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Category: General News

  • Entrepreneur lauds Otti, Uzodinma over performance in office

    Entrepreneur lauds Otti, Uzodinma over performance in office

    Performance

    By Aderogba George
    Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Mr Ikenna Okoro, an Abuja-based Real Estate entrepreneur has commended governors of Imo, Abia, Cross River and FCT Minister for providing quality infrastructure and good governance for their people.

    Okoro made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday on his assessment of Nigeria’s democratic trajectory in the past one year.

    He described Mr Nyesom Wike as an exceptional Minister of FCT in comparison with his predecessors.

    “Wike is doing excellently well as far as infrastructure is concerned. Anybody living in Abuja will see the massive transformation he is doing within one year”, he said.

    The businessman also commended governors of Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Alex Otti of Abia and Cross River’s, Bassey Otu for their transformational leadership styles in their states.

    “Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma is doing exceptionally well. The massive infrastructure development he has embarked on in Imo is not something I need to tell you, it’s something you need to see.

    “It is everywhere, massive roads, quality roads. The next move he is making now is about uninterrupted power supply, I wish him well.

    “He is doing well because the areas of civil service and human empowerment he is not wasting the state fund on parties and friends’’, he told NAN.

    He described Otti as a blessing to the people of Abia.

    “I commend a couple of other governors who have a blueprint of good things on paper.

    “Some of them inherited a very bad state, may be they are in a hole, need to fill the hole, may be you need to give them time’’, Okoro said.

    Okoro also threw his weight behind the call for true local governments autonomy saying it would strengthen the nation’s democracy and deliver dividends of democracy to the grassroots.

    He said that autonomy for local governments would engender economic stability at the grassroots.

    He also supported the agitation for state police and community policing saying “it is one of the things that I believe that will move our economy forward.

    “Mr President said local government is the key of our security architecture because you might post Commissioner of Police from Sokoto to, say, Abia.

    “He may not perform optimally because he doesn’t know anybody, he doesn’t know the terrain and doesn’t know the culture

    “But if you bring in an Abia indigene and make him Commissioner of Police of Abia, he knows his kinsmen, he knows the bad boys and he will tell them don’t try that none sense here,” he said.

    Okoro urged governor to support the clamour and implementation of local government autonomy for a prosperous Nigeria.

    He also urged reforms in the country’s electoral process, saying it could lead to the recruitment of quality leaders.

    “Late President Yar’adua admitted that the process that brought him into office was flawed

    “I want this administration to look at the electoral process to ensure that credible people will be elected into office’’, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AG/KUA

    ======

    Edited by Uche Anunne

  • NCWS annouces death of its National President

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    NCWS annouces death of its National President
    President
    By Justina Auta
    Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) on Wednesday, announced the passing of its National President, Hajiya Lami Adamu-Lau, who died in the early hours of eEdnesday , after a brief illness in Kebbi .
    This is contained in a statement issued by Mrs Naomi Agbo, Head of Administration in Abuja.
    “Hajiya Lami Adamu-Lau was a dedicated leader and champion of women’s empowerment who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
    “Her tireless efforts and contributions to the betterment of our society will never be forgotten,” she said.
    Agbo, described the late National President as a shining example of dedication and service to humanity, whose impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
    According to her, Adamu-Lau will be buried according to Islamic rites  in her hometown in Lau, Taraba.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that  in April 2022, Lau  emerged the new national president of the NCWS, after winning unopposed.
    She initiated a lot of empowerment programmes that ameliorated the sufferings of many indigent women across the country.
    She also embarked on several sensitisation exercises on ending Gender Based Violence (GBV) and harmful traditional practices in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    JAD/EBI/SH
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    Edited by Benson Iziama/Sadiya Hamza

     

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    (more…)

  • Tinubu congratulates Mexico’s 1st female president 

    Tinubu congratulates Mexico’s 1st female president

    Congratulation

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday congratulated Ms. Claudia Sheinbaum on her election as the first female President of Mexico.

    A statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said the president also congratulated the Mexican people and called for the strengthening of bilateral ties between both nations across areas of mutual interest.

    “The election of Sheinbaum accents the voices of women in government and shatters political glass ceiling.

    “It sends a reverberating message across the world that women must not only be participants but principal architects in shaping and implementing decisions affecting the lives of many,” said Tinubu.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sheinbaum won the Mexican presidential election by a landslide, becoming the first female President in the country since its independence in 1821. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/IKU

    Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Jimi Agbaje’s 1st son, Olubunmi, to be buried Friday in Canada

    Mr John Olubunmi Agbaje,  the late first son of  one of Nigeria’s top politicians, Mr Jimi Agbaje (NAN)

    Burial

    By Chioma Ugboma

    Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Mr Olubunmi Agbaje,  the first son of Nigeria’s top politician, Mr Jimi Agbaje, will be  buried on Friday in Canada.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olubunmi died on Monday, May 27, 2024 in Canada.

    Olubunmi, first son of  senior Agbaje, a former governorship candidate of the PDP in Lagos State  and Chieftain of Afenifere Renewal Group, was 41 years old.

    Jimi Agbaje, disclosed part of the burial arrangements to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday via telephone.

    According to him, the family will also hold a special memorial service for the late son in Lagos on a later date, after the burial in Canada.

     

    L: Mr Jimi Agbaje, one of Nigeria’s top politicians, and his late first son, Mr Olubunmi Agbaje

     

    Agbaje, who said he had few words to say on the demise of his son, said the family, in faith, has handed the monumental loss over to God.

    “His mother and I, indeed the entire extended family, cannot describe our pains. The shock is still there but in all, we give in to the will of God.

    “We cannot question God and we know HE alone will help us to heal with time.”

    Olubunmi, fondly known as“Funtime” reportedly died of cardiac arrest.

    John Olubunmi Agbaje attended elementary school at Corona School Ikoyi and high school at Atlantic Hall, Lagos.

    He proceeded to  Ampleforth College, North Yorkshire, England for his A levels, and  initially started university at  the University of Plymouth.

    He later  transferred to and completed his undergraduate studies at University of West of England (Bristol) with post graduate studies at The University of Birmingham.

    He was a marketing manager with multiple consumer packaged goods companies in Nigeria and Canada before his death.(NAN)www.nannews.ng

    CHOM/VIV

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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

     

     

  • Fire guts Enugu timber market

     

    Fire

    By Maureen Atuonwu

    Enugu, June 5, 2024 (NAN) No fewer than five shops were on Tuesday gutted by fire at the timber market in Kenyatta Street, Uwani, Enugu, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    A NAN correspondent who was at the scene of the incident, reports that prompt response by the state Fire Service quenched the fire from spreading to other parts of the plywood market.

    A firefighter, who preferred anonymity, said the service received a distress call around 9.45 pm that the market was on fire and it immediately swung into action and quenched the fire before it spread to other parts of the market.

    “As you can see, only about five shops were affected by the fire in this big market. I cannot say much on this incident as I am not the Chief Fire Officer,” the fireman said.

    Meanwhile, an eyewitness who identified himself as Joe, told NAN that he noticed the fire immediately after the suspension of the nationwide industrial strike by the labour unions in the country.

    According to him, some neighbours in the area rushed to the market and within a few minutes, the fire service arrived and quenched the fire.

    ”I thank God and the fire service for the quick response, otherwise, it would have been disastrous,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MNA/BRM

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

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

     

     

     

     

  • Police confirm 3 fatalities in Rivers tanker explosion  

  • Recruitment: We give priority to STEM teachers – TESCOM 

     

    Recruitment: We give priority to STEM teachers – TESCOM

     

    Teachers

     

    By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

     

    Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) says it will continue giving priority to teachers who major in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related subjects during recruitment.

     

    Mr Kayode Sutton, Deputy Director, Public Affairs, TESCOM, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos that the commission had been specific in the employment of teachers.

     

    Sutton said that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State’s administration had been proactive in the education sector, upscaling teachers through training, to enable them make impact in the teaching and learning of students.

     

    “We have specific teachers called STEM teachers, that is the Science (Physics, Chemistry and Biology); Technical; English and Mathematics teachers; they are in dire need in most of our schools.

     

    “Therefore, we are giving priority to them in employment and that will continue, because teachers for these subjects are scarce and not easy to come by, and we must fill any available vacancy.

     

    “That does not imply that other subjects teachers are not considered for employment. We do.Infact, we have them in abundance across the schools.

     

    “However, we place priority on the STEM teachers in all schools across the education districts and we have been employing quite a good number of them, because of their importance,” he said.

     

    The Deputy Director said that the commission was working in collaboration with the six education districts across the state to fill-in the gaps where teachers retired for age or years of service.

     

    Sutton said that there were schools with too many students for a teachers, describing it as a shortcoming that was being addressed by the state government.

     

    He said that TESCOM had been recruiting, to reduce the teacher/students ratio in the schools, adding that, at least 30 students to one teacher was the target, and the state government was moving towards that.

     

    According to him, the governor has been magnanimous enough to approve what is called – the ‘Exit Replacement Plan’, a platform used to replace vacancies in post-primary schools.

     

    “We have a mandate to reduce the teachers/students ratio in our schools, because the students in each of the classes are much than the teacher to handle, we know this is a shortcoming.

     

    “As a responsible and responsive government, we have moved swiftly to address this in the last few years and employed thousands of teachers through an official platform.

     

    “The opportunity is explicitly for those that are education-based to apply, where they provide their details and requirements, they get a unique number that TESCOM will use to contact them,” he said.

     

    Sutton said that the commission visited the database, select randomly the needed subjects teachers; call them for interview; mini-test and brief teaching practice within the interview session, to get the best qualified. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MIL/FON/VIV

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    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Vivian Ihechu

  • Eid-El-Kabir: Sen. Yari donates 600 rams to neighbours, constituents

    Eid-El-Kabir: Sen. Yari donates 600 rams to neighbours
    Eid-El-Kabir
    By Ishaq Zaki
    Talata-Mafara (Zamfara) June 4, 2024 (NAN) Sen. Abdul’aziz Yari (APC-Zamfara) has approved the purchase of 600 rams for distribution to his neighbours and less privileged families in Zamfara West Senatorial District of the state for Eid-El-Kabir celebrations.
    The Coordinator, Zamfara West Senatorial District Constituency Office, Alh. Sha’ayau Sarkinfawa disclosed this to newsmen on Tuesday in Talata-Mafara.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Yari represents Zamfara West Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
    Sarkinfawa said that the beneficiaries would include Sen. Yari’s neighbours in Talata-Mafara town and other categories of people  in the six Local Government Areas of Zamfara West constituency.
    “You know, this is an annual gesture from our leader, Sen. Yari, aimed at assisting the less privileged households to celebrate the Eid-El-Kabir with ease,” he said.
    Sarkinfawa commended the former governor for his various socio-economic intervention programmes supporting people at the grassroots.

    He called on Muslims to use the Eid-El-Kabir period to pray for peace and stability in the state and Nigeria at large. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IZ/FON/MNA

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    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Maureen Atuonwu

  • Respect human rights in discharging your duties, DIG charges Ogun command

    Rights

    By Abiodun Lawal

    Abeokuta, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Abiodun Alabi, the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of Police in charge of South-West, on Tuesday in Abeokuta urged police officers to always respect human rights in the discharge of their duties.

    Alabi made the appeal while addressing officers at the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) at Eleweran during his one-day working visit to the state.

    The DIG warned that the authorities would deal decisively with any officer culpable of human rights abuse.

    “Human rights abuse has been identified as one of the major factors affecting the image of police.

    “Officers and men of the NPF must be exemplary in their conduct and maintain the highest level of discipline to earn the respect and support of the general public in the discharge of their duties,” he said.

    Alabi said he was in the state in line with the directive of the Inspector-General (IG) of Police to all DIGs to visit all the states under their supervision.

    He was received by the State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, and others in the  command’s top hierarchy.

    In his address, Alamutu said the Ogun’s status as part of the nation’s industrial hub and neighbour to several states and another country was not without its attendant security challenges.

    “But I can assure that the command is rising up to the challenges,” he stated.

    The visiting DIG later paid a courtesy call on the Alake of Egbaland ,Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, to intimate the royal father with NPF’s plan to effectively police the country.

    In his remarks, Oba Gbadebo thanked the police force for ensuring peace in the nation through effective community policing and prayed for more success in all their endeavours.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    LKA/OLAL
    ==========

    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)

     

  • LASG to domesticate WEE policy—Commissioner

     

    Mrs Bolaji  Dada, Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Speaking at a stakeholders forum to domesticate the WEE policy in Lagos on Tuesday.

     

    Policy

    Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, says it has commenced plans to domesticate the National Women’s Economic Empowerment, known as WEE Policy for the development of women across the state.

     

    Mrs Bolaji Dada, the state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), disclosed this on Tuesday at a stakeholders meeting organised to herald the domestication of the policy.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the domestication is in collaboration with the Lagos State Office of the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs).

     

    NAN also reports that the Federal Government launched the WEE policy in 2023 with the aim to streamline all gender policies to address disparities faced by women in accessing financial benefits and opportunities in various sectors.

     

    The initiative also seeks to enhance gender equality, reduce poverty, and coordinate efforts among development partners to promote women’s rights and empowerment in Nigeria.

     

    Dada, who described the domestication as timely, noted that women constituted disproportionately, the majority of Lagos population at 8.5 percent with poverty stage.

     

    She said the state government, through WAPA, had made concerted progress in empowering women through diverse economic empowerment schemes.

     

    “Today’s meeting is an opportunity for us to engage in open and honest discussions, share best practices, and learn from each other.

     

    ” We recognise the importance of ensuring the women empowerment policy is not only implemented but also effectively localized to address the unique needs and challenges faced.

     

    “Having pulled pivotal representatives from the public, private, and Civil Society Organisation, I’m filled with gratitude for the unflinching support received from every one of you thus far.

     

    “I will like to specially thank Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his unwavering commitment in empowering women and girls in tandem with the THEMES  agenda of his administration, which has positioned the Ministry in fulfilling its mandate.

     

    Also, Dr Oreoluwa Finnih, the Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on SDGs, attributed the successes of Lagos to gender equality, which is well thought out to ensure women are part of decision making in the state.

     

    Finnish expressed hopes that the deliberations of all stakeholders would prompt actions for the advancement of women socially, economically and in policy making.

     

     

    Speaking also, Fabia Ogunmekan, the Lead Consultant of Lagos State WEE, said through key directions, the policy would centre on all existing women initiatives, with the aim of making more progress. (NAN)

    KOA/BEKl/VIV

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    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Vivian Ihechu