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Category: General News

  • Food beverage stakeholders urge FG to check rising inflation

    Food beverage stakeholders urge FG to check rising inflation

    Inflation

    By Clara Egbogota

    Asaba, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Delegates at the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB) conference in Asaba, Delta, have called on the Federal Government to check the rising inflation to curb hunger and starvation in the land.

    The delegates made the call in a communique issued at the end of FOBTOB’s 15th National Delegates Conference in Asaba.

    The communique was signed by Mr Jimoh Oyibo, FOBTOB’s President and its Executive Secretary, Mr Solomon Adebosin.

    The communique said that the government should put machinery in motion to check inflation.

    According to the communique, subsidy removal, increase in electricity tariff and the fall of the naira value in the currency market are negatively affecting profitability of food and beverage industry.

    ”We appeal to the government to fulfill the promise made during election campaign and ensure that Nigerians can afford essential commodities,” it said.

    The communique added that stakeholders had the responsibility to protect the industry through social dialogue and engagement as industrial peace and harmony were important for productivity.

    It said there was the need for unity and collaboration in finding a lasting solution to the challenges facing the food and beverage industry in Nigeria.

    Meanwhile, at the end of the conference, delegates elected 13 new executives to run its affairs for another three years with Oyibo being reelected as its association’s national president.

    Oyibo defeated his former deputy president, Mr Adebayo Aderogbo, with 220 votes against 9 votes.

    Other elected officers included Lanre Yusuf, Deputy National President; Bunni Adesayo as National Woman Leader; Solomon Makinde, National Treasurer and Patrick Sule as National Internal Auditor.

    Others were Christopher Amadi, Vice President, Eastern Zone; Naziru Bichi, Vice President, Northern Zone; Nwachukwu Onyeabor, Vice President, Western Zone; Obit Asuquo, National Trustee, Eastern Zone and Isaiah Thunder, National Trustee, Northern Zone.

    Also elected were Clement Ndubuisi, National Trustee, Western Zone; Alex Amadi, Welfare Officer; Eastern Zone and Azeez Raji, Welfare Officer, Northern Zone. (NAN) (nannews.com.ng)
    ECO/KOO/VIV
    ==========

    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Vivian Ihechu

  • End post-election litigations in Nigeria – Jonathan charges INEC, judiciary

    Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, cutting the tape on Tuesday, at the inauguration of Delta State High Court complex in Asaba
    Litigations
    By Ifeanyi Olannye
    Asaba, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Judiciary to end the avalanche of post- elections litigations in Nigeria.
    Jonathan gave the charge while inaugurating the multi-million naira State High Court edifice equipped with modern facilities and 24 hours power supply.
    The project was completed by the Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori government.
    The former president also flagged off the presentation of 20 Toyota Prado Sport Utility Vehicles, SUVs, to judges in the state.
    He said that the project was the third he had inaugurated in the state and had lauded Oborevwori for continuing and completing his predecessors initiated projects and programmes.
    Jonathan, however, said that it was good to give and equip the judiciary with the best edifice and to give them the needed comfort because Nigerians also expected the best from them.
    “I am glad to join the governor to commission this major project, this is the third project I have commissioned in Delta.
    “I commissioned  the state government house when I was in office and the Federal High Court Complex, so governor, thank you for inviting me to be part of this unique ceremony.
    The former president said that completing past administration’s projects would aid growth and development of the state.
    “We expect anybody who takes over to continue with the development pace and you are doing that,” Jonathan said.
    He said that the history of the high court building project began since 1991, adding that it was on record that with commitment, the governor was able to complete the project and inaugurate it.
    Jonathan said that with the inauguration of the edifice, it was a day to celebrate the judiciary.
    He said that the governor had promised to do more for the judiciary, but as the governor rightly said that “this is an edifice of justice, Nigerians are expecting the best of  the judiciary officers”.
    ” I just returned from South Africa on Monday, June 2, because I was there to observe their election that held on Wednesday, May 29.
    “One Nigeria journalists interviewed me and asked, What are the South Africans doing regarding their elections that we Nigerians can emulate or what Nigerians are doing that they can emulate?
    “I told him that one key difference between South African and Nigeria is that if a South African loses an election, and he goes to court, it is very strange.
    “But if a  Nigerian loses election  and does not go to court. It is very strange.
    “In Nigeria, my thinking is that 50 per cent of those who go to court, do so because they felt they where cheated by the electoral management system and were rigged out.
    “So, assuming the elections are properly conducted, that set of people will not go to court.
    “The next 50 per cent that go to court are those who know they failed election but they feel they can use the judiciary to declare them winners.
    “So, if the judiciary do not declare those who did not win elections winners, that remaining 50 per cent will also not go to court,” he said.
    Jonathan said that unlike in Nigeria, in South Africa, the electoral management body would never compromise and they all know.
    “So,  if you lose election, you just have to wait for the next election. You don’t need to go to court.
    “And if you go to court in South Africa, the judiciary will not compromise. So nobody goes to court but I believe we will get there one day in Nigeria
    ” So, the judiciary should  be very strong and do the right thing so that this avalanche of litigation  after elections will stop in this country,” Jonathan said.
    While congratulating the governor, government and the judiciary of Delta, he urged the governor to continue on that trajectory to manage the state resources judiciously.
    Gov. Oborevwori in his speech, lauded the past governors for initiating, awarding the contracts and for their commitment that enabled the completion of the high court project which began about 25 years.
    He said that completion of the building was in line with his commitment to the completion of projects inherited from previous administrations.

    Oborevwori said he was motivated to complete the project because the judiciary was the only arm of government without a befitting building for their operations.

    He said the presentation of 20 Toyota Prado SUVs to judges in the state was a fulfillment of “a promise made and a promise kept”.

    While thanking the former President for coming to inaugurate the project, he said the erstwhile President remained a great Nigerian patriot, statesman and unique leader, in and out of office.

    “On behalf of the government and good people of Delta State, I thank you for your friendship, partnership, and sustained interest in the progress of our dear state and Nigeria in general,”.

    The Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Godknows Angele, said the building consisted of five floors, six court rooms, six conference halls, six witness waiting rooms.

    It also has six holding cells, six Secretarial offices, two general conference halls, a ceremonial hall, Multi-purpose Hall, lawyers’ lounge, judges’ lounge, VIP lounge and a library, among others.

    In his remarks, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, represented by the Presiding Judge of the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division,  Justice Bolaji Yusuf, lauded the state government for providing the magnificent edifice as a temple of justice in the state.

    He expressed optimism that other states would emulate the Delta State example by providing similar magnificent temples of justice for the administration of justice in other parts of the country.

    Also, in her remarks, Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Theresa Diai, thanked Gov Oborevwori and his predecessors for the completion of the modern edifice.

    She describing it as a “magnificent testament” and enduring commitment to the pursuit of justice and excellence in the judiciary.
    The Chief Judge said the new High Court Complex had internet access and other critical Information Technology (IT) facilities in the building to enhance e-filing of court processes and e-payments for services rendered by the High Court of Justice.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)
    IO/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
    ============

     

  • Tinubu congratulates Indian PM on election victory

    Victory

    By Itohan Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 4, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday congratulated the Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi, on his victory in that nation’s parliamentary elections.

    A statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said the president described the outcome of the elections as “a resounding affirmation of Modi’s exceptional leadership of the world’s largest democracy.”

    The President assured the South Asian nation of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthen relations and advance shared goals and values as strategic partners in the league of nations.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Modi’s coalition – the National Democratic Alliance – wins a majority of the parliamentary seats, paving the way for a third consecutive term.

    NAN reports that the victory is considered a rare feat and the second time an Indian leader will retain power for a third term after Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/ROT

    ======

    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • Naira depreciates by 0.05% against dollar at official market

    Naira

    By Grace Alegba

    Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Naira on Tuesday recorded loss at the official market, trading at N1,476.95 to the dollar.

    Data from the official trading platform of the FMDQ Exchange revealed that the Naira lost 83 kobo.

    This represents a 0.06 per cent loss when compared to the previous trading date on Monday when it traded at N1,476.12 to the dollar.

    However, the volume of currency traded increased to $236.99 million up from $121.87 million recorded on Monday.

    Meanwhile, at the Investor’s and Exporter’s (I&E) window, the Naira traded between N1,500.00 and N1,362.15 against the dollar. (NAN)

    GA/AWA

    ==========

    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

  • Uganda National Oil Company partners PTI on human capital dev

    Development

     

    By Edeki Igafe

     

    Warri (Delta), June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) has sought for partnership with the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), particularly, in the aspect of human capital development.

     

    The Chief Human Resource Officer of UNOC, Catherine Tumusiime, disclosed this during Tuesday’s facility tour of the institute in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta.

     

    Tumusiime, who led a delegation from Uganda on the tour, said there were many areas of collaboration Uganda could benefit from Nigeria.

     

    She said that her country could learn much from Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

     

    While underscoring the strength of expertise in the PTI, Tumusiime said the knowledge could be shared with the people of Uganda.

     

    “We are here to learn from them. Oil has been here for quite some years, and we know there is a lot of national content value retention in Nigeria.

     

    “The government is intentional to build the capacity of their people and prevent capital flight out of the country.

     

    “So, we have learnt a lot in terms of value retention, the national content policy and reparation.

     

    “Through investment into their own country and making sure there is less capital flight out of Nigeria,” she said.

     

    Tumusiime said that UNOC was ready to participate in seminars, workshops and other knowledge-based activities of the PTI to gather more experiences.

     

    She thanked the management of the PTI for the reception as well as the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for facilitating the visit.

     

    In his remark, NCDMB Executive Secretary, Felix Egbe, said the board received a notice from UNOC, seeking collaboration with oil and gas organisations in Nigeria.

     

    The executive secretary was represented at the visit by NCDMB General Manager, Midstream, Tassalla Tersugh.

     

    “The board identified PTI as a very important partner and critical stakeholder in the oil and gas manpower development, hence we said they must come to the institute,” he said.

     

    In his welcome remark, Dr Samuel Onoji, the acting Principal and Chief Executive Officer of PTI, said the institute had produced over 50,000 graduates since its inception 52 years ago.

     

    Onoji, represented by PTI Director of Research and Development, Dr Tina Isichei, says the institute operates in line with its core values of providing middle-level manpower for the nation’s oil and gas sector.

     

    He promised to collaborate with the UNOC in the areas of manpower development, assuring that it was the beginning of greater things among the trio of PTI, NCDMB and UNOC. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    EDI/MAS

     

    Edited by Moses Solanke

  • We ‘ve drawn plan to transform FCT to world-class city -Tinubu

    Plan

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 4, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu says his administration has drawn a comprehensive plan to transform the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) into a world-class city.

    Tinubu who disclosed this at the inauguration of the Arterial Road N20, also approved the naming of the road after Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.

    “This project is a critical component of our administration’s comprehensive plan to transform the FCT into a world-class city.

    “It equally aligns with our broader objectives of improving urban infrastructure, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring that our cities are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the future,” he said.

    Tinubu described the project as another testament to his administration’s developmental agenda of transforming every part of the country.

    He said the project reinforced his government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and fostering sustainable development.

    “The completion of this strategic project underscores our dedication to building a robust and resilient infrastructure that meets the needs of our growing population and stimulates economic growth.

    “I am also aware that the project enabled the creation of employment opportunities for over 1,500 Nigerians.

    “This is commendable and serves as a credit to the Renewed Hope Agenda for creating job opportunities for our teeming youth.

    “As we commission this road today, we must also recognise the broader vision that it serves,” he said

    Tinubu noted that the successful completion of the road project should also served as a blueprint for similar initiatives across the nation.

    “I encourage other sub-nationals to take a cue from what is happening in the FCT and replicate them in their local communities,” he said.

    Speaking on why he approved the recommendation to name the road after Soyinka,  the President said, “he is our foremost playwright, novelist and Nobel prize winner.

    ”He has brought Nigeria fame, pride, and international acclaim”

    He thanked the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike for recommending the naming of the road after Soyinka

    The president also commended Wike, the FCT Administration, the contractors, engineers, and all those who contributed to the completion of the project.

    “Your hard work and dedication have made this day possible.

    “The efforts of the minister and his team have brought to fruition a critical artery that will significantly enhance connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and improve the quality of life for the residents of the FCT.

    “On that note, ladies and gentlemen, it is my singular honour to commission the full-scope development of Arterial Road N20 from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) to the glory of the Almighty God and service to humanity,” the president said.

    In his remarks, Wike thanked the president for renewing and realising the hope of Abuja residents.

    ”I do not want to talk about politics now, but I know it will be very difficult for anybody to challenge the president in the FCT. The facts are there.

    “It is not about theory. It is about reality. You said you will do this, and you have done it,” the minister said.

    In a project overview, the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad, explained that Arterial Road N20 is a six-lane dual carriageway, crisscrossing two major sector centres.

    Ahmad added that the road comes with extensive underground infrastructure for utilities such as water supply, power supply, and drainage, and that it is also equipped with streetlights and conduits for telecommunication facilities.

    He said itruns from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the Arterial Road N20 is one of the transverse arterial roads connecting ONEX and the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) through the sector centres.

    It is expected to enhance vehicular traffic circulation from the bounding districts of Mabushi, Katampe, Jahi, and Kado through the sector centres. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SA/ROT

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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

     

  • Zamfara Gov. inaugurates NSCDC agro ranger corps

    Rangers
    Shuaib Sadiq
    Gusau, June 4, 2024( NAN) Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State on Tuesday inaugurated the Agro Rangers Corps, a unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Zamfara state Command.
    At the inauguration ceremony, which took place at the passing out parade of members of the new corps, the governor reiterated his commitment to the security of lives and property of the people of Zamfara.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the agro rangers are special marshals of the NSCDC who underwent intensive refresher training.
    “I have the singular honor and privilege to inaugurate these special marshals.
    “I wish you the very best in the discharge of your responsibilities. I pray for Allah’s protection and guidance,” the governor said.0
    Lawal said that the special marshals were trained in preparation for the consolidation operation in the fight against brigandage in Zamfara.
    While commending the NSCDC for the initiative, the governor said: “This comes at a crucial time and aligns with our commitment to embrace effective measures in the fight against insecurity.
    “We consider this a monumental step in addressing the challenges that have removed our communities of farming activities, agricultural practices, legitimate trades, and other means of sustenance in the dtate.
    “The government of Zamfara state identifies security and agriculture as major priority areas.
    “We have initiated various measures to address the security challenges and thus boost agricultural production in the state”.
    Lawal added that the government viewed the initiative by the NSCDC as a significant step in complementing the ongoing security measures of the state alongside security agencies in the state.
    “As a government, we will continue to cooperate with institutions, groups, and individuals in the fight against all forms of criminalities.
    ” We are committed to providing the support these institutions and individuals require to discharge your duties.
    ” The primary objective is to secure our communities and make them safe for socio-economic activities that will facilitate the development of the state and the people,” Lawal noted.
    He assured that the initiative to create the special unit would yield long-lasting solutions to the security challenges, especially in the agricultural sector.
    Earlier, the State Commandant of the Corps, Mr Sani Mustapha, thanked the Governor for supporting the training program for the Agro Rangers Corps.
    “Sir, your enormous support for the corps has earned us this fame. We sincerely thank you.” Mustapha said.
    The Commandant said that the NSCDC was an outcome of peace and conflict resolution created to consolidate peace in a troubled area that the Nigerian military had been able to capture. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    SSA/ROT
    ========
    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • Customs marine command intercepts hemp worth N96m

    The Controller, Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Mr Paul Bamisaiye, handing over the seized cannabis sativa to the Assistant Commander Narcotics, NDLEA, Mr Bashir Magaji in Lagos on Tuesday
    .

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Interception

    By Aisha Cole

    Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Mr Paul Bamisaiye, the Controller of Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), says the command has intercepted 17 sacks of hemp valued at N96 million.

     

    Bamisaiye made the disclosure while handing over the seized bags of hemp to NDLEA for further investigation on Tuesday in Lagos.

     

    He said that the seized bags contained 1, 257 loaves of hemp.

     

    Bamisaiye said that at about 11:00 p.m. on May 15, a patrol team of officers and men of the command at the Bar Beach Station, received credible intelligence on movement of a boat on the high sea along the beach location, carrying items suspected to be offending items.

     

    He said, “Upon receiving the information, the team moved toward the described location and intercepted one fibre boat fitted with 200HP Yamaha engine, carrying sacks of the suspected items.

     

    “Also on Sunday, May 19, a joint team of officers and men of the command, along Panko Creek, Badagry Waterways, intercepted one wooden boat fitted with a 25HP Yamaha engine carrying suspected contraband items.”

     

    He said upon sighting customs patrol boats, the suspects abandoned their boat and dived into the water.

     

    “A careful examination of the items being conveyed revealed 505 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice having a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N59.1 million.

     

    “The actions of these smugglers is a direct contravention of NCS Act 2023 which Western Marine Command (WMC) is responsible for enforcing.”

     

    Bamisaiye appealed to the general and trading public not to engage in illicit drugs business.

     

    Bamisaiye urged the men of the command to redouble their efforts and arrest suspects along with their contraband to deter other smugglers.

     

    While receiving the intercepted hemp from customs, the Assistant Commander Narcotics, NDLEA, Mr Bashir Magaji, commended the NCS for intensifying efforts to suppress smuggling.

     

    Magaji assured that investigation would continue from where customs stopped. (NAN)

    AIC/AWA

    =========

    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

     

     

     

    The Controller, Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Mr Paul Bamisaiye, displaying the intercepted boats with engine to media in Lagos on Tuesday.

  • Gov Sule lauds First Lady’s food distribution to PWD, others

     

    Food

    By Sunday John

    Lafia, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has commended the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for  donating food items to no fewer than 1,200 vulnerable persons including People with Disabilities (PWD) in the state.

    Sule, represented by his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe gave the commendation at the inauguration of the distribution exercise on Tuesday in Lafia.

    The food distribution was under the Renewed Hope Social Investment Programme Food Outreach Scheme for PWD and other valuable groups, an  initiative of the first lady.

    The beneficiaries comprised of  Persons With Disabilities (PWD), Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), widows and other vulnerable groups drawn from the 13 local government areas of the state.

    The governor noted that the gesture was a testament of the first lady’s determination to provide succour to the indigents members of the society.

    He added that the initiative had resonated the Renewed Hope agenda of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to ensure zero hunger in the country.

    “It will be recalled that the Federal Government removed fuel subsidy in 2023 aimed at transforming the nation’s economy, enhance infrastructure and improve the welfare of the citizenry.

    “This exercise was one of the many modalities developed to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal.

    “We must be patient with the government at this time, because very soon the economy of the country will become stronger and sustainable,”he said.

    Sule said that his administration had keyed into the initiative of the Federal Government to cushion the effects of subsidy removal by distributing food and other items to vulnerable groups, students and farmers.

    On her part, Hajiya Silifat Sule, wife of the governor welcomed the first lady, represented by wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President and her entourage to the state.

    She thanked the first lady for the gesture and said it would go a long way to ameliorate the hardship being faced by the beneficiaries.

    Hajiya Sule said that the beneficiaries  were carefully selected to ensure that only those that truly deserved the support were given.

    She said that machinery had been put in place to ensure that the items were not resold but used to better the living conditions of the beneficiaries.

    In his remarks, Retired Justice Sidi Bage-Muhammad, Emir of Lafia, thanked the first lady, the Federal and state governments for catering for the vulnerable groups in the society.

     

    The emir expressed confidence in the capacity, experience and good intension of the Tinubu-led administration to transform the country and appealed to Nigerians to be more patient with the government.

    He said that the country would soon begin to reap the fruits of the policies and decisions taken by the federal government and the economy would be better for it. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SDJ/IU

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    Edited by Isaac Ukpoju

  • Gov. Abiodun appoints 3 aviation consultants ahead airport operation

    Gov. Abiodun appoints 3 aviation consultants ahead airport operation

    Appointment

    By Abiodun Lawal

    Abeokuta, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Ogun Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has appointed three consultants to man the aviation sector in the state.

    This is contained in a statement on Tuesday in Abeokuta, signed by the Secretary to the Ogun State Government (SSG), Mr Tokunbo Talabi.

    Talabi said that the appointment was in readiness for the take-off of the iconic Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport.

    He said that the experts appointed would take responsibility for specific areas in the fast developing aviation sector in the state.

     

    “The appointees are Capt. Dapo Olumide – Consultant on Airport Management; Engr. Benedict Adeyileka – Consultant on Regulatory Matters (Aviation) and Engr. Mohammed Odunowo – Consultant on Aviation.

    “Please note that the above appointments by His Excellency were based on the relevant and cognitive expertise and experience of the appointees in national and international aviation sector,” he said.

    The construction of the airport began in April 2021.

    Earlier, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the regulatory body, had approved its construction in 2008.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    LKA/SOA

    =========

    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle