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Category: General News

  • Deploy modern equipment to rescue trapped miners in Niger – Residents

     

    Miners

    By Rita Iliya

    Minna, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Residents of Galadima-Kogo, have appealed to the Federal Government to deploy modern equipment for the rescue of miners trapped in a pit in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that a mining site collapsed on Monday in Galadima- kogo village, Shiroro Council Area of Niger, killing one person and trapping several others.

    Mr Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson of the  Police Command in Niger, confirmed that 20 people were initially trapped in the mining pit but six had been rescued alive.

    Some of the residents of  the area in separate interview with NAN on Friday expressed worry over the pace of the rescue operation.

    Abubakar Sani, said that the pace of the rescue operation was slow because of the obsolete equipment being used.

    “When we noticed that the equipment being used to dig the ground were not effective, we had to mobilise local miners to use their local tools to dig the ground.

    “The pit is very deep, in fact it is as deep as three electricity poles and the area is rocky.

    “The soil is soft due to rainfall, so in order to avert another disaster, the locals were asked to stop the rescue operation,” he said.

    He called on the Federal Government to deploy specialised equipment to the mining site, saying that some of the trapped miners might still be alive.

    Another resident, Samson Felix, said that government should always match words with actions by deploying experts and  specialised equipment to rescue the  trapped miners.

    He disclosed that his friend is one of trapped miners, adding that consistent bandit attacks pushed most of them to engage in mining activities.

    “Many of our people, out of fear, can no longer go to farm because bandits don’t allow us to farm anymore; they attack us daily on our farmlands.

    “To sustain ourselves, some of our people decided to go into mining since the bandits are focused on farmers and not miners,”he said.

    According to him, the use of excavator for rescue operation was not advisable as it may cause injuries to the trapped victims.

    Contacted, Malam Habibu Wushishi, Director Media and Strategy, Niger Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, said the locals were asked to stop rescue operation to avert another disaster.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RIS/KOO/IU

    ==========

    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa / Isaac Ukpoju

  • Teenager jailed 3 years for unlawful possession of weapon

    Teenager

    By Joy Akinsanya
    Abeokuta, June. 7, 2024 (NAN) A Special Anti Cultism Court in Abeokuta, on Friday, sentenced a teenager, Saheed Akanni, to three years imprisonment for unlawfully being in possession of an axe.

    Akanni, 18, with no fixed address, was sentenced on a two-count charge of unlawful possession of dangerous weapon and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

    In his judgment, the Magistrate, Mr Olakunleyin Oke, said that the prosecution, proved its case beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant was guilty as charged.

    Oke held that the evidence presented by the prosecution were tenable.

    He sentenced Akanni to two years imprisonment for illegal possession of harmful weapon and one year jail term without option of fine, for conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

    Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp Olaide Rawlings, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on April 16, at Miami, Panseke area of Abeokuta.

    Rawlings said that the defendant was publicly caught in possession of one iron battle axe.

    He said that defendant had the intention of using the axe to cause harm and breach of peace.

    The prosecutor said that Akanni was arrested by a team of policemen on patrol who got a distress call concerning a cult clash at Miami in Panseke.

    “The defendant was caught with an axe, when asked what he was doing with the axe, he could not give a reasonable answer”, she said.

    He said that the offence contravened Sections 80 and 70 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun 2006. (NAN)(nannews.ng)

    IOJ/FAT/AZU
    ==========
    Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi and Azubuike Okeh

  • Why students play truancy – Educationist 

     

     

    Trauncy

    By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

    Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) A retired Director in Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs Amuche Ndukwe, has blamed  truancy among students on parents, teachers and school authorities.

    Ndukwe told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos that there was need for the stakeholders to be more committed to their roles over students.

    According to her, truancy  –  staying away from school without permission –  shows a fault.

    “We have always emphasised  good parenting because charity begins at home.

    “Parents must train their children from early age to desire to be in school, and that education is key. It is a mindset that they should grow with, and it will guide their academic progression,

    “Parents must know their children’s friends, supervise their works and encourage them for every positive achievements.

     

    “Having met the child’s needs, the father or mother should occasionally pay a surprise visit to the school and find out the punctuality  through the class teacher,” she added.

     

    On the part of school managements and teachers, Ndukwe said that efforts should be made to ensure that students would learn in conducive environments under the supervision of friendly teachers.

     

    The director said, “Teachers should be friendly with their students, change their methodology, introduce incentives to encourage attendance, supervise students’ works and engage them in practicals.

     

    “The school environment not being conducive may result in a situation where a student will not want to stay in the class.

    “Even when compelled, it can  lead to him/her not concentrating,” the educationist told NAN.

     

    She said that  managements of schools should also  make parent-teacher association meetings compulsory so that parents could work in collaboration with teachers and school managements for the good of their children.

     

    She advised students to develop interest in academics, avoid missing classes, participate in class works and build positive and healthy relationships that would have a  good influence on them. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MIL/IGO

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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

     

     

     

  • Institute, NAN partner on promoting made in Nigeria goods

     

    Dr Oluwaseyi Ogungbenro, Overseeing Officer at the Electronics Development Institute (ELDI)

     

    Institute, NAN partner on promoting made in Nigeria goods

    Promotion

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

    Awka, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Dr Oluwaseyi Ogungbenro, Overseeing Officer at the Electronics Development Institute (ELDI), Awka, says the institute was ready to partner with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in promoting made in Nigeria goods.

    Ogungbenro said this when he received the NAN, Anambra Correspondent, Mrs Joy Mbachi, who led other members of staff on a courtesy visit to the institute on Friday.

    ELDI is an institute under the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), with focus on electronics, software and hardware researches as well as production of prototypes for small and medium enterprises.

    He said: “I’m appealing to Anambra residents and Nigerians to patronise made in Nigeria products because that is the way to go, to come out of the current economic situation.

    “It is not just a patriotic gesture, it is also a way to develop and grow local industries and Nigeria’s economy.

    “I made bold to say that ELDI has made lots of researches and produced prototypes and products that have capacity to solve some problems in our various households and offices.

    “We produce energy saving bulbs, stabilisers, solar inverter, solar generating sets, automated mower, rechargeable lamps, automatic poultry cage system, electronic medical testing device, among others.

    “These products are very affordable, durable and of high quality. Let us patronise our own locally made products and we will see our economy flourish.”

    Ogungbenro called on the Anambra State Government to partner with the research institute, saying that there were lots of services the institute could offer to the government at cheaper cost.

    Earlier, Mrs Joy Mbachi, State Correspondent, NAN, Awka, said the visit was to seek partnership and to ensure effective coverage of the innovations at the institute.

    According to Mbachi, publicising the inventions of ELDI in the media will create awareness and attract the attention of Nigerians to their products and services.

    Highlight of the visit was a tour of the institute’s electronics workshops. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    LCO/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Lagos-Ibadan Expressway: FRSC warns motorists on ‘one-way’ driving

     

    Lagos-Ibadan Expressway: FRSC warns motorists on ‘one-way’ driving
    Motorists
    By Ige Adekunle
    Sango-Ota (Ogun), June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Ogun Command of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says motorists caught driving against traffic on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway would be asked to undergo psychiatric test in hospitals
    Mr Anthony Uga, FRSC Sector Commander in Ogun, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Ota, emphasising that such offenders would face the full wrath of law.
    He was reacting to Thursday’s gridlock on  Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, where motorists spent long hours in traffic.
    An ongoing construction work on a section of the bridge normally slows down traffic in the area, but Thursday’s downpour, with the  attendant flood, worsened the situation for motorists.
    Many motorists, in a bid to manoeuvre, resorted to driving against traffic, complicating the traffic problem.
    Uga said that driving against traffic,is is a serious traffic offence, warning those involved to desist.
    “The FRSC’s message for people driving against traffic is that they should desist from such practice, as it is an attitude that could be stopped, because it is against extant rules of traffic.
    “In addition, a task force comprising military and Police will be constituted today, after the Zoom meeting with all  Unit Commanders, as this has become an epidemic on this corridor.
    “We are also going to collaborate with FRSC Lagos command to deploy personnel to this axis to control traffic,” he said.
    Uga reiterated the commitment of the FRSC to  urgently address the traffic infractions committed on the road.
    The sector commander appealed to the contractor working on the site to also put  measures in place to alleviate the sufferings of motorists.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IGE/SOA
    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • 3000 residents to benefit from NGO’s free surgery

    Surgery

    By Aderonke Ojediran

    Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) No fewer than 3000 residents of Ketu in Lagos State will benefit from free surgery put together by a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) – Open Hands Amazing Charitable Organisation.

    This was made known on Friday in a statement by the founder of the NGO, Dr Magdalene Agada, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    The one-day outreach will take place June 29, in partnership with Michael Catholic Church Ketu, St. Vincent Dr Paul Society Ketu.

    “We will work with some churches, it’s easier that way, religions as they say is the opium of the masses, we know we will see those who are most vulnerable.

    “Our NGO for the past five years, has put together life changing health outreaches and interventions in different states of Nigeria, like Egede, Enugu State; Ibuzor and Akomazi in Delta State.

    ”There were also free cleft pallet surgery made possible by this charity

    “This in addition to hospital equipment donated to health institutions and hospitals across Nigeria, in Rivers, Taraba, Nassarawa ,” she said.

    The philanthropist further stated that the medical outreach is not just to run test on participants but also to give drugs and stipends.

    “This time, Open Hands Amazing Charitable Organisation is poised to take its hope train to the centre of excellence, Lagos, precisely we don’t just do medical checks or give drugs, we provide balance meals and stipends to those in need.

    “With the support of my friends dependable support of Dr Josephine Ewere, and Dr Aloysius Agada, who are the pillars and strong supporters of the charity.

    “We sincerely hope that our beneficiaries conduct themselves well, we have enough to go round and I implore them to heed the advice of the medical professionals and take your drugs according to prescription.

    “Also, don’t forget to pray for the continued strength and success of the donors,” she said.

    According to her, treatment will be given for Tuberculosis, Diabetes, Renal issues, Cancer, Eye screening among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OAF/DOE
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    Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

  • Audience measurement system will attract investment in media – Idris

    Audience measurement system will attract investment in media – Idris
    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris ( 4th Left) and other dignatries during the launch in Abuja on Thursday.
    System
    By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
    Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says the launch of the Audience Measurement System in Nigeria will enhance data, boost and attract great investments into the media sector of the country.
    Idris stated this at the launching of the Audience Measurement System  in Abuja.
    The event was put together by First Media and Entertainment Integrated Limited in collaboration with National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON).
    According to him, the System is for the broadcast sector to generate accurate and reliable data of television viewers in the country.
    Idris, who performed the launch, said the System holds immense importance in ensuring that broadcasting endeavors are not only impactful but also reflective of the diverse preferences and needs of the audience.
    The Minister described the introduction of the system as a groundbreaking achievement that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for a more prosperous and technologically advanced Nigeria.
    “The system is a tool that empowers us to understand and respond to the dynamic nature of our media consumers, providing valuable perception into their viewing habits, content preferences, and engagement patterns.
    “It is therefore gratifying to note that this project, which started in 2020, has finally come to fruition.
    “I am confident that a transparent and reliable audience measurement system will enhance data and attract greater investment into the media sector, driving economic growth and creating job opportunities.
    “It will also enhance Nigeria’s reputation as a market with robust and trustworthy media analytics,” Idris said.
    He said the introduction of the system becomes very necessary, because, the current Audience Measurement still uses age old Diary Method (pen and paper) of collecting data on TV Viewership and Radio Listenership
    He added that such does not reflect the true picture of what and how many people are watching or listening to a particular content.
    The minister said it is disheartening to note that in spite of having more than three times the eyeballs in South Africa, Nigeria’s television advertising market revenue is low compared to that of South Africa, and Kenya.
    “Hence, a development that necessitated the adoption of a system that will ensure that the advertising spend in Nigeria grows exponentially in the next couple of years.
    Speaking, the Director-General of ARCON, Dr Olalekan Fadolapo said, Nigeria has the biggest market, highest GDP and over 200 million population; and highest Internet users, but on return on investments, Nigeria is not among the top four.
    “This is as a result of series of leakages, and we have not been able to develop measures that will take cognisance of every story and advantage in the industry.
    “Now, we are celebrating a new dawn,meaning that, after this launch, all advertisers and media planners will have enough measurement to calculate what is being spent.
    Similarly, the Director-General of NBC, Mr Charles Ebuebu said the system would go a long way to improve the media sector in the country..(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CMY/SH
    ========
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • GBV: Anglican group solicits support of traditional rulers in Kaduna

     

     Revd. Victor Eboh, the Desk Officer, Gender Based Violence (GBV) team of the Diocese of Kaduna Nazarene Rural Health Ministry of the Anglican Diocese in a group photograph with Mr Stephen Ibrahim, District Head of Nararyi alongside other traditional heads during an a visit to the support of the district head on GBV sensitisation in Kaduna.

    GBV: Anglican group solicits support of traditional rulers in Kaduna

    By Moses Kolo

    GBV

    Kaduna, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Gender-Based Violence (GBV) team of the Diocese of Kaduna Nazarene Rural Health Ministry, Anglican Diocese, has solicited the support of the traditional rulers in the state to stem the tide of the menace.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this support was sought when the team visited the District Head of Nararyi, Mr Stephen Yerima.

    This was in furtherance of the team’s sustained efforts to achieve its mandate in the fight against GBV.

    Rev. Victor Eboh, the Desk Officer of the team, made the call during a sensitisation visit at the residence of the traditional head in Kaduna.

    Eboh said the purpose of the visit was to introduce the members of the team and solicit networking to sensitise people in the community about GBV.

    He said: “Just recently, the team, during the just-concluded 23rd Synod, articulated  in a presentation, the types of GBV.

    ”Which can be sexual, physical, psychological/mental and economic.

    ”The consequences of GBV include suicidal thoughts, mental meltdown, physical bruises, raising abusive members of the society and depression.

    “It is this message we seek support of traditional heads to accessing members of their respective communities.”

    Responding, Yerima commended the initiative of the visiting team, describing it as heartwarming.

    He lamented that GBV has become a big problem in the society, ravaging a lot of people and homes, adding, “this project is for the good of this territory and therefore, I promising to give my full support.”

    Yerima said he covered a wide area ranging from Narayi, Sabon Tasha, Gonin Gora, Romi, Ugwan Pama, Maraban rido, Kudenda, Juji, U/Boro, Gaya, Bugai, Karji, Kamazou, Mahuta, and Kujama.

    He also listed some of the challenges faced in his community to include: Economic hardship and banditry, which according to him, has made women and the girl-children more vulnerable. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MGK/BRM

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

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Anniversary: Tinubu committed to making Nigeria great —- Director

    Anniversary: Tinubu committed to making Nigeria great —- Director
    Tinubu
    By Zubairu Idris
    Katsina, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Director, Research and Documentation of the Nigeria First Project Initiative, Mr Bashir Dauda, says President Bola Tinubu is committed to making Nigeria great.
    He, therefore, urged Nigerians to continue supporting his policies and give him the benefit of the doubt.
    Dauda stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Friday in Katsina.
    According to the director, Tinubu has consistently been implementing what he promised Nigerians through initiating policies in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda.
    Dauda said, “I am calling on the citizens to give Mr President the benefit of the doubt by supporting his good policies and persevere with the current economic hardship.
    “The president has just marked one year in office, has additional three years to work for the betterment of the country and its people.
    “It is not good to say Nigerians have exercised too much patience, because some of these policies will yield results after some years.
    “Most of the developed countries in Europe have passed through such difficult and trying moments we are experiencing now in Nigeria.
    “They are now enjoying the sacrifices of their great grandparents.”
    He further called on Nigerians to hold their state Governors responsible for developing their areas and improving their well-being or otherwise.
    “State governments were created to complement the federal government. So, if things are working effectively, lives of the citizens will be better improved,” he said
    The director explained that some successes have been recorded by the administration under the security sector, saying that over 9,000 high profile criminals were eliminated within one year.
    According to him, over 6,000 terrorists were arrested and rescued over 4,000 hostages during the period under review.
    On education, he stated that the government introduced a students’ loan scheme aimed at supporting students from poor families to continue to pursue their education.
    That, he said, was in addition to the creation and upgrading of some tertiary institutions, construction of a number of classrooms for Tsangaya Qur’anic schools, among others.
    “There are progresses in all the sectors. Bear with him and give him more time, I believe you will see more improvements,” he said.
    Meanwhile, some of the state’s residents interviewed complained of economic hardship.
    Malam Sani Abdullahi, a commercial vehicle driver, urged the government to take more measures that would address the increasing inflation in the country.
    “It is unfortunate that if you buy a commodity in the market today, tomorrow you find out that its price has increased.
    “The government should do something about it. Our concern is the poverty and inflation that are biting harder,” he decried.
    Kabir Ahmed, a labourer, explained that people like him were facing hardship particularly in the rural areas.
    He urged the government to ensure that people in the rural areas also benefit from palliative measures aimed at cushioning the poverty rate.
    Malam Musa Garba, a vulcaniser, lamented that due to the poverty and the inflation, “it is hard for people like him to eat three square miles a day.”
    He urged the government to focus attention on further alleviating the suffering of the masses.
    Garba also advised the government to provide fertilizers and other inputs to the farmers at subsidised rates to boost agricultural productivity and bolster food security.(NAN) )www.nannews.ng)
    ZI/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • RATTAWU charges union leaders on good communication skill, creativity

    RATTAWU charges union leaders on good communication skill, creativity

    RATTAWU
    By Adedeji Egbebi
    Ado-Ekiti, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Dare Durosimi, the National Vice President of Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) South-West, has called on members to embrace creativity and good communication skill in resolving dispute.

    Durosimi gave the advice on Thursday, in a lecture delivered at a one-day training programme held in Ado-Ekiti, with the title: “Worker’s Interest and Organisation survival.”

    He said the call for members to be creative and adopt a new approach of engaging in dialogue with the management instead of always being at logger head with them became necessary as the world keeps advancing on daily basis.

    Durosimi advised them to be hardworking and give priority to the development of their organisation in a bid to have confidence to fight for the interest of their members whenever the need arises.

    According to him, such approach will ensure industrial harmony and make the work place conducive for members of the labour unions.

    “I want to advise all our union leaders, especially across the South-West states to embrace creativity and good communication skills to promote the development of their organisation and the union as well.

    “Being the chairman, secretary or any officer, irrespective of the office you may be holding, should not be your priority, but the interest of members.

    “Let us always add value to our organisations and the union, as that is the only way that our dear union can get to an enviable height, among other unions,” he said.

    The Chairperson of RATTAWU in Ekiti, Tola Popoola, said the training was organised for members to further widen their education and enlightenment.

    Popoola said the union was passionate about the development of its members with a view to add value to their organisations.

    Similarly, the State Secretary of RATTAWU, Kehinde Ogidi; Chairman of Progress FM Chapter, Soji Afinjuomo; and Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State (BSES), Bolaji Kolawole, said the training would boost their leadership skill. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    DJ/KOLE/IKU
    ==========
    Edited by Remi Koleoso/Tayo Ikujuni