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  • LASG reiterates commitment to flood-free state

    Flood
    By Fabian Ekeruche
    Lagos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government on Sunday reiterated its commitment to a flood-free state.

    The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, stated this at the end of an extensive inspection tour to various contravention sites and drainages across the state.

    Wahab said that the government would continue to enforce the law, while reclaiming drainage setbacks.

    He said the inspection team was out on a normal routine to ascertain the state of some drainage channels across the state baring in mind that most flooding issues were majorly caused by negative human activity.

    The commissioner and his team visited Aladelola Street in Ikosi-Ketu where some individuals had cut the supporting iron under the culvert leading to the collapse of the channel.

    He said the state public works office would cordon the road off and commence repairs immediately.

    The team also visited Victory Estate collector, Ago Palace Way, where some unscrupulous individuals blocked water path and canals and engaged in illegal sandfilling and selling.

    He said that an enforcement team had earlier been sent there, adding that the visit was to check enforcement and compliance level.

    “We are here as a result of a written petition by residents complaining about several distortions.

    “There had been a lot of distortion on these canals and roads by some individuals which has been causing flooding in the area,” Wahab said.

    At Sangotedo by the Lagos Business School, Wahab said there is a natural stream that is supposed to discharge into System 63 and from there to Omu creek.

    According to him, the stream has been blocked and reduced by illegal structures built along the channel.

    He said that a 48-hour contravention notice have been served to owners of buildings lying within the channels.

    On the process of serving contravention notices, Wahab said property owners whose buildings and fences fall within drainage channels would first be served a 48-hour notice.

    He said that the initial notice would be followed by another 14 days notice before the commencement of enforcement.

    He said that the government would commence full enforcement after the expiration of all notices.

    The team was also at Ajiran Primary Channel, Chevron Drive, to ascertain the level of the on going dredging of the channel.

    He added that there was going to be the construction of a new alignment for free flow of water in the axis.

    At Ilabere Collector at old Ikoyi, the team observed that there was an encroachment on the alignment and said that the fences would be removed in the next few days.

    He said that the government is fixing a major infrastructure around Ilabere and if the collector is not properly handled, the infrastructure will be destroyed.

    “Lagos despite its peculiarities as a coastal state with low-lying terrains and a high population density among others has remained afloat because of various measures put in place by the government,” Wahab said.

    He explained that the ministry has strengthened its drainage enforcement activities in ensuring due diligence concerning all drainage channels and restoring Right-of-Ways on all channels.

    He added that the ministry would continue its intense all-year-round clearing and cleaning of major primary and secondary drainage channels.

    “I tell people climate change is real and there is a cholera outbreak.

    “We must know that all these things are interwoven.

    “We must all be responsible and responsive as a people, people cannot continue to brazenly abuse the environment and expect that there will be no consequences, Wahab said.

    He appealed to the residents to always take ownership of their environment, desist from unwholesome act of illegal waste disposal, illegal construction of buildings on drainage, drainage setback and Right-Of-Way.

    The commissioner was accompanied by the Permanent Secretaries, Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen and Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite.

    Others included the Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, General Manager, LASPARK, Mrs Toun Popoola and the General Manager, LASEPA, Dr Tunde Ajayi, among others. (NAN)(ww.nannews.ng)

    FBO/JNC
    =========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Shun acts inimical to peace, security in N/Delta – Otuaro urges Ex-agitators

     

    Peace

    By Nathan Nwakamma 

    Yenagoa, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dennis Otuaro, has urged ex-agitators enrolled in the programme to avoid any act that is inimical to peace and security in the Niger Delta.

    Otuaro urged them to promote peace and security in the region, emphasizing the importance of avoiding actions that could undermine the objectives of the PAP.

    The Administrator stated this on Sunday at a stakeholders’ meeting with former agitators in Warri, Delta with the theme: “Fostering, Consolidating and Collaborating for the Peace, Security, Stability, and Development of the Niger Delta.” 

    The Special Assistant on Media, Igoniko Oduma said in a statement on Sunday, that participants at the meeting included leaders from all phases of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

    Otuaro explained that all stakeholders in the region must work towards this goal and consolidate the success of the Amnesty Programme to prevent the Niger Delta from relapsing into the pre-amnesty years.

    He recalled that the pre-amnesty years of serious conflicts and violence, which negatively impacted the region and the country.

    “Sustaining the peace and security of the Niger Delta is the mandate of the Amnesty Programme, and we must do this for our communities, our children, and their children,” Otuaro said.

    “The Presidential Amnesty Programme was established in 2009 to disarm, demobilise, and reintegrate former Niger Delta agitators. 

    “The first two phases of the programme have been completed, with the Amnesty Office now tasked with the reintegration of former agitators into the society and providing institutional support for impacted communities in the Niger Delta,” the statement read

    Otuaro stated that the PAP was an opportunity for the people of the region which, if well leveraged, could help to resolve some of the challenges of the Niger Delta, especially human capital development.

    He urged the stakeholders not to worry as he had assurances from President Bola Tinubu that the Federal Government would prioritize the development of the Niger Delta.

    “The President is very serious about the peace and security of the Niger Delta region,” he said.

    Otuaro affirmed that despite its lean budget, the PAP had made significant achievements. 

    “Many delegates and beneficiaries from our impacted communities have received quality training and high-level manpower skills in diverse fields of human endeavours.

    “Today, several are gainfully employed as air traffic controllers, flight instructors, aircraft maintenance engineers, pilots, and underwater welders.” Otuaro stated.

    He explained that others had also been trained and empowered through the programme and were doing very well in various trades.

    He listed the areas as fashion design, unisex salon, fish farming, baking and confectionery, rice production, hairdressing, cement, and building materials.

    “In addition, several PAP scholarship students have made First Class and Second Class Upper in different courses of study, including Medical and Clinical Sciences, in universities at home and abroad.

    “My leadership is committed to sustaining this trajectory of academic excellence, which is being applauded by well-meaning individuals and organizations across the region and indeed the country.” he stated.

    Otuaro pledged to enhance the Amnesty Office’s operations to make it more responsive to stakeholders’ needs, promising regular meetings to get valuable feedback from delegates and respond swiftly to complaints. 

    He explained the need to make the Amnesty Programme more effective in achieving its mandate which s prompted him to host the stakeholders’ meeting.

    Many of the delegates at the event commended the Administrator of the Amnesty Programme for the initiative.

    They however, raised concerns about some aspects of the programme around financial difficulties, with most arguing that the N65,000 stipend had become too meagre to meet their basic needs and should be reviewed.

    Gilbert Isobe, an ex-agitator from Bayelsa said: “When we started receiving the N65,000 in 2009, the money was sufficient, but after 15 years, it cannot take care of anything now. 

    “We, therefore, plead with the Federal Government to increase the budget of the Amnesty Programme so that the stipends can be increased to at least N150,000.”

    At the end of the meeting, all the delegates and stakeholders passed a vote of confidence on the Administrator, Otuaro, commending the President for appointing him.

    “He was part of the struggle and one of us. This is the best decision the President has made,” said Prince Emeka Igwe, a delegate from Imo State. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    NN/MNA 

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

     

  • Plateau govt trains 200 widows on household items production

    Plateau govt trains 200 widows on household items production

    Training

    By Zainab Oyekan

    Jos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Helen Mutfwang, wife of Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, has declared open a training for 200 widows in production of household items, to mark the International Widows Day.

    Mrs Mutfwang, who made the declaration during a press briefing in Sunday in Jos, said the widows were selected across the 17 local government areas (LGAs) of the state.

    According to her, the widows will also be supported with cash gifts to start up the production.

    “The training is in line with the demonstration of our commitment to continuously improve the well-being of our widows in the state, “ she said.

    The governor’s wife said the theme for this year’s celebration: “Accelerating the Achievement of Gender Equality”, was apt.

    She said the training and empowerment would enable widows achieve equality and financial independence.

    ”You will agree with me that once a widow is empowered through various trainings, she will be able to take care of her children and live a good life, “ she said.

    In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the government and promised to utilise the opportunity.

    Mrs Uchu Okuyho, from Bassa LGA, said the training had been impactful.

    Ladi Gyang , a mother of five, said any form of empowerment or training given to widows would enhance many lives; and commended the efforts of the governor’s wife. (NAN)

    OIZ/DOR
    ========
    Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

  • Gold programme: Major milestone in Renewed Hope Agenda – Tinubu

    Gold programme: Major milestone in Renewed Hope Agenda – Tinubu

     

    Gold

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has commended the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development over the first commercial transaction under the National Gold Purchase Programme (NGPP).

    The President said this when he received gold bars sourced from artisanal and small gold miners from Dr Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, on Sunday in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gold was refined by the Solid Minerals Development Fund, an agency of the Ministry.

    The programme has delivered 5 million dollars into Nigeria’s foreign reserves and injected about N6 billion into the rural economy.

    Tinubu said that the ministry had achieved a major milestone in the administration’s drive to diversify the economy.

    “This is another concrete step towards the diversification process under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the President said.

    Alake, who presented a symbolic gold bar to Tinubu, said the NGPP would increase the country’s foreign reserves and boost the value of the Naira.

    The minister also commended the President for supporting reforms in the solid minerals sector.

    “The successful completion of the first commercial transaction clearly demonstrates the National Gold Purchase Programme’s effectiveness.

    “It has increased the nation’s foreign reserves assets and shown that using the Nigerian Naira to purchase a liquid asset traded in dollars, such as gold, is a viable strategy.

    “This transaction has also underscored the potential of the National Gold Purchase Programme to enhance fiscal and monetary stability.”

    Alake said that the over 70 kilograms of gold sold to the London Bullion Market Good Delivery Standard marked a successful aggregation of locally mined gold.

    In her presentation, the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund, Hajiya Fatimah Shinkafi, said that the gold has met the global trade standard.

    She said it met the London Bullion Market Good Delivery Standard that is the globally recognised and trusted standard in the global trade in gold and silver bars.

    “Only gold and silver bars that meet our Good Delivery standards are acceptable in the settlement of a Loco London contract – where the bullion trade is physically held in London,” she said.

    Shinkafi said, through the NGPP, Nigeria had joined countries bolstering their gold reserves by purchasing gold in local currency.

    She said this would foster economic confidence, enhance currency stability, and create a more attractive environment for foreign investment. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/IS 

    ======

    Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

  • Combined team of emergency responders puts out Christ Embassy fire

     

    Fire

    By Fabian Ekeruche
    Lagos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) A combined team of emergency responders has put out a fire that engulfed Christ Embassy Church, Ikeja, on Sunday morning.

    Mrs Ibitayo Adenike, the Head of Operations, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) of the Lagos Territorial Office, confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

    Adenike told NAN that NEMA received an alert about a fire at the main auditorium of the Christ Embassy Church on Oregun Road in the early hours of Sunday.

    “The immediate cause of the fire which started around 7.00 a.m. was not known but it spread quickly causing the roof of the auditorium to cave in.

    “The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) and other emergency responders fought the inferno and was eventually able to put it out late in the afternoon,” Adenike said.

    She added that an integrity test would be carried out on the structure before further actions can be taken.

    Adenike noted that emergency responders at the scene of the incident included the Lagos Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), NEMA, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, LSFRS, the Police and the Red Cross.

    Earlier, the Director of the LSFRS, Mrs Margret Adeseye, had called for calm as the situation was under control.

    Adeseye said excavators were deployed during the operation to pull down some parts of the building to ensure complete extinguishment of the fire and to prevent further structural collapse.

    The director said the cause of the incident was yet unknown adding that investigations are underway to determine the cause.

    She said that no casualties were recorded.

    Also, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, said that the massive fire had been brought under control.

    “Dampening down is ongoing, with monitored property salvage.

    “The operation involved all key stakeholders.
    The building will be subject to materials testing.

    There were no casualties or mortality despite any reports to the contrary,” Oke-Osanyintolu said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FBO/JNC
    =========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • 2026 World Cup: Super Eagles’ qualification not impossible — Adepoju

    Qualification

    Eagles

    By Kazeem Akande

    Lagos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Ex-International, Mutiu Adepoju says nothing is impossible, and Nigeria’s Super Eagles can still qualify for the 2026 World Cup with determination, hard work and seriousness.

    Adepoju told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday that the players needed resilience, as there was no magic but to win all their remaining matches, to be at the world soccer fiesta.

    “First, the players need to be calm, settle down in oneness and determine to win all the next matches.

    “The team needs to really settle down, have focus and find a way of moving forward to qualify for the next tournament,” he said.

    Adepoju also appealed to the team to play in oneness, unity,  and be patriotic during their remaining matches.

    He advised them to shun the attitude of pull him down, division and enmity in camp.

    The former Super Eagles player also urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to urgently make available things that would motivate the players to perform.

    “As for NFF, I don’t have much to say, but the federation needs to act fast to unite the players, so as to bring the best out of them for the next world cup,” Adepoju said.

    There has been public outcry on the dismal outing of the Super Eagles in the World Cup qualifying series, where Nigeria is precariously placed fifth behind South Africa, Rwanda, Lesotho and Benin Republic in the race for a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

    To address the Eagles’ recent struggles, the NFF has announced that a foreign coach would be hired for the team.

    Finidi George, who was appointed as the team’s head handler in April, has resigned in the face of the development.(NAN)

    AKA/MAM/SOA

    Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Oluwole Sogunle

  • Plateau governor’s wife urges end to harmful practices against widows

    Plateau governor’s wife urges end to harmful practices against widows

    Widows

    By Zainab Oyekan

    Jos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Helen Mutfwang, wife of Plateau Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, has called on governments at all levels and other stakeholders, to end harmful practices against widows.

    Mrs Mutfwang made the call during a press briefing on Sunday in Jos, to mark the International Widows Day.

    She reiterated the need for governments at all levels, Civil Society Organisations, religious groups, community leaders, and the society at large, to work together to protect widows from harmful cultural practices.

    According to the governor’s wife, it is imperative that all hands are put on deck to ensure a widow-friendly environment that provides support and inclusion.

    She noted that in many countries with traditional societies, including Nigeria, women often found themselves in poverty situations, because they were most times denied inheritance and land rights, evicted from their homes, ostracised and abused, following the death of their husbands.

    According to her therefore, the International Widows Day seeks to encourage action on achieving full rights for widows, highlighting the need for more research and statistics into violence, discrimination and poverty suffered by widows.

    She further stated that the day was aimed at developing policies and programmes that should address widows’ plight.

    ”The day also affords us the opportunity to reevaluate our levels of commitment to the plight of widows in the state, and to continue to work assiduously to initiate programmes that would improve the well-being of widows in particular, and women generally,” she said.

    Mrs Mutfwang said that the state acknowledged the invaluable contributions of widows in building the state and nation, and so would support and empower them.

    “The state, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in an effort to ensure widows are empowered economically, has trained 102 widows in three vocational skills acquisition.

    “The skills include; tailoring, catering and knitting; and widows were given modern equipment and tangible Startup packs to enable them support their families and contribute to the growth and development of society, “ she added.

    Mrs Mutfwang further pledged her office’s commitment to uplifting widows in the state, and called on all hands to be on deck to end harmful practices against vulnerable women. (NAN)

    OIZ/DOR
    ========

    Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

  • NFF moves President Federation Cup finals to Lagos

    Cup
    By Ijeoma Okigbo
    Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced that the grand finale of the country’s oldest Cup competition, the President Federation Cup, will now take place in Lagos.

    According to a statement by Ademola Olajire, the NFF’s Head of Communications, this years finals will take place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos on June 29.

    Olajire also stated that the federation had earlier scheduled the competition for the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, adding that it opted for Lagos due to its football history.

    ”Earlier scheduled for Abuja (which would have seen the city host the final for the first time in the competition’s history), the NFF have opted for the good old venue on Lagos Island, which hosted the final of the competition consecutively between 1945 and 1972.

    ”First known as Association Ground, then as King George V and later as Lagos City Ground, the venue later became known as Onikan Stadium after it was rebuilt in the 1980s. It became known as Mobolaji Johnson Arena in 2021,” he stated.

    This year’s grand finale will see Rivers Angels confront Naija Ratels in the women’s event while Abia Warriors take on El-Kanemi Warriors in the men’s event on Saturday. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IHA/DOE
    =======
    Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

  • Final match day results in 2023/2024 NPFL

    Results

    By Aderonke Ojo
    Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Following are the results of Match Day 38 fixtures played on Sunday in the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL):

    Gombe United FC 1-2 Rangers International FC

    Akwa United FC 3-1 Rivers United FC

    Kano Pillars FC 3-2 Lobi Stars FC

    Kwara United FC 4-0 Heartland FC

    Bendel Insurance FC 0-2 Bayelsa United FC

    Remo Stars FC 2-1 Katsina United FC

    Niger Tornadoes FC 2-1 Sunshine Stars FC

    Enyimba International FC 2-0 Plateau United FC

    Shooting Stars FC 1-0 Sporting Lagos FC

    Doma United FC 1-1 Abia Warriors FC

    (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    STJ/OLAL
    =========

    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)

  • Broaden your horizon, Yemi-Esan charges civil servants  

    By Okon Okon

    Abuja, June 23, 2024, (NAN) Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF) has charged civil servants to broaden their horizon through training while in active service.

    Yemi-Esan gave the charge on Sunday at an Inter-denominational thanksgiving service at Exousia Church of God, Mabushi, Abuja, to mark the 2024 Civil Service Week.

    While attributing the successful celebration of the week to God’s guidance, she advised civil servants to endeavour to train themselves as it is the required key to ascend any position in life.

    “We’ve come here this morning to thank God for His presence with us in the civil service and especially for the success of a week-long celebrations.

    “We’ve come to cap it up with thanksgiving to God.

    “My final words to civil servants is that, just like the theme of the week and what we actually heard this Sunday morning from the Cleric, is that, we cannot stop training ourselves.

    “Knowledge, learning are  keys for us to ascend to the positions God has for us and also to live up to expectations of Nigerian citizens.

    “We must train ourselves with requisite skills, and we can only do this by continuous training and learning, ” the HOS advised.

    She said achieving the objectives of upgrading the nation’s civil service sector was the reason behind the introduction of Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (2021 to 2025.), aimed at learning and capacity development of workers.

    “We have strategic plans that we are running which has six objectives and one of those objectives is learning and capacity development.

    “ So, we have gone all out to ensure that we meet the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on that objectives and I thank God that we have signs to show for that, ” she said.

    Earlier, the Senior Pastor in the Church, Kunle Shoyele, who spoke on the theme, ‘Dominion through knowledge’, tasked civil servants to rededicate themselves to change through consistent learning.

    He said that civil servants needed more exposure to wisdom, learning, to obtain more transformation in service.

    “Skill is required to execute all human endeavour and as a people, we must daily seek out to gain understanding

    “The scripture in Proverbs 4 says; ‘In all you are getting, get wisdom and with it, get understanding.

    “Wisdom is the principal thing. So, if you don’t have it, there is nothing else that you can have because that is the foundation to all, “ he said.

    He, therefore, encouraged civil servants to be skillful and bring positive development to the nation.

    The cleric, observed said the civil service  had improved tremendously in the last four years under Yemi-Esan as the HOCSF.

    In attendance were the Accountant -General of the Federation, Permanent Secretaries, Directors and stakeholders in public service sector. (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)

    MZM/EBI/ROT

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

    Edited by Benson Iziama/Rotimi Ijikanmi