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  • Police investigating IED explosion in Rivers – Spokesperson

     

    Explosion

    By Desmond Ejibas

    Port Harcourt, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Rivers is currently investigating an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonation that occurred near Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, an official said.

    SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson of the command, said in a statement in Port Harcourt on Saturday that one male suspect had been apprehended.

    She urged residents to remain calm as police detectives were actively pursuing leads to identify the sponsors and perpetrators behind the explosion.

    “The command has launched a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the cause and circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.

    “We have identified one individual in connection to the explosion and urge residents to remain calm.

    “Efforts are being made to gather crucial information and shed light to this situation,” she stated.

    Iringe-Koko affirmed that security measures had been heightened to guarantee the safety of both residents and visitors within the state.

    “We thank the public for providing information, pictures, and videos to assist our ongoing investigation.

    “Anyone who sees any suspicious object should evacuate the area immediately and promptly notify the police,” she added.

    The police image maker urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement and report any suspicious activities related with the incident. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DES/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

    ===

     

  • Cholera: Enugu govt. launches campaign against open defecation

     

    From L-R: Prof Sam Ugwu, Enugu State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Mr Pius Ezeugwu, Chairman House Committee on Environment and Climate Change, and Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Mr Mathew Abiah.

    Campaign

    By Alex Enebeli

    Enugu, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Enugu State Government says it will launch a campaign to address the menace of open defecation and poor sanitation in the state to prevent the outbreak of cholera and other infectious diseases.

    Prof Sam Ugwu, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, said this during the Commemoration of the “2024 National Environmental Sanitation Day”, in Enugu on Friday, with the theme: “Environmental Sanitation in the Era of Climate Change”.

    Ugwu said that the campaign would include the monthly sanitation to promote environmental cleanliness in the state especially with the outbreak of cholera.

    He said that the state government would construct and put in use permanent sewage disposal site at Nkwubor, and many other activities to ensure a clean and safe environment in Enugu.

    The commissioner said that the ministry had engaged in environmental conservation, protection of its diversity, urban beautification, environmental health and safety.

    On a climate change, he said that Nigeria’s inability in the past to firmly put into action a plan for the people, planet and prosperity as core development agenda, led to environmental degradation.

    “It has also led to ecological disaster and depletion of our natural resources. The current administration in Enugu is empowering people and taking climate change action and protecting the environment,” Ugwu said.

    In a remark, Mr Pius Ezeugwu, the Chairman, Enugu House of Assembly Committee on Environment and Climate Change, said that the importance of the event could not be overemphasised, as it dealt with climate change and sanitation.

    Ezeugwu, a member representing Nsukka East Constituency, said that the state was among the five pilot states selected by a foreign organisation to plant palm trees, to address climate issues.

    He, however, called on the people of the state to comply with the Environmental Protection Law recently passed by the State House of Assembly, to promote clean, healthy and climate friendly environment.

    “We have taken a proactive measure in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to secure our environment,” Ezeugwu said.

    Delivering lecture on Sanitation and Climate Change, Dr Isaiah Abonyi, Senior Lecturer, Department of Environmental Health Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, said that Nigerians needed to be sensitised on dangers of climate change.

    Abonyi said that the pattern of rainfall, humidity and grass outlay showed that all was not well for the environment.

    “We now experience environmental degradation, flooding and others,” he said.

    The senior lecturer called for personal hygiene and environmental sanitation, to promote healthy living, as well as shunning illegal felling of trees.

    Proffering solution, he said that waste should be well disposed or recycled, while environmental health workers should be supported to carry out the task of sensitisation.

    Earlier in a welcome address, Mr Mathew Abiah, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, recalled that the Federal Government had on June 28, 2005, declared National Environmental Sanitation Day, to create awareness on proper hygiene practice for the prevention of communicable diseases.

    Abiah said that poor sanitation was a major factor responsible for significant percentage of spreading of preventable communicable diseases in developing countries like Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AAE/FON/MNA

    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Maureen Atuonwu

  • Mauritanians go to the polls as Ghazouani seeks re-election

    Mauritanians go to the polls as Ghazouani seeks re-election

    Polls

    Nouakchott, June 29, 2024 (Reuters/NAN) Mauritanians head to the polls on Saturday in a presidential election that sees incumbent Mohamed Ould Ghazouani taking on six challengers in the West African desert nation that will soon become a gas producer.
    Ghazouani, 67, a former top soldier, has promised to accelerate investments to spur a commodities boom in the country of 5 million people, many of whom live in poverty despite its fossil fuel and minerals wealth.
    Elected for a first term in 2019, Ghazouani is widely expected to win Saturday’s vote due to the ruling party’s dominance.
    His six opponents include anti-slavery activist Biram Dah Abeid, who came second in 2019 with over 18 per cent of the vote, lawyer Id Mohameden M’Bareck, economist Mohamed Lemine El Mourtaji El Wafi, and Hamadi Sidi El Mokhtar of the Islamist Tewassoul party.
    Some two million people are registered to vote. Key issues for them include fighting corruption and job creation for young people.
    If re-elected, Ghazouani has promised a gas-fired power plant from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyin (GTA) offshore gas project, which is on track to start production by the end of the year.
    He also pledged to invest in renewable energy and expand gold, uranium, and iron ore mining.
    Ghazouani has presided over relative stability since 2019, as Mauritania’s Sahel neighbours, including Mali, struggle with Islamist insurgencies that have led to military coups.
    Mauritania has not recorded a militant attack on its soil in recent years and Ghazouani, who currently chairs the African Union, has promised to manage Islamist threats.
    Prominent activist Abeid is challenging Ghazouani on his human rights record and the marginalisation of Mauritania’s Black African population, while El Mokhtar has a following among conservative and religious voters.
    Even so, Ghazouani “is likely to win a second term, probably in the first round,” said Carine Gazier, sub-Saharan Africa specialist at the Concerto consultancy.
    If no candidate receives more than 50 per cent of the vote, the election would go to a second round.
    One opposition supporter in the capital Nouakchott who spoke on condition of anonymity thought Ghazouani might struggle to win outright “if the votes are conducted transparently”.
    In the last election, some opposition candidates questioned the credibility of the vote, sparking some small-scale protests.
    Polls are scheduled to open at 7:00 am GMT and close at 7:00 pm GMT. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    YEE
    ===
    (Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

  • Early results in Iran show close race between reformist, hardliner

    Early results in Iran show close race between reformist, hardliner

    Race

    Tehran, June 29, 2024 (dpa/NAN) Reformist Masoud Pezeshkian and hardliner Saeed Jalili are in a close race in Iran’s presidential election, according to early results, suggesting the country could be headed to a run-off vote next week.

    With about 19 million ballots counted, Pezeshkian, a former health minister, had garnered around 43.5 per cent of the the vote.

    Jalili, a former negotiator in nuclear talks with Western powers, followed on his heels with 37.7 per cent.

    Parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf was in third place with around 14 per cent of the vote, the head of the electoral authority said on state television on Saturday.

    The fourth candidate, cleric Mostafa Pourmohammadi, has received less than 1 per cent of the vote.

    If none of the candidates secures an absolute majority, a run-off vote will be held on July 5.

    Some 61 million voters in Iran were eligible to elect a successor to hardliner Ebrahim Raisi on Friday after he died in a helicopter crash in May.

    The polling stations were scheduled to close at 6 pm on Friday, but the electoral authorities extended voting in the evening until midnight.

    Meanwhile, assailants attacked a vehicle belonging to election workers in south-eastern Iran late Friday, killing two security personnel.

    The incident happened in Sistan and Baluchestan Province as ballots were being transported to the city of Rask.

    No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

    The Sunni militant separatist group Jaish al-Adl is active in the province and has stepped up its attacks in the area.

    Both Iran and the United States classify Jaish al-Adl as a terrorist organisation.

    The election comes amid a severe economic crisis, tensions with the West and regional powers in the Middle East, and frustrations among the public with the enforcement of state authority, especially among the younger population.

    Many Iranians, especially young people, have however lost faith in major political change at home.

    The death of the young Kurdish woman Jina Mahsa Amini in autumn 2022 sparked nationwide protests against the Islamic system of rule, but the protests were quashed with harsh punishments for demonstrators.

    The president is only number two in Iran’s power structure as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei functions as the head of state and has the final say in all strategic matters.

    He is also commander-in-chief of Iran’s armed forces. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    YEE

    ===

    (Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

  • Biden acknowledges age, bad debate performance, but vows Trump’s defeat

    Biden acknowledges age, bad debate performance, but vows Trump’s defeat

    Admission

    North Carolina (U.S.), June 29, 2024 (Reuters/NAN) President Joe Biden said on Friday he intended to defeat Republican rival Donald Trump in the November presidential election, giving no sign he would consider dropping out of the race.
    Biden was speaking after a feeble debate performance that dismayed his fellow Democrats.
    “I know I’m not a young man, to state the obvious,” an ebullient Biden said at a rally one day after the head-to-head showdown with his Republican rival – a showdown widely viewed as a defeat for the 81-year-old president.
    “I don’t walk as easy as I used to; I don’t speak as smoothly as I used to; I don’t debate as well as I used to,” he said, as the crowd chanted “four more years.”
    “I would not be running again if I didn’t believe with all my heart and soul that I could do this job. The stakes are too high,” Biden said.
    Biden’s verbal mumbles and occasionally meandering responses in the debate heightened voter concerns that he might not be fit to serve another four-year term.
    This prompted some of his fellow Democrats to wonder whether they could replace him as their candidate for the Nov. 5 U.S. election.
    Campaign spokesperson Michael Tyler said no conversations were taking place about that possibility.
    “We’d rather have one bad night than a candidate with a bad vision for where he wants to take the country,” he told reporters aboard Air Force One.
    The campaign handlers held an “all-hands-on-deck” meeting on Friday afternoon to reassure staffers that Biden was not dropping out of the race, according to two people familiar with the meeting.
    Though Trump, 78, put forward a series of falsehoods throughout the debate, the focus afterward was squarely on Biden, especially among Democrats.
    Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic Party leader in the U.S. House of Representatives, avoided answering directly when asked whether he still had faith in Biden’s candidacy.
    “I support the ticket. I support the Senate Democratic majority. We’re going to do everything possible to take back the House in November. Thank you, everyone,” he told reporters.
    Some other Democrats likewise demurred when asked if Biden should stay in the race.
    “That’s the president’s decision,” Democratic Senator Jack Reed told a local TV station in Rhode Island.
    But several of the party’s most senior figures, including former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, said they were sticking with Biden.
    “Bad debate nights happen. Trust me, I know. But this election is still a choice between someone who has fought for ordinary folks his entire life and somebody who only cares about himself,” former Democratic president, Obama wrote on X.
    The New York Times editorial board that endorsed Biden in 2020, called on him to drop out of the race to give the Democratic Party a better chance of beating Trump by picking another candidate.
    “The greatest public service Mr Biden can now perform is to announce that he will not continue to run for re-election,” the editorial said.
    The Biden campaign said it raised 14 million dollars on Thursday and Friday and posted its single best hour of fundraising immediately after the Thursday night debate.
    The Trump campaign said it raised 8 million dollars on the night of the debate.
    One possible bright spot for Biden: preliminary viewership data indicated that only 48 million Americans watched the debate, far short of the 73 million who watched the candidates’ last face-off in 2020.
    Biden, already the oldest American president in history, faced only token opposition during the party’s months-long nominating contest, and he has secured enough support to guarantee his spot as the Democratic nominee.
    Trump likewise overcame his intra-party challengers early in the year, setting the stage for a long and bitter general election fight.
    If Biden were to step aside, the party would have less than two months to pick another nominee at its national convention, which starts on Aug. 19 – a potentially messy process that could pit Kamala Harris, the nation’s first Black female vice president, against governors and other officeholders whose names have been floated as possible replacements.
    At an afternoon rally in Chesapeake, Virginia, Trump told supporters that he had a “big victory against a man looking to destroy our country.”
    “Joe Biden’s problem is not his age. It’s his competence,” Trump said.
    Trump advisers said they thought the debate would bolster their chances in Democratic-leaning states like Virginia, which has not backed a Republican presidential candidate since 2004.
    Beforehand, some Trump supporters said they were struck by Biden’s poor performance. “I’m scared they are going to replace him and put up somebody more competitive,” said Mike Boatman, who added that he had attended more than 90 Trump rallies.
    Trump fundraisers said they were fielding enthusiastic calls from donors.
    “Anyone who raises money knows there’s a time to go to donors, and this is one of those watershed moments,” said Ed McMullen, who served as ambassador to Switzerland during Trump’s presidency.
    Questions about Trump’s fitness for office have also arisen over his conviction last month in New York for covering up a hush money payment to a porn star, his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, and his chaotic term in office.
    He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11, just days before his party convenes to nominate him formally.
    He still faces three other criminal indictments, though none appears likely to reach trial before November.
    Biden’s shaky performance in the debate drew stunned global reactions on Friday, prompting public calls for him to step aside thus giving some of America’s closest allies a hefty encouragement to steel up for Trump’s return. (Reuters/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    YEE
    ===
    (Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

  • FCCPC reaffirms commitment to consumer protection, market regulation

    Regulations

    By Yusuf Yunus

    Lagos, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has reiterated its commitment to protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, and ensuring the safety of products in the market.

     

    Its Acting Executive Chairman, Dr Adamu Abdullahi, gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen after a surveillance exercise by the commission at some steel companies in Lagos State and Ogun on Friday.

     

    The companies include African Foundries, Monarch Steel Mill Ltd., and Kam Steel Integrated Company, all on Ikorodu-Sagamu Expressway.

     

    The FCCPC boss said that intelligence and surveillance reports obtained by the commission indicated that certain companies were involved in anti-competitive behaviour.

     

    “This is why we decided to visit three of these companies to examine their operations and review their records, as well as analyse ten of their products.

     

    “We aim to identify any false, misleading, and deceptive practices that could harm consumers,” he stated.

     

    He said that one major concern noted was the discrepancy in product specifications.

     

    “For instance, consumers purchasing 12mm rods often receive 10mm rods instead, which contributes to the building collapses we frequently witness.

     

    “Ensuring the safety of our people is a core responsibility, and these deceptive practices are unacceptable,” said Abdullahi.

     

    He stressed the need for thorough inspections and transparency.

     

    “We are looking at their processes to determine if any corners are being cut. If we find evidence of such practices, we will apply the full extent of the law,” he added.

     

    Abdullahi, also said that the companies visited cooperated with the commission’s officials by providing information needed during the surveillance exercises.

     

    He said, “So far, they have been very cooperative. They consulted their lawyers, who advised them to comply with our investigation, and they have provided us with the required information.”

     

    On collaboration with relevant industry bodies, he said that FCCPC had been working with the Steel Manufacturing Association, the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, among others.

     

    He also said that the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) had provided technical advice, ensuring the commision was guided by industry standards.

     

    Addressing the timeline for the investigation, he explained, “The duration depends on the volume of information gathered.

     

    “Some investigations have taken longer due to the sheer amount of data involved.

     

    “We assure you that we will work diligently to conclude as quickly as possible and publish our findings.”

     

    Regarding market impact and potential punitive measures, he noted that sanctions depend on the nature of the offence and would be on strictly adhering to the guidelines set out in the FCCPC Act.

    (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    YO/AWA
    ========

    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

  • FCTA to promote innovation, entrepreneurship among students

    School

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it is working to promote the culture of innovations and entrepreneurship among secondary school students in the territory.

    The Director Secretary, FCT Secondary Education Board (SEB), Dr Muhammed Ladan, stated this in Abuja on Friday, at the 2024 FCT-SEB’s Students Trade Entrepreneurship, Exhibition, Competition and Award programme.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme, which is the 4th edition, was organised by FCT-SEB in collaboration with the Service Improvement Department.

    According to Ladan, the goal is to promote entrepreneurship and self-reliance among students in all the 88 secondary schools in the territory.

    He added that the FCT Administration was also planning to establish the Nigerian-Brunell Entrepreneurship Centre in Nigeria before the end of 2024.

    He explained that the centre would be established in partnership with Brunel University to facilitate the training of the young innovators in FCT schools and incubate them for prominence.

    He said that the 88 secondary schools under the FCT-SEB participated in the student entrepreneurship competition.

    “We started with the Area Council in which some schools were eliminated while others moved to the zonal level, out of which 12 schools moved to the final.

    “Out of the 12 schools that participated in the finals, five emerged as the winners.

    “We have a lot of young mentors and sponsors that are ready to pick up from where they stopped and support in packaging and marketing the products.

    “In the last edition, a school won the competition with interlock production using waste polythene bags,” he said.

    Ladan further said: “We have gotten the original machine that can produce interlock using wastepaper and the school has started production and has gotten orders from organisations.

    “This is part of efforts to ensure sustainability of the students’ project and ensure that no child in FCT graduates from secondary school without a self-reliant skill.”

    NAN reports that Government Secondary School, Kuduru, Bwari, emerged winner of the competition, while Government Secondary School, Gwagwalada, and Government Girls Secondary School, Dutse Alhaji, emerged the first and second runner up.

    The winner will represent FCT in the national competition scheduled for Lagos later in the year and the winner will represent Nigeria at the continental competition. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/AMM

    =======

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Kagogi Young Stars pip Koro FC to lift Kitoro IV Unity Cup

    The Emir of Borgu, Muhammad Sani Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV hands over the champion’s trophy to the captain of Kagogi Young Stars.(Photo Credit:NAN)

     

    Kagogi Young Stars pip Koro FC to lift Kitoro IV Unity Cup

    Cup

    By Victor Okoye

    Borgu (Niger State), June 29, 2024 (NAN) Kagogi Young Stars on Friday pipped Koro Young Stars 1-0 to lift maiden Kitoro IV Unity Cup in Borgu, New Bussa, Niger.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the maiden U15 grassroots tournament was sponsored by ChatmyCause (CMC) Initiative.

    The tournament which was organised in honour of the Emir of Borgu, Muhammad Sani Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV.

     

    No fewer than 250 players and 16 teams participated in the competition.

    The teams were grouped into four groups, consisting of four teams in each group.

    Teams in Group A were City Rulers FC, Kagogi Young Stars Karabonde, Flamingos FC.

    In Group B, we had Frontliners FC, Kainji Pillars, NATA, and Dodo Jnr FC.

    Group C comprised of Koro Young Stars FC, Highlanders FC, Borgu Yield FC, and Hotline FC.

    While Group D was made up of Gbere, “A Academy Wawa, Golden Stars FC, 221 TNK Battalion and Monnai FC.

    After several rounds of hostilities in the group stage, Round of 16 and the quarter-finals, four teams qualified for the semi-finals at the end of a pulsating encounter.

    The teams include Gbere, “A Academy, City Rulers FC, Kagogi Young Stars Karabonde, and Koro Young Stars FC.

    Both Kagogi Young Stars and Koro Young Stars advanced to the finals after defeating Gbere ‘A’ Academy and City Rulers, respectively, in the semi-finals.

    The third place match played on Thursday saw Abdulgafar Abidoka grab a brace, while Musa Dantalo added the  third goal as Gbere ‘A’ Academy beat  City Rulers 3-0.

    The final match played on Friday  lived up to the expectations of a mammoth crowd, which tropped in their hundreds to watch the thrilling encounter.

    Koro Young Stars began the game on the strong footing and looked to assert their dominance early in the match.

    But they squandered a lot of goal scoring chances, which came their way, with only the goalkeeper to beat on several occasions.

    However, it was Kagogi Young Stars who opened scoring through Haliru Karabonde in the 18th minute against the run of play.

    Karabonde’s early effort proved to be the winning goal after Kagogi Young Stars’ defence withstood a barrage of attacks from their opponents to emerge winners of the tournament.

    NAN also reports that the gold, silver, and bronze medalists received mouth-watering cash rewards courtesy of the Emir.

    Lily Grace, the Executive Director of CMC Initiative, told newsmen after the match that the winners had also qualified to take part in a scouting programme billed to take place in Abuja from July 5 to July 7.

    She said that as part of her Initiative’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), a total of 50 of the best players selected during the course of the tournament and 10 coaches would be sponsored to take part in the U15 Scouting and Coaching programme in Abuja.

    The Emir thanked CMC for providing children of the Emirates with the opportunity to showcase their God-given talent.

    He said that it would go a long way to ensure that the youths achieve their dreams and become great.

    The programme organised by Patoz Football Concept Ltd. in collaboration with Chatmycause (CMC) Initiative and OTP United FC, Finland is for youth academies across Nigeria at the Aguyi Ironsi Cantonment football pitch, Abuja.

    The programme is to discover and support less privileged talented players at the grassroots, develop and launch the “NEXT NAIJA FOOTBALL SUPERSTAR”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    VO/JPE

    ======

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • Clergy urge KDSG to establish Ministry for Cooperatives

    Clergy urge KDSG to establish Ministry for Cooperatives

    Group photograph of members of the Pastor’s Unity Network Multipurpose Cooperative Society
    Cooperatives
    By Aisha Gambo
    Kaduna, June 29,2024(NAN) The President, Pastor’s Unity Network Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Pastor Mailafiya Jock, has called on the Kaduna State Government to establish a Ministry for Cooperatives.
    The president made the call during the inauguration of the Cooperative Society  at Grace Gospel Land, Unguwan Boro, Kaduna.
    “We humbly advise the state government to establish a Ministry for Cooperatives, headed by a humble and God-fearing individual who shares its vision for a more secure and prosperous Kaduna State.
    “We emphasize that this appointment should not be based on religious, educational, or political affiliations, but rather on the individual’s character, integrity, and commitment to serving the people,” he said.
    According to him, the proposed ministry should be tasked with designing and implementing programmes that address food security, economic empowerment and social cohesion, all of which would help tackle insecurity.
    While speaking on the newly inaugurated cooperatives for Pastors, Jock stated that it would provide financial support and capacity building initiatives to enable them to serve their congregation effectively.
    He added that the cooperative would facilitate access to resources, including funding opportunities, for member empowerment while engaging in community outreach and social initiatives, addressing pressing issues and improving lives.
    Earlier, Bishop Monday Yakunat, the President of Pastor’s Unity Network,Nigeria said the organisation was aimed at improving the lives of the Ministers and Pastors while promoting unity among them.
    He urged the pastors to venture into businesses so as to grow and empower themselves, adding that they should be involved in nation building .
    Representing the state government, the Director, Bureau for Interfaith, Christian Matters, Mr. John Baba, said Gov. Uba Sani wanted the unity of religious leaders, adding, ”he listens to them.”
    He urged the executives of the cooperative to be committed to ensuring they achieve their goals and ensure proper records keeping of all their activities.
    On his part,  the Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) Secretary, Kaduna State chapter,  Pastor Okunlola Ayobami, said the cooperative would enjoy maximum support from the association as a parental body.
    He commended the network for the job they were doing in uniting pastors in the state, urging them to open the cooperative society to other parts of the state and Nigeria as a whole.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AMG/BRM
    =============
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • MACBAN seeks protection, preservation of sultanate institution

    Sultanate

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Abuja, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has emphasised the need for the protection and preservation of the institution of the Sultanate in the country.

    The National President of MACBAN, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, made the call in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

    He said that the institution of the Sultanate which dates over two hundred years, should not be toyed with by politicians who were supposed to be channeling their energy in promoting good governance.

    Othman-Ngelzarma criticised the alleged subtle threats to emasculate the revered Sultan, who is the symbol of Islamic authority in Nigeria.

    He  said, ” We believe protecting and preserving the institution of the Sultanate is a cardinal responsibility of every right thinking personality in the country.

    ” We call upon the Sokoto State Government,especially the legislature, to tread softly and do all that is necessary to preserve and protect the institution that represents an all important ideology that created it.

    ” Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) is worried by the media reports alleging that the Sokoto Government intends to whittle down the powers of his Eminence the Sultan, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III.”

    Othman-Ngelzarma said MACBAN stood firmly with the Sultan, adding, “because we believe he deserves better as he has shown capacity to uphold justice and equity in all his dealings.

    ” This is evident in his efforts in propagating religious and ethnic tolerance in Nigeria among diverse groups.

    ” His background as a military man, his resoluteness to speak the truth and his standing for the poor and underprivileged in spite of being an aristocrat makes him a model for leaders to emulate.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SSI/BRM

    ===========

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani