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Category: General News

  • Flooding: Akwa Ibom to demolish structures built on water channels

    Structures
    By Isaiah Eka
    Uyo, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor, says the state government will demolish any structure built on water channels in order to avoid flooding and collapse of buildings.
    Eyakenyi, made the statement on Wednesday during an inspecting tour of flooded areas and blocked drainage systems in Uyo.
    Eyakenyi, also the Chairman, Akwa Ibom Emergency Management Agency, urged residents of the city to avoid dumping wastes on drains and water channels.
    He urged approving agencies to be cautious in granting approvals for buildings, saying,” buildings shouldn’t be erected on areas marked out for drains”
    “Ensure that the land is inspected properly before giving approvals, we have to protect ourselves and the environment.
    “We are listed among flood prone states in 2024 by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
    “As a government, we have remained proactive towards controlling flooding and minimizing its effects on the state,” she said.
    The deputy governor urged residents of flood prone areas to relocate to safer environments for the safety of their lives and property.
    Also speaking, Prof. Eno Ibanga, Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, said the state government’s flood control programme was still on stream.
    “We are commencing work on the problem areas, we need to channel water properly to avoid flooding,” Ibanga said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the team visited Ewet Housing Extension, Gloria Amana and adjoining streets around Osongama Estate.
    Also visited were, Methodist Church Cathedral Itiam Etoi along Oron Road and the Nsikak Eduok Drainage. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IE/CHOM/AZU
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma and Azubuike Okeh

  • World Environment Day: NNPC foundation plants 70 trees in college

    Trees

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Benin, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Management of NNPC Foundation Ltd/Gte. says it has planted 70 economic trees in the premises of Federal Government Girls College, Benin,  in commemoration of the 2024 World Environment Day.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that this year’s celebration has its theme as “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience”.

    Speaking during the tree planting ceremony on Wednesday, the Managing Director, NNPC Foundation, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, said that the foundation’s mission was to support environmental sustainability through impactful initiative such as reforestation, conservation and education.

    Represented by Mrs Goodnews Willie, Deputy Manager, Education and Health care Programmes, Arukwe said that NNPC Ltd. was passionate about executing positive and impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes in the country.

    “The World Environment Day is a global platform to raise awareness about environmental issues and foster action for sustainable development.

    “As a recently transited private company, NNPC Ltd. is positioned to align with global best practice in the energy industry and is committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),

    “NNPC Foundation was established as the social arm of NNPC Ltd. to be the connect between the stakeholders, who are the more than 200 million Nigerians, and the company, through the execution of impactful CSR initiatives.

    “One of the key focus areas of NNPC Foundation is to undertake impactful initiatives on Environment, and in commemoration of the World Environment Day.

    “We have lined up strategic programmes such as tree planting campaigns in schools and quizzes competitions to sensitise the citizenry to the need for environmental preservation.

    “According to the UN Convention,  more than  40 per cent of the world’s land is degraded and is directly impacting half of the global population, and threatening economies, ” She said.

    She, therefore, called for the collective affirmative action to take responsibility for the survival of immediate environment that would bring about positive spiral effects to the global habitat.

    Earlier, Mrs Aghedo Osariemen, Principal of Federal Government Girls College, Benin, commended the management of NNPC Ltd/Gte. Foundation for chosing the school as one of its locations for the trees planting campaign initiative.

    The highpoint of the event was a panel session by the students who discussed the important of trees planting in the society.

    The students also engaged in drama presentation as well as cultural display depicting the cultural heritage of Edo, Igbo and Yoruba ethnic groups. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    NY/KAY

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    Edited by Kayode Olaitan

  • NESREA to develop code of conduct, ethics for staff 

    NESREA to develop code of conduct, ethics for staff
    Code
    By Doris Esa
    Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), says it is developing a Code of Conduct for its staff members.
    NESREA’s Assistant Director of Press, Mrs Amaka Ejiofor, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
    Ejiofor said the initiative was being taken  with the support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, (UNODC).
    She said that NESREA’s  Director-  General, Dr Innocent Barikor, who underscored the very important role the agency plays in protecting the environment,  necessitated the adoption of standards and guidelines to govern the actions of staff.
    ” The code of Conduct is being developed as part of the corruption risk assessment and mitigation for frontline wildlife and forest authorities in Nigeria.
    ”  It aligns with the implementation of the strategic objectives of Article 5 of the National Strategy to Combat Wildlife and Forest Crimes in Nigeria 2022-2026.
    “Institutions of this nature must be able to display certain qualities and identify certain basic strategies in the pursuit of their mandate.
    ” The code of conduct will address issues of ethics, and promote professionalism, mutual respect, and integrity, while ensuring equity and instilling a sense of responsibility,” he  said.
    She said that the development of the code is being facilitated by an anti-corruption and ethics consultant, Mrs Rasheedat Okoduwa.
    Ejiofor said it code of conduct  will further improve efforts at tackling wildlife trafficking in the country. (NAN)  (www.nannews.ng)
    ORD/KOO/JPE
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    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Joseph Edeh

  •  ICPC urges synergy to instill discipline, moral values in schools

     

    Discipline

    By Isaac Aregbesola

    Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), says there is need to instill discipline and moral values in schools to tackle the menace of corruption in the society.

    Dr Musa Aliyu, Chairman, ICPC, made the call on Wednesday at a one-day sensitisation session with schools’ anti-corruption clubs stakeholders within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Aliyu was represented by Mr Clifford Oparaodu, Secretary, ICPC.

    The theme of the event is “Enhancing Stakeholders’ Engagement in School Anti-corruption Initiatives.”

    Aliyu expressed concern that the rate at which corruption had crept into the fabric of the nation was alarming and must not be left unchecked.

    “There is no doubt that the cankerworm of corruption has crept into every nook and cranny of our daily lives including our basic educational institutions where the foundation for becoming a loyal citizen is being laid.

    “From the physical to the social infrastructure we’ve witnessed evidences of corrupt practices within our classrooms and the overall educational system.

    “From parents to teachers to students and other stakeholders this menace has gradually crept in to this very crucial segment that if left unchecked the future certainly becomes bleak.’’

    He explained that the commission had introduced Schools Anti-Corruption Clubs Initiative in its bid to help instill discipline, integrity and sound moral values at the basic and post basic educational institutions.

    “As critical stakeholders and custodians of this very noble initiative the Schools Anti-Corruption Clubs, it becomes imperative to scrutinise our strategies and appraise our performance in a bid to raise the bar and tackle this menace to a standstill.”

    While commending the efforts of all stakeholders in driving the noble initiative to the fore, he said that there was still room for improvement.

    He urged them to dedicate more time for Anti-Corruption Clubs in their schools wherein Club Advisers and ICPC officers would properly educate students on the ills of corruption and how to tame it in their school environment and beyond.

    According to him, it is pertinent for principals, supervisors, and directors of relevant ministries/boards or regulatory bodies to work together and not dissipate energies too wide.

    He urged the stakeholders to synergise in sustaining  behavioural change drive among the young ones.

    “All anti-corruption and integrity issues in our domain should be handled under the umbrella of a single Schools Anti-Corruption Club to avoid duplication and/or multiplicity of function,” he said.

    The Executive Secretary Universal Basic Education, Dr Hamid Bobboyi, stressed the importance of all stakeholders to dedicate more time to educate the students on the ills of corruption and how to tame it in school’s environment and beyond.

    “There is need to rejuvenate the teaching the moral value in the society; when we are all growing up, we were part of the community, and community was responsible for ensuring that community members behave responsibly,” he said.

    Secretary Secondary Education Board FCT, Mohammed Ladan, also noted that corruption had eaten deep into the fabric of the nation; hence a major obstacle to growth and development as a country.

    According to him, corruption has penetrated into the Socio – economic and political system in such areas as cheating, embezzlement, Favoritism, bribery, sexual exploitation and nepotism etc.

    “It is worthy of note that corruption impedes the role of the education sector in supporting personal development; therefore, as it is said in our local parlance–let us kill corruption or corruption will kill us.

    “The time has come for all of us especially the heads of schools and the club patrons and patronesses to join hands together to stop it.

    “We must employ all necessary machinery and eschew all forms of corrupt tendencies as we take responsibility and strive to serve as role models of anti – corruption and integrity in all facets of our lives as we live above board,” he said.

    Other stakeholders, who spoke at the event, included representatives of Step up Nigeria Oluwaferanmi Iyanda, who urged the parents to join forces with teachers in instilling discipline in students.

    Iyanda said that collective effort was required to build future leaders and restore the eroded value system in the society.

    Also, Peace Ozegbe from Connected Development (CODE), urged more sensitisation programmes on fighting against corruption in the grassroots.(NAN)

     

    IAA/ CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • Ooni hosts Soun, advocates for a united Yoruba nation, Nigeria

    Ooni hosts Soun, advocates for a united Yoruba nation, Nigeria

    Unity
    By Dorcas Elusogbon
    Ile-Ife (Osun), June 5, 2024(NAN) The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Wednesday played host to the newly installed Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, Orumogege III, calling for a united Yoruba nation and one Nigeria.

    Ooni made the call while hosting Soun of Ogbomoso in his ancient Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife.

    In his welcome address, Oba Ogunwusi described Soun’s ascension to the throne of his forebears as divinely ordained.

    According to the Ooni, Ogbomoso is an ancient city in Yoruba land with immeasurable economic and historical significance.

    “I remember about six years ago when we met in the U.S. during your days as a clergyman, everyone around you testified to your uprightness and just nature.

    “These are the virtues that have given me confidence that your emergence as the Soun of Ogbomoso will be beneficial to the ancient city,” the Ooni said.

    Oba Ogunwusi advocated for unity in the country particularly in the Yoruba nation.

    He commended traditional rulers nationwide for their efforts in ensuring that the country remained united for the betterment of all.

    Earlier in his address, Oba Olaoye described the Ooni as a rallying point for all royal fathers particularly those of Yoruba origin.
    “Long before I ascended this throne, I have always admired the conduct of the Ooni and I cannot, but say that he has a lot to teach all Obas across Yoruba land.

    “I am happy to have witnessed the huge cultural displays here today because I believe this cannot be found elsewhere.

    “We have ours in Ogbomoso and your preservation of the prestigious Yoruba heritage is a motivation for us to even do more in that regard,” Oba Olaoye said.

    The traditional ruler said that he often wondered at times, “how the Ooni does everything so easily”, applauding his generosity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    EDA/KOO/IKU
    =========
    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Tayo Ikujuni

  • National Anthem: NOA presents official version, to produce melody soon

    DG of NOA, Malami Lanre Issa-Onilu, during the presentation of the official version of the new national anthem on Wednesday in Abuja
    The Official version of the new national anthem
    Anthem
    By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
    Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Director-General of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu on Wednesday in Abuja presented the official version of the new National Anthem.
    Issa-Onilu, said the presentation of the official version became necessary, because of wrong version being circulated on the social media, and the demand for clarification for NOA’s Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers across the country.
    According to him, the new anthem is part of the National Identity project of the Tinubu administration, and also one of the seven programmes for the institutionalisation of  national values.
    He further explained that the anthem is one of the country’s national symbols, which NOA as custodian, is mandated to promote and preserve its integrity for national cohesion, unity and a sense of patriotism.
    “Today’s event is to present the official version which will clear all doubts about the correct lyrics as contained in the Act signed by the President.
    “We call the attention of Nigerians to the line three (3) of the first stanza, which reads: “Though tribes and tongues may differ’ Note that the words “tribes” and “tongues” are in plural.
    “We want you to also note that line five (5) of the first stanza reads: Nigerians all, are proud to serve”. The word “are”, not “and” is correct.
    “On the official instrumental and audio rendition, the NOA will call for entries for the production of an authentic Nigerian melody, taking into cognizance, the indigenous instrumentation of the Nigerian people.
    “The effective date for the entries and the procedure will be announced through NOA channels in the coming week,” Issa-Onilu said.
    Meanwhile, concerning the National Pledge, the NOA boss said the Agency would follow the official procedure to obtain approval for the adoption of a new National Prayer.
    He, however, stressed that the National Pledge remains valid and operational.
    “The NOA’s values orientation programmes as envisioned under the Federal Government’s National Values Charter, seek to define the Nigerian citizens’ shared identity, with clearly stated commitment of both leaders and followers.
    “The Charter, operating under the “7 for 7” social contract will guide our national values for a reciprocal commitment of leaders and citizens towards building a nation we all can be proud of.
    “NOA will be working with a wide spectrum of stakeholders to ensure citizens’ buy-in of the National Anthem and sing it reflectively with a sense of pride,” Issa-Onilu maintained.
    Meanwhile, the Director-General of National Broadcasting Commission, Mr Charles Ebuebu said he would use the mechanism and platform of his Commission to promote the learning and singing of the anthem.
    Similarly, the Director-General of Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr Olalekan Fadolapo congratulated Issa-Onilu and pledge the Council’s full support for NOA to deliver on its mandate
    Also speaking , the General Secretary of Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Dr Mike Ike-Ene, represented by the State Secretary, Mrs Margaret Jethro, maintained that teachers remain instrumental to the learning of the new anthem.
    Ike-Ene restated the commitment of all members of NUT across the country to ensuring that all pupils and students learn and know how to recite the new national anthem. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CMY/ROT
    ========
    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • Oborevwori approves land, C of O for NAF at Osubi

    Oborevwori approves land, C of O for NAF at Osubi
    Land
    By Ifeanyi Olannye
    Asaba, June 5, 2024(NAN) Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori  of Delta has approved a 66.6 hectares of land with a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the Nigeria Air Force barrack at Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area of the state.
    The governor disclosed this when the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, paid him  a courtesy visit on Wednesday in Asaba.

    “To collaborate with the Nigerian Airforce, we have provided 66.6 hectares of land in Osubi, and the C of O was issued in January this year.

    “We are all aware that it was initially granted by the previous administration but there was no C of O.

    “It was supposed to be an operational base at that time. We know the project is still there; we will also assist in the construction of roads that will lead to the 66.6 hectares of land,”he said.

    He said that the gesture was in line with his administration M.O.R.E Agenda to enhance peace and security in the state.

    ” This is because that’s the only way we can get development. I want to tell you here that but for the sad Okuama 17 very sad incident, we were already enjoying peace in Delta.

    “We condemn the unfortunate incident in totality and we know that the Okuama 17 will not go in vain.

    “We are also doing our best; we have already set up an IDP camp for the innocent citizens.

    “I want to assure you that, regarding your request for land for your housing scheme, we will make sure that you get the land as soon as possible.

    “Now that you have the spirit to build a housing scheme for your personnel, we have to get the land ready immediately,” he said.

    The governor also assured that the state would continue to partner the NAF and other security agencies in state in order to continue to enjoy peace.

    He said that peace and security was the way sustainable development could be achieved in the state.
    Earlier, Abubakar lauded the governor for the support the state government has provided to the Air Force over the years in the state.
    While receiving the C of O from the governor, Abubakar also thanked Oborevwori for gifting the Force land to fully entrench itself in the state.
    He said he was in the state to oversight the operational responsibilities of the Air Force in Warri.
    Abubakar  thanked  Oborevwori for all the support and cooperation the Air Force had received from the state    Government over the years.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng).
    IO/JPE
    =====
    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • Civil servants resume work in FCT as labour relaxes strike 

    Resumption
    By Okon Okon
    Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Most civil servants working in Abuja, the nation’s capital resumed work on Wednesday, as organised labour
    relaxed its indefinite nationwide strike declared on Monday.
    The indefinite strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) was relaxed for one-week, to allow for continuation of negotiations on the National minimum wage and electricity tariffs increase.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the strike, which was successfully held for two days had paralysed the critical sectors of the economy.
    NAN correspondent who monitored the resumption at the Federal Secretariat, however,  observed that the level of compliances by the workers was encouraging.
    NAN also observed that businesses within the Secretariat were booming including banking services.
    Some of the civil servants interviewed by NAN, said they were still hopeful of positive responses by the Federal Government over the minimum wage demands.
    Mr Ibrahim Musa, said civil servants had no option than to obey the labour leaders directive on resumption, since they were the ones that ordered the strike in the first place.
    Musa expressed optimism that there would be positive results at the end of the deliberation between the government and the organised labours before the expiration of the one week relaxation of the strike.
    “I strongly want to believe that President Bola Tinubu is a human being with human feelings, and he knows quite well the plight of the workers and other Nigerians over the economic situation at this present time in Nigeria.
    “We don’t need to say much about the situation, it’s very clear to everyone one that it is hard for Nigerians and it’s only reasonable salaries that can give us a little hope, ” he said.
    Mrs Helen Kudirat appreciated the labour leaders for their efforts at ensuring that civil servants receive better wages.
    She said it was a wise idea to relax the industrial actions for further negotiation with the government.
    She, nevertheless, used the medium to appeal to the Federal Government to consider the fact that, many workers were the breadwinners in their families, hence the need for improved wages so as to cushion the effects of the hash economy.
    “Someone like me, I know what I usually go through whenever I receive salary at the end of the month.
    “I have to settle my younger ones in schools, my parents who are still alive, my children’s feeding, upkeep and school fees and other financial obligations, ” she explained.
    Similarly, Mr Ebong Attah, said reasonable salaries for the civil servants would go a long way to reduce hardship in Nigeria.
    According to Attah, a civil servant who is the breadwinner in the family receiving up to N500, 000 in a month could solve some problems in his immediate family and even among his extended family members.
    “If for example, I get such money in a month, what stops me from sending my siblings to school, assisting a poor relative by giving him/her money to start up businesses.
    ” You will agree with me that if civil servants are treated well by the government, there will be a multiplier effects in the society and it will go a long way to reduce poverty in Nigeria,” he said
    Attah said he believed in the government of Tinubu, but urged the administration to create history in the nation’s civil service to reflect what was obtainable in other countries of the world.
    According to Attah, enhanced welfare package for the civil servants, will contribute positively to the nation’s economy and as well  enhance better working conditions of the workers.
    NAN  suspended their industrial action over a lack of consensus on a new minimum wage and the hike in the electricity tariff for one week for further negotiation with the F(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    MZM/ROT
    =========
    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • JDPC launches project on gender mainstreaming in decision making 

    Gender
    By Polycarp Auta
    Mangu (Plateau State), June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of the Catholic Diocese of Pankshin in Plateau, has launched a new project to promote gender mainstreaming in decision making process.
    The project  is tagged ”Accessible and Equitable Justice for Women and Youth: Mainstreaming Women and Youths in Public Policy Decision in Mangu and Barkin-Ladi”.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the launch was held on Wednesday in Mangu.
    The Coordinator of JDPC, Rev. Fr. Basil Kassam, said that the project will be implemented in collaboration with the Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN) and the Social Justice and Human Development for Peace Initiative of the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos.
    He added that the project, funded by the Catholic Agency for Oversea Development (CAFOD), will run for 12 months in two communities each in Mangu and Barkin-Ladi.
    ”This project will help us to understand the dynamics of gender equality; that in whatever we do, we should support and carry everybody along, particularly women and youths.
    ”If women and youths are carried along in decision making at all levels, everything will be successful in the society.
    ”The goal is to build the dignity of women and youths to have access to information and decent livelihood.
    ”It is not to create grounds for unhealthy competition bewteen men and women in the communities or instill radical ideology in the hearts of the youths.”
    He explained that the project is an initiative where men see women and youths not in a restrictive sense but inclusive and participatory sense.
    Mr Jude Akwo, who spoke on behalf of CCFN, said that the project would build the capacity of women and youths in decision making, tackle violence against women, as well as empower them.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AZA/HA
    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • World Environment Day: NEPL plants 1000 trees in host communities in Edo

    World Environment Day: NEPL plants 1000 trees in host communities in Edo

    Trees

    By Nefishetu Yakub
    (08035625662)

    Benin, June 5,2024(NAN) The NNPC E&P Limited (NEPL), a subsidiary of NNPC Limited says it has planted 1000 trees in rural schools and host communities as part of efforts to commemorate the 2024 world Environment Day.

    The theme of the this year’s World environment day was: Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience.

    Speaking at an event to mark the day on Wednesday in Benin, the Managing Director, NEPL, Nicolas Foucart, urged the host communities and schools to take ownership of the trees and ensure that they were protected.

    Foucart, who was represented by Mr Mark Anuku, Executive Director, Central Technical Services, said NEPL was committed to minimising environmental impact through innovative technologies, sustainable practices and key initiatives.

    He noted that through its CSR programmes, the company had carried out environmental awareness in its host communities on the harmful practices that impact on the ecosystem.

    “Today, we gather to celebrate World Environment Day (WED), a day that holds immense significance for us as a company.

    ” Today is NEPL annual tree-planting campaign, in partnership with local communities and schools, is aimed at developing effective and sustainable land management practices to limit desertification and enhance the ecosystem resistance to drought.

    “This year 2024, in line with Theme of the event, we have planted 1,000 trees in communities around our operating areas.

    “In doing this, we have engaged schools, women, youths and indeed the entire communities with the aim of educating them in the advantages of tree planting.

    “Our host communities have committed to take ownership of this initiatives, and by the WED 2026, it is hoped that those trees would have taken firm foundation and poised for provision of countless benefits to humanity in the future, ” he said.

    In his welcome address, NEPL’s Executive Director, Business Services, Engr. Telema Isokariari appealed to stakeholders to work collectively as a team to restore damaged lands and enhance farming methods.

    Isokariari was represented by the Manager, Health Safety and Environment (HSE), Mr Sylvester Okwuoha.

    Also, the Guest Speaker , Prof. Joel Umeuduji in his lecture titled: Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience, said over 25 percent of the global territorial surface and 3.2 billion people were currently affected by land degradation.

    Umeuduji encouraged public enlightenment to stimulate public participationin conservation matters.

    Highpoint if the event was the presentation of economic trees to participants. (NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)
    NY/JI

    Edited by Joe Idika