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Chief of Moro’a buried in Manchok, Kukah says life exemplary
BurialBy Amen GajiraManchok (Kaduna State), June 22, 2024 (NAN) Tears and tributes poured on Saturday in Manchok, Kaura Local Government in Kaduna State, when the remains of the late Chief of Moroa, Mr Tagwai Sambo, were laid to rest.The first class traditional ruler was 88 and had spent 58 years on the throne when his death was announced on June 15.In her tribute at the funeral, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, stated that Sambo served the state with extraordinary integrity and compassion.She added that the late Chief worked tirelessly to promote peace in his domain and beyond.“He was not only a custodian of tradition but a beacon of peace. His immeasurable contributions to our dear state will remain indelible in our hearts.“His legacies will endure in the minds of those who knew him.”Also in her tribute, wife of the deceased, Alisabatu Sambo, described her late husband as a humble man who always put the needs of others before his own.“His life was a beautiful journey, marked by the love he gave and the lives he touched.“As we honour his memory, I find solace in the incredible moments we shared and the profound impact he had on our lives,” she added.She said her husband taught her the true meaning of contentment and love.Also speaking, Sen. Sunday Katung, said Sambo led his people with the fear of God, dedication and courage.Katung stressed that he would be remembered for his laudable contributions to the growth and development of Kaduna State.For Bishop Mathew Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Sambo lived an exemplary life.Kukah appealed to the young people of Southern Kaduna to honour the late Chief’s memory by sustaining his legacy of love, peace, faith and unwavering principles.On his part, former Gov. Ahmed Makarfi, said the late Chief was a leader whose life had been about the people and peaceful co-existence among them.Makarfi explained that Sambo was an epitome of decency, comportment, calm and peaceful mien who performed creditably in all of his responsibilities.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sambo was born on Dec. 24, 1936 and ascended the throne at the age of 30 in 1966.Until his appointment, he was the Commissioner of Works and Housing in the North Regional Government. (NAN) www.nannews.ngAMEN/ETS=========C/River declares total suspension of logging
C/River declares total suspension of logging
Logging
By Christian Njoku
Calabar, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Government of Cross River has declared a total suspension of logging activities in all parts of the state.
This was contained in a statement signed by Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Secretary to the Government (SSG) of Cross River on Saturday and made available to journalists.
It would be recalled that the state government had earlier introduced a permiteeship’ system which empowered the state’s Forestry Commission to give permits to loggers to fell specific trees.
However, this has not worked as illegal logging has continued in the state even in areas under government protection such as the parks.
The SSG said, “In spite of the forbearance by government on the activities of timber loggers in the state, government notes the persisting refusal and or neglect to keep to the terms stipulated by government for the felling of trees.
“Consequently, Gov.. Bassey Otu has suspended further logging activities in the state.
“Security agencies are to arrest offenders and confiscate any log and machinery deployed thereto.”
Owan-Enoh called on the players in the timber logging trade to contact the state forestry commission for further guidance.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the rainforest in Cross River, which accounts for about 50 per cent of the surviving rainforest in the nation, is under serious threats from human activities such farming, illegal logging and illegal mining. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)CBNBRM================Edited by Bashir Rabe ManiEmbassy, NGO rescue 24 victims of sexual violence in Senegal

Dr Salihu Abubakar, Acting Nigerian Ambassador to Senegal, addressing some Nigerian girls who are rescued from sexual exploitation in Tamaccounda and Kedougou Regions of Senegal shortly before their repatriation to Nigeria from Dakar, Senegal on June 22, 2024 Embassy, NGO rescue 24 victims of sexual violence in SenegalExploitationBy Abdullahi MohammedDakar, June 23, 2024(NAN) The combined operatives of Nigerian Embassy and a Senegalese-based NGO have in an overnight operation rescued 24 Nigerian girls who were subjected to sexual exploitation in Tamaccounda and Kedougou Regions of Senegal.Dr Salihu Abubakar, the acting Ambassador in the Nigerian Embassy in Dakar, Senegal disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dakar on Sunday.According to him, the girls mostly under-aged, ranging between the ages of 11, 13 and 24 are being trafficked to Senegal, through Cotonou, Republic of Benin, via Mali to Senegal border for the purpose of sexual exploitation in Tamaccounda and Kedougou Regions.“These girls and many more are being trafficked to Senegal, through Cotonou, Benin Republic via Mali to the Senegal border for prostitution,” the diplomat said.Abubakar said preliminary investigation revealed that most of the girls, who were school dropouts were from Edo and Delta, adding that a few of them were from Imo and Abia while two others were from Plateau.He, however, said of the 24, 22 were already repatriated weeks ago while the two other ladies were repatriated to Nigeria on Saturday and had landed in Nigeria safely.The diplomat could not immediately give the details of the health status of the victims and other information regarding the time they spent while undergoing sexual exploitation in Senegal.The envoy said that the successful repatriation of the girls to Nigeria was as a clear indication of the strengthened international cooperation in combating human trafficking between the embassy and the Senegalese-based NGO, “Free the Slaves” (La Lumiere in French).“Our main goal and number one priority is to discourage the trafficking of our Nigerian girls to any part of the world for prostitution under any disguise,” Abubakar said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)AOM/BRM=============Edited by Bashir Rabe ManiTreat mankind with good conduct – Cleric counsels pilgrims
Conduct
By Muhammad LawalMakkah, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Sheikh Kabiru Umar-Wasagu, a member of the Da’awah Committee of Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Board says Islam always encourages the Muslims to treat mankind with good conduct.Umar-Wasagu, who is also the Deputy Imam of Central Mosque, Birnin Kebbi, stated this in Makkah during the morning enlightenment programme for the pilgrims on Sunday.The News Agency of Nigeria NAN) reports that the enlightenment was meant to further strengthen the faith of the believers especially after performing one of the five pillars of Islam, Hajj.He described good conduct (husnul kulq) as one of the excellent qualities of Islam, hence the need for the Muslims l to promote it to the best of their ability.The cleric charged them to avoid acts that go contrary to the teachings of Islam, identifying such acts to include; telling lies, fornication, adultery and backbiting among others.Umar-Wasagu recalled that the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) spent ten years in Makkah calling on the people to avoid bad habits and encourage good attitudes.He said during the period, people differed in accepting the message of the Prophet, saying: “People like Sayyidna Abubakar Siddiq accepted the Prophet directly and immediately, others accepted his message partially, while others rejected the faith completely.”Taking his text from Sura Waqi’a, (Qur’an Chapter 56) and A’araf, (Qur’an Chapter 7), the cleric said God Almighty had classified people into three groups; those who would inherit the Kingdom of paradise, those who would go to hell fire as well those who would be in-between.“On the last day, there are some Muslims that will enter paradise directly without any hindrance, there are some who will come as Muslims but commit different categories of sins, however, they will enter paradise.*While the third category are those who contemplated their faith and in essence rejected the faith.“A believer is the one called muqarab, meaning close to our creator and will enter paradise directly while there are those who will come with loads of sins.”According to Umar-Wasagu, the likes of Abubakar Siddiq, Umar bn Kathab, Usman bn Affan and Aliyu bn Abu Talib were the four prominent companions of the prophet (PBUH) alongside others.The rest were like Dalha bn Ubaidullah and Mu’az bn Jabal, among others, who are referred to Al-Muqarrab, who are very close to the Lord.“The second category are those Muslims who commit sins and these are divided into two those who will enter paradise after struggle and those who will remain on the fence of A’araf they neither enter paradise nor hell fire,” he said.Citing an example of some giant disbelievers like; Abu Jahal and Shaiba bn Rabi’a, the cleric said they stood against the message of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).“However. Allah’s path is supreme, the message went beyond the Arabian Peninsula and spread all over the world,” Umar-Wasagu said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)KLM/BRM=============Edited by Bashir Rabe ManiNiMet predict 3-day thunderstorms, rain from Sunday
NiMet predict 3-day thunderstorms, rain from Sunday
Weather
By Gabriel Agbeja
Abuja, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thundery and rainy weather conditions from Sunday to Tuesday across the country.
NiMet`s weather outlook released on Saturday in Abuja forecast morning thunderstorms on Sunday over parts of Gombe, Bauchi, Borno, Adamawa, Jigawa, Taraba and Kaduna states.
It envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Zamfara, Kebbi, Kano, Borno, Adamawa Bauchi, Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, Yobe, and Taraba states later in the day.
“Thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of the central states` places like; Plateau, Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory, Benue and Niger states during the morning hours.
“Later in the day, there are prospects of thunderstorms over parts of; Kogi, Niger, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory.
“The southern cities are expected to witness morning rains particularly parts of Imo, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Bayelsa and Lagos states,’’it said.
The agency anticipated thunderstorms to be accompanied with rains over parts of Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Lagos states in the afternoon and or evening hours.
According to NiMet, early morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Jigawa, Taraba and Kaduna states on Monday.
“While afternoon/evening period show prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Zamfara, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Bauchi and Kaduna states.
“Early morning thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa states while afternoon and evening periods have prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Plateau Niger, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory.
“Morning rains are anticipated over parts of Ekiti, Imo and Cross Rivers states with prospects of rains over parts of Abia, Imo, Ekiti, Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, and Rivers states during the afternoon/evening hours,’’ it said.
NiMet envisaged morning thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi and Kaduna states on Tuesday.
According to it, thunderstorms are predicted over most parts of the northern region later in the day.
“With morning thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and Niger states while thunderstorms are envisaged over the entire region during the afternoon/evening hours.
“Cloudy skies are predicted over the southern region with prospects of morning rains over parts of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states while prospects of afternoon/evening rains are envisaged over the entire region,’’ it said.
NiMet advised public to take adequate precaution as strong winds might precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms were likely to occur.
It urged Airline operators to get updated weather reports and forecast from NiMet for effective planning in their operations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FGA/AMM
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru
Cholera: Sanwo-Olu harps on improved hygiene
Lagos Deputy Gov. Obafemi Hazmat
Hygiene
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, June 22, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Saturday called for improved personal and environmental hygiene to curb the spread of cholera in the state.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, made the call in his goodwill message at the 2024 Eid-el Kabir celebration at the Government House, Alausa, Ikeja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Eid-el Kabir celebration was organised Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs.
It had the theme: ”Leveraging on the Gains of Hajj and Eid-el Kabir for Building a Better Society’.
Sanwo-Olu said that there was need to always make the environment clean.
“Cholera has started to raise its ugly head in our state and across the country.
“We must be very careful with our hygiene. Let us make sure that our environment is clean. This is raining season when we experience flooing.
“We must wash our hands regularly and listen to jingles on the media on how we can protect ourselves, and follow the procedure.
” Cleaniness is part of our religion and the will of the Almighty Allah; so, we must live in clean environments,” he said.
The governor also charged the residents to live in peace and harmony irrespective of religious differences.
Sanwo-Olu called on the residents to make necessary sacrifices that would move their families, Lagos State and the entire forward.
The Wife of the Governor, Mrs Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, urged the residents to cooperate with the state government to facilitate delivery of dividends of democracy.
She also solicited their cooperation in the fight against gender-based violence, sexual violence and domestic violence.
She emphasised proper enlightenment on the teachings of the Quran on gender-based violence.
Highlights of the celebration included Quaranic recitation and musical renditions, and prayer for Nigeria and that of President Bola Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu and Hazmat. (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)
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Edit by Ijeoma Popoola
Gov. Mbah urges youths to embrace leadership, entrepreneurship
Gov. Mbah urges youths to embrace leadership, entrepreneurship
Youth
By Alex Enebeli
Enugu, June 22, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State on Saturday advised youths to embrace leadership, entrepreneurial and innovative spirit to move the state and Nigeria forward.
Mbah gave the advice in Enugu during the 2024 Enugu Leadership and Business Summit, organised by Enugu Innovative Youths (EIY).
The summit is themed, “The Role Of Youths in Building A New Enugu”
The governor encouraged the youths to pursue greatness and cultivate the mindset of life-long-learning to enable them achieve their dreams in life.
Addressing the youths at the summit held at University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, the governor extolled the energy the youths brought to the submit, saying that the gathering showed incredible power that lied within the youths.
The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, added that the theme resonated deeply with their collective aspirations.
According to him, this underscores the pivotal role youths play in reshaping the destiny of Enugu State whether through entrepreneurship, advocacy or public service.
He urged them to embrace leadership which, he said, was not title or position but something that inherent what one works toward.
According to him, leadership is not confined to boardroom or legislative chambers but begins with self awareness, commitment to integrity, empathy and ethical conduct.
“It is defined by the courage to take initiative, resilience to navigate challenge and compassion to uplift those around you.
“True leaders inspire trust, empower others and champion inclusivity.
“Remember to uplift those around you when ascending the ladder of success.
“This is because true greatness is not measured by personal accolades you receive but by the positive impact you have on others.
“Your contribution matters and you have power to make a difference. The time to lead is now and the world is waiting for you,” Mbah added.
A member representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency, Mr Chimaobi Atu, in a lecture titled “A Limitless Potentials of Enugu Youth” urged the youth to embrace innovation and acquire digital skills and networking.
This, he said, would help them to solve complex challenges facing the society as well as discovering their hidden potentials.
Also, the member representing Nkanu East and West Federal Constituency, Mr Nnolim Nnaji, while speaking on “Youths And Drug Abuse”, noted that drug abuse posed socio-economic effect and endangered the future of youths.
He, however, advised them to shun any form of drug abuse in order to build the desired and sustained society the state and country craved for.
Earlier, the Director of EIY, Rev. Chimaobi Aninwene, said the summit aimed at gathering youths together to educate them on the need to be part of the happenings in Enugu and the country.
He said: “Before this time many youths think that to be a youth is just about a particular age. Youth need to understand who they are to value themselves.
“We want to be part of innovation and creativity going on in the country as well as partnering with Mbah because of his developmental strides within one year in office,” he said.
He explained that the youths were drawn across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state to participate in the summit, to hear and learn from incredible leaders, who would speak to them on various topics.
The News Agency Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlights of the event include the presentation of N100,000 each to three youths for their education and presenting Mbah with the Best Innovation Award of the year. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Abiemwense Moru
Organisation seeks more blood donors to save lives
Organisation seeks more blood donors to save lives
Blood
By Sarafina Christopher and Eletta Mercy
Abuja, June. 22, 2024 (NAN) Jela Development Initiative (JDI) a non-profit organisation has appealed to the public to generously donate blood to alleviate the critical shortage of blood supply in hospitals and healthcare facilities nationwide.
The organisation made the appeal in Abuja on Saturday, in collaboration with the National Blood Service Commission and Rotary Club of Abuja Federal, during a blood drive.
The blood drive is themed “Be a hero, donate blood and save lives”.
Mrs Angela Ochu-Baiye, the CEO of JDI, stressed the importance of providing blood donations to aid patients in life-threatening conditions.
Ochu-Baiye, represented by Ms. Oluchi Ihezie, Programmess Assistant at JDI, highlighted that blood donation was a noble and selfless act that could profoundly impact someone’s life.
“The organisation is dedicated to promoting voluntary blood donations, recognising the challenges many face in accessing blood due to its high cost.
Ihezie further stated that there was a surging demand for blood not only within the nation but also across the continent and globally.
“Patients requiring blood, such as those grappling with severe illnesses like cancer or undergoing intensive medical treatments, heavily rely on blood transfusions for their survival,”she said.
Also speaking, Mrs Omotayo Ottun, Donor Recruiter NBSC, pointed out that blood donors not only contribute to a life-saving cause but also benefit from comprehensive medical check-ups prior to donation, promoting overall health and well-being.
“The main targets of the donation are the excess blood in your system, which the body is not using, a sachet of that blood after every three months for men and four months for women can save three people’s life.
“Donations also help to produce new red blood cells making it more active in your system, it helps burn calories and also regulates the heart effectively,”Ottun said.
Mr Theophilus Apeh, representing the Rotary Club of Abuja Federal, expressed gratitude to all blood donors for their invaluable contributions to the humanitarian endeavor.
Apeh also urged the relevant authorities to ensure that donated blood reached patients in need without imposing any financial burdens.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an anonymous first-time blood donor shared her experience in partaking in the noble cause and overcoming initial apprehensions surrounding blood donation.
She also expressed appreciation for the rigorous screening procedures carried out to ensure donor eligibility and blood safety.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)
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Ebonyi: Journalist’s LG Chairmanship bid gets massive boost
CandidacyBy Chukwuemeka OparaAbakaliki, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The ambition of Mr Timothy Nwachi, former Director-General of Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation, to take the Afikpo North Local Government Chairmanship seat, got a massive boost on Saturday.The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that Nwachi’s bid got off to a good start with the area’s Diaspora group endorsing his candidature.The group, while identifying with the media guru, thanked the All Progressives Congress(APC) for ensuring a transparent process that led to his emergence.Its President-General, Chief Oko Enyim, told NAN that the group would support Nwachi’s bid to lead Afikpo North Local Government Council.“The party has identified with Gov. Francis Nwifuru’s mantra of transparency in ensuring fairness and credibility in all facets of the state.“This is a testament of the governor’s unwavering commitment towards enthroning genuine democracy in the state starting, from the local government level,” he said.Enyim described Nwachi as “a square peg in a square hole”, noting that he is “grass-rooted and well-equipped to deliver the goods”.“We, the natives of Afikpo, attest to the fact that Nwachi possesses the qualities to replicate the governor’s democratic and human-uplifting ideals in the council.“Nwachi’s eventual emergence as chairman will usher in the needed peace and tranquility in the area under a leadership of transparency, accessibility, among other virtues.“The people are expecting real progress and development in the area and the group will contribute all within its reach, to ensure his success at the polls,” he said.He further described Nwachi as a humble and responsible administrator whose vast experience in the public service will be key in providing quality leadership to the people.“Nwachi excelled as the Director-General of the Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation and the immediate past Deputy Chief of Staff to the state Governor, among other top positions.“His pedigree, especially in the media industry, stands him out as a tool of re-integration and beacon of hope for the people,” he said.Enyim said that the group is solidly behind the state government in achieving its goals as contained in its people’s charter of needs mantra.“The surge of eminent personalities and political heavyweights into the APC signifies the party ‘s total acceptance in the state.“Afiikpo North will demonstrate such acceptance at the polls,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)RCO/ETS========KTSG ready for maiden North-West peace, security summit
KTSG ready for maiden North-West peace, security summit
Summit
By Abbas Bamalli
Katsina, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Katsina State Government has expressed its readiness to host the maiden two-day Peace and Security Summit for the North-West region scheduled for between June 24 and June 25.
The state’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr Bala Salisu-Zango, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Katsina on Saturday.
According to him, the summit is organised by the North-West Governors’ Forum, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
He added that the event would be the first ever peace and security summit for regional cooperation for securing lives and livelihoods.
Salisu-Zango explained, “As you may be aware, our state and the region have been facing numerous security challenges in recent times.
He said, “In response, the North-West Governors’ Forum, in collaboration with the UNDP, is set to host the summit in the state from June 24 to 25, 2024.
“This landmark event, the first of its kind in the region, will bring together stakeholders, experts, Governors from the region and key partners to discuss and find solutions to address the pressing security challenges facing the area.”
The commissioner described the summit as timely, saying that it came at a crucial moment for the region as it faces mounting security challenges.
According to Bala-Znago, in recent years, there has been a marked increase in incidents of banditry, terrorism and communal conflicts.
“These issues have had devastating consequences for the local population, resulting in significant loss of life, severe disruption to livelihoods and widespread destruction of property.
“This underscores the urgent need for coordinated action and solutions to restore peace and stability to the region, comprising Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto and Zamfara States.
“Under the theme, “Regional Cooperation for Securing Lives and Livelihoods”, the summit aims to explore solutions to ongoing insecurity, focusing on promoting peace and stability while strengthening cooperation among state governments to tackle these complex issues.
“UNDP’s journey to address insecurity in the Northwest region began in January 2024 with a peace and security workshop organized in collaboration with the Katsina State Government.
“By bringing together key stakeholders, this summit is expected to serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue and action, leading to concrete strategies for enhancing peace and security in the region,” he said.
Bala-Zango added that discussions at the summit would explore sustainable approaches to advancing food security and fostering sustainable livelihoods.
He added that the summit would examine how different regional actors can support and enhance regional cooperation as well as integrated solutions for the region’s future development. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Bashir Rabe Mani

