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  • Great achievers FC win 2023/24 Enugu FA league

    Great achievers FC win 2023/24 Enugu FA league

    League

    By Benson Ezugwu

    Enugu, June 21, 2024 (NAN)  Great Achievers Football club of Enugu, on Thursday won the 2023/24 Enugu State Football Association (FA) League.

    The team defeated Inter FC of Enugu 3-2 through penalties.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match was played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

    The first 45 minutes ended with a goal apiece while the second half could not produce any goal.

    After the regulation time the match was decided on penalties.

    The Chairman of the Enugu State Football Association, Tony Ugwu commended the winners and other participating teams for their gallantry.

    “I am happy with the quality of the game. It shows that Great Archievers can represent the state in other stages of the game,” he said.

    He said that the winners will go home with N500, 000 prize momey in addition to the trophy, while the second and third runners up, FC Inter and Disdent FC, will get N300, 000 and N200,000.

    Also speaking, the coach of the team, Michael Onyeukwu, commended his players for their dedication and precision on goal.

    “I am so happy; it’s not easy to defeat defending champions.

    “I thank God; my players and our fans for this victory, ” he said.

     

    NAN reports that with the victory, Great Archievers have qualified to play in the Nigeria Nationwide League.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    BEN/JPE

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    Edited by Joseph Edeh

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Police nab Vigilante man, one other for allegedly culpable homicide in Adamawa

     

    Killing

     

    By Ibrahim Kado

     

    Yola, June 21, 2024 (NAN)The Nigerian Police, Adamawa Command has arrested two men over alleged murder and fraud.

     

    The command’s Spokesperson,SP Suleiman Nguroje, confirmed their arrest in a statement issued in Yola on Friday.

     

    Nguroje said, one of the suspects, a 31-year old Mali Bori, was arrested for allegedly firing and killing two men, Emmanuel Shehu and Almond Shehu, both residents of Bori village, Koma District of Jada Local Government Area(LGA).

     

    “The suspect had a dispute with the Victims over a farm located at Bori, in Jada LGA, which resulted into a fight.

     

    “During the altercation, he used his Dane gun and shot the victims leading to their unfortunate dead”, he said.

     

    According to Nguroje, investigations are on going.

     

    According him, the other suspect, a 36- year old Aliyu Yakubu, a resident of Jalingo Daddawa village in Hong LGA, is being held for alleged fraud murder of one Bassey Isah.

     

    He said on June 13, the suspect deceived and dishonestly obtained by fraud from the victim three bags of maize, under the pretense that he would print and produce Naira notes for him.

     

    “The suspect further demanded and received from the Victim a Toyota Starlet car, a Motorcycle, and a Carry Go tricycle, promising to make him rich over night.

     

    “The suspect then took the victim to a forest, where he brutally struck him with an iron rod and buried him.”

     

    Nguroje said that the suspect volunteered confessional statement to the allegations and would be charged to court for Culpable Homicide (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    IMK/KOO

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    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

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  • 24-year-old demonstrator shot dead during tax protests in Nairobi

    24-year-old demonstrator shot dead during tax protests in Nairobi

    Protest

    Nairobi, June 21, 2024 (dpa/NAN) A 24-year-old protester was shot dead during demonstrations against the taxation bill currently moving in Kenya.

    The man had taken part in a protest in the capital Nairobi on Thursday evening, as thousands took to the streets across the country.

    The protest was due to a parliamentary debate and vote on the controversial law.

    According to a Lawyer representing the family, the man was shot in the leg by police and died as a result of massive blood loss.

    The man was not given immediate health attention for more than 20 minutes.

    One of the protest leaders called for people to come on Friday to the morgue of the hospital where the deceased lay in a show of solidarity with his parents.

    The human rights organisation, Amnesty International reported that at least 200 people had been injured during Thursday’s protests in Nairobi alone.

    In view of the new tax law, many Kenyans fear that their cost of living will rise to an almost unmanageable level.

    Entrepreneurs and business owners also fear significant losses due to declining purchasing power. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    COO/BRM
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    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • U.S. concerned about Putin’s threat to deliver arms to North Korea

    U.S. concerned about Putin’s threat to deliver arms to North Korea
    Arms
    Hanoi, June 21, 2024 (dpa/NAN) The U.S. said it was concerned about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s threat to supply North Korea with weapons, warning it would “destabilise” the Korean peninsula.
    “Depending on the type of weapons provided, such a move may violate UN Security Council resolutions which Russia itself supported.
    “The U.S. would continue to work with its allies in the region, including South Korea and Japan, to respond to the threat posed by North Korea,” Matthew Miller, U.S. State Department’s spokesman, said.
    During a state visit to Pyongyang on Wednesday, Putin signed a partnership agreement with North Korean strongman Kim Jong Un that includes a vow of mutual aid if either country is attacked.
    Speaking in Vietnam on Thursday, Putin threatened to deliver high-precision weapons to North Korea as a response to Western arms deliveries to Ukraine.
    Meanwhile, the South Korean Government  has expressed concern over the Russia-North Korea strategic partnership.
    Seoul said that the security commitments violated UN sanctions imposed on Pyongyang.
    South Korea also suggested it could reconsider its long-standing policy of not supplying weapons to Kiev.
    According to Putin, South Korea will be making a “big mistake” if it supplies arms to Ukraine.
    “If that happens, then we will make corresponding decisions that would not please the current leadership of South Korea,” Putin said.
    Putin called Seoul’s concerns unfounded.
    He said that South Korea had nothing to fear as the pact would only apply if either Russia or North Korea would be attacked by a third party.
    “As far as I know, (South Korea) is not planning any aggression against North Korea. There is no need to fear our cooperation.”
    Putin also said that he would not deploy any North Korean soldiers in Ukraine.
    North Korea, ruled by Kim Jong Un, is subject to far-reaching UN sanctions and import bans due to its nuclear weapons programme. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannes.ng)
    UMD/IGO
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    Edited by Ummul Idris/Ijeoma Popoola

  • Global gas flaring rises to highest level since 2019- World Bank

    Global gas flaring rises to highest level since 2019- World Bank

    Flaring
    By Okeoghene Akubuike
    Abuja, June 21, 2024(NAN)The amount of gas flared worldwide in 2023 rose by nine billion cubic meters (bcm) to 148 bcm, its highest level since 2019, a World Bank report has said.

    This is contained in a statement by the World Bank, on its new satellite data on Global Flaring and Methane Reduction (GFMR) Partnership, a copy of which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday.

    The report said the increase resulted in an additional 23 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, an amount similar to adding about five million cars to the roads,

    The statement quoted Demetrios Papathanasiou, World Bank’s Global Director, Energy and Extractives Global Practice, as saying :

    “Millions of people still lack access to basic energy and greenhouse gas emissions continue to grow, while huge volumes of gas continue to be wastefully flared every year.

    “Capturing and using this wasted gas could displace dirtier energy sources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and generate enough power to double the amount of electricity provided in Sub-Saharan Africa.”

    The statement also quoted Zubin Bamji, World Bank GFMR Manager, as saying, “the increase in gas flaring is particularly disheartening as it comes after a long-overdue reduction in 2022.

    “This sets global gas flaring levels back to what we experienced in 2019. We’re hopeful that this is somewhat of an anomaly and the longer-term trend will be dramatic reductions.”

    The report showed that gas flaring released harmful pollutants, including black carbon and unburned methane, which contribute to climate change and pose risks to both people and the planet.

    It also showed that eliminating gas flaring would avert at least 381 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions being released into the atmosphere each year.

    “ When productively used, wasted flared gas can help displace dirtier energy sources, increase energy access in some of the world’s poorest countries, and provide many countries with much-needed energy security.”

    It added that the World Bank’s annual Global Gas Flaring Tracker Report is a tool for monitoring and understanding the state of flaring worldwide and the progress made towards achieving Zero Routine Flaring by 2030.

    It said the World Bank’s GFMR Partnership, together with the Payne Institute at the Colorado School of Mines, had developed global gas flaring estimates based on observations from a satellite.

    The satellite, the bank said was launched in 2012 and operated by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

    “The advanced sensors of this satellite detect the heat emitted by gas flares as infrared emissions.

    “GFMR is a multi-donor trust fund composed of governments, oil companies, and multilateral organisations committed to ending routine gas flaring at oil production sites across the world.

    “GFMR is also committed to reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector to near zero by 2030.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    OKE/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

     

  • WHO issues warning on counterfeit diabetes drugs worldwide

    WHO issues warning on counterfeit diabetes drugs worldwide
    Warning
    Geneva, June 21, 2024 (dpa/NAN)  Counterfeit diabetes drugs have been in circulation since 2022 in a problem affecting all regions of the world, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned.
    The health authority in a statement referred specifically to findings in Britain, the U.S. and Brazil since October 2023.
    The drug concerns Ozempic, a medicine containing the active ingredient semaglutide, which is also approved in the EU for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
    The counterfeit version looks identical to the real medicine.
    Because the product also suppresses the appetite, it is increasingly being prescribed for weight loss.
    But counterfeit drugs may not contain the right amount of active ingredients and could therefore lead to uncontrolled sugar in diabetics, the WHO said.
    It added that they may also contain other active ingredients that pose health risks.
    The WHO called on doctors, pharmacists, regulatory authorities and the public to be vigilant.
    People should only buy medicines on prescription from pharmacies and not online, the WHO said.
    Users should ensure that the dosage scale on insulin pens is displayed correctly, the label looks correct and there are no spelling mistakes on the box, it added. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannes.ng)
    UMD/SH
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    Edited by Ummul Idris/Sadiya Hamza

  • Cholera outbreak: A’Ibom Govt. sets precautionary measures  

    Cholera outbreak: A’Ibom Govt. sets precautionary measures
    Cholera
    By Isaiah Eka
    Uyo, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Akwa Ibom Government says it has initiated precautionary measures to prevent outbreak of cholera in the state.
    The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Augustine Umoh, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo on Friday.
    Umoh said that the state government has commenced sensitisation of residents in all the 31 Local Government Areas of the state on the need to maintain personal and environmental hygiene.
    He said that besides that the state government has stocked primary health centres in the state with adequate drugs in case of an outbreak of cholera.
    “For now, there is no reported case of cholera outbreak in the state.
    “We have commenced sensitisation of residents to maintain hygiene both personal and environmental.
    “Residents during this period are advised to boil water before drinking, wash their hands with soap and clean water regularly, especially after use of toilet and before eating, wash fruits and other food items before eating,” Umoh advised.
    The commissioner added that the state government has reactivated all emergency operations centres across the state to handle any outbreak.
    He said that the government would continue to monitor and ensure surveillance, especially in the border communities.
    Umoh advised residents to take salt sugar solution in case of diarrhoea and report to the nearest health centre for prompt action.
    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, in a recent report, said between Jan. 1 and June 11, it recorded over 1,141 suspected cases with over 65 confirmed and 30 deaths in 96 local government areas in 30 states. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    IE/BEKl/AOS
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    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Bayo Sekoni

  • Anambra: FG trains 60 health workers on maternal, infant nutrition

    Workers

    By Franca Ofili

    Awka, June 21, 2024(NAN) The Federal Government has begun the training of no fewer than 60 health workers on nutrition to enhance optimal maternal, infant and young child nutrition communication.

    Mrs Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, Director and Head of Nutrition Division, Federal Ministry of Health, spoke during the exercise on Thursday in Awka, Anambra.

    Bako-Aiyegbusi was represented by Mr Ajibola Babatunde, Team lead from the ministry.

    She said that the eight-day capacity building exercise for health workers was to enhance optimal Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) in the country.

    According to her, the training is aimed at increasing quality and cost-effective nutrition services for pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls and children under five years of age.

    The project, funded by the World Bank at the tune of 232 million dollars in partnership with the Federal Government, is implementing a five-year nutrition programme tagged “Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria.”

    Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi said the project was to increase quality and cost-effective nutrition services for pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls, and children under five years of age.

    She said that the objective of MIYCM course was to provide basic training on maternal Infant and Young Child Nutrition for those who care for mothers and young children (0-59 months)

    According to her, the training will provide participants up to date information on MIYCN best practices based on its policy, strategy and guidelines.

    She said MIYCN course would also help to maximise the impacts on child growth and micronutrient status by focusing on maternal nutrition, delivery practices, and improved infant and young child feeding.

    According to her, nutrition is in the front burner because people are bothered about the poor indices of nutrition in the country.

    She identified poor knowledge as the cause of poor nutrition in the country.

    “We have realised that the key thing that is leading to the poor indices of nutrition is poor knowledge of individual households in the communities on healthy feeding practices.

    “The training is targeted at increasing the skill and knowledge of health workers and volunteers on information to educate people on what they should do in order to have good nutrition practice,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    FNO/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

     

     

  • Regional forum will boost sustainable development in W/Africa – ECA

    Development

    By Lucy Ogalue

    Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN)  The Economic Commission for Africa says the Regional Forum of Intergovernmental Organisations (IGOs) of West Africa will strengthen partnership for sustainable development in the region.

     ECA, in a statement on its website, said its Sub-Regional Office for West Africa (UNECA-SRO-WA), in partnership with the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development of Côte d’Ivoire organised the event.

    The theme of the meeting is “Strengthening the synergy of actions to accelerate regional integration and sustainable development in West Africa in a context of multiple challenge”.

    “The objective of this Regional Forum is primarily to strengthen the partnership for sustainable development between the entities of the United Nations system represented by the ECA.

    “And the Office of the Resident Coordinator of the Ivory Coast on the one hand, and West African IGOs on the other,’’ ECA said.

    Mr Phillipe Lasmel, Director-General, Development Cooperation, Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development, expressed concern that countries in the sub-region may not meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs targets.

    He said this was in spite of the economic progress made by these countries.

    “It is therefore urgent to mobilise around all the levers capable of reversing this trend. In this regard, regional integration constitutes.

    “An essential lever for achieving the objectives of sustainable development and better responding to the aspirations for well-being of African populations,”Lasmel said.

    Representing the Director of ECA Sub-Regional Office for West Africa, Amadou Diouf, he said the sub-region needed concerted efforts from all stakeholders to achieve complete integration and sustainable development, as well as Agenda 2063.

    According to Diouf, it is necessary to adopt an approach that allows for strengthening the synergy of interventions around four axes of convergence.

    “These include development of rivers and basins for water management and access to energy; and information and data generation.

    “Others are financing facilities, promotion of a single currency, integrated payment systems, and strengthening of the macroeconomic framework; and  multisectoral and community interventions,’’ Diouf said.

    The Government of Côte d’Ivoire, through the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development, inaugurated the annual meeting of the Regional Forum of Intergovernmental Organisations (IGOs) of West Africa in Abidjan.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    LCN/BRM

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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Abiodun mourns Towulade of Akinale, Oba Ogunleye

    Abiodun mourns Towulade of Akinale, Oba Ogunleye
    Death
    By Yetunde Fatungase
    Abeokuta, June 21, 2024(NAN) Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has described the late Towulade of Akinale, Oba Femi Ogunleye, as a great leader who lived an eventful life and put his community on the world map during his reign.
    Oba Ogunleye, one of Nigeria’s topmost journalists, died in the UK on Wednesday at the age of 79.
    Abiodun, in a condolence message to the Ogun Council of Obas and Akinale community, said the late traditional ruler contributed his own quota to the development of the state after an illustrious career as a journalist.
    “It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of Oba Femi Ogunleye, a revered journalist and traditional ruler who passed away in London on Wednesday at the age of 79.
    “Oba Ogunleye was a titan in the media industry, known for his unwavering commitment to journalism and his quest for truth and accountability.
    “As the Towulade of Akinale, he was a respected man who worked tirelessly to uplift his people and foster development in Ogun state.
    “His distinguished career and selfless service have left an indelible mark on our society. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Ogun council of Obas, his family, friends, and the entire Akinale community,” he said.
    The governor prayed for the repose of his soul  while hoping that his legacy continues to inspire future generations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    YAF/SH
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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • LASTMA impounds 40 additional vehicles using illegal garages

    Illegal
    By Chiazo Ogbolu
    Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has impounded another 25 commercial and 15 private vehicles operating illegal garages and causing serious road obstructions around Oyingbo, Ijora, and Idumota areas of Lagos.

    Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, said this in a statement on Friday in Lagos.
    Adebayo noted that the impounding of the vehicles at these areas was a decisive move by LASTMA to restore order and ensure the free flow of traffic.

    He said the operation was led by LASTMA Head of Enforcement, Mr Kayode Odunuga, under the directives of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa.

    Adebayo that they were specifically directed to target illegal garages that had been a persistent source of congestion and inconvenience for residents and commuters.

    He said the impoundment, which began in recent weeks, was part of a broader initiative by the Lagos State Government to enhance the efficiency of the city’s transportation network.

    He quoted Giwa as emphasising that government is committed to maintaining law and order on the roads, ensuring that all traffic regulations are strictly enforced.

    “illegal garages have been a significant challenge in our quest to maintain a seamless traffic flow in Lagos.

    “These impoundments send a strong message to all offenders that the state will not tolerate activities that disrupt public order and endanger the lives of our citizens.

    “Our goal is to create a safe and orderly environment for all road users and this action is a crucial step in that direction,” Giwa said.

    He noted that the targeted areas, Oyingbo, Ijora, and Idumota, are known hotspots for traffic congestion due to unauthorised parking and the establishment of makeshift garages.

    He said that these activities not only obstruct the free movement of vehicles but also pose safety risks to pedestrians.

    “LASTMA’s intervention aims to clear these bottlenecks and enhance the overall traffic situation in these critical areas.

    “Residents and business owners have expressed their support for the government’s action, noting the positive impact it will have on their daily activities.

    “LASTMA has also assured the public that the operation will be sustained and extended to other parts of the city where illegal garages and related activities are prevalent,” he quoted Giwa as saying.

    He urged all vehicle owners and operators to adhere to the state’s traffic regulations and cooperate with authorities to avoid sanctions.

    He reiterated that the government’s primary objective was to create a better and more livable Lagos for everyone.

    He also urged motorists to take ownership of the roads and to promptly inform LASTMA of any broken down or abandoned trailers or trucks via the Agency’s hotlines: 08100565860/ 08129928503. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CAN/JNC
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma