WordPress

Blog

  • Kebbi Board cautions returning pilgrims against excessive luggage

    Luggage

    By Muhammad Lawal

    Makkah, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Board, has cautioned returning pilgrims from Saudi Arabia against carrying excessive luggage above the recommended 40 kilogrammes (kg) limit.

    The Executive Chairman, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu-Enabo, stated this in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, while handing over Sallah packages donated to the pilgrims by stakeholders to Local Government Hajj Guides.

    Aliyu-Enabo recalled past experiences where pilgrims were forced to abandoned some valuable items that they bought for flouting the recommended luggage weights limit.

    Addressing journalists on preparation of the board towards airlifting of pilgrims back to Nigeria, the executive chairman said that the big bag given to pilgrims was expected to carry 32kg luggage.

    He added that the small handbag would equally contain eight kilogrammes, making a total of 40kg.

    “Therefore, we are appealing to pilgrims to ensure compliance with the standing rules by not exceeding the luggage limit of 32kg and 8kg for big and handbags respectively.

    “I have instructed all the LG Guides to make sure that they guide their pilgrims in the process of weighing their luggage; it is a duty upon them to stand for their pilgrims,” he said.

    Aliyu-Enabo thanked God for the opportunity given to the state to be the first to land in Saudi Arabia for 2024 Hajj and the first to be transported back to Nigeria.

    “First plane, God’s willing, will leave Saudi Arabia Friday night to arrive in Nigeria Saturday morning.

    “In view of this, we want to use this medium to appreciate the gigantic efforts of Gov. Nasir Idris and other stakeholders which culminated into a huge success,” he said.

    On the Sallah package, Aliyu-Enabo said: “All promises made by the stakeholders from different LGAs are hereby fulfilled and I have handed over the money to each Hajj Guide for onward distribution to the pilgrims.

    “We have instructed all the Hajj Guides in the 21 LGAs to make sure that what is due to each pilgrim is given to him or her today.”

    The executive chairman also said that the pilgrims that were under Kebbi Government Officials would also receive their Sallah package.

    One of the Hajj Guides from Jega local government area, Alhaji Sani Hali-Jega, popularly known as Malam Arzika confirmed receipt of the Sallah package, an undisclosed cash for onward disbursement to the pilgrims.

    Malam Arzika identified the stakeholders who contributed the money for the wellbeing of pilgrims from their respective LGAs as commissioners, members of State and National Assemblies and other prominent politicians.

    He told the News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) that Aliyu-Enabo was highly transparent because he itemised each LG with its officials and how much each official donated to assist his people.

    “Aliyu-Enabo also calculated how much each pilgrim will collect, depending on how much his/her stakeholders contributed.

    “This is a new development. We have never witnessed this kind of excellent arrangement before. This will go a long way in assisting the pilgrims,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    KLM/FDY

    ========

    Edited by Philip Yatai

  • DMO re-opens 3 bonds worth N450bn for subscription by auction

     

     

    The Director-General of the DMO,  Patience Oniha

     

    DMO re-opens 3 bonds worth N450bn for subscription by auction

    Bonds

    By Kadiri Abdulrahman

    Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Debt Management Office (DMO), on Thursday announced a re-opening of three FGN savings bonds worth N450 billion for subscription by auction.

    Announcing the offer in Abuja, the DMO said that the bonds were offered at N1, 000 per unit subject to a minimum subscription of N50 million and in multiples of N1, 000 thereafter.

    The first offer, as announced by the DMO, is an April 2029 FGN bond valued N150 billion, at an interest rate of 19.30 per cent per annum. (Five-year re-opening)

    The second offer is a February 2031 FGN bond worth N150 billion at 19.50 per cent interest rate per annum. (Seven-year re-opening)

    There is also the May 2033 FGN bond worth N150 billion at an interest rate of 19.89 per cent per annum. (nine-year re-opening)

    According to the DMO, the auction date is June 14, while the settlement date is June 26.

    It said that interest was payable semi-annually while bullet repayment (principal sum) would be made on maturity date.

    “For re-openings of previously issued bonds, successful bidders will pay a price corresponding to the yield-to-maturity bid that clears the volume being auctioned, plus any accrued interest on the instrument,” It said.

    The debt office said that FGN bonds were backed by the full faith and credit of the Federal Government, and charged upon the general assets of Nigeria.

    “They qualify as securities in which trustees can invest under the Trustees Investment Act.

    “They qualify as government securities within the meaning of Company Income Tax Act and Personal Income Tax Act for tax exemption for pension funds amongst other investors.

    “They are listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited and FMDQ ODC Securities Exchange,” the DMO said.

    It also said that FGN bonds qualified as liquid assets for liquidity ratio calculation for banks.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the N450 billion FGN bond offer constitutes the local component of the government borrowing plan, to bridge the nine trillion Naira deficit in the 2024 budget.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    KAE/JPE

    ======

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

     

     

  • Tinubu congratulates Onanuga on birthday

    Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy


    Congratulation

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu  has felicitated  his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on his birthday.

     

    “Mr Onanuga is one of Nigeria’s finest journalists with a string of accomplishments in the media and beyond to show for his efforts,” the president said in a statement on Thursday by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.

    “He was a prominent figure in the pro-democracy struggles in Nigeria and, at various times, had to endure indignities over his progressive beliefs and pursuits. 

    “He co-founded The News Magazine and was the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of PM News,” Tinubu added.

    The president  noted that Onanuga  previously served as Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria.

    He commended the ace journalist  for professional excellence, and described him as a dependable and resourceful adviser.

    The president wished Onanuga many more years in good health as well as renewed strength in his service to the nation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/IGO 

     ======

    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • Ramaphosa underscores need for stronger partnership between  S/Africa, Nigeria

    President Bola Tinubu with President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday in Johannesburg, South Africa

    Ramaphosa underscores need for stronger partnership between  S/Africa, Nigeria

    Partnership

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa on Thursday in Johannesburg, underscored the need for a stronger partnership between Nigeria and his country.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement on Thursday, that Ramaphosa stated this during a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Johannesburg.

    He said that Ramaphosa thanked Tinubu for honouring the invitation to attend his inauguration for a second term in office.

    “Thank you so much for coming for the inauguration. I was very happy to see my brother at the ceremony,” the South African President said.

    President Tinubu said that Ramaphosa’s inaugural speech captured most of the challenges faced by African countries, and the need for more collaboration among leaders and citizens to provide solutions.

    “I really enjoyed your speech at the ceremony. I was delighted to listen to you. We have lots of issues in common, and we need to work more closely together. It was a good celebration,” the Tinubu said

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ramaphosa was re-elected for a second term on June 14, following an agreement for a Government of National Unity between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/JPE

    =====

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • Ex-ANAN president urges FG to stop fuel importation 

     

    Petrol

    By Ige Adekunle

    Sango-Ota (Ogun), June 20, 2024 (NAN) A financial expert, Dr Samuel Nzekwe, has advised the Federal Government to ensure that all government refineries are operational as a way of ending the importation of fuel into the country.

     

    Nzekwe, a former President of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Ota.

     

    According to him, the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly referred to as petrol, by the federal government is one of the major factors driving the nation’s inflation rate.

     

    “The federal government needs to redouble efforts to stop the exportation of crude oil and the importation of petrol by repairing all the refineries, as this is fueling hikes in the prices of goods and services.

     

    “If the country had not been importing petrol, we would have saved NPA charges, insurance costs, and the costs of producing petrol outside the country, ” he said.

     

    Nzekwe said that the cost of importing petrol into the country was on the high side since the Naira had been devalued.

     

    He added that petrol had a multiplier effect on the nation because virtually all sectors of the economy depend on it.

     

    The former ANAN president urged the government to tackle corruption to reduce sabotage in the petroleum sector.

     

    NAN reports that the country’s inflation rate increased from 33.69 per cent in April to 33.95 per cent in May. (NAN)

    (www.nannews.ng)

    IGE/HMH/AWA
    =============
    Edited by Habibu Harisu/ Olawunmi Ashafa

     

     

     

  • Mark consoles Saraki over mother’s demise

    Mark consoles Saraki over mother’s demise

    Death

    Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Former President of the Senate, Sen. David Mark has consoled his successor Sen. Bukola Saraki over the death of his mother, Madam Florence Morenike Saraki.

    Mark stated this in a statement by Mr Paul Mumeh, his Media Adviser on Thursday in Abuja.

    He described the late Madam Saraki as an ideal mother who was noble in words and deeds.

    He said the success story of Sen. Saraki and his siblings bears eloquent testimony that Madam Saraki gave her children good upbringing to be responsible and patriotic citizens.

    The former senate President described Madam Saraki as “a kind and compassionate woman who made tremendous contributions to the development of the society”.

    “Your services and commitment to the ideals of nationhood I believe can be attributed to Mama’s hard work, care and discipline which she imparted on you to be responsible and patriotic citizen,”he said.

    Mark said that the encomiums on Madam Saraki since her transition to the great beyond showed that she was a woman of valour, who touched others in many positive ways.

    He urged the children to uphold and indeed sustain the good attributes of Mama, especially her good neighbourliness and philanthropy which endeared her to many whilst she was alive.

    Mark prayed that God in His infinite mercy grant the deceased eternal rest just as he prayed that the Almighty gives the immediate family the fortitude to bear the loss.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    JPE/AMM

    =======

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Mechanic docked for allegedly stealing car worth N5m

    Theft
    By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
    Ibadan, June 20, 2024 (NAN) A 44-year-old mechanic, Rasheed Saheed, on Thursday, appeared before a Grade ‘A’ Customary Court, Ibadan, over alleged stealing of a car worth N5 million.
    Saheed, whose address was not provided, is facing a two-count charge of stealing and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.
    He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
    The Prosecutor, Mr Philip Amusan, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on Feb. 17 at 6.00 p.m. at Apata area of Ibadan.
    Amusan said that Saheed abandoned the car which was given to him to repair on the highway, being property of one Oluwadamilare Oladeji.
    He said that the car key was given to the defendant to remove the car which developed fault on the high way and repair, but he failed to do so.
    The prosecutor said that the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace.
    The offences, according to him, contravened Sections 249(d) and 390(9) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
    The Court President, Mrs Moji Aworemi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1 million, with two sureties in like sum.
    Aworemi said that one of the sureties must be a blood relation to the defendant and adjourned the case till July 22 for hearing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CC/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Sokoto education board tasks students on spelling, pronunciation skills

    Skills

    By Habibu Harisu

    Sokoto, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Alhaji Ahmad Muhammad, the Executive Chairman, Sokoto State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has urged students to take steps towards improving their spelling and pronunciation skills.

    Muhammad made call on Thursday in Sokoto at the end of a quiz and spelling competition organised by SUBEB with support from United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF).

    Represented by the Director Administration, Alhaji Tukur Abdullahi, Muhammad said it was important for students to learn how to spell and pronounce words properly.

    “School children should learn these two important skills early, these skills will help them as they move up their academic and working careers,” he said.

    The chairman commended UNICEF for investing resources in the academic upbringing of children, saying,”this investment will help them to excell as they grow”

    Also speaking, a UNICEF Education Specialist, Mr Francis Elisha, said that the exercise was to make school children to begin early to learn spelling and pronunciation skills.

    “The intention is to catch them young, the competition serves as a booster to the children’s educational growth,” he said.

    Elisha said that the exercise was part of activities to mark the 2024 Childrens’ Day Celebration, and assured of UNICEF’s continued readiness to support children academic upbringing.

    “We saw how the participants displayed brilliance during the quiz and spelling competitions, it shows that the future is bright for them.

    “I urge every child to be confident, you must pursue their dreams without fear. Always be willing to correct your errors and develop yourself,” he said.

    He enjoined parents to create a conducive environment for their children to grow, learn and make positive impacts on the society around them.

    Delivering a lecture, Prof. Mustapha Namakka, the Executive Secretary, Sokoto State Female Education Board, commended SUBEB and UNICEF for organising the competition.

    He said that the exercise had given the school children an opportunity to understand the importance of early acquisition of spelling and pronunciation skills.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 68 junior secondary and primary schools participated in the quiz and spelling competition.

    The participants were drawn from schools in Bodinga, Binji, Dange/Shuni and Sokoto North Local Government Areas.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    HMH/AZU

    ========

    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • Firm promotes installment payments to deepen inclusive economy

    Installment 

    By Oluwafunke Ishola 

     

    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) A property technology company, SmallSmall, says it has evolved mechanisms to drive adoption of installment payments across several industries in the country.

     

    Mr Tunde Balogun, Chief Executive Officer, Small Small Technology, made the disclosure in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

     

    Balogun emphasised that it was critical for businesses to adopt installment payments to ensure sustainable growth and provide a much needed succor for the Nigerian middle class, whose purchasing power was being eroded by inflation. 

     

    “Nigeria has been a cash based economy for decades and this model is now outdated and working against our economy. 

     

    “The demand to pay for everything in cash has fueled a lot of ills in our society including greed and corruption. 

     

    “In Nigeria, we brag about paying for things in cash, and when we are faced with a tough economy as we have now, everybody goes into hiding and eats their breakfast in silence. 

     

    “Why don’t we adopt consumption models that are sustainable and promote an inclusive economy for everyone, which will ultimately allow us to grow our market size and GDP as a country?,” he said. 

     

    Balogun said SmallSmall’s pioneering and award winning products, RentSmallSmall and BuySmallSmall, have transformed the way Nigerians rent and buy properties.

     

    He emphasised that companies offering installment payment should have proper structure that allows it to capture the customers’ repayment history and log them into a central credit bureau system.

     

    “This way, Nigeria can have a robust credit database showing citizens’ credit history and credit worthiness,” he said. 

     

    To deepen its adoption, Balogun said it would host the first-ever installment payment Fair in Nigeria showcasing the transformative power of installment payment solutions across diverse industries.

     

    According to him, the fair is a platform for hundreds of companies offering installment payment to meet and sell directly to over 5,000 credit worthy consumers in person, all under one roof.

     

    Balogun emphasised that the event scheduled to hold in Lagos on August 17 underscores the importance of ensuring that the middle class remains relevant, as a critical asset to the progress and future of the economy.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng) 

    AIO/VIV

    =======

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

     

  • Deaths increase to 21, infections 401 in Lagos cholera outbreak

    Cholera 

    By Oluwafunke Ishola 

    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government says the number deaths from cholera outbreak in the state has increased from 15 to 21, while infections  increased to 401 from 350. 

     

    The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, said the rise in cases was anticipated following the Eid-el Kabir celebration, in which large gatherings occurred.

     

    Ogunyemi made the disclosure in an update released by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director, Public Affairs in the state’s ministry of health on Thursday in Lagos. 

     

    She said the cases increased to 401 across Lagos, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa recording the highest numbers of infections.

     

    Ogunyemi, however, noted that suspected cases are subsiding across local government areas (LGAs), particularly in previously affected LGAs due to state government’s interventions and surveillance efforts.

     

    She gave the update on the outbreak after meeting with members of the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC).

     

    “The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Environment and its agency, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), continues to collect samples of water sources, food, and beverages to identify the source of contamination. 

     

    “We have also intensified our surveillance activities in communities, particularly in affected local government areas, to address the situation head-on.

     

    “We are also working with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, as well as the Ministry of Tertiary Education to ensure all precautions are taken in our schools to protect children and scholars as they return. 

     

    “Residents must, however, remain vigilant, practice good hand hygiene, and participate in community sanitation activities to stop the spread of cholera,” she said. 

     

    Ogunyemi advised citizens to seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise and fever.

     

    She added that treatment for cholera was provided free of charge at all public health facilities.

     

    Ogunyemi reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring that residents of Lagos receive quality and affordable health care.

     

    The Special Adviser commended local, national, and international partners—including UNICEF, WHO, NCDC, NIMR, Red Cross, and others—for their support in combating the outbreak.

     

    “Appreciation is also extended to the dedicated team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab scientists, environmental health officers, Water Corporation officers, surveillance officers, heads of agencies, members of PHEOC, and volunteers who are working around the clock to combat the disease and keep Lagos safe,” Ogunyemi said.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lagos on June 11 alerted residents that the state had recorded an excess report of severe gastroenteritis cases. 

     

    The state’s Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, on June 15 disclosed that laboratory tests have confirmed that the outbreak was due to cholera with the identified strain being highly aggressive and contagious, with potential for widespread transmission.

     

    Abayomi disclosed that 350 suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 wards across multiple LGAs in the state.

     

    According to him, there are 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities attributed to severe dehydration caused by delayed presentation at health facilities.

     

    Data from Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) showed that Nigeria recorded over 1,141 suspected and 65 confirmed cases of cholera, resulting in over 30 deaths from January 1 to June 11, 2024 in 30 states. (NAN) 

     

    AIO//VIV

    =====

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu