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Category: General News

  • Strike: Airport gates now open

     

    Domestic airports, Murtala Mohammed Airport Terminal II operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd., and the General Aviation Terminal I managed by the Federal  Airports Authority of  Nigeria  have opened their gates.

    Details shortly…

  • Anglican group takes fight against GBV to clergies in Kaduna

    Anglican group takes fight against GBV to clergies in Kaduna

    By Moses Kolo

    GBV

    Kaduna, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Gender-Based Violence (GBV) team of the Diocese of Kaduna Nazarene Rural Health Ministry says it is determined to educate  the Clergies in Kaduna to be champions of the same course.

    Rev Victor Eboh, the Desk Officer of the diocese disclosed this during a presentation at the inauguration of the 23rd Synod of the Anglican Diocese held at St. Christopher Anglican Church in Kaduna.

    The  participants at the synod included Bishops, legal practitioners, Clergymen and Laity of the Anglican Diocese of Kaduna.

    It was under the auspices of the Anglican Compassion and Development Initiative (ACADI) Church of Nigeria Project to prevent GBV.

    Eboh spoke on the types of GBV,  listing them to include: Ssexual, physical, psychological, mental and economic.

    He said their consequences include suicidal thoughts, mental meltdown, physical bruises, raising abusive members of the society and depression, amongst others.

    Ebo said, “I employ the House of Synod to cooperate with the Anglican Compassion and Development Initiative to achieve a transformational response to GBV.

    ”This is with the objective to prevent and reduce its occurrence within the Church of Nigeria.

    “I equally charge the House of Synod and delegates to carry the GBV prevention message to their local Parishes and be advocates of GBV prevention in the Diocese of Kaduna and anywhere they find themselves.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MGK/BRM

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

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Customs confirms killing of rice smuggler in Badagry

    Smugglers

    By Raji Rasak
    Badagry (Lagos State), June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, has confirmed the accidental killing of a smuggler in the Badagry area of Lagos State.
    The Public Relations Officer, FOU Zone A, Mr Theophilus Duniya, confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Badagry.
    Duniya said that a group of men armed with charms and machetes attacked the team while evacuating smuggled rice.
    “They injured a customs officer in the face and a soldier on the leg.
    “Our personnel, acting in self-defence, neutralised the leader of the gang to prevent him from inflicting more injuries on them.
    “The gang leader was evacuated for immediate medical attention but unfortunately, died on the way to the hospital,” he said.
    Daniya urged parents and community leaders to discourage their children from engaging in criminal activities that could put their well-being and other citizens at risk.
    NAN reports that the incident occured on Sunday when the middle-aged smuggler and his gang  allegedly attacked the  customs officers.
    It was learnt that the incident took place in Erekiti, a border town  in  the Badagry area, around 4 a.m.
    NAN gathered from locals that the late smuggler, named Saka Wakilu, was the leader of the gang.(NAN)
    ROR/CHOM/JNC
    ==============
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Landlord collapses, dies after argument with tenant over unpaid rent

    Landlord collapses, dies after argument with tenant over unpaid rent

    Argument

    By Abiodun Lawal

    Abeokuta, June 4, 2024 (NAN) A landlord, Benjamin Apeh, has reportedly died after he collapsed during an argument with his tenant over unpaid rent.

    SP Omolola Odutola, the Public Relations Officer, Police Command, Ogun, in a statement on Tuesday in Abeokuta, said that the incident occurred on Sunday at Arigbabu Village, Sotubo in Sagamu local government area of Ogun.

    Odutola said that a suspected murder case was reported on Monday at 5:00 p.m., by the daughter of the deceased, Precious Apeh.

    According to the police spokesperson, the daughter of the deceased informed the police that her father had an argument with the tenant at 7:20p.m., on Saturday, over unpaid house rent.

    Odutola said that Precious Apeh further told the police that at around 6:30 a.m., on Sunday, she heard her father again arguing with the tenant, who threatened to kill him.

    ” During the argument, Apeh collapsed and was rushed to NNPC Hospital, Mosimi, but was later confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

    ” The suspect fled the scene, but efforts are underway to apprehend him,” the police spokesman said.

    Odutola said that the body of the deceased has been deposited at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) Morgue, Sagamu.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    LKA/AOS

    =========

    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

     

  • Gombe govt approves N20.4bn road, bridge projects

    Road

    By Hajara Leman

    Gombe, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Gombe state government has approved N20.4 billion for the expansion and dualisation of 18.5 kilometre road in Gombe metropolis.

    Prof. Abubakar Njodi, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), said this at the end of State Executive Council (SEC) meeting on Monday on Gombe.

    He said the project would cover Federal Teaching Hospital Junction along Bauchi Road, passing through the Police Headquarters to the Federal College of Education (Technical) along Ashaka Road.

    Njodi said the contract has been awarded to the TRIACTA Nigeria Ltd with a completion period of 12 months.

    He said the Council also approved the procurement of 2,500 metric tonnes of fertilisers for distribution to farmers at 50 per cent subsidy for the 2024 cropping season.

    “The fertiliser is highly subsidised and the price is pegged at N22,000 per bag as against N45,000 market price.

    “And distribution will be flag off later in the month to ensure timely delivery to the farmers,” he said.

    Alhaji Usman Kallamu, the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, said the SEC also approved emergency repair work and construction of culverts on Dukku – Dokoro Road in Dukku Local Government Area of the state.

    “There was a washout and collapses of the existing six-cell box culvert along the road, and the council approved the construction of a two-span bridge in its place at the cost of N1.593 billion, and will be completed in four months,” he said.

    Also, Mohammed Gadam, the Commissioner for Higher Education, said the SEC approved N587.6 million for construction and provision of essential facilities at Lincoln University, Kumo Campus as part of the agreement signed between the state government and the Malaysian University.

    According to him, the gesture is in furtherance of the state government’s commitment towards fulfilling its own part of the bargain as signed in the Memoradum of Understanding (MoU), to fasttrack accreditation and commencement of academic activities in the university. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    HUL/RSA

    =========

    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • Association gets taskforce to check irregularities in oil sector

    Taskforce
    By Ifeanyi Olannye
    Asaba, June 4, 2024(NAN) The Association of Nigeria Refineries Petroleum Marketers (ANRPM), on Monday inaugurated a taskforce to stamp out oil bunkering, adulteration of products, artificial scarcity and other illegalities in the sector.
    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that the Chief Host and Delta Coordinator, ANRPM, Dr Edison Nwadiaro, inaugurated the chairmen and coordinators for Imo, Bayelsa, Rivers and Enugu States in Asaba, Delta.
    Nwadiaro said that the association had a mandate to flush out all forms of illegalities in the petroleum sector in the Niger Delta region.
    “Today, we are inaugurating a taskforce on bunkering, adulteration of petroleum products, dubious middlemen, artificial scarcity and all forms of illegalities in the sector.
    “We have Chairmen in the nine states of the Niger Delta who will carry out this mandate in their respective states. We also have local government coordinators.
    “We say no to the dubious middlemen in the oil sector, no to artificial scarcity which is usually caused by activities of middlemen, no to adulteration of petroleum products, no to bunkering and all forms of illegalities in the oil sector.
    “We are trying to put a stop to these illegalities in the oil sector.
    “We are a federal taskforce and we have legal backing. We will work with security agencies to ensure smooth operation.
    “The association intends to identify those involved in bunkering and bring them under an association where they could approach the Federal Government to grant them amnesty.
    “Just like what the Federal Government did in the past, they will be granted amnesty that will enable them stop bunkering in the Niger Delta region and our oil facilities will be secured and production increased,” he said.
    He charged the taskforce to up their game and carry out their mandate diligently in their respective states.
    He said that members of the taskforce would be trained so as to be equipped with the requisite knowledge to execute their tasks.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng).
    IO/ETS
    ======

  • NGO sensitises 200 youths on mental health in Delta

     

    NGO sensitises 200 youths on mental health in Delta
    Cross section of participants at the Mental Health Summit 2024, held on  Monday, in Asaba, Delta
    Health
    By Ifeanyi Olannye
    Asaba, June 4, 2024(NAN) Health Circle Concept Initiative (HCCI), a Non-Governmental Organisation, and the Niger Delta Youth Council (NDYC), have sensitised no fewer than 200 Niger Delta youths on mental health.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event tagged: “Mental Health Summit 2024”, was executed in partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Asaba, Delta.
    Its main theme was “Breaking the Silence: Uniting for Mental Wellness”.
    The Chairman of the event, Mr Chiedu Ebie, Chairman, NDDC, in his remarks, said that it was apt to sensitise the people, particularly the youths, on mental health to encourage healthy living in the society.
    Ebie, represented by his senior aide, Dr Godwin Edozie, said that mental health issue was a global challenge hence the urgent need to sensitise the people to enable them live health lives.
    “It is a global issue and it is a thing of praise that the NDDC considered it necessary to start sensitising people about their own metal health and mental wellness.”
    He noted that both external and internal factors were responsible for mental health challenges, and advised people to regularly visit their doctors to check their health status.
    “Today, many people are overworking themselves. They cannot rest.
    “So, the idea of this seminar and enlightenment is for us to take life easy, take enough rest and  survive stress and stressors,” Ebie said.
    On his part, Mr Jator Abido, the Convener and National Chairman, NDYC Worldwide, lauded the Managing  Director, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, and the Chairman, Ebie, for supporting the programme.
    He said that there was need for the people, particularly the youths, to take care of their health given the economic, social, environmental, biological, psychological factors affecting people of the region.
    According to Abido, addressing these challenges with comprehensive and multi-faceted solutions will shore up mental health of young people and foster a healthier, more resilient future generation
    Abido explained further: “Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological and social well-being.
    “It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
    “Good mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence, through adulthood.
    “The main concepts of mental health include emotional well-being, psychological well-being and social well-being.”
    He said that social factors include the quality of relationships, social support networks, cultural influences, discrimination and societal stigma related to mental health issues.
    “Lifestyle factors encompass diet, physical activity, substance use, sleep patterns and overall self-care practices, all of which can impact mental well-being.
    “Mental health issues among youth in Africa can be influenced by various factors unique to the region,” he said.
    On his part, Mr Beke Apere,  member, Board of Trustee (BOT), NDYC Worldwide, said the issue of mental health was a global challenge.
    He advised people to speak out their challenges and not bottle them up, to keep off stress, depression and other stressors that cause mental health problems.
    “Again, because of depression, some persons option for drugs, but when they get addicted to it, it can lead to metal health disorder.
    “So, this programmes is geared towards sensitising and educating the youths to avoid depression and shun drug abuse to stay mentally healthy,” Apere said.
    The lead Speaker, Dr Sarah Uwa, who spoke on Mental Wellness, said that mental health disorder was a challenge like Hypertension, among other health challenges.
    According to her, mental health is a state of mental wellbeing which enables a person to cope with life and stressors, learn and impact the environment.
    She noted that persons could become mentally unwell due to various stressors which include social, biological, lifestyle among others.
    She, however, said that there was a misconception by people who do not see mental health disorder as sickness.
    “Mental health disorder is just like any other chronic sickness like Hypertension, diabetes or asthmatic disorder.
    “Many people have mental disorder. It may not necessarily be outright madness like the mad persons on the street.
    “Mental disorder can be mild or moderate. For the mild form, they can cope with life events.
    “Other cases will need medication like people with other health challenges do, to keep them in a stable state to function optimally.
    She said that mental disorder was not something to stigmatise against.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng).
    IO/IAA/ETS
    ===========
    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

  • Hajj committee member praises Ogun medical team 

    Pilgrims

     

    By Yetunde Fatungase

     

    Abeokuta, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Ogun Government has been lauded for putting up one of the best medical teams in the country for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.

     

    A member of the state’s Pilgrims Medical Team, Dr Bolaji Salako, praised the state government for the care and support given to its hajj pilgrims.

     

    Salako expressed his satisfaction with the state government and the assignments of the medical team via a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.

     

    According to him, a series of medical screenings were organised for all the state pilgrims before embarking on the holy journey.

     

    “We educated and counselled our pilgrims on the importance of looking after their health.

     

    “We also conducted basic and routine investigations to identify any health challenge, providing them with medications and medical advice on managing long-term health conditions while on hajj.

     

    “We conducted our series of screenings in batches to ensure every pilgrim was covered.

     

    “This medical system and structure, used as part of welfare package for the pilgrims, is peculiar to Ogun State and unique in the country,” Salako said.

     

    The medical expert said pilgrims were advised to bring all necessary medications along with them with doctor’s prescriptions and endorsements to last the six-week duration of the trip.

     

    According to him, during the journey, the medical team will continue to work closely with the pilgrims and monitor them in case of any emergency.

     

    Salako noted that the team would also provide continuous education on the importance of personal hygiene, drinking enough water, eating fruits, avoiding walking in the sun, and diet and beverage choices. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    YAF/KOLE/MAS

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

     

    Edited by Remi Koleoso and Moses Solanke

  • Aiyedatiwa flags off 1,000m concrete walkway, jetty in Ilaje

     

    Aiyedatiwa at flag off of the project in Obe-Nla in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State

    Walkway

    By Segun Giwa

    Ilaje, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Monday, flagged-off the construction of a 1,000-meter concrete walkway and a jetty at Obe-Nla, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

    Speaking at the ceremony in Ilaje, Aiyedatiwa  expressed happiness that he inaugurated the impactful project in his country home.

    The governor said the community’s long standing demand for a durable and safe concrete walkway had been long overdue.

    According to him, the project is a testament to his administration’s commitment to improving quality of life of residents in the state.

    “This moment is unique in several respects. Firstly, it is for me a historic homecoming to flag-off an important project like this in my
    own community, here in Obe-Nla as the governor of Ondo state.

    ”I thank Almighty God for this rare honour in fulfilment of just one of His numerous purposes for me as a man who hails from this community,” he said.

    The governor highlighted the project’s innovative engineering design, adding that it was departure from the traditional wooden walkways prevalent in the region.

    Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s resolve to the overall development of Ondo state, stating that other key projects were underway.

    The governor said that the completion of the 28.5-kilometer Aboto-Atijere road, the third phase of the Igbokoda-Ayetoro road construction and the imminent commencement of a 4.72-kilometer link road between Ugbonla and Ayetoro were on course.

    According to the governor, the projects are expected to significantly enhance socio-economic activities and address critical challenges such as the Ayetoro sea incursion.

    “We have deliberately factored durability into the project and daily safety and comfort of our people as they make use of the concrete walkway and jetty to ensure long-term benefits,” he said.

    Aiyedatiwa praised the collaboration with service providers to ensure availability of pre-paid meters, enhancing electricity access in Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje, and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas.

    The governor assured residents that the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) would receive the statutory 40 per cent  of the 13 per cent  Oil Derivation Fund to expedite ongoing and future projects in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas.

    Aiyedatiwa later expressed gratitude to the community for their support, loyalty and commitment of the people to his administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Earlier in his welcome address, the OSOPADEC Chairman, Sam Erejuwa, said that the contract for the project was awarded in August 2023.

    Erejuwa, however, said due to unforeseen circumstances, it was delayed.

    “Now, it’s finally becoming a reality, God’s timing is perfect,” he said.

    The traditional ruler of the host community, Oba Andrew Kolawole, said that the project would significantly boost the economic development of the fishing communities.

    He expressed the community’s deep appreciation for the governor’s unwavering commitment to improving the riverine areas.

    Some residents of the Community,Olajide Samson and Biodun Adelarin, who lauded Aiyedatiwa for being sensitive to their plights, expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact. (NAN)(wwwnannews.ng)

    GSD/CHOM/AOS

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

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Bayo Sekoni

     

  • FirstBank emerges Best SME Bank at Asian Banker Awards

    Awards
    By Grace Alegba
    Lagos, June 3, 2024 (NAN) FirstBank has won two awards by emerging Best SME Bank in both Nigeria and Africa at the Asian Banker Global Excellence Retail Awards 2024.

    FirstBank Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Ms Folake Ani-Mumuney, in a statement on Monday while expressing her delight, dedicated the two awards to the bank’s SME customers.

    The Excellence in Retail Finance Awards Programme, which includes the Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards and the Annual Digital Bank Awards recognise exceptional innovation, leadership, management and performance in the financial sector.

    First Bank clinched the awards for meeting needs of medium and small enterprises and offering flexible financing options across the entire lifecycle needs of customer’s business.

    Ani-Mumuney said, “We thank the Asian Banker Awards for the recognition and dedicate these awards to our esteemed SME customers that have progressively impacted the socio-economic growth of not just Nigeria but also the African continent, given their critical role as the engine of any economy.

    “For 130 years, FirstBank has continued to enable the giants in our customers including our SMEs as well as other stakeholders, and we remain committed to delivering the ultimate ‘gold standard’ of value and excellence.”

    She quoted the Asian Banker’s Strategic Business Intelligence for the Financial Services Community to have said “FirstBank demonstrated exceptional performance, notably in its SME sector, by achieving more than 100 per cent revenue growth while maintaining a reduced cost-to-income ratio of 16.5 per cent’’.

    “Small and Medium-sized Enterprises contributed 26 per of overall bank revenue.

    “Furthermore, the institution’s SME customer base grew by 7 per cent reaching a total of more than one million.

    “For its significant growth in the SME business, the award for Best SME Bank in Nigeria and in Africa goes to FirstBank,” she said.

    Ani-Mumuney said FirstBank supported its customers by providing exceptional value proposition around each industry sector to create best in class customer engagement.

    She said the bank’s integrated platform not only helped businesses grow and reduced operational costs but also facilitated expansion into regional and overseas markets through its Sub-Saharan Africa subsidiaries. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    GA/AJA
    =======
    Edited by Adeleye Ajayi