

    Tinubu committed to youth empowerment, says Shettima

    Empowerment

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, has restated the commitment of the Bola Tinubu administration to supporting Nigerian youths to reach their potential and contribute to the growth and development of the country.

    Shettima’s remark was contained in a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President.

    He said Shettima made the remark when he received the National Executive Council of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), led by its President, Mr Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa.

    Commending the council for its support of the programmes and activities of the Tinubu administration, Shettima said, “We cannot thank you enough for keeping the hope alive for the Nigerian youth.

    “We identify with you; we empathise with you because the future of this nation belongs to you. We are one of the youngest nations on the planet and the youth constitute nearly 75 per cent of our population.

    “Once we engage the youth, once we give them hope for a better tomorrow, all the madness pervading this land will dissipate.

    “Sixty years for an organisation to remain vibrant and still stand on its feet deserves commendation. I want to thank you for believing in the Nigeria Project.

    “A lot of members of your generation have left the country but you resolved to stay on, and together we are going to salvage the ship of this state,” he added.

    On plans of the Tinubu administration for young Nigerians, the Vice President noted that President Tinubu created a ministry for the youth under the current dispensation.

    He added that the President also appointed two young people to head the ministry, while the Vice President had complemented that by appointing a lot of young persons into key positions in his office.

    Assuring the NYCN delegation that the administration is aligned with their aspirations, Shettima said, “We hold you in the highest esteem.

    “We have a series of opportunities lined up for you such as the iDICE project that will create digital jobs, including the ones in the creative industry.

    “So, let’s hope for the best, let’s believe in Nigeria because this is our country.”

    Earlier, Sukubo had expressed the council’s readiness to collaborate with the federal government in addressing illegal oil bunkering.

    “We have decided to see how we can help this country in areas of oil theft that have been ravaging this nation,” Sukubo stated.

    He added that, “the NYCN has decided that it’s a collective effort, and we are ready to partner with the government to address this illegality.”

    Sukubo announced that the NYCN, which was established on Aug. 28, 1964, in Lagos, was gearing up to commemorate its 60th anniversary in November.

    On behalf of the council, he extended an invitation to the Vice President to officially unveil the anniversary events 8expected to draw participants from across the country.

    “This year, we are celebrating our 60th anniversary, and we want you to officially unveil the anniversary events.

    “The event will have nothing less than 100,000 participants across the country, and that is the day we want to give insight into the activities of this government,” Sukubo said.

    Acknowledging the administration’s efforts in appointing a significant number of young people to government positions, the NYCN delegation also appealed to the federal government to construct a Youth House.

    Also speaking, Rikki Nwajiofor, the National Deputy Secretary General of the NYCN, highlighted the council’s role as the apex youth body representing all youth organisations in Nigeria as stipulated in the National Youth Policy.

    “NYCN is made up of 104 affiliate member youth organisations, a 27-member national executive council, 36 state chapters and an FCT chapter, as well as 774 coordinators in all local government and area councils in Nigeria.

    “That is why the NYCN is the vehicle through which the government passes its policies to the grassroots,” Nwajiofor explained. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/ETS 

    =======

  • Tinubu appoints new leaders for Police Service Commission, Trust Fund

    Tinubu appoints new leaders for Police Service Commission, Trust Fund

    Appointment

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd) as the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

    The President also approved the appointment of Chief Onyemuche Nnamani as Secretary and DIG Taiwo Lakanu (Rtd) as Member of the Commission.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, in a statement on Monday, said the appointments were subject to confirmation by the Senate.

    “Other members of the Police Service Commission will be appointed in due course.

    “Furthermore, the President has approved the appointment of Mr Mohammed Sheidu as the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) with immediate effect.

    “The President expects absolute demonstration of integrity, diligence, and patriotic zeal in the discharge of these important functions for the overall wellbeing of the Nigeria Police and the nation,” said the statement. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/AMM

    =========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Production of Ola Rotimi’s historical stage play, Kurunmi, excites Lagos

     

    Production of Ola Rotimi’s historical stage play, Kurunmi, excites Lagos

     

     

    Play

    By Aderonke Ojediran

    Lagos, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Lagos State Government has expressed delight at the production of ‘Kurunmi’, a historical stage play written by Prof. Ola Rotimi.

     

    At a press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and  Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinfa,  described the play as an excellent representation of Lagos State cultural wealth.

     

    She said that the performance would take place at Alliance Francaise on June 13 and June 14, as well as at the Terra Kulture Arena on July 20 and July 21.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ‘Kurunmi’ explored the themes of collectivity, political and military leadership, social change and development, responsible leadership, control and accountability.

     

    ” I recognise the significance of arts and culture in promoting tourism and showcasing our state’s diversity.

    “The play is an excellent representation of our cultural wealth, which I encourage everyone to experience.

     

    “‘Kurunmi’ will expose and awaken the consciousness of youths to the role of good leadership anywhere they find themselves,” she said.

     

    According to her, the stage play reflects the THEMES Plus Agenda of Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration to revive and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Lagos and the entire Africa.

     

    “It is in line with the vision of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to make Lagos State a preferred destination for tourism.

     

    “This play is a masterpiece that showcases our rich cultural heritage steeped in tradition and history.

    “It showcases the talents of our vibrant arts industry and the creativity of our theatre practitioners,” she added.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the play tells the story of a legendary Yoruba king, Kúrunmí, who embodied courage, wisdom and good leadership.

     

    The commissioner said that the play weaved together elements of history, culture and entertainment.

     

    The stage play, which has seventy-five casts and produced in partnership with Stagecraft Studios Film and Production, will be taken to the three senatorial districts of Lagos State.

     

    Its Director, Mr Oladapo Muyideen, popularly called Lala, commended Lagos State Government for supporting and funding the project for cultural rebirth, especially among youths.

     

    “We know that the cultural rebirth and re-orientation, which we have been talking about, can happen faster through entertainment and arts.

     

    “Therefore, by attending this play, you will be entertained and gain a deeper understanding of our rich cultural heritage,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OAF/KTO/IGO

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    Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Ijeoma Popoola

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • NDA, society collaborate to foster peace studies

    NDA, society collaborate to foster peace studies
    Collaboration
    By Hussaina Yakubu
    Kaduna, June 10, 2024 (NAN) -The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) is set to partner with the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP) to enhance the study and practice of peace to better manage Nigeria’s security.
     John Ochai, Commandant of the NDA, stated this during a courtesy visit by the SPSP’s delegation led by its President, Nathaniel Awuapila, on Monday in Kaduna.
     The visit was in preparation for the 2024 International Conference of the SPSP, scheduled to be held from July 1-5, 2024.
    The 18th edition of the conference, themed “Community Engagement: Networking Kinetic and Non-Kinetic Capabilities for Tackling Insecurity in Africa,” will be hosted by the NDA.
     Retired Gen. Martin Luther Agwai, former Chief of Army Staff will chair the conference while Prof. Freedom Onuoha from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, will deliver the keynote address.
    Ochai highlighted that NDA as a research University offering numerous courses in peace studies, has significantly contributed to national and international security.
     He emphasized the importance of intellectual engagement in enhancing Nigeria’s peacekeeping efforts and integrating societal perspectives into government policy.
     Awuapila described the upcoming conference as a crucial event for addressing the security challenges in Africa.
    He said that the theme focuses on examining both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to managing insecurity on the continent.
    Awuapila expressed appreciation for the NDA’s strategic partnership and its offer to host the conference.
     He stated that the event would provide a platform for peace scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to engage in robust discussions.
     The conference will feature scholarly presentations and sessions for policymakers to analyze priority security issues.
    He also said that the plenary sessions would address various aspects of managing insecurity in Africa, with the participation of  over 100 experts from Africa, USA, Canada,  UK and Nigeria.
    He explained  that during the conference, the NDA Commandant and Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State would be formally inducted as fellows of SPSP. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng.)
    HUM/BRM
    ============
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Sanwo-Olu emerges South West Governors’ Forum Chairman

     

     

     

    Sanwo-Olu

    By Aderonke Ojediran

    Lagos, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has been unanimously endorsed as the Chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum.

     

     

    The six governors from the South-West states – Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Gov. Ademola Adele of Osun, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, Gov. Dapo Abiodun Ogun and Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, made the endorsement at a  meeting at the Lagos House, Ikeja.

     

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sanwo-Olu replaced the late Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, who, as the  Chairman of the forum, championed the Amotekun cause.

     

    The closed-door meeting, which started at noon, ended at past 3.00 p.m.

    The governors expressed support for the Federal Government, Nigeria Governors’ Forum  and the organised private sector in their conversations with the organised labour on a new minimum wage.

    A communique arising from the meeting was read at a press briefing by Sanwo-Olu.

    “The forum unanimously nominated and adopted the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as its Chairman.

    “The forum paid its last respects to its late Chairman, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu, SAN, CON, and also congratulated the new Governor of Ondo State, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who also  won the All Progressives Congress Governorship ticket for the next election,” he said

     

    The governors adopted Ise wa fun ile wa (There is work to do in our land) as South West Anthem.

    The forum also commended the House of Representatives for efforts toward the development of South West.

    ” The meeting commends the House of Representatives and South West caucus for their efforts at passing the South West Development Commission Bill, and looks forward to its speedy passage by the Senate.

     

    “We commend Mr President, Bola Tinubu, GCFR, on the groundbreaking of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and  the proposed Lagos to Sokoto Road, and encourages the Federal Government for also rehabilitating other federal roads in the region,” Sanwo-Olu said.

     

    On security, the forum unanimously re-affirmed  its support for state police in order to complement the efforts of the Federal Government.

     

    “On security, the forum commends the relative peace in the South West and notes the collaboration between all security agencies and the Amotekun Corps. It reaffirms its full support for state police.

     

    “On food security, the forum acknowledges the efforts of the Federal Government,  and decided that the Honourable Commissioners for Agriculture of all the states should begin to meet and set up a working template, which will ensure collaboration based on each state’s comparative advantage,” he said.

     

    On Minimum Wage, the forum supports the efforts of the Federal Government, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the organised private sector on their ongoing conversations with the labour union. We believe the outcome will reflect true fiscal federalism.

     

     

     

    “The forum also encourages the Federal Government on mineral resources exploitation. There should be further collaboration between the Federal Government and the states, especially in granting leases to investors, ” he said.

     

     

     

    The forum also  condemned  agitating for a  Yoruba nation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OAF/IGO

    ========

     

    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola