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  • Police detain 2 officers over illegal duty, civilian’s death

    Police detain 2 officers over illegal duty, civilian’s death

    Arrest
    By Moses Omorogieva
    Lagos, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Police Command has detained two police officers who went on an illegal duty, in which a civilian lost his life.

    The Command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, made this known in a statement on Saturday.

    Hundeyin said that the two officers, whose names and ranks were not given, were members of the State Taskforce.

    He said that the officers went on the illegal operation on Wednesday, in the company of some civilians.

    According to Hundeyin, the illegal team came under attack from motorcycle riders, resulting in the death of one of the civilians.

    “While disciplinary actions have commenced on the already detained police officers, search is on for their civilian accomplices.

    “Investigations have commenced to identify, arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of this dastardly act,” he said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
    MIO/KOO/SOA
    ============
    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Oluwole Sogunle

  • Army chief hails NAOWA on supports, humanitarian activities

    Army chief hails NAOWA on supports, humanitarian activities

    NAOWA

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Army staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has commended the wives of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their support to their husbands and the humanitarian services rendered to the society.

    Lagbaja gave the commendation at the First Anniversary celebration of his wife, Maria Lagbaja, as the 21st President of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), on Saturday in Abuja.

    The theme of the celebration is “Journey So Far: Next Level”.

    According to Lagbaja, it is said that behind every successful man, there is a good woman, saying the adage rings true for them in the Nigerian Army, where their women have been the bedrock of their successes, providing unwavering support and strength.

    He said his wife and NAOWA president had been leading the wives of army personnel and had been doing so much in support of him in the last one year, adding that he had always been away to units and formations across the country.

    According to him, his travel log as of Friday revealed that he had been in the air for about 40 hours and on the road, travelling around formations and units of the Nigerian army for about 200 hours.

    “In my travels, I have met with strong, industrious, and supportive NAOWA and NASWA members who have undoubtedly supported their spouses.

    “Many of our women have evolved into strong decision-makers running the home front effectively while the spouses are in the frontlines, on courses, and even lost in the rhythm of our busy peacetime rear units.

    “I must confess that NAOWA has been hugely instrumental to the NA’s successes this past year.

    “I thank my dear wife, the President of NAOWA, for her leadership and inspiration.

    “We have come together today to celebrate my wife’s one year of purposeful and impactful leadership of NAOWA and mentoring of NASWA.

    “The transformation the association has witnessed in one year of her leadership is truly remarkable,” he said.

    Lagbaja expressed confidence that NOAWA under his wife’s leadership would continue to undertake impactful projects in the second year of her administration.

    He challenged the association to expand its activities in close concert with the Nigerian Army Soldiers Wives Association (NASWA) to accommodate wider participation on the barracks women.

    He assured NAOWA of Army Headquarters’ support to achieve more going forward, having realised the enormous benefits of both NAOWA and NASWA.

    The President of NAOWA, Mrs Lagbaja, in her remarks, thanked members, for their constant support and cooperation, which enabled the association to achieve its goals within the past year.

    She said the event provided an avenue for them to to reflect on the remarkable journey they had undertaken together, and to plan a progressive course for the future.

    According to her, it is a moment to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of every NAOWA member, whose unwavering support has been the backbone of my success.

    Mrs Lagbaja said that the association had embarked on numerous outreaches, programmes, and initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare of its members, uplifting the barracks communities, and supporting the humanitarian efforts of the Nigerian army.

    “I have also commissioned several projects initiated by some NAOWA Chairpersons which effectively demonstrates that NAOWA presiding members at all levels have fully embraced and keyed into my vision of “Sustaining Legacies Through Unwavering Commitment to Unity and Service for the Betterment of Humanity.”

    “This vision remains unconditional, and I am committed to ensuring that NAOWA continues to uphold a great reputation in the public eye.

    “I am also dedicated to sustaining our association’s legacies by upgrading and improving upon our assets and institutions.

    “I therefore urge you all to sustain these efforts,” she added.

    NAOWA President said that key projects, such as the modernised NAOWA National Secretariat, remodeled events centre, guest house, and a recreational park would soon be inaugurated.

    These projects, according to her, are a testament to their collective efforts in creating lasting and meaningful impact within our communities.

    “Today’s celebration is not just a reflection of our achievements but also a platform to inspire us to greater heights.

    “Together, we shall continue to build on this foundation, driven by our shared vision of unity, service, and empowerment, in line with my vision,” she added.

    A special highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of her ‘Next Level Transformative Initiative’ for all NAOWA members.

    The initiative, according to her, aims to further empower and uplift NAOWA members, providing new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

    She said the project was also a demonstration of her commitment to the continuous improvement of NAOWA and the betterment of their community.

    Mrs Lagbaja thanked the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for providing them the needed support and directions as well as her husband for his unwavering support to the association. (NAN) (www.nanmews.ng)

    OYS/EBI/IAA

    ===========

    Edited by Benson Iziama/Isaac Aregbesola

  • Don’t maltreat children for poor academic performance, Proprietor advises parents

    Don’t maltreat children for poor academic performance, Proprietor advises parents
    Children
    By Toba Ajayi
    Ilorin, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Proprietor of The Leaders Nursery and Primary School, Ilorin, Mr Olayemi Frank, has advised parents to stop maltreating their children because of poor academic performance.
    Frank gave the advice in Ilorin on Saturday, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN).
    He said that some parents hate and reject children who perform poorly in their studies.
    According to him, such parents deprive those children of their entitlement at home and develop hatred in them.
    “It is best for parents to encourage them, rather than insult and humiliate them in the midst of their friends.
    ” Encourage them to improve, and stop discouraging them. You can build their confidence by telling them they can be the best when they work hard.
    ” It is your duty as parent to encourage and build their confidence. Stop hating and maltreating them for being slow learners.
    ” They will catch up with right words and encouragement. Create time for them and get a good lesson teacher for them,” he said.
    Frank advised parents to stop depriving children of their entitlements as punishment for poor academic performance.( NAN) ( www nannews.ng)
    LEX/SOA
    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • Reps. minority leader calls for state of emergency on cholera

    Cholera

    By EricJames Ochigbo

    Abuja, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, Rep. Kingsley Chinda (PDP-Rivers), has urged the Federal Government to declare  state of emergency on the cholera outbreak in the country.

    He made the call in a statement on Saturday, stressing the need for coordinated joint stakeholders action against the outbreak to nip it in the bud.

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had earlier announced the outbreak of the water-borne disease in 30 states of the federation.

    Chinda, therefore, stated that “the outbreak highlights critical deficiencies in public health safety measures and underscores the need for immediate action.”

    According to him, lack of adequate investment in public and personal health education has contributed significantly to the spread of preventable diseases.

    He added that “as schools across the nation resume from the recent public holidays, there is an urgent need to declare state of emergency on cholera.

    “This declaration will enable coordinated efforts at all levels of government to deploy resources swiftly toward containing the outbreak, improving sanitation infrastructure, and intensifying public health education campaigns.

    “Government at all levels must prioritise allocation of resources toward improving water and sanitation facilities in affected communities.

    “We call upon stakeholders, including government agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations, community leaders and individuals to collaborate in combating this outbreak.”

    The lawmaker said that investment in robust public health education programmes is crucial to raising awareness about hygiene practices that can prevent spread of water-borne diseases, including cholera.

    He urged the public to remain calm, vigilant, practice good hygiene and seek prompt medical attention if experiencing symptoms associated with cholera. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    EOO/HA 

    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Basketball camps helped in making me who I am — Olawuyi

    Basketball camps helped in making me who I am — Olawuyi

    Basketball

    By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

    Ibadan, June 22, 2024 (NAN) Adenike Olawuyi, one of the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket winners says attending basketball camps helped in making her who she is today.

     

    Adewuyi disclosed this on the sideline of the ongoing annual Amimu Good Work Foundation (AGWF) elite camp, at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan.

     

    ‘ I attended this camp in 2019, and it was a good experience; I really learned a lot from this camp, and honestly, it was really a good camp.

    ” I started basketball in 2017 and it was more like I was found on the streets by my coach.

    “He said, ‘you can’t be wasting your height like this’, and he encouraged me to start playing basketball.

    “I asked for time to think about it. and I gave in after a while.

    “I remember by first training session, it was good, and I told my second coach that ‘I think I’m getting interested in basketball’.

    “From there, I started putting in hard work, and I made sure I attended morning and evening practice every day.”

    She said that she went to so many camps and the first was Oyebode Adebowale camp in Akure where she emerged the most valuable player (female) in 2017.

    “The second was Olumide Oyedeji in 2018 and I also got most valuable player for girls, Hope For Girls also in 2018 and many more,” she said.

    The NKA Universitas Pecs players said that in 2019 , she got a scholarship to travel to Hungary to play basketball in high school.

    ” I spent four years in high school in Hungary, and now I’m in the university there.

    “It was one of my dreams to play for Nigeria, and last year I came to Nigeria and saw that there was trials for the D’tigress.

    “I went for the trials in Lagos and I was picked to join the second phase in Abuja.

    “I was in Abuja with other 19 players, and luckily, I made the final list to the Afro basketball.

    “It was really a tough one because I was the youngest player, and I learned a lot from the older players.

    “My team mates and coaches kept encouraging me and kept saying they see a lot of potential in me.”

    NAN reports that the D’Tigress defeated Senegal to win the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket title in Kigali, Rwanda. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    SEY/SOA

    =======

    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

     

  • Silence in face of social injustice, a crime – Onaiyekan

    Picture taken at the graduation ceremony of the trainers and the inauguration of the Catholic Social Teaching (CST) programme for the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) in Abuja

    Silence

    By Philomina Attah
    Abuja, June 22, 2024 (NAN) John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, has said that silence in the face of social injustice is a crime against the gospel of Christ and the nation.

    He stated this in Abuja at the inauguration of the Catholic Social Teaching (CST), programme for Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), and agencies of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN)

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports event also witnessed the graduation ceremony of the trainers of CST programme.

    Onaiyekan said, beyond evangelism, the Church must inculcate communication on justice and peace, all encapsulated in its social teachings.

    He said the belief was the reason why the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria continually urged the government to fulfil its responsibilities and address the people’s needs.

    He explained that CST provided a moral compass for living, functioning, and flourishing in society, making it central to evangelisation.

    The Cardinal congratulated the graduands, urged them to view CST as essential for service and challenged them to deploy their knowledge to spreading the gospel.

    According to the Cardinal, the CST is meant to empower both priests and laypeople to know their rights and speak against injustices in society.

    Speaking, Rev. Fr. Uche Obodoechina, the Director, Dept. of Church and Society, said the programme was designed to equip the staffers of the Bishops’ agencies with comprehensive knowledge on CST.

    “This initiative has been made possible by the wisdom of the Bishops Conference, ensuring that the teaching and learning of CST by the staff of the bishops’ agencies takes place at the secretariat.

    “The next stage is to go into action. We will divide the staffers here into various classes and assign them to teachers.

    Over the next two weeks, we will conduct the programmes every Friday until they graduate,” he said.

    Obodoechina, the Executive Secretary of the Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN), also emphasised the significance of social teachings.

    He reiterated the commitment to continue the CST education programme, fostering a deeper understanding of social justice and the Church’s role in society.

    “We are creating a ripple effect of knowledge and awareness that will extend far beyond the secretariat, impacting communities and society at large,” he added..

    In his keynote address, Prof. Hyacinth Ichoku, the Vice Chancellor of Veritas University, Bwari, Abuja, emphasized that everyone, regardless of status, has something to contribute to society.

    He noted that CST, a hidden treasure of the Church, will address various social concerns, including politics, healthcare, climate change, education, and social inequalities.

    Ichoku expressed satisfaction with Veritas University’s collaboration with CRS and CBCN to spread the message.

    In a valedictory speech, Mr Joe Nkamuke, who spoke on behalf of the graduands,  assured of their commitment to spreading the CST knowledge they have gained.

    “We promise to open the Pandora’s box for others to see,” he said.

    He expressed gratitude to the programme’s organisers and reaffirmed their dedication to promoting CST principles in society. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    APA/ROT
    ========

    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • Some parents of sickle cell children seek govt. assistance 

    Some parents of sickle cell children seek govt. assistance
    Assistance
    By Ijendu Iheaka
    Aba (Abia), June 22, 2024 (NAN) Some parents of children with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) have appealed to government to assist them, as cost of drugs and treatment have skyrocketed.
    They made the appeal in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of an event by Vicar Hope Foundation to commemorate 2024 World Sickle Cell Day in Aba, Abia on Saturday.
    NAN reports that the global observance day is annually celebrated on June 19World Sickle Cell Day is an annual observance held on June 19 to raise awareness about sickle cell disease.
    The theme for 2024 commemoration is “Hope Through Progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally.”
    The parents, therefore, pleaded for urgent help to save their children’s lives, saying they cannot afford the cost of the medication and management of the disease.
    One of the parents, Mrs Ngozi Ogbonna, said that a false laboratory test result  caused her to marry her husband who had AS gene like herself which produced four children, with two being SS.
    She said that managing two children with the sickle cell gene had become  expensive, hence the need for government assistance.
    Ogbonna said government should not leave the medical care of children with SCD to the parents of patients if they want such children to survive and be useful.
    Another parent, Okechukwu Joseph, said  that his second daughter, a SCD patient, had been a source of huge expenses to the family.
    He added that “my experience with the doctors is that they are not doing the best that is required, so they need more specialised training.
    “At FMC Umuahia, my child was left to student doctors who were using her for experiments, hospitals should do better.
    “And government should consider the lives of these poor children with SCD and save them by assisting in their healthcare, which cost has become unaffordable to many parents now,” he said.
    Ogechi Onyekachi, whose twin boys are also living with the disorder, said it had not been easy caring for them, “especially in this season of high cost of drugs and treatment.”
    She begged government to come to her aid and other poor families “because taking care of SCD children has become a herculean task.”
    Dr Emeka Nwakamma, a Medical Consultant, earlier in his speech said SCD patients could prolong their lives by avoiding painful crisis and infections.
    He counselled patients to drink plenty of water, avoid getting too hot or too cold, hard exercises and exposure to low oxygen levels to escape painful crisis.
    He defined SCD as a group of blood disorders inherited from a person’s parents the same way people get the colour of their eyes, skin and hair.
    He said “a person with SCD is born with it and it occurs when he/she inherits two abnormal copies of hemoglobin gene, one from each parent.
    “The abnormal genes with sickle cell traits include hemoglobin SS, also called sickle cell anemia, the most severe form of the disease, hemoglobin SC; S-beta thalassemia; hemoglobin SD and SE.
    “Sickle Cell Trait (SCT), also called carrier state occurs when only one abnormal copy of the Hemoglobin gene is inherited, such as Hemoglobin AS,” he said.
    He explained that persons with AS genes do not usually have symptoms and signs of SCD, but could transmit the gene to their children, thereby propagating the disease condition.
    Nwakamma said there is no single best treatment for all people with SCD, as  options are different for each person, depending on the symptoms.
    He said that SCD treatments include blood transfusion, drinking much water, intravenous fluid therapy and medications to reduce pain, prompt malaria and other infections treatment.
    The consultant said that for severe SCD, a medicine called hydroxyurea might be recommended to reduce painful crisis and hospital stays.
    He  said that the recommended treatment modality in the horizon is Gene therapy, which, however, is not everywhere now. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IEI /OJI/HA
    ===========
    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Alia to revive Taraku mills, renovates dilapitated schools in Benue

    Mill

    By Emmanuel Antswen

    Aliade(Benue), June 22, 2024(NAN) Gov. Hyacient Alia of Benue, has promised to revive the abandoned Taraku Mills Ltd and renovate all dilapidated schools in Gwer/Gwer Federal Constituency of the state.

    The governor made the promise when he visited the constituency on Saturday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor’s visit was to thank the people of the constituency for voting him during the 2023 general elections.

    Alia, who commended the people for ensuring that the Taraku mills was not vandalised, said that his administration had initiated the process toward reviving the company.

    ”By the time this company is revived, it will not only boost the economy of the state, but provide jobs and social security for our people,”he said.

    The governor also promised to renovate and upgrade all secondary schools  in the area, particularly the ones that offers exchange programme for students across the country.

    Alia, who thanked the people for the overwhelming support for his government, promised not to disappoint them.

    On the ongoing land disputes in the area, the governor said that the boundary commission would soon demarcate all disputed lands in the state and urged all communities to respect the decision of the commission.

    Earlier, Sen. Barnabas Gemade, the Chairman, Elders Forum of the All Progressive Congress in the state, commended Alia for his forthrightness.

    Gemade, who described the governor as a man of peace, called on residents of the state to support him to succeed.

    He said that majority of elders in the state are pleased with the governor’s developmental strides, adding that they all promised to support his drive toward meeting his campaign promises.

    In her welcome address, Mrs Comfort Agbo, the Caretaker Chairman of Gwer-East Local Government Area of the state, said that the people of the constituency are pleased  with the achievements of the governor so far.

    “We the people of this constituency are very proud to identify with you and your administration; we are extremely proud of your achievements so far”, she said

    On his part, Mr Elias Audu, the lawmaker representing Gwer-East constituency of the state, urged the governor to look into the welfare of the Internally Displaced Persons scattered everywhere in the state.

    He assured the people that the State Assembly would enact laws and initiate bills that would bring development and progress in the state.

    Mr Benjamin Omakolo, the Acting APC Chairman in the state, received some decampees from other political parties into his party at the event.

    He promised to accord the decampees equal opportunities to contribute their quarter to the growth of APC and the development of the state.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

     

    AEB/AZA

    ==========

    Edited by Polycarp Auta

     

     

     

  • Paris Olympics:Cycling Federation will make Nigeria proud- Official

    Paris Olympics: Cycling Federation will make Nigeria proud-official
    Olympic
    By Aderonke Ojo
    Abuja, June 22, 2024 ( NAN) Bernard Ezenma, the Secretary General of the Nigeria Cycling Federation ( CFN) says the federation will make the nation proud by winning  a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic games.
    Bernard made the promise in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday  in Abuja.
    NAN reports that the games is scheduled for July 26  to Aug. 11 across 16 cities in France.
    He said that the Federation has been working tediously to make sure that it   meet up with  podium standard at the end of the games.
    Ese Ukpeseraye, is the only cyclist that qualified to represent the Federation at the upcoming  Olympic Games, and will be feature in the  road race  cycling.
    Ezenma said currently undergoing training   in Spain with CANYON/SRAM Generation.
    “she is the first Nigerian to have signed to the organisation.
    “ We have made arrangements on how she can be trained there.
    “All necessary and adequate support have  been given to the cyclist, we are here in Nigeria and at the same time supervising her overseas
    “ We are checkmating what she is doing and with the standard she has just attained, we are sure of gold at the  coming Olympics,” he said.
    He said that Ukpeseraye will be able to achieve her  goal at  the Olympics with the training she has received so  far.
    Edema urged her to continue to remain disciplined, dedicated and determined in the course of the competition.
    He said that the federation’s goal is to reach the greatest possible success by coming home with a gold medal and placing first in Paris.
    The secretary   said that there was no competition that the Federation went without leaving a landmark.
    “ The athletes came back from Tour du Togo for the male cyclists  and Tour du Ghana for the female cyclists and they won medals including gold.
    “The cyclists performed exceptionally well and that has promoted the development of cycling in the country. We will continue to maintain that standard,” he said .
    NAN reports that CANYON/ SERAM  Generation is the development team for the World Tour Team.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    STJ/JPE
    ======
    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • We must defeat Plateau United, says Enyimba midfielder

    We must defeat Plateau United, says Enyimba midfielder

    NPFL

    By Nicholas Obisike

    Aba(Abia) June 22, 2024 (NAN) Enyimba International FC midfielder, Elijah Akanni, says his team must defeat visiting Plateau United on Sunday to stand a chance of playing in the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League.

    Akanni spoke with newsmen after the team’s morning training on Saturday, describing the game as a must-win for Enyimba.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Enyimba will on Sunday, inside the Enyimba International Stadium Aba, host Plateau United in match day 38 of the NPFL 2023/2024 season.

    Akanni, who acknowledged that the match would be a tough one, said that the players would go all out to give their best and ensure a convincing victory.

    He said, “The game is going to be an important one for us, and being the last match of the season, it is a must-win against Plateau United for us.

    “We are going to give our best to win and get back to the top where we belong, so that we can play next season champions league.

    “Our target before the season was to retain the title, but due to the turn of events along the line, we had a setback after the match day 36 against Bayelsa United where we played out 1-1.

    Akanni said that champions league position was not a bad one for the team and they were going to fight for it on Sunday in order not to lose out entirely.

    “As a continental team, it will be beneficial to Enyimba, the state and country, if we still maintain our champions league status.

    “Enyimba has been a regular customer of champions league and still needs to maintain its status at the global stage,”Akanni said.

    NAN reports that Enyimba occupied third position on the league table with 60 points while Remo Stars of Ogun State occupied second position with 62 points after week 37 round of matches.

    Plateau United, in the same period, stood at the fifth position with 58 points.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng.com)

    NUO/OJI/SOA

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Oluwole Sogunle