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  • Badawy defeats top seed Batra at WTT Contender Lagos

    Defeat

    By Vivian Ibobo

    Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Egypt’s Table Tennis player, Farida Badawy, on Friday defeated India’s top seed, Manika Batra, in the women’s singles at the 2024 WTT Contender Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match took place at the Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium.

    The 20-year-old Egyptian’s triumph in the thrilling match with Batra, ranked 28 in the world, was in spite of her low world ranking (331).

    Badawy, playing without a coach, took a 2-0 lead against the seasoned Indian superstar.

    Batra fought back to level the score at 2-2, setting the stage for a tense deciding game.

    Badawy’s determination was evident as she caught up with Batra, leading 8-5.

    At 10-6, victory seemed within reach, but Batra rallied to 10-8.

    In the end, Badawy secured a historic 3-2 win (11-8, 11-9, 8-11, 9-11, 11-8) to mark the pinnacle of her international career.

    Badawy expressed joy and relief, “I’m very happy to be here in Lagos, playing against Manika Bartra, India’s top player, and winning 3-2—it’s a dream come true.

    ”I hope to perform well in my next match I am ready to give my best in all my game to come victorious.

    ”Lagos fans played a crucial role in supporting me throughout, adding that Nigerian fans are incredible acknowledged their cheers lifted me when I needed it most.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IZU/DOE
    =======
    Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

  • Don’t be ashamed, speak up when traumatised, therapist advises

     

    Lara Kudayisi, Founder of Lara Kudayisi International, with Teddy Don-Momoh, co-founder of Lara Kudayisi International during a media briefing in Lagos, on Friday.

     

     

    Trauma

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Lagos June 21, 2024 (NAN) Lara Kudayisi, a relationship expert and therapist, has advised individuals undergoing any form of trauma to speak up and seek help.

    Kudayisi, Founder of Lara Kudayisi International, gave the advice at a news conference ahead of the maiden edition of “Finding Love After Trauma Fiesta” (FLAT), on Friday in Lagos.

    According to her, keeping quiet while going through trauma can be risky.

    She said to encourage the culture of speaking up promptly, ‘Finding Love After Trauma Fiesta’ would be hosted to help traumatised individuals in the society to recover.

    Kudayisi said the programme was targeted at singles, married and divorced individuals who are trying to recover from one form of trauma or the other.

    She said the programme slated to hold on June 29, at Muson Centre in Lagos, would be an avenue to address sensitive issues, particularly marital and relationship trauma.

    According to her, certified relationship therapists will be engaged during the fiesta to offer professional help.

    She said that the fiesta would feature panel sessions where individuals who had healed from traumatised relationships share their experiences for others to learn and recover as well.

    She said that the programme would also provide an avenue for people to understand the essence of maintaining sound mental health in relationships.

    “FLAT is meant to bring traumatised individuals to their safe spaces. We are looking at the singles, married and the divorced for this maiden edition.

    “From this programme, people will get to learn effective communication techniques to enhance their connections with others.

    “People will also learn strategies for navigating challenges and conflicts in a healthy and constructive way as well as gain inspiration from real-life success stories.

    “We will have Omowunmi Akinnifesi; Sandra Eze; Morayo and Femi Afolabi-Brown; Chiamaka Obuekwe; Oladotun Ojuolape and many others speak on the panel.

    “This is going to be a celebration of love, learning and connection for all; we want to debunk the narrative that being single means going into prostitution, ” she said.

    Speaking on the entertainment segment of the fiesta, Teddy Don-Momoh, co-founder of Lara Kudayisi International, said the programme would not only feature healing and therapy sessions.

    Don-Momoh said there would also be comedy session, musical performances, dance session, games and networking session. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

    PTB/FAA

    ========

    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Group, CSOs demand for more female representation in Kwara politics

    Politics
    By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

    Ilorin, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Women political aspirants in Kwara and civil society groups on Friday in Ilorin called for the implementation of 35 per cent affirmative action for female politicians in Nigeria.

    The group, under the auspices of Women Political Participation (WPP) programme, spoke at a one-day workshop on Strategic Advocacy for Increased Women Participation in Politics (SURGE-UP).

    The workshop was organised by the Women Environment and Youth Development Initiative (WOYODEV) with support from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and funded by the USAID and UKAID.

    While speaking during the event, Mrs Tosin Apiriola-Ajayi, the Executive Director of WOYODEV, emphasised on the need for women to be elected into political and appointive public service positions in Nigeria.

    She said this was as contained in the extant National Gender Policy (NGP).

    The Executive Director observed that Nigeria does not have a specific quota system for women in politics in terms of programmes and policies.

    Apiriola-Ajayi stated that women make up a significant portion of the electorate in Nigeria, adding that the country’s political landscape has historically been male-dominated.

    “For instance, no female Governors were elected in the2023 elections, a pattern that has remained constant since the return to democracy in 1999”, she said.

    She pointed out that the SURGE-UP project thus aimed to reignite gender-responsive policies and programmes in Kwara.

    ”This is with the goal of achieving a strong gender quota legislation for
    women in parliamentary elections and other local elections in the
    state.

    “Also, it aims to increase women’s participation and representation in
    politics in Kwara through high level advocacy for gender-responsive policies and programmes towards the 2027 elections”.

    Apiriola-Ajayi said the project aimed to achieve this by building strong partnership with female and male parliamentarians, party leaders and community gatekeepers.

    ”This will be with the use of strategic awareness-raising, editorials and public campaigns as veritable tools.”

    She also said the objectives include reigniting the political will of parliamentarians in Kwara to sponsor and facilitate bills and legislations.

    ”This will enable them to advocate a strong quota for women in coming elections at national and state levels.”

    The Executive Director said the group expected such results as “bills that seek strong quota for women in political offices initiated in state and national assemblies.

    “Bills promoting women’s participation in politics and specific financial cap for local and national elections progressed”.

    She also called for increased skills and knowledge of aspiring women politicians, leading to increased participation of women in politics and a higher number of women seeking public office.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum agreed that the upcoming Local Government elections is an opportunity to ensure women emerge through party primaries in Kwara.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FATY/OLAL
    ==========
    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)

     

  • Gov. Otu appoints new traditional rulers council chairman

    Appointment

    By Christian Njoku

    Calabar, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River has approved the appointment of His Royal Majesty, Ovai Solomon Edward,  the Paramount Ruler of Abi Local Government Area, as the Chairman of the State Council of Chiefs.

    Otu approved the appointment in a statement by Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Secretary to the Government of Cross River, on Friday.

    It would be recalled that Otu had on June 14, approved the immediate dissolution of the state’s Council of Chiefs, whose tenure elapsed many years ago.

    This was after the State House of Assembly passed a resolution for a change of the leadership of the State Council of Chiefs, who had overstayed their term in office.

    The governor said the dissolution was in line with the power vested on him by Section 3 of the Council of Chiefs Law of Cross River, 2004.

    According to him, the appointment of the new chairman is for a period of two years, effective from June 21.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the position of the chairman of the council of chiefs was rotational among the three senatorial districts of the state.

    The newly appointed chairman is from the Central Senatorial District, and after two years, it would go to the Northern Senatorial District before returning to the Southern Senatorial District. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CBN/FON/JNC
    =============
    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Delta reiterates demolition exercise is not witch-hunt

     

    Delta Taskforce on Recovery of Government Lands on Friday demolishing buildings illegally erected on State Government land at Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai, Asaba

     

    Delta Taskforce on Recovery of Government Lands on Friday demolishing buildings illegally erected on State Government land at Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai, Asaba

     

     

     

    Demolition

     

    By Ifeanyi Olannye

     

    Asaba, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Delta Government has reiterated that its land recovery mission was not to witch-hunt anyone but to do the right thing by putting the record straight.

     

    The Chairman of the Delta Taskforce on Recovery of Government Lands, Chief Frank Omare, said this during Friday’s demolition exercise of illegal buildings at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta had given a matching order to a constituted task force to recover illegally acquired government lands across the state.

     

    Deploying three “Swamp Buggies” bulldozers to the site, Omare said the one-month-old land recovery exercise would be done in all 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

     

    According to Omare, the lands were gazetted many years ago by the government, but land grabbers stepped in and sold them to unsuspecting individuals without approved documents.

     

    He, however, challenged aggrieved victims to come up with valid titled documents on the lands acquired.

     

    He said the government would not pay compensations for illegally erected buildings, adding that its actions in Asaba would serve to warn other illegal occupiers across the state.

     

    He said the people were adequately sensitised and warned ahead of the demolition exercise but remained adamant until they saw the bulldozers approaching them.

     

    Omare said, “This demolition exercise is a continuation of the task force assignment in the state.

     

    “We are still in Asaba axis; we are coming to Ibusa, Agbor, Kwale, Warri, indeed across the 25 LGAs of the state.

     

    “It is a process and our governor is determined to recover all the lands to the government.

     

    “How can we pay compensation; the victims ought to pay for the equipment the government is hiring for the demolition.

     

    “We are looking for the land grabbers who sold the lands and misinformed the less privileged, putting the people in this present suffering.”

     

    Omare said the land had been gazetted since the administration of Capt. Ibrahim Kefa and upheld by subsequent administrations of Chief James Ibori, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa and now, Oborevwori.

     

    “Government cannot fold its hand; it is not about Gov. Oborevwori or to witch-hunt anybody; it is about government policies,” he said.

     

    He advised the people to obtain reasonable information from appropriate government agencies, adding that they should promptly remove their valuables if their acquired or rented property was on government land.

     

    Omare dismissed claims by some of the affected landlords that the government had assured them regularisation of the land titles after they were served quit notices.

     

    NAN reports that over 30 buildings including warehouses were demolished at Camp 74, the landed area mapped out and gazetted for Dennis Osadebay University.

     

    Speaking to NAN, some victims said the government should have given enough notice to enable them to relocate and evacuate their wares.

     

    Others said although they were served quit notices, they had a meeting with the government and were assured their landed properties would be regularised by giving them ownership titles.

     

    The impacted residents of the area were seen lamenting and making concerted efforts to salvage some of their belongings. (NAN) (www.nannews.com.ng).

     

    IO/MAS

     

    Edited by Moses Solanke

    ===========

  • ARCON seeks synergy between academia and professionals

    Synergy

    By Joan Odafe and Franklin Ohaegbu

    Lagos, June 21, 2024, (NAN) The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has called for synergy between its stakeholders, particularly the academia and the professionals, to foster a well-structured industry.

    The Director-General of ARCON, Dr Olalekan Fadolapo, made the call at a media briefing on Friday in Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by the council to announce the second edition of its Advertising Industry Colloquium (AIC), which will hold on June 27.

    The theme of the conference is: ‘Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Advertising Education and Industrial Excellence in Nigeria.’

    Fadolapo said that the engagement was to ensure that both the academia and professionals were on the same pedestal.

    He said the lines of advertising and other courses, including public relations, were getting blurred by the day.

    He added that technology was causing a major disruption in advertising, particularly by the tools, like Artificial Intelligence (AI), being introduced into the profession.

    “It is very important to us as an industry that is challenged with so many things to ensure that we bring everybody into the same space.

    “Now we have a culture, we have religion, we have our peculiarities, how do we marry these peculiarities with global trends,” he queried.

    Fadolapo further said that the colloquium would give the opportunity to formally present the council’s ‘Advertising Industry Journal.’

    NAN further reports that the journal is a collection of research in different areas of advertising that had been done.

    “They have interrogated the body of knowledge, they have come up with the findings and they’ve come up with their contributions to knowledge.

    “Now the book being published, the journal, is going to become an authority and will be cited in research,” Fadolapo said.

    Also, Chairman of ARCON’s AIC Committee, Prof. Rotimi Olatunji, said the programme would yield better outcome than its previous edition.

    Olatunji said that the colloquium would include a job fair that allows participants to benefit from the opportunities in the Nigerian marketing communications industry.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    JOJO/FOE/AWA
    =============

    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

  • AKK gas pipeline project 90% complete -Minister

    AKK gas pipeline project 90% complete -Minister

    Gas
    By Aisha Gambo
    Kaduna, June 21,2024(NAN) The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, on Friday stated that the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano(AKK) gas pipeline project has reached 90 per cent completion.
    The minister made the disclosure during an inter- ministerial visit to the gas project at River Kaduna HDD crossing site, Kaduna State.
    He stated that the 614 kilometers project has reached a commendable stage in spite of the effect of COVID 19 and the prevailing security challenges in some of the host communities .
    “We have witnessed the tremendous natural gas pipeline project and we have seen the skill and capacity of both the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC) and the Chinese Nigeria partnership.
    “I’m sure and I’m convinced that this project in line with the presidential mandate will be completed on time by the first quarter of next year.
    “It should give all Nigerians confidence in our own ability to do our own project, bring partners in to help and grow the economy,” he said.
    On his part the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the project was critical for the country as it would help boost the economy.
    He added that the ministry would ensure the timely completion of the project as directed by President Bola Tinubu in order to create job opportunities,revive industries, improve power and generate revenue .
    Ekpo explained that the ministry, in collaboration with NNPC, was working towards expanding the project to other parts of the nation so that every  state would have gas and energy security.
    He expressed optimism that the project would succeed and Nigeria would  be the hub of gas distribution within the sub region and export gas to other countries.
    Earlier,the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammad Idris, stated that it was part of Tinubu’s mandate to complete projects that have positive impacts on the people.
    He said that the project would be delivered in good time and Nigerians would see the benefits shortly.
    Similarly,Gov. Uba Sani, who was represented by his Deputy , Hajiya Hadiza Balarabe, said the gas project would solve the state ‘s power challenge and improve citizens’ standard of living.
    Meanwhile , Mr Howard Wang, Chairma,Brentex CPP Ltd ,  the contractors, said that they directly employed more than 1,925 skilled and sSemi-skilled Nigerian workers for the project.
    He added that they had worked in harmony with more than 240 local communities living along the right way for the project.
    “BCL has enjoyed tremendous support from the Federal Government of Nigeria through the able leadership of NNPC Ltd, without this support we may have had no magic to perform.
    “We also celebrate ourselves, BCL, a consortium of Chinese Government owned companies and a Nigerian local private company that successfully worked together to bring the project to the success it is today”,he said.
    The Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd, Mr Mele Kyari, said that the company was committed to delivering the gas pipeline project on time.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AMG/BRM
    ===========
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Foundation seeks partnerships to sustain sickle cell programming

    Sustainability

     

    By Kemi Akintokun

     

    Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN) has called for partnership to ensure sustainability of sickle cell disorder programmes in the country.

     

    This was contained in a communique developed by stakeholders following a symposium and news conference to commemorate the 2024 World Sickle Cell Day.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Sickle Cell Day is marked globally every June 19 to raise awareness about the disease.

     

    The communique, which was read by Dr Annette Akinsete, National Director/CEO of SCFN, noted that government’s commitment was essential for Sickle Cell control in Nigeria, however, that government alone could not be saddled with the responsibility, but through partnerships.

     

    “Sickle Cell Disorder should be declared as a national emergency to address challenges faced by warriors.

    “There are advances in treatment and cure, new drugs; non-pharmacological aids for pain management; and Gene therapy must be made available to SCD patients through partnerships.

     

    “Global partnerships as outlined in SDG No.17, partnership within Nigeria which involves Public-Private partnership, religious communities and others need to come together as one,” it said.

    According to the communique, the foundation which was  established 30 years ago, is a non-government entity that is involved in all areas of sickle cell programmes; including advocacy; research; prevention; treatment; care; welfare and cure.

    It said that the foundation had come up with the ‘Wait-List Initiative of SCFN’, to help solve the out of pocket expenses problem that persons with the disease suffer.

    “This initiative will ensure treatment and care of warriors in a sustainable manner, in any part of Nigeria by enrolling in the Wait-List database.

     

    ”The treatment will comprise daily routine drugs, wound dressing for leg ulcers; hospital admission expenses; stroke requiring rehabilitation and others,” the communique said.

    It called for more advocacy to educate Nigerians on the need to know their genotype and shun discrimination and stigmatisation against persons with SCD. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    KOA/FON/VIV

    =====

    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Vivian Ihechu

  • NGX sheds N56bn as investors sell off banking stocks

    Loss

    By Rukayat Adeyemi

    Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Losses in Teir-one banking stocks on Friday pushed the market indices into a negative terrain, making investors to lose N56 billion.
    Specifically, sell-offs in the stocks of Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), Zenith Bank, FBN Holdings, Fidelity Bank,  Wema Bank, as well as Nestle and African Prudential, among other declined equities, brought the market performance down.
    Accordingly, the market capitalisation which opened at N56.479 trillion, lost N56 billion or 0.10 per cent to close at N56.423 trillion.
    Consequently, the All-Share Index lost 0.10 per cent or 100 points, to settle at 99,743.05, compared to 99,842.94 recorded in the previous session.
    Market breadth also closed negative with 26 laggards and 23 leaders on the floor of the Exchange.
    On the gainers’ log, International Breweries led by 10 per cent to close at N4.40, Thomas Wyatt followed by 9.95 per cent to close at N2.10, Chams gained 9.86 per cent to close at N2.34 per share.
    Champion also rose by 9.83 per cent to close at N3.91, while John Holt advanced by 9.66 per cent to close at N2.61 per share.
    Conversely, Multiverse led the losers’ log by 9.68 per cent to close at N11.20, RT Briscoe trailed by 7.46 per cent to close at 62k per share.
    Sunu Assurances shed 6.25 per cent to close at N1.20, NEM Insurance declined by 5.95 per cent to close at N7.90 and Fidelity Bank dropped 4.81 per cent to close at N9.90 per share.
    Meanwhile, analysis of the market activities showed trade turnover settled lower relative to the previous session, with the value of transactions down by 55.20 per cent.
    Investors traded 617.22 million shares valued at N11.35 billion in 9,273 deals, as against 1.3 million shares valued at N25.33 billion in 8,364 deals that exchanged hands on Thursday.
    FBN Holdings led the activity log in volume and value with 207.91 million shares worth N4.57 billion, GTCO followed by 58.55 million shares valued at N2.6 billion.
    Veritas Kapital sold 57.59 million shares worth N55.20 million, AIICO Insurance traded 46.83 million shares valued at N45.17 million and Fidelity Bank transacted 38.44 million shares worth N392.17 million.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RUKY/AWA
    ==========
    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

  • UN, NHRC advise youths against inciting hatred

    Youths

    By Chinenye Offor

    Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The United Nations (UN) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) have urged young people not to allow themselves to be used to incite and deepen hatred in Nigeria.

    The organisations gave the advice at the commemoration of the third International Day for Countering Hate Speech, jointly organised by NHRC and UN on Friday in Abuja.

    The Executive-Secretary of NHRC, Mr Tony Ojukwu, decried the impact of hate speeches in the society.

    Ojukwu said hate speech had promoted discrimination; divisions; incited violence; and such impeded voters participation and access to elections.

    Ojukwu said that in order to ensure peaceful, prosperous and united nations; Nigerians, particularly young people should reflect on things that would bind compatriots together, rather than separate them.

    “Young people are more invested in the future of Nigeria than any other group in our population, and should not allow themselves  to be used as cannon fodders to incite and deepen hatred in the country.

    “Coincidentally, youths form the bedrock of our nation and this demographic dividend should at all times be mobilised for the social and economic development of our dear nation.

    “Sensitising and mobilising young people to combat hate speech is crucial in today’s world, where they are not only the target, but also influential voices in their communities,” he said.

    He promised to work closely with the UN system in Nigeria, youth leaders and other stakeholders to create relevant awareness to identify and counter hate speeches.

    The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Mohammed Fall, said that hate speech contradicted all the values and principles enshrined in international human rights law.

    Fall, who was represented by Mr Phillippe Delanghe, added that it undermined  efforts to achieve the aim of 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals to leave no one behind.

    “Hate speeches often target the most vulnerable in our societies and minorities,  if left unchecked, it can harm peace and development.

    “It lays the foundation for conflicts and tensions, undermine social cohesion and contribute to wide scale human rights violations and crime.

    “The devastating effect of hatred is not new. However, new technologies of communication has amplified the scale and impact of hate speech.

    “Social media and the internet are now the most frequent methods for spreading divisive rhetoric and ideologies on a global scale,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CSO/FON/JNC
    =============
    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma