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Category: General News

  • Tinubu restates mandate to deliver quality life for Nigerians

    Mandate

    By Salif Atojoko
    Abuja, June 8, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu says his administration is prioritising people-focused development by providing essential infrastructure and amenities that will improve the quality of life of citizens.
    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement on Saturday that Tinubu made the remarks at the inauguration of engineering infrastructure in Guzape District Lot II.
    “Minister Nyesom Wike has provided exceptional leadership at a trying time for the country. It has been a very challenging time for us in the country.
    “We are still retooling and rejigging our financial system to bring prosperity and relief to the people of this country.
    “You have demonstrated the capacity to build a team, lead a team, and deliver on promises. I commend you, well done.
    “To all of you here, to the District Head of Guzape, and the representatives, litigation is not the answer, Compensation is the answer.
    “Development that is focused on the people for economic prosperity and benefits is what we should pursue.
    “Of what value is a swathe of land that is blocked by hills and rocks, and that is inaccessible. Let us talk to our people and come together to help build Nigeria,” said Tinubu.
    The President, who commended the contractor handling the project, Gilmor Engineering Ltd., emphasised that his commitment to providing infrastructure across the country was not for personal enrichment or aggrandisement.
    “I stand here as President; I do not have a plot of land here (Guzape District). But I have the people’s support and the mandate to deliver good quality of life and a living environment.
    “That should be enough for all of us to share in the joy of commitment, dedication, perseverance, and the little gifts God has endowed us,” the President said.
    The Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, said the contract, initially awarded in 2003 at the cost of N14 billion, was divided into Lots 1 and 2 to Messrs Dantata & Sawoe Construction Company Nigeria Ltd. and Messrs Gilmor Engineering Ltd.
    “Dantata had left the site for long. We had to bring them back after the President approved a memorandum to that effect,” Wike said.
    The Minister said the development of the district, which covered 32km of road, had been fraught with litigations, which, however, did not deter the progress of the project.
    He said shortly before the present administration assumed office, the cost of the project was revised to N18.17 billion.
    Wike commended the President for not abandoning the project owing to his belief in government as a continuum.
    “Since I assumed office as the FCT Minister in August 2023, you have never interfered with our work. We are sincerely happy that you gave us the free hand to work,” he said.
    Wike, who appealed to the President to name major roads in Guzape District after literary giants, Chinua Achebe and JP Clark, hinted that the ‘diplomatic area’ in the district would be completed within one year.
    In a project overview, the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad said the area being developed, Guzape District Lot II, was an urban fringe area covering 620 hectares, with 129 hectares encumbered by village settlements.
    Ahmad said the entire district, Lot 1 and Lot 2, was designed to provide residential, commercial, and recreational facilities covering an entire area of 1,070 hectares of land.
    “The Lot 1 area covers an area of 450 hectares, whereas the Lot 2 covers 620 hectares,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    SA/JNC
    =======
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • I have accepted recommendation of Olakulehin as Olubadan of Ibadanland – Gov. Makinde

    Recommendation
    By Suleiman Shehu
    Ibadan, June 8, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Saturday said that he had accepted the recommendation of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin by the Olubadan-In-Council as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    Makinde said this on Saturday during the celebration of life organised by the state government for late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Balogun, who died on March 14 after a brief illness.

    The governor said that he had seen the recommendation of the Olubadan-In-Council and had accepted it.

    “I have accepted it and as soon as the Olubadan Designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin is strong enough, he will be enthroned because due process has been followed,” Makinde said.

    The governor said that the late Olubadan lived a fulfilled life, saying that he and the late Olubadan did things many people thought would be impossible.

    “Myself and late Oba Balogun amended the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration which revolved the enthronement of Olubadan,” he said.

    Makinde said that the state House of Assembly on May 26, 2023, amended the Chieftaincy law of Oyo State and the governor no longer need to go to the Council of Chief for the declaration of Oba again.

    Speaking about Balogun, the Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Yusuf Buratai (rtd), described Balogun as a philanthropist and lover of the people.

    Buratai said that Balogun served Oyo State and Nigeria in general through various charitable efforts.

    Also speaking, the Olowu of Owukuta, Oba Adekunle Hammed, said late Olubadan promoted unity within Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

    Hammed said the reign of Balogun witnessed a lot of transformation and his contribution to the development of the state would never be forgotten.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by dignitaries within the state and Nigeria in general.
    (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    SYS/AJA
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    Edited by Adeleye Ajayi

     

  • Muslim women support Bauchi widows with start-up capital

    Muslim women support Bauchi widows with start-up capital 

     

    Widows

     

    By Amina Ahmed

     

    Bauchi, June 8, 2024 (NAN) The Federation of Muslim Women in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Bauchi State Chapter has supported five widows with N30,000 each as start-up capital for small scale business.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the empowerment took place on Saturday, during the general meeting of FOMWAN, in Bauchi.

     

    Hajiya Fatima Dahuwa, the Chairperson, Board of Directors of the association, said that the empowerment aimed to support widows to become self-reliant.

     

    “We expect that you will use N10,000 for feeding the orphans and N20,000 as start-up capital.

     

    “We will be coming around to support and encourage your business, as well as provide strategies to sustain and expand through modern techniques and book keeping,” Dahuwa said.

     

    Earlier, Hajiya Habiba Usman, Chairperson of the association, said that the empowerment of indigent women was in line with the 2024 FOMWAN week.

     

    Usman gave the theme of the FOMWAN week as “Economic Empowerment for the Indigent Women: A Life Changing Venture for Self-reliance and Poverty Alleviation”.

     

    She said the association would continue to support indigent women, to alleviate poverty among households.

     

    Mrs Huwaila Muhammad, a mother of five orphans, on behalf of beneficiaries, appreciated the foresight of the leadership of the association in supporting widows and orphans.

    She said it was good, coming at a time of economic hardship in the country.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AE/FON/SOA

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    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Oluwole Sogunle

  • Cleric urges Nigerians to unite, quit religious discrimination

    Cleric urges Nigerians to unite, quit religious discrimination

    Unity
    By Toba Ajayi
    Ilorin, June 8, 2024 (NAN) Pastor Kunle Silas of Christ Miracle Church, Ilorin, on Saturday urged Nigerians to embrace unity and stop religious discrimination against one another.
    Silas made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin noting that, religious discrimination could breed hate and division in the country.
    According to him, most people select friends based on religious beliefs.
    “Let us stop discriminating against one another. Let us unite and see ourselves as one family.
    “We should not allow religion to divide us irrespective of our believes. Consider yourself Nigeria first before any other thing.
    “Be your brothers keeper and help those who come to you for assistance. Give to the needy irrespective of their religion,” he said.
    The cleric,  however, urged religious leaders to stop hate campaign and focus on the unity of the country.
    He further said that religious discrimination would continue to disunite the society, if not curbed.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    LEX/NCI/AMM
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    Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna and Abiemwense Moru

  • Projects: Lagos to link Sangotedo with Ito-Omu creek

     

    Projects

    By Aderonke Ojediran

    Lagos, June 8, 2024 (NAN)  Lagos State Government has embarked on  a road and bridge project which will link Sangotedo in Eti Osa with Ito-Omu creek in Ibeju Lekki and Epe.

    The Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Infrastructure, Mr Olufemi Daramola, gave the assurance on Saturday, during an inspection of some projects across the state.

    ” Today, we are at the Omu Creek Road which is one of the strategic projects that is ongoing.

    “It is a road of about five kilometres and about 600 metres bridge.

    ”  It is about 1.1 kilometres from the Lekki-Epe Express Road. What we have witnessed today is really a big progress, there has been a lot of soil reclamation, a lot of soil replacement has gone on.

    ” We will be able to get to the point where the bridge work will start, a lot of soil investigation is going on, the progress is very commendable,” he said.

    The special adviser also inspected the Ketu Alapere Pedestrian Bridge reconstruction.

    Daramola said that the project would be completed in few months.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bridge, which was constructed 11 years ago, was damaged  by impact of a container-laden truck which attempted  to manoeuvre under the bridge.

    “Reconstruction of the damaged Alapere Pedestrian Bridge is ongoing.

    “There was a lot of work on the alignment.  The Federal Government was working on the Third Mainland Bridge, and we had to synchronise the work.

    ” There is good progress, the foundation is done, the cast elements are all being set, the headroom will be improved, and in another couple of months – two, three months  – I am sure that the project will be completed,” he said.

    Daramola also said that the state government had  embarked on rehabilitation of some link roads in the Ikoyi axis.

     

    “The state government is also working on a network of roads in Ikoyi, Abayomi, MacPherson, Ilabere. Site visit shows that there is improvement.

    “Contractors are on site, and we are having good milage.

    ” Some sets of roads were done in Ikoyi previously, and this set will add more connectivity.  The progress of work  is very commendable,” he said.

    The special adviser said that the Ilabere Link Road, Ikoyi, project was 70 per cent completed.

     

    ” None of the roads has been completed because it is a network.

     

    ” In Lagos as a whole, there is quite a number of projects going on, we visit these sites from time to time.

     

    ” I can assure you in Alimosho we have ongoing projects such as Babafemi Daada, Abaranje Road.  In Badagry, we have Hospital Road, Samuel Ekundayo Road. In Kosofe, we have St. Finbars Road, and all the contractors are on site.

    ” The governor has given us support maximally, you will see more progress,” Daramola said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OAF/IGO

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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

     

     

    08029451595

  • Anglican Church seeks NAN’s support to halt GBV in Ebonyi

    GBV
    By Chukwuemeka Opara
    Abakalikii, June 8, 2024(NAN) The Health and Community Development Initiative of The Anglican Diocese of Abakaliki, has sought the collaboration of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in its efforts to tackle Gender-Based Violence (GBV), in Ebonyi.
    The Group’s Project Coordinator, Rev. Chukwunonye Umeokafor, sought the collaboration when he led a delegation on an advocacy visit to the NAN office in Abakalikii.
    Umeokafor said the group intends to contribute to the fight to prevent GBV which is a major factor responsible for instability in many homes, workplaces, schools, among others.
    “Several men and women engage in GBV knowingly and unknowingly which affects the children raised in such homes.
    “Our advocacy is unique because we correct the notion that only men perpetrate GBV as women are also involved.
    “We are here to seek the collaboration of NAN to disseminate messages of our activities being a critical stakeholder in news dissemination in the country,” he said.
    The team leader said that the group had formed youth clubs in schools, engaged stakeholders through participatory meetings, knowledge and capacity building outreaches, among other channels.
    “We carry out Archdeaconry and Parish outreaches and my team is drawn from various Parishes and Archdeaconries under the Anglican Diocese of Abakaliki.
    “The members step down our messages to various Parishes and Archdeaconries to ensure that the congregations say no to GBV,” he said.
    He said that the group was working in collaboration with various governmental and non-governmental agencies in propagating preventive messages on GBV.
    “We are in touch with the pet project of the Ebonyi governor’s wife, and the state ministries of women affairs and justice. We are also working with relevant security agencies, among others.
    “We need more peaceful homes and workplaces and this can be achieved when people’s rights and privileges are duly respected,” he said.
    The State Correspondent of NAN in Ebonyi, Chukwuemeka Opara, thanked the group for the visit and assured the delegation that the agency would collaborate with it toward achieving set goals.
    “We shall work together to identify roles NAN can play in disseminating life uplifting messages.
    “We find this task mportant being the flagship of news dissemination in the country.
    “The agency is poised to play leading roles in reshaping the country through accurate and objective news dissemination,” he said.
    He added that the NAN office would continue to collaborate with individuals and groups interested in uplifting the welfare of the masses.
    NAN reports that members of the group also spoke on its activities toward preventing GBV in the state and country. (NAN) (NAN news.ng)
    UVU/RCO/ETS
    ============

  • Rep. Magaji distributes 10,000 bags of fertiliser to constituents

    Distribution
    By Amen Gajira
    Zangon Kataf (Kaduna State), June 8, 2024 (NAN) Mr Amos Magaji, a member of the House of Representatives, on Saturday commenced the distribution of 10,000 bags of fertiliser to farmers in his Zango-Kataf/Jaba constituency in Kaduna State.
    Magaji, while flagging off the exercise in Kwoi and Zonkwa simultaneously, tasked the farmers to diversify their farming engagements instead of focusing on ginger production.
    “Diversifying crop production will reduce the chances of incurring collosal losses in the event of an outbreak of disease as was the case with ginger last year.
    “Beneficiaries of the fertilizer cut across party, religious, and ethnic lines; I appeal to all to make the most of the commodity to pave the way for bumper harvest this year,” he said.
    Magaji particularly cautioned against the diversion of the product to other purposes other than the one intended.
    He thanked PDP members for sustaining the party in the area, describing the feat as heartwarming.
    In their separate remarks, PDP chairmen in Jaba and Zango Kataf Local Government Areas, Messrs Jonathan Gyam and Samuel Basa respectively, applauded the lawmaker for coming to the aid of the farmers.
    They described the gesture as timely, considering the current economic hardship faced by the people.
    They called on other well meaning individuals and organisations to emulate the lawmaker in providing succour to vulnerable members of the society.
    Some of the beneficiaries from the two local government areas appreciated the lawmaker for standing in the gap as they look to step up farming activities and improve their livelihood.
    Others who spoke, prayed God to replenish the lawmaker’s pockets and grant him the strength to sustain the kindness. (NAN)
    AMEN/ETS
    ==========

  • Organisation urges religious leaders to engage followers on Christian values

     

    Value

    By Philomina Attahs

    Abuja, June 8, 2024 (NAN) The Voice of Evangelism International (VOEI), a U.S. faith based organisation, has advised Christian leaders to effectively engage their followers on true Christian values and discipline.

    Mr Emeka Agwu, President, VOEI, gave this advice in Abuja at the Grand Finale of the National Catholic Bible Quiz Competition.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the quiz competition sponsored by VOEI, began at the parish levels and progressed through diocesan and provincial stages, culminating in a national event on Friday.

    NAN also reports that the competition included categories for teens, youths, and adults emphasising that no one is too young or old to study the word of God.

    Agwu lauded the dedication and hunger for God’s word displayed by the contestants during the competition.

    He expressed gratitude to the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) for its partnership.

    Agwu highlighted the importance of unity among Christians in spreading the Gospel, especially in the current challenging times.

    He said that the significance of the competition’s theme, “Remain in My Word,” taken from John 8:31, underscored the importance of abiding in Christ’s teachings.

    Agwu said that the competition aimed to foster a global interest in critical Bible studies among Christians, promoting effective Christian living and practice.

    “We are convinced that the leadership of Christian communities globally should arouse themselves for effective engagements in the matter concerning the Gospel of Jesus.’’

    The VOEI president called for renewed commitment from Christian leaders to nurture citizens of God’s Kingdom, recognising the urgent need for Gospel propagation in the face of global challenges.

    He, however, urged for deeper engagement with God’s word and expressing confidence in the sustainability of the programme.

    “I hope this event will inspire more Christians to delve into Bible studies and live out their faith practically,” he said.

    On his part, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, the President,  Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), appreciated VOEI for sponsoring the quiz competition.

    Ugorji, who was represented by Rev. Fr. Zacharia Samjumi, the Secretary General, CSN, acknowledged Agwu for sponsoring the event in spite of not being a Catholic

    “Agwu’s remarkable support for the programme out of his love for the word of God is celebrated as a significant achievement in fostering ecumenical unity among Christians, ” he said.

    In his remark, Rev. Fr. Joseph Nomwhange, the Director of the Department of Mission and Dialogue, CSN, said that the competition aims to foster interfaith collaboration and deepen scriptural engagement among participants.

    He said was hopeful that the initiative would challenge Catholics to renew their commitment to the Bible and make the competition an annual event to inspire a deeper love and practice of scripture. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    APA/OIF/CJ/

    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • Take over political scene, APC chieftain charges youths 

     

    Dr Tola Kasali, former Lagos State Commissioner and friends at his 72nd birthday celebration on Friday in Lagos.

     

    Take over political scene, APC chieftain charges youths

    Youths
    By Adeyemi Adeleye
    Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Dr Tola Kasali, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has charged Nigerian youths to take over the political scene for the future of the country.

    Kasali, a former Commissioner for Rural Development in Lagos State, gave the charge on Friday during his 72nd birthday celebration in Lagos.

    The birthday party was organised for the APC Chieftain by the Joint National Transport Safety Committee of Nigeria, Lagos State Taskforce, led by Alhaji Mukaila Moruf (aka Sanwo-Ayalu).

    He commended President Bola Tinubu for spotlighting and injecting some youths into his cabinet, adding that the current Nigeria’s challenges were for the youths to resolve.

    Kasali, a former Commissioner for Special Duties in Lagos State, urged Nigerian young politicians to be focused and prioritise service to their people, state and the country.

    “They say the youth are the leaders of tomorrow, it is no more true again. The youth should take over now.

    “When you consider the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s cabinet and look at some youths like the Interior Minister, he is a young person and he is doing fantastically well.

    “These are the kind of people that we need to continue to serve this nation. Our youths have a lot of experience, knowledge, strength and intelligence.

    “As a result, we need to direct them to be focus. So, it is no more the future, present situation is for the youth. We should make use of them for the future of this country.

    “I am praying that our youths will continue to play well in the political scene of this country and God will always be with them, direct and make use of them for the betterment of this country,” he said.

    The APC chieftain urged young politicians to always do the right thing and remain contented.

    “When you serve the people, your state and the country, do not do it because you are looking for something, but for the sake of the people, the state and the country.

    “The country belongs to all of us, the youth should take over now,” he said.

    The politician said that he was happy and felt fulfilled having served the people and the state with all his youthful vigour and strength.

    “I am 72 today and I thank God for it. I don’t put anything in my mind, I have paid my dues in Lagos State.

    “I have served Lagos State with all my conscience, capacity and strength and I am thankful to God that I am where I am today, very happy and satisfied,” Kasali said.

    Speaking, Alhaji Mukaila Moruf, the Lagos State Chairman of the Joint National Transport Safety Committee, described Kasali as a role model and a lover of the people.

    “We are celebrating our leader at his 72 birthday. He is the apex leader of APC in Ibeju-Lekki,” Moruf said.

    He said that Kasali had done so many things in promoting and lifting Ibeju-Lekki Local Government.
    Also applauding Kasali, Mr Oluwole Omikunle, an entrepreneur and a chieftain of APC in Ward E in Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), said that Kasali would remain a guide to many young politicians.

    He prayed God to grant Kasali more years in good health and peace of mind.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by politicians, friends and family of the former commissioner. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AYO/FON/IKU
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    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Tayo Ikujuni

  • Youths urged to place national identity over ethnicity, religion

    Youths

    By Philomina Attah
    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Mr Obinna Nwaka, Director-General, Committee of Youth on Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS), has called on Nigerian youth to place their national identity far above their ethnic and religious affiliations.

    He also urged them to hold their representatives accountable and unite against opponents of good governance.

    He spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the 2024 CYMS National Conference which had the theme: “Promotion of Peaceful Co-existence, Ethnic and Religious Cohesion in Our Nation”.

    He highlighted CYMS’ role in promoting government policies, good governance and youth inclusion since its establishment in 2018.

    Nwaka urged youths to consider the values of self-reliance, youth inclusiveness in governance,  local government autonomy and the importance of ethnic and religious tolerance.

    The director-general stressed the need for patriotism to curb the destruction of national assets.

    He also cautioned against civil unrest and underscored the role of stakeholders in conflict resolution and peaceful coexistence.

    He warned against vote-buying and financial crimes, urging leaders to pay attention to the youth by initiating programmes that would make them assets to the society.

    He urged youth to unite against those preaching disunity and disintegration, calling for more engagement with youths at the grassroots.

    Nwaka expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s achievements and support to the Nigerian youths through some laudable initiatives.

    He appealed for constructive criticism of the government and urged Nigerians to put the country above political and personal interests.

    He declared the conference an annual event, reaffirming CYMS’s commitment to championing  causes that would boost national growth.

    Prof. Musa Olaofe, the Chief Imam, Ansar-ud-deen Mosque, Abuja, in a remark, encouraged Nigerian youths to show interest and participate in the country’s politics to protect their interests.

    He said that there would not be meaningful development if the youth were left out of governance.

    “Do not allow yourself to be used as thugs by the politicians.

    “If any politician wants to engage you in war or give you cutlasses to fight, such person should first of all invite his children to take the lead,” he said.

    On his part, Rev. Duke Akamisoko, the Anglican Bishop of Kubwa Diocese, Abuja, said that religious bodies had a lot to do in order to promote peace in the country.

    “As religious leaders, we are asked to emulate our Master Jesus, and the teachings of the scriptures, with peace as a cardinal principle.

    “I urge the youth to imbibe the teachings of the Holy Books. They should accept the teachings and  practice them in their lives,” he said  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    APA/BEKl/ETS

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    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki and Ephraims Sheyin
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