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  • Obi never commented on National Anthem – POMR

     

    Anthem

    By Monday Ajogun

    Onitsha (Anambra), June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) says the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate has never commented on Nigeria’s new National Anthem.

    It said that reports that Obi had been among detractors, who had been vocal against alleged expenditure on the new National Anthem is “false”.

    This is contained in a statement by its spokesperson, Dr Yunusa Tanko, obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) on Sunday in Onitsha.

    According to the group, reports that an alleged sum spent by the Federal Government on the new national anthem that had attracted Obi’s criticisms should be disregarded.

    “POMR wishes to state clearly that while Obi has been a critic of wasteful spending of public funds, he has not said a word directly or indirectly on the new national anthem.

    “Most of Obi’s statements are based on verifiable facts and he never embarked on frivolous remarks.

    “POMR has been made aware of some hirelings whose assignment is to push out funny statements and attribute them to Obi to finally discredit his laudable opinions on national issues.

    “We, therefore, wish to alert the general public especially, media houses to be wary and watch out for such induced materials.

    “Peter Obi’s media office can always be reached for any clarifications,”  he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AJOM/CHOM/MNA

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

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Maureen Atuonwu

     

     

     

  • Troops arrest fake army recruitment officer in Taraba

    Arrest
    By Martins Abochol
    Jalingo, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Troops of  6 Brigade, Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirle Stroke (OPWS), have apprehended Mr Young Danladi, who is alleged to have been posing as its recruitment officer in Taraba.
    This is contained in a statement by Lt. Olubondunde Oni, the Acting Assistant Director of Information of the brigade, issued on Sunday in Jalingo.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspect had made several attempts to scam innocent Nigerians aspiring to join the army.

    Oni said that the arrest followed a visit by the Commander of the Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Uwa to the recruitment center at 114 Battalion Jimilari, to assess the ongoing exercise.
    “The imposter was arrested yesterday, June 22, while making attempts to collect money from aspiring recruits and promising them guaranteed entry into the Nigerian army.
    “The swift action of the troops thwarted his plans, protecting the candidates from falling victim to his fraudulent act.
    “During his visit, Uwa assured the candidates of a fair and transparent recruitment process.
     “We are committed to maintaining a level playing field for all candidates; our recruitment will solely be on merit, and we will not tolerate any fraudulent activities,” Oni said
    Oni added that the brigade commander, who told the candidates that the recruitment was voluntary and free, warned them not to give money to anyone promising to help them to pass the screening.
    ” I commend the vigilance of the troops for the arrest of an imposter because the integrity of the recruitment process is a top priority for the army.
    “The suspect will be handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
    ” I urge all candidates and the public to report any suspicious activities related to the recruitment exercise to the authorities.
    ”This will help ensure that only the most qualified candidates are inducted into the Nigerian army,” Oni quoted the commander. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng
    MK/EBI/AZA
    ===========
    Edited by Benson Iziama/Polycarp Auta

  • Ex-governor’s wife urges Nigerian authors to address societal ills

     

    Ex-governor’s wife urges Nigerian authors to address societal ills

    Authors

    By Joshua Olomu

    Abuja, June 23, 2024 ( NAN)Erelu Bisi Fayemi, a prolific writer and wife of  former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi,  has urged Nigerian authors to use their works to address societal ills and advocate social change.

    Fayemi made the call in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  on the sideline of the June edition of the monthly “Reading and Writers Dialogue” in Abuja.

    The “Reading and Writers Dialogue” is a flagship programme of the Abuja chapter of   Association of Nigerian Authors(ANA) that brings together authors, literary enthusiasts, and then discuss the works of a selected Guest Author.

    NAN reports that the June edition of the dialogue, with the theme, “The Writer as an Advocate of Social and Political Change”, which was held on Saturday, featured Fayemi as the Guest Writer.

    According to Fayemi, writers are people driven by passion to drive positive changes in societies and every author’s work should be used as a tool to  advocate social and political change.

    She, therefore, urged Nigerian writers not to keep mute in the midst of various challenges, such as economic hardship, bad leadership at all  levels, insecurity , child abuse and domestic violence.

    “Everyone, who feels inspired to write, regardless of their age, where they are positioned, what platform they occupy, should continue to do so because we all have something to say.

    “Those of us who are advocating a better world, for change, for a more inclusive society, sometimes we feel that this change takes a long time for people to have, and  we become discouraged.

    “We find ourselves writing the same thing over and over again; writing about poverty, writing about gender and sexual-based violence, writing about the lack of education opportunities for the girl child.

    “We write  about how we are all victims when it comes to having a society that is uneven and unequal, and writing about how our leaders need to do better, and  sometimes we get tired.

    “That is why  it is as if some people just keep quiet and do not  want to write anymore, and my response to that is, we need to write anyway because keeping quiet  is not an option.

    “Silence  is exactly what some people are counting on, that the change we are seeking for does not happen,” she said.

    Some of Fayemi’s books discussed at the event included ‘Loud Whispers’; ‘Where is Your Wrapper’; ‘A Tray of Locust Beans’ and ‘Demand  and Supply’.

    Earlier in his speech, Arc. Chukwudi  Eze, Chairman ANA Abuja, lauded  Fayemi for using her writings to advocate equal society, promote women’s right and hold leaders accountable.

    He, therefore, urged both young and seasoned authors to look beyond monetary gains and use their writings to advocate fair and better society for all Nigerians.

    “Erelu is not only a trailblazer in advocacy and activism, but also a prolific writer, with a collection of notable publications that amplify the voices of marginalised communities.

    “As we go into discussions inspired by her remarkable career and literary legacy, let us be reminded of the  responsibilities we bear as writers to advocate for positive change in our society.

    “Through our stories, poems and essays, we have the capacity to inspire, challenge and mobilise for a better tomorrow, “ he said.

    Also, Prof. Tanure Ojaide, who chaired the  discussion panel at the event, said :

    “Writers are people who want to leave the world better that they meet it.

    “It is therefore important that both young and established writers use their works  to advocate societal change.”

    In his goodwill message,  Ekiti  State Gov. Biodun Oyebanji, lauded the leadership of ANA Abuja for the initiative and urged  Nigerian authors to always use their works to promote positive change.

    The event also had in attendance other government functionaries, lawmakers, including Opeyemi Bamidele, leader of the 10th Nigerian Senate, as well as students drawn from different schools.

    NAN reports that the event featured spoken word , songs, poetry and other presentations by students, and the highpoint was the presentation of awards to young authors. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

    JOSH/IAA

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    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

     

     

     

  • Basketball camp: Participants commend organiser

    Commendation

    By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

    Ibadan, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Some participants at the just concluded annual Aminu Good WorK Foundation (AGWF) elite basketball camp have commended the organiser for successfully hosting the event.

    The participants in separate interviews told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that they learnt so much in the three days camping.

    NAN reports that the annual basketball camp has been organised by Al-farouq, 2015 AfroBasket Champion, and former D’Tigers forward.

    NAN reports that 35 boys and 41 girls of U-19 categories from Oyo state, participated in the event which impacted so much knowledge in the participants.

    Daniel Oladejo, a 17-year-old participant, said that the camp was very nice and worthwhile.

    “We did not only learn about basketball but about life issues. We were taught punctuality, honesty, neatness and many more.

    “It gave us an opportunity to play with the best players in the state,” he said.

    Another participant, Victor Ariyo, 13-year-old, said he had been playing basketball for two years now but that it was his first time at the camp.

    “This is the second camp I ever attended. But this appeared to be the best.

    “I learnt how to dribble, post man move, court vision and so on.

    “I hope we get another opportunity soon so that we can keep learning and improving our skills,” he said.

    Okikiola Akintayo, a 14-year-old participant, said he can now pass and cut and had also learnt how to move to the last angle and footwork.

    Akintayo said that It was a good experience and exposure.

    “I came not expecting much, but they exceeded my expectations. They made us comfortable and they provided us with all that we needed.

    “We were fed; they provided clothes and took good care of us,” he said.

    Pelumi Ogundele (15-year-old), said this was his second time attending the camp.

    “We came from home, and I guess the economic situation of the country caused it.

    “I now know the proper way to jab, chase down and be calm on the court,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SEY/EMAF
    =========
    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

  • Boat mishap kills 2 brothers in Niger

    Boat mishap kills 2 brothers in Niger

    Mishap
    By Rita Iliya
    Minna, June 23, 2024 (NAN) A boat mishap that occurred at Kippo village of Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger state, has killed two brothers.

    Malam Habibu Wushishi, the Director of Media and Strategy, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management in the state, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Minna

    Wushishi, who said that the incident occurred at 10 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, added that the deceased were fishermen.

    ”The deceased fishermen were on board fishing on the river Niger when the boat capsized due to the heavy rainfall and windstorm.

    ”One of the bodies has been recovered while search and rescue operation is ongoing to recover the body of the other victim,”he said.

    Wushishi also disclosed that bandits had simultaneously attacked Lanta, Tunga, Dnakau and Juweedna villages in Erena, Shiroro local government area of the state.

    He said the incident occurred at about 5:30p.m. on June 20.

    The director explained that the bandits rustled many cows, sheep and destroyed many houses, rendering over 600 persons homeless.

    He said that the displaced persons from the affected villages were currently taking refuge at Erena and Kuta Internally Displaced Persons camps. (NAN)
    RIS/AZA

    =======

    Edited by Polycarp Auta

  • IWD 2024: Foundation urges widows to embark on journey of rediscovery, growth

    IWD 2024: Foundation urges widows to embark on journey of rediscovery, growth

    Widows
    By Joan Odafe
    Lagos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Serendipity House Widows Foundation, has called on widows to embark on the journey of rediscovery and growth to find a sense of purpose for living.

    The President and International Missioner of the Foundation, Mrs Ayo Yemisi-Jaiyeola, made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, in commemoration of the 2024 International Widows Day (IWD).

    IWD, celebrated every June 23, is a day set aside by the United Nations to draw attention to the voices and experiences of widows and to galvanise the unique support that they need.

    Yemisi-Jaiyeola said widowhood was a journey nobody prepared for, a path filled with unimaginable pain and grief.

    She, however, said in spite of the grief associated with it, widowhood was not a destination.

    She said if widows took out time to assess their situation, examine themselves, they would have a deeper understanding of themselves and eventually live transformed lives.

    “It’s a journey that takes time, patience and self-compassion.

    “As we navigate the darkness of grief, we begin to discover hidden strengths, resilience and a capacity for growth we never knew we had.

    “In the widowhood journey, know that it’s a path that winds and turns, filled with ups and downs but ultimately leads to a brighter, more fulfilling future,” she said.

    Yemisi-Jaiyeola cautioned widows against living a laid back life while wishing their needs would be met.

    She urged widows, single mothers and women going through the process of a divorce to ensure they worked hard to secure their future.

    Speaking on IWD 2024, Yemisi-Jaiyeola said the foundation planned a programme aimed at giving widows the opportunity to socialise, support and help each other find solutions to their challenges.

    “It is also an opportunity to release the need placards, show the Africanism in our widowhood, which is different from the western part of the world,” she said.

    She urged government at all levels to create database of widows so they can plan for their welfare. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    JOJO/FAA
    =====

    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • LP chieftain tasks N/Assembly on electoral reform

    Dr Ayo Olorunfemi

    Obasanjo’s “third -term agenda” ,a misinterpretation-LP chieftain

    Election
    By Adeyemi Adeleye
    Lagos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria says prompt overhaul of electoral system that will guarantee credible elections nationwide remains a major task before the 10th National Assembly.

    The LP Deputy National Chairman, Dr Ayo Olorunfemi made this remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

    He was reacting to a bill seeking a single term of six years for the President and state governors, brought up recently by 35 members of the House of Representatives.

    NAN reports that the bill also canvasses the rotation of the presidency among the six geo-political zones of the country.

    The 35 legislators, under the auspices of Reformed-minded Legislators, said both proposals would lead to reduction in the cost of governance.

    The spokesman for the group, Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere, added that the move would unite the country and ensure seamless power transition and promote the development of the country.

    Reacting, Olorunfemi said that though the six-year single tenure for the  President and governor remained laudable, the priority should be on reformation of electoral laws and guidelines.

    According to him, this is much more needed no than the proposed single- tenure rotational presidency.

    “Our problem now is how to completely overhaul our electoral system through electronic voting and transmission of result real-time online,” he said.

    Olorunfemi said that the single term of years presidency was proposed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, but was misinterpreted as third term agenda.

    “That was what Obasanjo wanted to do and some people with bad intentions turned that to a third term agenda,” Olorunfemi added.

    He urged the National Assembly to look into the process of appointment of judges and the chairman of the electoral commission.

    The LP boss said that such appointments should be through a competitive selection process  by professionals rather than  by the President.

    He said that National Assembly should,at all times ,pursue  efforts  towards deepening  democracy . (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AYO/BHB

     

    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

  • Bauchi engages stakeholders to revive sports festival

    Sports

    By Ahmed Kaigama

    Bauchi, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Bauchi government has trained 100 local sports officers, coaches, referees and organising secretaries in its bid to revive sports festival in the state.

    Mr Mohammed Salis, Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, stated this at the inauguration of a three-day training exercise for stakeholders on Sunday in Bauchi.

    Represented by Nasiru Usman, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Salis said the exercise would equip the participants with skills to explore new talents and encourage sport development.

    “Bauchi state is known for its vibrant cultural heritage and natural beauty, and also harbors a deep rooted passion for sports.

    “The implementation of refresher course stands as a pivotal strategy to explores the potential benefits and implications of such courses on the sporting landscape of the state,” he said.

    According to Salis, athletes can improve their performances through updated training methods, and coaches can learn new strategies for effective team management and development.

    Also speaking, Mr Ibrahim Kashim, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), lauded the contributions of the stakeholders towards repositioning the sports in the state.

    Ibrahim,who was represented by Mr Hashimu Kumbala, said that sports festival transcends its role as a mere athletic competition rather a powerful mechanism for talent discovery and social enrichment as well as foster unity in the society.

    “By harnessing the spirit of sportsmanship and cultural celebration, the state not only cultivates future athletes but also strengthens its social fabric, paving the way for a more interconnected and prosperous future.

    “The state government’s continuous support and expansion of sports festival exemplifies the transformative impact of sports on the society making significant strides towards a more inclusive and harmonious community,” he said.

    Mr Usman Danbala, the Director, Bauchi State Sports Council, said the state did not organised sports festival in the last 42 years.

    He said the state government accorded premium to the capacity building of sports stakeholders to revive sporting events at the grassroots.

    According to him, refresher courses provide the participants with current information and insights to enhance their understanding for effective sport management.

    “In sports, staying update with the latest trends, rules and technologies is crucial”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MAK/RSA
    ========

    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • Actress Laide Bakare was stopped for contravening traffic laws – Police

     

    Traffic

    By Deborah Akpede

    Lagos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Police Pubic Relations Officer (PPRO), Lagos State Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, has said that actress Laide Bakare was stopped for contravening traffic laws and fined for the offence.

    Hundeyin made this known in a post he shared on his verified X handle, @benHundeyin, on Sunday.

    Taking to her Instagram page on Sunday,
    actress Bakare lashed out at the police for entering her car and driving away with her 14-year-old daughter to an unknown destination.

    According to her, the incident took place on Saturday along Ikorodu Expressway after the police accused her of driving on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Lane.

    “For the first time, I experienced the brutal way Nigerians are being treated along that axis.

    “I can’t imagine how someone with a brain and sanity will enter someone’s car and drive it away with a minor in it.

    “My daughter was left terrified over the incident, a lot of things are happening in this country that needs to be attended to.

    “The police only target big cars and vulnerable people to exploit and rob. Just because they needed our ATM card to take out N70,000,” she said.

    Responding, Hundeyin said that the actress disobeyed traffic laws and paid
    fine as punishment.

    “You were stopped for contravening traffic laws by driving on the BRT lane.

    “You chose to create a scene. You chose to remain out of your vehicle when it was being taken to Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) office.

    “The officers were not going to succumb to your gimmick to hold them down at that spot.

    “You rightly paid the correct fine for your offence – N70,000 – into government coffers.

    “You left with the receipt and your vehicle. Not a finger was laid on you,” the PPRO said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DOA/FAA

    ========
    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Alia to construct Achoho-Awajir-Oju road

    Alia to construct Achoho-Awajir-Oju road
    Construction

    By Emmanuel Antswen

    Oju (Benue), June 23, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Hyacinth Alia, has announced plans to contract the construction of Achoho- Awajir- Oju road.

    Alia made the announcement on Sunday, while addressing the All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters from Oju/Obi Federal Constituency in Oju Local Government Area (LGA), of Benue.

    He said his administration had resolved to bring development to all nooks and crannies of the state.

    He said his administration would construct Achoho- Awajir- Oju road to connect Oju, Konshisha and Gwer East LGAs.

    He said when constructed, the road would boost economic activities, improve the people’s social life and ease movement of agricultural produce to the urban areas.

    He said with good access roads, the security situation in the state would also improve.

    The hovernor therefore, enjoined the people of the constituency to form cooperatives with not less 15 members constituting each society, to benefit from the government:s incentives and support in the agricultural sector.

    Sen Barnabas Gemade, Chairman, Benue APC Elders Forum, on his part, urged the people to support Alia’s administration for more dividends of democracy to come to their area.

    “Gov Alia is a true leader. He is a priest and has come to change the Benue narrative by breaking the shackles of underdevelopment and restoring growth in the state.

    “You should all support and protect him jealously, on our part as fathers, we will give him the maximum fatherly protection devoid of harm,’” he said.

    Member representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency, Mr David Ogewu, assured the governor of his support and the entire people of his constituency for him to succeed.

    “Our dear governor, I believe in you, my people are confident in you because you are a product of the Church who has answered the cries of Benue masses to come and salvage the state and restore its lost glory.

    “What you are doing for the state is the true reflection of your answer to the masses’ cries,” Ogewu said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AEB/DOR
    ========

    Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore