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Category: General News

  • Immediate past administration neglected education sector, says  Yusuf

    Immediate past administration neglected education sector, says  Yusuf

     

    Education

    By Aminu Garko

    Kano, June 10,2024( NAN) Gov Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has accused the immediate past administration in Kano State of neglecting the education sector.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Yusuf spoke in Kano while declaring a State of Emergency in Education in Kano

    He alleged that the past administration sold some public schools and converted others to private shops.

    With the support of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), Gov. Yusuf has vowed to take bold and practical measures to revamp the education sector, recognizing that the quality of education shapes a society’s progress.

    He also expressed concern over the escalating problem of out-of-school children, with nearly a million youngsters currently denied access to educational opportunities.

    Gov. Yusuf said he is determined to restore the educational landscape, once a beacon of hope and a model to emulate, now overshadowed by neglect and decline.

    ”My administration is committed to making education a top priority and a lasting legacy for future generations.

    “Over 4.7 million pupils are forced to sit on bare floors to learn, while 400 schools have only one teacher for all classes and subjects,” he said.

    The governor said basic teaching tools were lacking, resources were inadequate, and teachers and students struggled with outdated equipment.

    “Teachers struggle with outdated and insufficient basic learning equipment, while clean water and sanitation are lacking in many schools,” he said.( NAN) ( www.nannews.ng)

    AAG/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Dividends of democracy: Traditional ruler tasks Ondo Govt on rural engagement

    Dividends of democracy: Traditional ruler tasks Ondo Govt on rural engagement
    Dividends
    By Alaba Olusola Oke
    Idanre( Ondo State), June 10,2024( NAN) A traditional ruler, Oba Albert Omosebi , the Alajowa of Ajowa in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State has called for sustained engagement of rural populace  to ensure communities enjoy dividends of democracy.
    Oba Omosebi made the call on Sunday when the Community Engagement for Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa (CELA) kick-started its door-to-door movement across rural communities in the state.
    CELA is a  group working for the victory of Aiyedatiwa in the Nov. 16 gubernatorial election.
    The traditional ruler said that most governments  would abandon communities after getting  their support during electioneering and render such communities disappointed in times of needs.
    The traditional ruler , who commended the Aiyedatiwa-led government for its rural engagements, urged it to sustain it.
    Oba Omosebi  expressed satisfaction in the performance of  Aiyedatiwa within the short period and commended the beautiful initiative of prioritising the interest of the rural communities.
    In his remarks, the traditional leader of Ipoba Community, Chief Olofintuyi Rufus said it was the first time a governorship  aspirant would be interested in addressing the challenges facing the people of the community.
    Chief Rufus appreciated  the state governor,  adding: ”he has our support and we plead with him to come to heal our pains.”
    Earlier, the  Convener of the group, Mr  Iwakun Adeolu said that the group intends to engage dwellers of the rural communities and preach the Lucky Aiyedatiwa continuity agenda.
    “We erected this initiative to ensure the rural communities are not left behind in the governance of the state. We are here to ask the community what they lack and would want the government to do for them.
    “Doing this, we are elated to receive good remarks about the Lucky Aiyedatiwa led administration from our people.
    “The governor is a good listener and also understands the assignment of leading a progressive state like ours. We urge our people to also support the continuity of the Gov. Aiyedatiwa-led government: it is the best thing to do,” he said.
    The engagement is to run across the 18 local government areas of the state. ( NAN)
    OKEO/SH
    ========
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Nigeria to become green industrial powerhouse – Envoy

    The Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC), Chief Ajuri Ngelale, U.S. Head of Delegation to the United Nations Climate Conference and Principal Deputy Special Envoy for Climate, Ms Sue Biniaz, and Mr Trigg Talley, who serves as the Managing Director for Negotiations and Director for the U.S. State Department’s Office of Global Change, in Bonn, Germany on Sunday

     

    Climate

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC), Chief Ajuri Ngelale, says mutually fruitful cooperation between the U.S. and Nigeria will extend deeply into Nigeria’s ambition to become a green industrial powerhouse over the next ten years.

    Ngelale said he had a productive meeting with the U.S. Head of Delegation to the United Nations Climate Conference and Principal Deputy Special Envoy for Climate, Ms. Sue Biniaz, in Bonn, Germany, on Sunday.

    “We shared views concerning tangible next steps to be taken toward leveraging large-scale climate financing instruments to drive Nigeria’s green industrial agenda in the years ahead.

    “We have much work to do in the form of putting in place new mechanisms to achieve a truly transparent and innovative application of available resources to meet our objective of attracting new and de-risked investment capital from around the world.

    “I am confident that we have the team to deliver on this for the country. One step at a time,” Ngelale said  on his X handle on Sunday.

    He said the U.S. Principal Deputy Special Envoy for Climate was joined in the meeting by Mr Trigg Talley, who serves as the Managing Director for Negotiations and Director for the U.S. State Department’s Office of Global Change. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/VIV

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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Expert highlights risks of buying lands without survey plans

    Survey

     

    By Olatunde Ajayi

     

    Ibadan, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Oyo State Chapter, has cautioned Nigerians from buying lands without proper survey plans.

     

    Its Chairman, Waheed Lamidi, issued the caution in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Sunday.

     

    Lamidi says a survey plan can prove that a seller has the right to sell and tells the buyer the government is aware of the existence of the land.

     

    He, however, advised Nigerians to always patronise only registered surveyors to avoid rising cases of land scams in the country.

     

    “There are so many ways people are duping members of the public on land matters. I want to advise our people to always consult a registered surveyor before they pay for any land.

     

    “This will help them to ascertain the genuineness of the land they want to buy; it reveals whether the land is free from government acquisition and if the land has not been sold to somebody else.

     

    “It is always advisable to involve professionals before paying for lands to forestall losing large amounts of money in the process of avoiding surveyors’ professional fees.

     

    “If the seller cannot provide the survey plan, it may be because the land has never been surveyed or another person owns the land,” he said.

     

    The chairman noted that registered surveyors could easily be identified by their unique registration numbers and addresses from NIS.

     

    He urged prospective land buyers to make payments only when they had physically examined such lands.

     

    According to him, this will allow the buyer to ascertain the topography of the land, the kind of neighbourhood, and the level of development on the land. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    TUN/MAS

     

    Edited by Moses Solanke

     

     

  • Climate Change: Group trains 250 youths on tree planting, adaptation strategies

    Climate Change: Group trains 250 youths on tree planting, adaptation strategies

    Training
    By Habibu Harisu
    Sokoto, June 9, 2024 (NAN) An NGO, Building Blocks for Peace Foundation (BBFORPEACE), says it has trained 250 youths on tree planting, nursing and other climate change adaptation strategies in Illela Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.

    The group’s Programme Officer and Project Team Lead, Mr Gideon Ihuarulam, said this on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto.

    Ihuarulam said the organisation was implementing a project tagged
    ”Northwest Climate Peace Hubs”, a climate security approach to conflict prevention in border community.

    He said that the project was working toward preventing conflicts and initiating peace building strategies on addressing impacts of climate change along with associated activities.

    “Climate security project means to neutralise the conflict and insecurity stemming from environmental degradation, desert encroachment, degraded pastures and other impacts of climate change in Northwest Nigeria.

    “The project was borne out of the recognition of the dynamic ways through which the impacts of climate change stimulate conflict and insecurity in the region.

    ”Illela in Sokoto State and Jibia in Katsina State are the focus areas of the project,” Ihuarulam said.

    According to him, the project is  supported by the United Nations Development Programme Nigeria and the Norwegian Embassy in Abuja.

    He further said that three key activities had been identified in the project, including capacity building training for youths on dialogue, mediation, reconciliation and climate action.

    The other, he said, was to establish climate and conflict early warning and early response structures and supporting climate change activists to plant and nurture trees across the LGA.

    Ihuarulam also said that the core objective of the project was to support high risk communities in the region working with youths and women to address climate induced conflicts and adapt to climate change.

    In separate remarks, representatives of UNDP, Mansur Dambuwa and Serifu Lamidi, underscored the importance of the project and called for maximum community support.

    They commended the NGO’s Executive Director, Mr Rafi’u Lawal, for his commitment toward ensuring the success of the project

    Speaking on behalf of the benefiting community, the District Head of Illela, Alhaji Buhari Abdulrahman, lamented the adverse effects of climate change and the insecurity facing the north.

    Abdulrahman thanked the organisation for coming up with the initiative and expressed his community’s readiness to support the project and ensure its sustainability. (NAN)

    HMH/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

     

  • NiMet forecasts 3-day sunshine, cloudiness from Monday

    NiMet forecasts 3-day sunshine, cloudiness from Monday

    Weather

    By Gabriel Agbeja

    Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Meteorological Agent (NiMet) has predicted sunshine and cloudiness from Monday to Wednesday across the country.

    NiMet’s weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja forecast sunny skies on Monday, with patches of clouds over the northern region and of morning thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Adamawa and Borno states.

    “Later in the afternoon/evening period, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Zamfara, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Borno, Kano, Taraba and Adamawa.

    “Cloudy skies with sunshine intervals are anticipated over the North Central region with chances of morning thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa states.

    “Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kogi and Benue states,” it said.

    According to it, cloudy atmosphere is expected over the southern states with prospects of morning rains over parts of Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

    It anticipated thunderstorms over the entire region later in the day.

    The agency envisaged patches of clouds on Tuesday with sunshine intervals over the northern, with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto and Taraba states.

    “Later in the day, thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Kaduna, Yobe, Taraba, Adamawa and Jigawa states.

    “Patches of clouds with sunshine intervals are expected over the North Central region, with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Kwara and Niger states during the morning hours.

    “Later in the day, thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Kogi, Benue and Niger states,” it said.

    NiMet predicted cloudy atmosphere over the southern states, with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Cross River and Akwa Ibom states during the morning hours.

    It expected rain over most parts of the region later in the day.

    “On Wednesday, sunny atmosphere with patches of clouds are anticipated over the northern region, with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Borno, Taraba and Adamawa states during the afternoon/evening hours.

    “Patches of clouds with sunshine intervals are expected over the North Central region, with prospects of thunderstorms expected over parts of Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kwara and Nasarawa states during the afternoon/evening hours.

    “Cloudy atmosphere is expected over the Southern
    states during the morning period. Later in the day, rains are expected over the entire region,” it said.

    NiMet urged the public to take adequate precaution as strong winds might precede the rains, in areas where thunderstorms were likely to occur.

    It advised Airline operators to get updated weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FGA/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Delta enjoying peace, progress in hard times – Oborevwori

    Fourth (L-R), Speaker of the Delta House of Assembly, Mr Dennis Guwor, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori and his wife, Tobore flanked by others cutting the eight Assembly anniversary cake on Sunday at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Asaba.

    Peace

     

    By Mercy Neme

     

    Asaba, June 9, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta says the state has enjoyed peace and progress in hard times within the first year of his administration without borrowing money.

     

    Oborevwori stated this on Sunday at the 1st Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of the 8th Delta House of Assembly.

     

    The service was held at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region 34 Headquarters, Unity Model Parish, Asaba.

     

    The governor proudly said that the state had recorded impressive progress in infrastructural and human capital development despite the economic downturn bedevilling the country.

     

    “God has been faithful in the affairs of the state as people who live outside this state don’t know what we are enjoying; we are enjoying peace and progress.

     

    “There is also abundance for us in this hard time in Nigeria; Delta has not borrowed in the last one year.

     

    “You can see that members of the state house of assembly are shining,” he said.

     

    Oborevwori, however, urged the lawmakers to continue to serve their constituents with the fear of God.

     

    According to him, God will continue to bless the state to become one of the best states in the country.

     

    The Speaker of the assembly, Mr Dennis Guwor, said the house needed to thank God for His mercy upon the lawmakers and for keeping them through their first year in office.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the assembly was inaugurated on June 13, 2023.

     

    Guwor said the assembly was unique in having one of its own and a former presiding officer of the house as governor.

     

    “Governor Oborevwori understands perfectly the workings of the state house of assembly, hence we have enjoyed a robust partnership with the executive.

     

    “My colleagues respect the leadership of the house and there has been lots of cooperation among members; I thank them for their support and partnership,” he said.

     

    Guwor, commending residents for selecting the best out of the state to represent them in the assembly, promised the house would not fail them.

     

    According to him, the house received 18 bills from the executive and private-member, of which nine had been passed and three already assented.

     

    Meanwhile, in his sermon, the host pastor, Olufemi Olumide, says thanksgiving is the key that opens all doors.

     

    Olumide commended the assembly for appreciating God with a thanksgiving service.

     

    Olumide said the 8th Assembly was unique as it represented a new beginning in the affairs of the state legislature.

     

    The occasion, he said, had accommodated Christ at the state’s centre of affairs.

     

    Meanwhile, the governor unveiled the 8th Assembly “Legislative Agenda”.

     

    NAN reports that the Legislative Agenda is the policy thrust of the eighth assembly that is expected to guide it in the next three years.

     

    Dignitaries at the occasion include the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Tobore Oborevwori; the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme; the immediate past Deputy Governor, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro and others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    MOA/MAS

     

    Edited by Moses Solanke

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Tinubu approves mandate for special presidential envoy on climate action

    Tinubu approves mandate for special presidential envoy on climate action

    Mandate
    By Okon Okon

    Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has approved terms of reference for the pioneering Office of the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC).

    Mr Segun Imohiosen, Director, Information, office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    The statement said the President approved the terms of reference for SPEC to bring clarity to the functions of the office within the climate and green economy ecosystem.

    “By the President’s directive, the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action shall be the lead negotiator on climate-related matters on behalf of the Federal Government, reporting directly to the President,” said the statement.

    It also said the office shall be the lead negotiator on carbon market and management initiatives on behalf of the Federal Government.

    It added that the office had a mandate to integrate the work of the Intergovernmental Committee on National Carbon Market Activation Plan (NCMAP) into the climate action plans of the Federal Government, reporting directly to the President.

    The terms of reference also include, “Supervising interface between the Secretariat of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) and the NCCC Supervising Council, which is chaired by the President.

    “Coordinating all climate action-related activities across Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, legislative, and subnational entities which directly impact the President’s climate action and green economic agenda.”

    The statement said the supervisory function included a mandate to directly engage other nations, international organisations, and non-governmental entities to build coalitions and advance global climate goals in accordance with Nigeria’s national interest.

    It said it shall be the focal point of the Federal Government’s engagement with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings, and other related international meetings on climate-related and green economic matters.

    The SPEC shall also be the coordinator of activities of all relevant Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies towards the successful fulfilment of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

    Amongst others, it shall be, “The secretary of the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions, which is chaired by the President.

    “The chief diplomat and lead representative of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on all climate-related engagements and negotiations while supervising the Energy Transition Office.

    “The focal-point authority on all non-executive activities related to the operations of NCCC with delegated authority to oversee the activities and operations of the NCCC secretariat for frequent reporting to the President in between meetings of the NCCC Supervisory Council.”

    It shall also act as the lead interface on engagements with the Central Bank of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Finance and Federal Ministry of Power, Federal Ministry of Environment.

    This includes other critical Federal Government institutions concerning the administration and coordination of climate-related donor finance, renewable energy finance and green industrial growth management.

    The statement further said the office of the SPEC shall be chair the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.

    Furthermore, the statement said the President approved the expansion of the membership of the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions (P-CAGE).

    The committee comprises representatives of Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas).

    Others are: Representatives of  Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology, Nigerians National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Special Assistant to the President on Energy Transition, Ms Yasmin Mohammed and representative of Energy Transition Office, Mr. Somkele Awa-Kalu.

    According to the statement, the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions will be inaugurated in July.

    It added that the President emphasised diligence, dedication, and patriotism in the execution of this critical national assignment.

    This is with a view to realising his administration’s agenda on climate action and green industrial growth for the long-term benefit of the Nigerian people and Africans at large. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MZM/BEKl/SA
    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Salif Atojoko

  • Edo Govt. to begin operation flush out cultists, criminals

    Criminals

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Benin, June 9, 2024(NAN) Edo Government says plans have been concluded to flush out criminal cult groups and ‘Okaigheles’(youth leaders) from the state.

    The state government reacted on Sunday to recent attack on soldiers in Okomu community by criminals and cultists.

    Chris Nehikhare, the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, spoke at the Military Base Hospital in Benin during a visit to wounded soldiers and a police officer who were shot by suspected cultists.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that two soldiers and a police officer were on June 7, shot in Okomu community in Ovia South West Local Government Area of the state by suspected cultists.

    Nehikhare pledged the Edo Government’s support in footing the bills of the wounded military officers receiving treatment at the Military Base Hospital.

    Nehikhare, who disclosed that Gov. Godwin Obaseki frowned at the attack on military personnel, said a task force led by the Director of the State Security (DSS), had been set up to combat cult groups in the state.

    “It is not right in any way for the military to be attacked in any community in Edo.

    “A few weeks ago, we were all aware of what happened in our neighbouring Delta, where no fewer than 20 soldiers were killed by some youths.

    “In Edo, we have a bad case of cultism and what we also call Okaigheles(Youth Leaders) in Benin and across Edo South Senatorial District.

    “The data available to us provided to the State Security Council has shown that these people are mostly responsible for the threat to the security in Edo.

    “That is why this group of people were banned and a task force set up to neutralise their activities.’’

    The commissioner said that the governor placed a ban on the Okaigheles (youth leaders); however, some people told them to ignore the government ban.

    According to him, there can only be one government at a time.

    He said it was regrettable that the banned group was emboldened to go into Okomu forest to attack soldiers protecting the assets.

    “One of the soldiers is on the bed in critical condition and two soldiers were badly injured.

    “The gun boat they were in were destroyed and riddled with bullets; this is happening in Edo.

    “We do not want a situation where we will be losing soldiers to civilians or to reckless and dangerous cult groups.’’

    The commissioner pleaded with leaders in Edo South to rein in their children and the people that they had armed one way or the other.

    “We have come to quickly visit the wounded officers and the army to assure them that Edo Government will not tolerate this untoward behavior.

    “We don’t want what happened in Odi Community in Bayelsa  to happen here in Edo or a repeat of what happened recently in Delta to happen here.

    “It is a serious matter and all Edo people, irrespective of political affiliations, must support the government in this fight against cultism and killings going on.

    “Since January to date, we have lost no fewer than 150 people in cult related violence,’’ he said.

    He commended the army for being a responsible organisation which did not take the laws into its own hands. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    NY/ CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

     

     

     

  • Returned artifacts will boost Edo’s tourism potential – Obaseki

    Returned artifacts will boost Edo’s tourism potential – Obaseki

    Artifacts

    By Maureen Okon

    Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN)Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has said that the stolen Benin artifacts recently returned to the state would boost its tourism potential .

    “The artifacts will bring back our status as the tourism hub of the country,” Obaseki told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

    According to him, the returned artifacts are “still within the federal realm, while the state is facilitating the storage infrastructure for the relics”.

    He said his administration had invested much in infrastructure development and facilities for storing, research and preservation of the cultural artifacts.

    “Building of the infrastructure will not only help preserve Edo’s cultural heritage, but also provide a safe and proper environment for exhibiting these delicate artifacts.

    “These measures are put in place so that when these artworks eventually come into the state , we will have a safe place where they can be properly stored.

    “As you know, many of them are very old and very fragile and need to be specially handled.

    “That is why the Edo government has to invest in infrastructure for proper storage of these artworks.

    “We have also collaborated with experts and investors to build the infrastructure so that when the artifacts come, the state can professionally handle them,’’ he said.

    According to the governor, the tourism potentials of the artifacts and relics will strategically position the state as a tourism hub for both local and international visitors.

    “As we speak, part of the strategy for developing Edo is the strategic plan to make the state a tourist hub for Nigerians and foreigners, given its natural beauty and strategic location.

    “Edol, by its nature and location, is a tourist place where you cannot move from the West of the country to the East and the South-South, without passing through.

    “The government is also going to create facilities to showcase the beauty of Edo, its culture, food, arts, and history that will attract visitors and promote economic growth.

    “The world is tilting toward tourism as an income generating sector and Edo is poised to tap on that,” Obaseki said.

    NAN recalls that in December 2022, Germany returned 22 artifacts looted during the 1897 Benin invasion.

    Former President Muhammadu Buahri, in his respect for Benin Kingdom, told the German government that the artifacts would be returned to the traditional ruler and not to the Nigerian state, as Germany had expected.

    Buhari named the Oba of Benin as the recipient of the items.

    The traditional ruler is a descendant of the sovereign chief, who reigned over the Kingdom of Benin, when the Bronzes were looted by the British at the end of the 19th century. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ETIM/KOO/ETS
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    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Ephraims Sheyin