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  • Hajj: Forum condemns infiltration of illegal migrants, seeks improved security

    Infiltration

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Makkah (Saudi Arabia), June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Forum of Chief Executive Officers of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions, has condemned the infiltration of Mina by illegal migrants (Takarai) during the period of the core hajj rituals.

    The forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Idris Al-Makura, made the condemnation while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the just-concluded 2024 Hajj rituals, on Saturday in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mina, also known as Muna, and commonly known as the “City of the Tents” is a valley located eight kilometres southeast of the city of Mecca.

    The city accommodates the pilgrims for over multiple nights in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah (months of Hajj).

    Al-Makura, who is the Chairman, Nasarawa State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, said that the infiltration of Mina by the illegal migrants constitutes a nuisance to the environment.

    He, therefore, called on the Saudi’s Government to tighten its hole on the Mina entry.

    Al-Makura said, ” We are here today because of the just concluded 2024 Hajj rituals and normally we used to sit down and review what has happened and adopt a resolution.

    ” So that we will be able to plan ahead. As you rightly heard during the post-afarat meeting, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Malam Jalal Arabi, said that 2025 had kick-started.

    ” So, we are here to let the whole world know what happened during the just concluded hajj ritual.”

    Al-Makura said that the forum commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for early processing and approval of the 2024 hajj visas.

    ” This is the first time that state pilgrims got visas between two to three weeks before an outbound flight.

    ” And the state pilgrims note with admiration that all the pilgrims spent an equal number of days in Madinah and the commission felicitates entrance into the Rawdah (holy site of worship inside the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah).

    “This is commendable and the forum encourages NAHCON to sustain them,” he said.

    Al-Makura, who said that the inbound transportation of Nigerian pilgrims was commended, prayed that the outbound operation would be seamless.

    He added, ” We also commend NAHCON and the service providers effort’s during the core hajj period. The Forum notes an improvement in accommodations and feeding in this year’s Masha’eer (sites of hajj rituals) compared to the 2022 and 2023 Hajj.

    ” The Forum, however, called for the inclusion of more local food vendors for future Masha’eer feeding.

    ” The Forum expresses its dismay with the disappointment of NAHCON by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), despite the arrangements to give all pilgrims 500 dollars each as Basic Travels Allowance (BTA) only to turn around and sell their dollars at the prevailing market rates.”

    On Medical services, the forum’s Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Salihu, said the National Medical Team had done its best in the provision of effective service delivery to the Nigerian pilgrims.

    ” We still have services optimally rendered. I was in one of the clinics and saw how triaging is actually perfectly being carried out.

    ” And a health worker, myself I can attest to that. So the team is actually working hard to meet the health needs of the pilgrims,” Salihu said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SSI/BRM

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

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Ogun bars traditional rulers from signing MoUs on land

    Orders
    By Yetunde Fatungase
    Abeokuta, June 22, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has issued three Executive Orders, an official said on Saturday in Abeokuta.
    Two of the three orders are establishing two new agencies, while the third restrains traditional rulers from signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on land in the state.
    Abiodun’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mr Kayode Akinmade, in a statement, listed the agencies as the Ogun State Mineral Resources Development Agency and Ogun State Landscaping and Recreation Agency.
    “In addition to the establishment of these two agencies, the third executive order restrains traditional rulers from entering into any form of agreement or MoU concerning mining activities or any other land matters in their domain,” he said.
    Akinmade said the Mineral Resources Development Agency would establish a working relationship with host communities in order to conduct geo-technical and geological surveys of solid mineral deposit within their domain.
    “The second agency is responsible for sustaining the achievement of the Ministry of Environment in the area of environmental regeneration and restoration and through the provision of parks, gardens and recreational centres state-wide to preserve the biodiversity and ecosystem of the environment,” he added.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor’s aide said the three executive orders take an immediate effect.
    “Executive Order One is based on Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution which vests in the governor the exercise of executive powers of the state for the purpose of effective governance.
    “The agency shall, directly or through qualified third parties, conduct and establish working relationship with host communities and local governments for the conduct of geo-technical and geological surveys of solid mineral deposits within their domain.
    “It will conduct geo-technical survey of solid mineral deposits in the state and maintain relevant data in the sector, (and) organise the solid minerals sector to the best interest of the state.
    “To realise its objectives, the agency shall be funded through fees generated from regulatory agency, budgetary allocation, grants and financial intervention from both local and international development partners, as well as gifts, aid and other legitimate contributions,” he explained.
    Akinmade said Executive Order Two was on the basis of the Ministry of Environment starting a massive and aggressive tree-planting campaign to complement the beautification and landscaping programmes.
    ”This is to ensure environmentally sustainable, healthier and beautiful society, and the agency shall administer, maintain and manage all designated parks and recreation centres in the state.
    “For the purpose of realising its objectives, it shall be funded through budgetary allocation or monies received for services rendered, grants and financial intervention from both local and international development partners, as well as gifts, aids and other legitimate contributions.”
    He added that Executive Order Three bars traditional rulers in the state from entering into any form of MoU with reference to mining or any other land matters.
    “The State has observes the current trend in which miners and investors circumvent regulations and government oversight by encouraging traditional institutions to interfere with land management by entering into MoUs and other irregular legal arrangements.
    “Therefore, all forms of traditional institutions existing within the state are hereby with immediate effect barred from entering into any form of MoU or agreement with any individual, companies or organisations seeking land within any part of the entire state for purposes of mining or industry.
    ”They are to forthwith refrain from issuing any form of consent letters for mining across the state.
    “Any traditional institution or stakeholder in the institution who flouts this order shall be sanctioned in line with the provisions of the Kings and Chiefs’ Law and other relevant criminal statutes.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    YAF/OLAL
    =========
    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)

  • Rotary executes N68m worth of impactful projects in Plateau

    Rotary executes N68m worth of impactful projects in Plateau

    Projects

    By Peter Amine

    Jos, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Rotary Club of Jos Central, has executed 17 impactful projects valued at N68 million.

    Mr Kayode Fasua, the club’s outgoing president, who made the disclosure on Friday evening, at a dinner/award night, said that the projects, spread across Plateau, were in line with Rotary International’s seven areas of priority.

    Fasua listed some of the projects executed to include the donation of a motorised solar-powered borehole to the Alheri community, and the donation of medical equipment to some selected secondary schools in Jos.

    The president added that under his leadership, the club distributed grinding machines to widows and wheelchairs to disabled persons.

    He further said that the club provided uniforms, sandals, socks, school bags, and shoes to 90 students from three primary schools.

    According to him, the club also donated 90 modern school desks (30 per school) to three primary schools and also provided 3,000 notebooks, with 1,000 going to each school.

    “Additionally, we planted 200 economic trees in Jos East to benefit the environment.

    “In addition to N14 million worth of projects, we executed a global grant project in partnership with the Rotary Club of Calgary, North Canada, and Rotary International.

    ”The project, worth N54 million Naira, was carried out in five communities across Plateau and Kaduna states.

    “We trained 10 youths in each community in brick molding technology to help rebuild their communities that were destroyed as a result of attacks.

    “We held a medical outreach in Tudun Wada, attending to over 600 inhabitants for various medical interventions, including complex gynecological procedures, thanks to Professor Ishaya Pam, former CMD of Jos University Teaching Hospital.

    “We visited internally displaced persons camps in Mangu, providing foodstuffs, sanitary pads, and clothing. We also erected a peace signboard in front of the local government,” he added.

    The outgoing president believed that he would be fondly remembered for a major leap in membership recruitment, stating that within one year, the club gained 29 new members.

    He pointed out that the feat was the largest recruitment in the entire district, spanning 26 states.

    Mr Mike Nwanoshiri, District Governor-Elect for District 9127, lauded the club president’s sterling leadership, which he said would be indelible in the history of the club and beyond.

    “However, remember that our work is far from over; there are challenges, needs to be met, and lives to be changed.

    “In our collective strength, we will continue to be the changemakers, the vision carriers, and the history makers in communities and beyond,” Nwanoshiri said.

    Mr Hilary Ezeadilieje, Assistant District Governor, appreciated all rotarians on the Plateau, saying that achievements would not have been possible without their unflinching support.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that different categories of awards were given to individuals who distinguished themselves during the rotary year. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    PAT/DOR
    ========

    Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

  • Copyright Infringement: Musician kicks as AGF takes over MTN criminal trial

    Copyright Infringement: Musician kicks as AGF takes over MTN criminal trial

    Trial

    By Taiye Agbaje

    Abuja, June 22, 2024 (NAN) A musician, Maleke Moye has alleged injustice in the directive by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, for a take over of the ongoing trial of MTN Nigeria and its CEO, over alleged copyright Infringement.

    The musician said that the minister’s directive for the prosecuting agency, Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC), to hands off the trial and forward the case file to his (AGF) office portends impending dangerous precedence.

    Moye’s position is contained in a press release issued by his lawyer, Rockson Igelige, which was made available to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja.

    It will be recalled that NCC filed criminal charges against MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd, Karl Toriola, its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nkeakam Abhulimen, Fun Mobile Ltd. and Yahaya Maibe alleging copyright infringement.

    In the three-count charge, before a Federal High Court, Abuja, NCC alleged that the defendants, between 2010 and 2017 “offered for sale, sold and traded for business’’, infringed musical works of Moye without his consent and authorisation.

    The commission alleged that the defendants used musical works and sound recordings of Moye with subsisting copyright, as Caller Ring Back Tunes, without the authorisation of the artiste.

    According to NCC, the alleged offences are contrary to and punishable under Section 20 (2) (a) (b) and (c) of the Copyright Act, Cap. C28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

    At the last hearing in the trial before Justice Inyang Ekwo on June 15, NCC prosecution lawyer, Gladys Ojo had accused MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Toriola, of evading service of court documents

    However, in a letter dated June 19, referenced DPPA/JACK/271/24, the AGF, through the office of the Director of Public Prosecution, directed the NCC to “promptly” hands off the trial, forward the case file and court processes to his office.

    According to the AGF, the decision was taken, following a petition by MTN Nigeria and its CEO, and in line with Section 174 (1) (b) of the1999 Constitution, relating to entry of “Nolle Prosecui” in a criminal matter.

    The section provides: “The Attorney-General of the Federation shall have power – (b) to take over and continue any such criminal proceedings that may have been instituted by any other authority or person.”

    Section 174 (3) further provides that, “In exercising his powers, the Attorney-General of the Federation shall have regard to the public interest, the interest of justice and the need to prevent abuse of legal process”.

    In a copy of the petition by the MTN Nigeria to the AGF, dated May 14, obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the company alleged that the charge was constituted to smear and embarrass MTN and its CEO.

    MTN through its lawyer, Ogden Alade contended that the criminal charge was calculated to “harass embarrass and force the hands of its clients to do the bidding of the musician by paying hundreds of million of Naira for alleged act of infringement”

    MTN said it complied with the provision of applicable laws in the musician songs and did not connive with any person to defraud or violate the right of the musician

    The company added that it had indicated its goodwill and readiness to settle the case amicably under just and fair circumstances without undue pressure and influence, as well as prejudice to its rights and defence.

    MTN said there is an ongoing civil suit on the alleged copyright infringement where the musician is seeking damages of N500 million, before another Federal High Court.

    “The prosecution of the case and trial of MTN and its CEO will erode the corporate image of MTN and depletes its profitability, thereby affecting its share price in the Nigeria’s stock market and taxes payable to the Federal Government by the company.

    “It will also discourage foreign investment for fear of harassment

    “It is in the light of this, that we wish to crave the kind indulgence of your good office in critically examining this matter and exercising your powers under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution in the overall interest of justice and to prevent abuse of legal process,” the letter read in part.

    Reacting to the decision of the AGF to the MTN petition, the musician alleged that the minister used his office ‘as a tool for oppression against an ordinary Nigerian”.

    “While we concede that the AGF is empowered under the law as the Chief Law Officer, to discontinue any criminal trial, we also know that the sacred trust vested in the AGF must not be abused.

    “The responsibility of entering a ‘nolle prosequi’ must actually be exercised justifiably.

    “Sadly in this instance, there is no justification, whatsoever, for the AGF to thwart the prosecution of MTN.

    “The case, indeed, serves the crucial purpose of giving justice to Mr Moye who has expended time resources and energy to create a work of art which MTN and its cronies have willfully stolen and appropriated the income to themselves,” Moye’s lawyer said.

    He called on the AGF to allow justice to take its course and direct MTN to present its case in court.

    According to him, doing otherwise would suggest that the AGF did not trust the Federal High Court, where the matter is pending, to do justice in the case. (NAN) (www nannews.ng)

    TOA/ROT

    ========

    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

    .

  • Sokoto: NGO tasks stakeholders on inclusive education, Tsangaya schools reform

  • Lawal to upgrade Zamfara specialist hospital to teaching facility  

    Lawal to upgrade Zamfara specialist hospital to teaching facility
    Upgrade
    By Shuaib Sadiq
    Gusau, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, says his government is transforming the Specialist Hospital, Gusau to a University Teaching Hospital.
    This is contained in a statement issued by Suleiman Idris, the Governor’s media aide on Friday.
    Lawal stated this at the inauguration of the facility upgrade of the lone state-owned tertiary healthcare institution, code named; ‘Ahmed Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital’ in Gusau.
    According to him, upgrading the hospital will transform  the facility  to the status of a teaching hospital of the Zamfara University.
     Lawal reassured that the process would improve the referral system for specialized care, increase the healthcare workforce, and enhance service quality, resulting in better health outcomes.
    “We are here today to flag off the remodelling, upgrading, and equipping of Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau.
    ” The work will also consist of acquiring medical equipment for the hospital.
    “This project is a follow-up to our declaration of a state of emergency on the State’s health sector after that of education,” Lawal said.
    He said the project was necessitated by the enormous challenges his administration inherited in the sector.
    ” The hospital is in a dire state despite its vital role in providing quality healthcare services to residents and visitors alike.
    ” Many of its structures are in disrepair, indicating an urgent need for attention.
    ” Additionally, the hospital lacks adequate laboratory facilities, hindering the staff’s ability to carry out essential diagnostic procedures effectively,” the governor said.
    Lawal said the aim was to safeguard the health and well-being of both the residents  and healthcare service providers.
    “It will also proactively address, manage, and ultimately control the incidences of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
    “We intend to have a comprehensive healthcare approach that will encompass a spectrum of essential services.
    “This will include the provision of essential medicines, preventive measures, repositioning of health policies, implementation of protocols on water sanitation and hygiene standards,.
    ” Treatment of health conditions, immunization programs, comprehensive antenatal services, related nutrition intervention as well as strengthening of healthcare financing contributory model, ” he added.
    Lawal  said the components of the remodelling project would include new constructions, expansion and upgrading of the existing structures.
    Others include completion of Doctors’ Quarters, modern  Laboratory Imaging Facilities and a complete Hospital Information Management system, among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    SSA/BRM
    ============
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Attacker of Nancy Pelosi’s husband convicted, again, in California court

    Attacker of Nancy Pelosi’s husband convicted, again, in California court

    Conviction

    June 22, 2024 (Reuters) – A right-wing conspiracy theorist who attacked the husband of former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with a hammer was convicted of a host of charges in state court on Friday, following his conviction in federal court last year.
    A California jury convicted David DePape of kidnapping, burglary, false imprisonment, threatening the family member of a public official, and dissuading a witness.
    The state conviction could add more prison time for DePape, who in May was sentenced by a U.S. district judge to 30 years in federal prison for attempted kidnapping and assault of an immediate family member of a federal official.
    The state charges carry a potential sentence of up to life in prison.
    DePape, 44, broke into the Pelosis’ San Francisco home and struck Paul Pelosi over the head with a hammer in the early morning hours of Oct. 28, 2022, while Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, was still speaker of the House of Representatives and away in Washington.
    Pelosi remains a member of the House.
    After the conviction, a spokesperson for Nancy Pelosi issued a statement on behalf of the Pelosi family praising Paul Pelosi for his “bravery” in testifying in the state trial, as he had in the federal case.

    “For nearly 20 grueling months, Mr Pelosi has demonstrated extraordinary courage and fortitude every day of his recovery.
    “The Pelosi family is grateful for the kind thoughts and prayers they continue to receive,” said the statement.”
    It added that there would be no further comment until sentencing is complete.
    Paul Pelosi was knocked unconscious and hospitalised for several days, undergoing surgery for skull fractures.
    He also sustained injuries to his hands and right arm.
    Evidence in the federal trial showed DePape was driven by right-wing conspiracy theories, embracing the fictions spread by QAnon, questioning the Holocaust, and feeding off political accusations against Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, and George Soros, the billionaire Holocaust survivor.
    DePape’s defense attorneys did not contest the evidence at either trial, and focused on DePape’s state of mind and how he was consumed by conspiracy theories.
    DePape told the federal jury he wanted to kidnap Nancy Pelosi, interrogate her, and break her kneecaps if he found her to be lying.
    However, after breaking in, he instead found her husband, then age 82, asleep in his bed.
    DePape said the attack was a reaction to his original plan going awry.
    “He was never my target and I’m sorry that he got hurt,” DePape said. (Reuters/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    YEE
    ===
    (Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

  • Israel attacks Hezbollah positions in Lebanon as UN chief urges calm

    Israel attacks Hezbollah positions in Lebanon as UN chief urges calm

    Calm

    Tel Aviv, June 22, 2024 (dpa/NAN) The Israeli army announced on Friday that it conducted airstrikes against Iran-backed militia Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon in response to ongoing attacks on northern Israel.

    There were no reports of injuries, according to a statement issued by the Israeli military on Friday evening.

    The information could not be independently verified.

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his “profound concerns” about the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Lebanon along the Blue Line, a demarcation line between both countries set by the United Nations.

    “The risk for the conflict in the Middle East to widen is real – and must be avoided,” he said.

    Since the start of the war in the Gaza Strip in October, there have been daily clashes between the Israeli army, Hezbollah and allied groups in the border area between Israel and Lebanon.

    There have been numerous casualties on both sides. The mutual shelling caused heavy destruction in villages on either side of the border. About 150,000 people have been evacuated or have left the combat zone due to the violence.

    Hezbollah is allied with the Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip but is considered to be much more powerful.

    Israel wants to use military and diplomatic pressure to ensure that Hezbollah retreats behind the Litani River, 30 kilometres from the border – as stipulated in an important UN resolution on the 2006 conflict.

    “The parties must urgently recommit to the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 and immediately return to a cessation of hostilities,” Guterres said. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    YEE

    ===

    (Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

  • Huawei reaches 900m active users amid U.S. sanctions

    Huawei reaches 900m active users amid U.S. sanctions

    Users

    Washington, June 22, 2024 (dpa/NAN) Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei has reached 900 million active consumer devices with the company’s HarmonyOS operating system.

    The company announced that its premium devices sales have surged by 72 per ent during the first five months of 2024.

    “No one can extinguish the starlight in the sky.

    “Today, the future of HarmonyOS is set,” Huawei’s consumer business chairman Richard Yu said during a developer conference in Dongguan, China.

    “Let’s enjoy the brilliant galaxy that belongs to us,” Richard added.

    One of the notable reasons for the surge in sales was the launch of Mate 60 Pro smartphones in September.

    Huawei reported a profit of 19.6 billion yuan (2.7 million dollars) in the first quarter, up 564 per cent from the previous year.

    Sales within the same period rose 37 per cent to 178.8 billion yuan.

    During the meeting, Yu mentioned that the company is preparing to launch the Mate 70, the successor of the Mate 60 Pro, later this year.

    U.S. sanctions have denied Huawei access to modern U.S. technologies for several years.

    As a result, Huawei smartphones hardly play a role outside China anymore – even with the company overtaking Samsung as the top smartphone player in 2020. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    YEE

    ===

    (Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

  • Alia attributes success in Benue to Tinubu

    Tinubu
    By Emmanuel Antswen
    Makurdi, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue, has attributed all his achievements in office in the last one year to President Bola Tinubu.
    Alia disclosed this on Friday during his thank you tour to Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency held in Makurdi the state capital.
    He said every achievement he recorded was the handiwork of President Tinubu.
    He said both the construction of roads, underpass, payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, remodeling of Assembly Complex, State Secretariat, were possible because of the support of the President.
    He said the President had given him unimaginable support and urged the people of the state to be patient with him as the President had “very good intentions for the citizenry”.
    He also promised to renovate and upgrade the Ibrahim Badamosi  Babangida (IBB) Square in Makurdi to international standard.
    He said the facilities at the over 30- year old square constructed during the military era were outdated and needed urgent attention.
    He said his administration, which had constructed 16 township roads within the state was also constructing an underpass in Makurdi and Gboko.
    According to him, more roads in the constituency would soon be awarded.
    Gov. Alia further disclosed  that going forward payment of salaries and pensions would start from the 22nd of every month.
    Earlier, Sen. Barnabas Gemade, Chairman Benue APC Elder’s Forum, said Gov. Alia’s coming as governor was  divine.
    Gemade said that Alia’s administration had employed thousands into the state civil service and was paying regularly, adding that previous governors failed to pay with even smaller workforce.
    Mr Benjamin Omakolo, Benue APC Acting Chairman, who received not less than 4000 persons who defected from other political parties into the APC within the constituency assured them of equal treatment.
    The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Yanmar Ortese, commended the governor for the numerous infrastructure constructed within the federal constituency.
    Ortese assured that all appointees from the constituency would continue to give their best for the administration to succeed.
    Earlier, Terver Gbenda, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Organisation and Illegal Levies, said the youths would remain committed to the governor because of his achievements.
    Gbenda said come 2027, the youths would still support his second term re-election.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AEB/IFY
    =======
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole