Category: General News

Call
By Thompson Yamput
Kano, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Christian Solidarity World Wide Nigeria, aa human rights organisation, has called for religious tolerance among the faithful for the peace and development of the country.

Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, Chief Executive Officer of the organisation in Nigeria, made the call on Thursday in Kano during a training workshop organised for journalists across the northern part of the country.

Nmadu observed that the effects of religious intolerance, especially in the northern part of the country, had greatly affected the economic and social life of the citizens.

“It’s no longer news that some communities are lacking in basic social amenities due to the religious intolerance existing among residents who are supposed to be united and doing things together for the common good.

“Discrimination and hostility to one another due to religious differences are against section 38 (1) of the 1999 Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

“This is the more reason why journalists need to rise to the occasion to enlighten people on the Freedom of Religion or Belief contained in the constitution,” he said.

He also said that for 16 years, the organisation had been carrying out advocacy programmes, meeting leaders of various religious bodies, community leaders and political office holders, on the best ways of harmonising better working relationships.

He, however, called on those whose rights are being trampled upon to feel free to contact the organisation for assistance, no matter how serious or little the matter is, for immediate address to give room for peace and progress.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the training workshop which began on June 3 will end on June 6.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TYC/KAY
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Edited by Kayode Olaitan

WASSCE: FG applauds smooth conduct as 1.8m write exam

Examination
By Funmilayo Adeyemi

Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman has applauded the smooth conduct of the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Mamman expressed confidence in the conduct of the examination during the monitoring of the examination at the Government Secondary School Garki, in Abuja on Thursday.

The Minister said there was no incident reported during the conduct and he commended the examination process.

He expressed dissatisfaction over the some infrastructure in the school saying that the right thing would be done to give the school the desired facelift.

“We are here to check the ongoing WAEC examinations and the exams is going on very smoothly, we are happy with the nationwide exams and so far we haven’t had any incident in the exams,” Mamman said.

Speaking on the examinations, the Head of National Office (HNO) of WAEC, Dr Amos Dangut, said about 1.8 million candidates were sitting for the examination.

Dangut said the 2024 examination had slightly more females above the number of males with the ratio of 51:49.

He added that the examination is taking place in over 20,000 school centres nationwide, while commending the candidates’ comportment in the ongoing exercise.

“This year’s exam has been very successful as there has been no report of any leakage whatsoever, so it’s going on smoothly.

“As the minister has attested to it when moving round, you will see that there was calmness as the students were well comported and writing very well,” Dangut said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the May/June WASSCE which began on April 30, is expected to end on June 24.

The examination is ongoing in four WAEC member countries namely, Nigeria, Gambia, Sierra-Leone and Liberia. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

FAK/ORO
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Edited by Razak Owolabi

Award

By Oluwakemi Oladipo and Aderonke Ojediran

Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State University (LASU) has awarded honorary doctorates to Prince Tajudeen Olusi (OON), Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council, Lagos and Prince Samuel Adedoyin, an Industrialist.

The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, announced this at the 27th convocation award of academic and professional doctorate degrees, conferment of honorary doctorate degrees and rank of Emeritus Professor on Thursday in Lagos.

Olatunji-Bello said that Olusi was awarded an honorary Doctor of Literature (History, Education and Community Development) Honoris Causa).

“While Adedoyin received the award of Honorary Doctor, Humane Letters (Commerce,  Industry and National Development).

“I congratulate these illustrious personalities on being found worthy of these awards by the Senate of this university for their contributions to the growth and development of the institution and society in general,” she said.

Olatunji-Bello added that two professors were also awarded; Prof. Martins Anetekhai as an Emeritus Professor and Prof. Amidu Sanni awarded as a distinguished professor.

“Today’s ceremony, therefore, marks the concluding event of this convocation and a symbolic moment of fulfilment and pride for 89 Doctors of Philosophy.

“Sixty-six Professional Doctoral Degrees graduands who have demonstrated exemplary character and academic prowess to earn the highest degree of our esteemed university.

“The convocations have been held annually without fail, a pointer to the stability and consistency that have sustained the finest academic tradition for which the university is renowned,” she said.

The vice-chancellor said that in the 2023/2024 academic session, the institution admitted the first set of students into 20 approved programmes in five new faculties and schools.

She said: “the faculties are the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, School of Library, Archival and Information Science, the first in West Africa and second in Africa.

“The last faculty being the School of Tourism, Films, Performing Arts and Cultural Studies.

“We also secured approval to mount nine additional courses for the Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative STEM Education (ACEITSE) under the B.Sc Degree programme.”

She assured that her administration was committed to positioning LASU as a preferred research and learning hub for thousands of prospective students yearning for the most up-to-date knowledge.

“I call on other philanthropists and well-wishers, men and women of goodwill, to emulate this generous spirit by instituting an endowment, or donating projects to LASU.

“To the graduands of today, I congratulate you once again and wish you the best in your future endeavours,” Olatunji-Bello said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OKG/OAF/COF

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Edited by Christiana Fadare

2 men in court over alleged possession of Indian hemp

Arraignment

By Funmilayo Okunade

Ado-Ekiti, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Two men, Ayodeji Ajayi, 41, and Alaba Seye, 32, were on Thursday arraigned in  an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged possession of Indian hemp.

The defendants of unknown addresses were facing a charge of possession of Indian hemp.

The prosecutor, Insp Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendants committed the offence on May 31 at about 03:30 p.m in Ado-Ekiti.

Oriyomi alleged that the defendants had in their possession weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.

He said the offence contravened Section 5 (b) of the Indian Hemp Act 2004.

The prosecutor asked the court for an adjournment to enable him to study the case file and present his witnesses.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them.

Mrs Adunni Olanipekun, Counsel to the defendants, urged the court to grant them bail with the promise that her clients would not jump bail.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Olarewaju Owoleso, granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety each in like sum.

He adjourned the case until July 9, for hearing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

FOA/AYO/JPE

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Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Joseph Edeh

NUC

By Oluwakemi Oladipo and Aderonke Ojediran

Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN)  Mr Chris Maiyaki,  Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC),  has charged graduating students of Lagos State University  (LASU) to remain vibrant and relevant.

Maiyaki gave the charge  at the 27th Convocation Ceremonies  of LASU on Thursday, during which he also urged that education approach must be adaptive, innovative forward-thinking – NUC

Thursday’s ceremony was for award of academic and professional doctorate degrees, conferment of honorary doctorate degrees and emeritus professorship.

He said that Nigeria’s  future would depend on the commitment and competence of the younger generation who would soon take over.

“By redirecting our focus towards modern processes, we lay the foundation for a vibrant, relevant and globally-competitive educational system.

“Let us remain steadfast in our dedication to producing competent and dedicated professionals  who will shape the future of our great nation.

“It is, therefore, with great enthusiasm and optimism that I join you in this significant event that brings together the pillars of our nation’s educational landscape.

“Our approach to education must be adaptive, innovative and forward-thinking,” he said.

According to Maiyaki,  education is a dynamic and evolving field.

He said that  the role of universities in the transformative process could not be overstated, given emerging issues in the 21st Century.

“We need to equip our universities with the tools and knowledge needed to prepare students for the demands of this century.

“As the flagship regulatory agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the NUC has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of tertiary education in our nation.

“The NUC has made significant strides in advancing information and communication technology penetration within the Nigerian education system,” he said.

Maiyaki added that since 2009, the NUC had led in implementing various programmes  aimed at integrating Open and Distance Learning (ODL) methodologies, in line with global best practices.

He said that through the initiatives, university staff had been empowered to harness technology for enhanced student engagement.

“Additionally, the establishment of ODL centres by universities has expanded access to education, making it more inclusive,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews)

OKG/OAF/IGO 

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Impersonation
By Funmilayo Okunade
Ado-Ekiti, June 6, 2024 (NAN) A 19-year-old man, Isah Hassan, was on Thursday arraigned before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged impersonation.

Hassan, whose address was not given, is facing a charge of impersonation.

The Police Prosecutor, Insp Olubu Apata, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on May 31 at about 2:45 p.m. in Ijan-Ekiti.

Apata said that the defendant, who was found not to be a police officer, unlawfully wore a police uniform.

He said that the offence contravened Section 90 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.

He prayed the court to adjourn the case to enable him study the case file and assemble his witnesses.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge, while his Counsel, Mr Olatunbosun Ajidara, urged the court to grant him bail, with a promise that he would not jump bail.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Taiwo Ajibade, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N20,000, with one surety in like sum.

She adjourned the case till July 4 for hearing.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
FOA/ISHO/WAS
Edited by Yinusa Ishola and ‘Wale Sadeeq

Partnership

By Sunday John

Lafia, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Nasarawa State chapter of the Motorcycle Transport Union of Nigeria (MTUN) says it will partner with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to tackle motorcycle – related crashes in the state.

Kawo Muhammad-Mahmud, Chairman of the union, said this on Thursday at a mega rally organised by the FRSC at the Old Lafia Motor Park, Lafia, to sensitise members of the union.

Muhammad-Mahmud, in his address, appreciated the  Sector Commander of FRSC in the state, Lucia Samuel-Mhii, for the “timely initiative”.

He promised to set up machinery across the state to further sensitise  members on the need to adhere strictly to traffic rules and desist from reckless riding.

The chairman said that he would also set up a disciplinary team to sanction any member caught riding recklessly or disobeying traffic rules.

Earlier in her address, Samuel-Mhii stressed the importance  of sensitising motorcycle riders to prioritise and adhere to safety protocols.

She emphasised the dangers of taking hard substances before and while riding as well as riding against traffic light and breaking other traffic rules.

“It is important for every road user, including motorcyclists, whether private or commercial, to obey  traffic lights,” she said.

Samuel-Mhii also urged the union to ensure that its members obtain riders’ licenses, proper number plates  and wear safety helmets while riding, to reduce impact in case of crashes. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

SDJ/OAJ/FAA

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Loan

By Nabilu Balarabe

Damaturu, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Yobe Microfinance Bank says it has initiated a N150 million facility to enable its customers purchase animals for sacrifice during the Eid el-Adha celebration.

Dr Sheriff Almuhajir, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the bank, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday in Damaturu.

Eid el-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) is the second of the two main holidays celebrated in Islam.

According to Almuhajir, the facility will be implemented under its Sallah Ram Loans scheme, adding that it would be disburse into category A & B, with customers on category A accessing N150,000 while N75,000 for those on category B.

He said the loan would be repaid through monthly repayment of N6,000 for customers on category A and N3,300 for those on category B.

Almuhajir listed the conditions for accessing the loan to include having an account with the bank with a minimum balance of N2,500 for ATM cards and other services.

He said the applicant must obtain form from the banking hall at N1,000, and must be a civil servant on the payroll of the state or local government councils of the state.

Other requirements, he said, include two passport photographs, NIN number, payment slip and other relevant documents.

The gesture, he said, was to support individuals and families who might not be able to instantly purchase ram for the festivities.

“This loan scheme is designed to support civil servants in Yobe, especially those working with state and local councils during the festive season”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

NB/RSA

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Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali