Category: General News

Tinubu calls for transition to prosperous, clean economy

Transition

By Salif Atojoko

Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has called for earnest effort and action by citizens, stakeholders, institutions, and development partners to safeguard the environment and ensure a win-win transition to a prosperous and clean economy for all.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja that the president made the call on World Environment Day marked every June 5.

Tinubu restated his commitment to ensuring the planting of 25 million trees by 2030, not only to protect the environment but also to provide opportunities for Nigeria’s youths within the green-economy value chain.

While calling for a more proactive approach to protect the land and ecosystem through afforestation, water conservation and the cessation of indiscriminate felling of trees, the President emphasised that to “heal our world, we must begin by healing the land and its people.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Environment Day, established by the United Nations during the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment in 1972, is used globally to raise awareness on environmental matters.

“The theme of this year’s occasion, ‘Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience,’ is very significant, particularly for Nigeria, where the scourge of drought threatens parts of the country.

“According to the projections of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, about 40 per cent of the planet’s land is degraded, which directly impacts half of the world’s population.

“The UN Convention to Combat Desertification also says the number and duration of droughts have increased by 29 per cent since 2000 and that without urgent action, droughts may affect over three-quarters of the world’s population by 2050,” the president said.

NAN also reports that to ensure Nigeria achieves carbon neutrality by 2060, Tinubu established the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions in May, which he chairs.

The committee oversees the nation’s climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, as well as green economy initiatives.

The president also approved the establishment of Nigeria’s first Green Industrial Zone, Evergreen City, which is poised to be the leading manufacturing hub in Africa for renewable energy technologies, green solutions, and climate-adaptation technologies.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

SA/IS 

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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Education

By Alex Enebeli

Enugu, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The United Nations has rated Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State’s investment in education high and recommended the establishment of its 4th headquarters in the state.

Dr Tivlumun Ahure, the President of the ongoing NgEducators International Model United Nations (NGIMUN), Conference, in Enugu, made the recommendation on Wednesday in Enugu.

The NgIMUN is a United Nations structured simulation idea for students. This is an educational strategy in which a particular set of conditions are created or replicated to resemble authentic situations that are possible in real life.

Specifically, the NgEducators International Model UN is an activity for those interested in learning more about how the UN operates.

Students at Secondary Schools and University levels are enlisted to participate in Model UN with the aim to build and maintain strong links between the UN and the student participants.

 The theme of the conference is “Development of Education in Developing Countries”.

Ahure, who described what he saw in Enugu education development as “overwhelming and fascinating”, said the organisation tend to have the fourth headquarters of the United Nations in the state.

While explaining that the UN had three headquarters in New York, Vienna and Geneva, Ahure said they would push for fourth United Nations headquarter to be established in Enugu State.

He said, “If you really like that, let me emphasize that in our lifetime, there will be the headquarter of the United Nations cited in Enugu State Nigeria.

“There are documents we will be forwarding to Mbah and that is why we are emphasizing that the state will eventually become another headquarters of the United Nations,” he pledged.

He described what the governor was doing in education as “marvelous and unbelievable”

Ahure told Mbah that the various student representatives he saw at the programme were Nigerian students cut across 36 states of the federation that represented delegations from different countries in the United Nations.

“The student delegates you see are cut across four important committees in the United Nations. The first sitting style represent the sitting procedure in the United Nations at the New York, the middle is the sitting position at Geneva while at the back represent the sitting position at Vienna.

“The delegates in front discuss politics, those in middle discuss Human Rights and the delegates at the back discuss United Nations declarations and Resolutions.

“We have replicated that arrangements here in Enugu but fundamentally, our concern and the central theme has to do with the development of education in the poor and developing countries,” he explained.

On the choice for Enugu State, the president said that after the assessment that was carried out in every region regarded in the developing world, across Central Africa, Sub Saharan Africa, the state was selected.

He said the choice of Enugu State was confirmed and authenticated given that the state was leading destination in the entire global sites of developing countries as it was currently pioneering and leading in educational development.

“We have evidence to show this as we have toured Enugu beginning in September 2023 and the same tour was held in several regions to determine the exact destination to host the programmes.

“The state was eventually selected and has become the official state in a largest country to host the programme in Africa,” Ahure said.

Responding, Gov Mbah said he was emotional, honoured and delighted to host the programme in Enugu as well as the pledge of the organisation to establish its headquarters in the state.

He said the programme would nurture future leaders and imbibe the virtues of public services in them.

“We have United Nations diplomats from Senegal, Sierra-Leone, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Conakry, Uganda, Chad, Cameroon, Jordan, Niger, Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali,” he said.

The governor explained that the presence of the students delegates across the 36 states in Nigeria underscored the sure commitment to foster and sustain the high quality education system capable of preparing the youths for the future.

According to him, it is an inspiring conference and opportunity for some hard reality checks in relation to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly as regards to targets for education.

Mbah regretted that almost five years of launching SDGs, African countries committed to the objectives of the universal basic education were still confronted with the challenges of the the school children at a proportion that can ever be tenable.

“We have activated plan to ensure that every child of school age is enrolled, has access to quality education which we are imparting, hence, the smart schools with experiential learning,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AAE/MNA

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Convocation
By Oluwakemi Oladipo
Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN)  Lagos State University (LASU) on Wednesday conferred Bachelor’s  Degree on 8,477 students and postgraduate degrees and Postgraduate Diploma on  2164.

The university made the conferment at its 27^th Convocation Ceremonies (2022/2023 academic session).

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, who gave the figures, said that 153 students made First Class Bachelor’s Degree.

According to Olatunji-Bello, students who secured Bachelor’s Degree include 3,029 with second class  (upper division), 4,350, who  made second class  (lower division) and 715, with third class.

The vice-chancellor added that 33 graduated with pass.

“We have 178 Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) pass, and 17  Bachelor of  Dental Surgery (BDS) pass,’’ she said.

She said that, of the 2,164 postgraduate students, 375 secured Postgraduate Diploma and 962, Academic Master’s Degree.

According to the vice-chancellor, 672 got Professional Master’s Degree, while 89 got Doctor of Philosophy, and 66, Professional Doctoral Degree.

“Olaniyi Olawale of Accounting Education programme, with a CGPA of 4.98 (First Class Honours ) is our best graduating student for the 2022/2023 academic session,” she said.

Olatunji-Bello urged the graduating students to stand out anywhere they would find themselves.

“Do not be swayed by the appeal of immediate gratification; be resolute in saying no to invitations from friends  to join the bandwagon of those who take pleasure in shortchanging the system for immediate or pecuniary gains.

“Instead, train your mind to embrace diligence and honest labour.

“Remember, as they say, that honesty is the best policy, and there is a greater reward for diligence.

“Measure your success by how much you evolve, not necessarily by how much you win,” she said.

Olatunji-Bello thanked Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for support in the development of the university.

“LASU takes seriously its mandate to train quality manpower equipped with the requisite skill sets to meet the needs of the industries in Lagos in particular and Nigeria in general,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OKG/IGO
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Enugu APC vows to sue state government over demolition

Demolition
By Ifeoma Aka
Enugu, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State says it will sue the state government for alleged demolition and destruction of people’s property and sources of livelihood.

It also alleged extortion of the residents by the government through multiple taxes.

The state Chairman of the party, Chief Ugochukwu Agballah, said made the allegations  on Wednesday in Enugu while conducting newsmen round some demolished buildings  in Enugu.

Agballah said that the government’s demolition of Holy Ghost/Railway/Okpara Avenue axis, Abakpa Market, Gariki Market in Enugu, and Ogige Main Market in Nsukka was not in the interest of Enugu people.

The APC chairman alleged that the government did not provide alternative places or pay commensurate compensation to the affected people.

“The demolition of Holy Ghost/Railway/Okpara Avenue axis Enugu, Gariki Market and Abakpa Market also in Enugu and the Ogige Market in Nsukka has led to untold hardship on the affected families.

“This is due to loss of revenues and jobs and deteriorating living conditions characterised by increased poverty, social unrest, increased crime and loss of goods and services.

“Gov. Mbah must not demolish other areas, parks and markets marked for demolition.

“The government must carry out a cost-benefit analysis before embarking on demolition, if indeed, it is for the people,” Agballah said.

According to him, the demolition violated the constitutional rights of the people to own property.

On the alleged multiple taxes, Agballah said, “What is called tax in Enugu state has become extortion, ranging from land rent, property tax,  sales tax, income tax, rates and levies.

However, when contacted, the Enugu State Commissioner for information, Mr Aka Eze Aka, said that those affected by the demolition were fully compensated by the government before the exercise.

Aka said that the essence of the demolition was to enable building of modern motor parks to eliminate hoodlums, who had taken over some motor parks in the state.

“We will not be distracted by those who are angry because of our numerous achievements in just one year,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
IFO/NNO/IGO
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Edited by Nick Nicholas/Ijeoma Popoola

World Pest Day: PECAN seeks support to manage challenges

Pests
By Henry Oladele
Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN) In commemoration of the World Pest Day, the Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN) has solicited the collaboration and cooperation of governments and corporate bodies to effectively manage pest challenges.

The association through its National President, PCO Olakunle Williams, made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday.

Williams appealed to government-at-all-levels, corporate bodies and non-governmental organisations for collaboration at effectively managing the nation’s pest challenges.

“We appeal to government at all levels, corporate bodies, NGOs to collaborate with the association in appreciating the contributions of the pest control industry.

“We also appeal to them to create awareness to actualise our determination to effectively manage the nation’s pest challenges,” he said.

The President said that PECAN was proud to commemorate the 2024 World Pest Day, which had the theme, “Global Solutions, Local Impact: Mapping Success in Pest Management.”

“The World Pest Day is an annual event established in 2017, and serves as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of pest control and contributions of the pest management industry in safeguarding public health.

“Also protecting food supplies and preserving the integrity of structures and infrastructure.

“This year’s theme resonates strongly with PECAN’s unwavering dedication to implementing tailored solutions that cater to the pest challenges of various Nigerian communities,” he said.

He added that over the years, PECAN had been dedicated to promoting excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the pest management industry across Nigeria.

“PECAN has been at the forefront of the pest management industry in Nigeria, working tirelessly to address the diverse pest-related issues that our nation faces.

“We have invested heavily in developing comprehensive training and certification programmes for pest control operators and technicians across Nigeria.

“These programmes equip professionals with the latest techniques, technologies, and industry best practices, ensuring the highest standards of service delivery,” Williams said.

He added that PECAN worked closely with government agencies and regulatory bodies to advocate for robust policies and regulations.

“These regulations enhance the safety, effectiveness, and environmental sustainability of pest control practices in Nigeria.

“This collaborative approach has led to the implementation of stricter guidelines and the adoption of more eco-friendly solutions,” he said.

The PECAN president reiterated the need and urgency for collaboration with governments and corporate bodies to create awareness to effectively manage the nation’s pest challenges. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

HOB/COF
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Edited by Christiana Fadare

FRSC seeks collaboration with Ogun council to clear  bottleneck

Collaboration

By Ige Adekunle

Sango-Ota (Ogun), June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has appealed to Ado/Odo-Ota Local Government, Ogun to collaborate with its  unit in Ota, to tackle the  problem of trading at toll-gate area of Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.

The Acting Ota Unit Commander, Mr Wasiu Ogunmefun, made the call during a courtesy call on the Executive Chairman of the Council, Mr Sheriff Musa, on Wednesday, in Ota.

Ogunmefun said that the Ogun Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr Anthony Uga, had mandated him to visit the Chairman of Ado/Odo-Ota and discuss on how to address the problem.

He said that traders selling goods at the toll-gate axis endangered their lives and  contributed to traffic gridlock.

“We need to urgently come together to form a task force that will tackle this problem because these traders always display their goods on the road, leaving just one lane for the motorists,” he said.

The acting Ota Unit Commander said that there was the need for such action to prevent articulated Vehicles from ramming into traders as they manoeuver their ways through the narrowed road.

Responding, Musa commended the FRSC commander for his visit and indicated his readiness to collaborate with all the relevant agencies to prevent avoidable mishaps in the area.

“I am not ready to go on a condolence visit to the toll-gate axis, so it is better to take proactive measures to prevent such an incident,” he said.

He noted that there was the need to call a stakeholders meeting, which would include the Police, Navy and other sister agencies, in order to form a task force.

Musa said that the success of the task force would serve as deterrent to other traders at Oju-Ore, Atan, among other areas.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

IGE/GOM/SOA

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Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Oluwole Sogunle

Dhul-Hijjah
By Muhammad Nasir
Sokoto June 5, 2024 (NAN) Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has directed the Muslim Ummah to look out for the crescent of Dhul-Hijjah 1445 AH from Thursday.

Abubakar made the call in a statement signed by Prof. Sambo Janaidu, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council, Sokoto, on Wednesday.

He stated that “this is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Thursday, June 6, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Dhul-Qidah 1445 AH, shall be the day to look for the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah 1445 AH.

“Muslims are, therefore, requested to start looking for the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah on Thursday and report its sighting to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to the Sultan.”

The Sultan prayed Allah to continue to support Muslims in the discharge of their religious duties.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th and final month in the Islamic calendar, is one of the four sacred months in Islam during which Muslims across the world perform pilgrimage (Hajj) and celebrate the Eid-El-Kabir festival.

During the month, Muslim pilgrims from around the world congregate in Mecca to perform Hajj, which begins on the eighth, and celebrate Eid-El-Kabir from the 10th to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. (NAN) (www.nannews.com)

BMN/KOO/HA
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Kumuyi
By Salif Atojoko
Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi on his 83rd birthday.
This is contained in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, on Wednesday in Abuja.
The president commended Kumuyi for his dedication and service not only to God but to humanity, especially the underprivileged and the downtrodden.
“President Tinubu rejoices with the Founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry on this special occasion, and celebrates his many years of defining impact as a leader, author, and teacher within and beyond the frontiers of Nigeria.
“President Tinubu notes the Spiritual Leader’s zeal in exercising his divine mantle for the promotion of peace, good neighbourliness, and pristine values as demonstrated by the Lord Jesus Christ,” said the statement.
The president prayed for many more years in good health for the Lord’s servant and his family. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
SA/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy inaugurates Eko Law App

Law

By Aderonke Ojediran

Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy on Wednesday inaugurated a web application, Eko Laws Simplifier App, created to educate Lagos residents about laws and give accessibility to all and sundry.

Mr Usman Adeniji, the Team Lead of the Ace group, disclosed this at a press briefing which held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the app will be launched June 6, to make the laws of Lagos State easily accessible to residents.

The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy is a programme that aims to build skills, awareness, and a nuanced perspective among young people to tackle challenges in various fields including the public sector.

The Eko Laws Simplifier App Initiative is the brainchild of the 2024 Cohorts of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy.

Adeniji said that the App became necessary because many residents had no knowledge of the law and how it impacted their rights and the need to demand good governance.

“Access to laws and legal information is a significant challenge in Lagos State, Nigeria, where approximately 70% of residents have experienced a legal problem in the past year (Lagos State Ministry of Justice, 2021).

” In spite of the importance of laws in governing daily activities, many residents lack access to clear and understandable legal information, with only about 30% having access to legal information (Lagos State Citizens’ Mediation Centre, 2020).

“This leads to increased legal problems, over-reliance on informal sources, and a growing workload for the judiciary with over 30,000 cases filed in 2022 alone (Lagos State Judiciary).

“To address these challenges, it is essential to create a centralised and user-friendly legal resource that provides easy access to laws and legal information,” he said.

Adeniji further highlighted some of the benefits of The Eko Laws Simplifier Project to Lagos residents, saying “it is a groundbreaking initiative designed to transform the legal landscape of Lagos State.

“We are excited to highlight the following advantages for Lagos residents. which are not limited to – easy access to legal information, the Simplifier project provides a centralised and user-friendly platform for Lagos residents to access legal resources, reduces the complexity and difficulty of finding updated laws and legal information.

“Also, improved compliance by providing easy access to understandable legal information, the Simplifier App will facilitate greater compliance with laws and regulations among Lagos residents.

“This increased compliance can contribute to a more orderly and law-abiding state, and improved understanding of legal concepts.

“The project’s educational content and interactive features help demystify legal language and jargon, making legal information more accessible and understandable for Lagos residents,” he said.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, represented by the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on New Media, Mr Jubril Gawat, said the Eko Laws Simplifier App was one of the laudable initiatives of the Academy, which would bring governance closer to the people. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OAF/COF
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Edited by Christiana Fadare

08029451595

By Kemi Akintokun

Lagos, June 5,  2024 (NAN) No fewer than 1,000 youths across the country  have been trained by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) on data analysis, cyber security and other digital contents.

Mr Funsho Odesola, RCCG Continental Overseer for Southwest Nigeria and the Middle East told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, that the training was aimed at empowering youths with technology and making them relevant in the future.

Odesola said the programme with the theme: “Future Clan Boot Camp: Empowering The Youths For A Digital Future”,  started virtually and was concluded at the Redemption City.

He said:“The present education we have doesn’t connect with the reality of the digital future.

“Every six months, new things are coming up; what you learnt about six months ago becomes irrelevant. And when you check all our curriculum, they never connect with the reality in progress.

“This disconnection makes it impossible to address today’s problem and challenges.

“So, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to see that the young ones are equipped for the future, not just people in the church, but people in Nigeria and in Africa.

“Over 5,000 youths applied for this programme but the number was screened to 1,000,” he said.

Odesola noted that the training was open to all Nigerians, irrespective of their religion or where they resided, adding  that youths from Middle East, Cyprus, Turkey and other part of the world also took part in the Cyber Security boot camp.

He disclosed that RCCG created more centres in the states of Lagos , Ondo, Oyo, Ogun Osun, Ekiti and Kwara to contribute to the development of the nation by empowering youth with knowledge.

Speaking also, Mrs Eyono Fatai-Williams, the CEO of African Missions Global, said the initiative would be impactful owing to the large number of participants.

“African Missions Global is a faith-based charity that started in 1996 by Pastor Mrs Folu Adeboye—the wife of the general overseer of the RCCG.

“We have an ambition to impact 100,000,000 lives globally by 2033, and there’s no way we can make such impact without leveraging on what digital space has to offer.

“We believe that with this initiative, we can reach a large number of youths, at least a million a year on this.

Also, the Programme Manager of Incubator Nigeria, Olawale Olatujuoye, one of the organisers, said the training was put together with the aim to help the youth participate actively in the 4th Industrial Revolution.

Olatujuoye explained that Africa had missed out on the first, the second and the third industrial revolutions, hence the need to level up by enabling  youths to be more active and viable to participate in the 4th industrial revolution.

“Gaining the right skills, which is paramount to that, is what we’re doing for them here, which is the basic entry point into the 4th industrial revolution.

“We believe that quite a number of them will start from here, learn, get jobs, gather experience, start their own company and contribute to the economy”, he said.

Meanwhile, one of the participants, Oluwakemi Olubodun, who took data analysis course at the boot camp, said the training had impacted her  mentally and spiritually.

“As an analyst, you have to be on your feet, be creative, have problem-solving skills and this boot camp has done that and more for me,” she said.

Another participant, Anuoluwaokitan Ajayi, said his experience was amazing, adding that he enjoyed his time at the camp.

“It’s been a beautiful one week as a cyber security expert, I came here to learn and network with people along the same career path.

“Aside cyber security skill, I also learnt soft skills on how to relate with new people I meet, how to excel in job interviews and I was also impacted spiritually.

“I look forward to applying the skills I’ve acquired here to secure applications, secure web servers, defend against cyber attacks and tackle other issues relevant to the cyberspace,” he said.

Damilola Davis, who also benefited from the programme,  said it increased his quest for knowledge.

“I intentionally wanted to develop myself in the virtual space, so I chose Cloud Computing (AWS).

“This is because it incorporates every of AWS’s services and business needs,” he said. (NAN)
KOA/VIV

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu