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  • Group faults Abia Speaker’s disregard for press freedom

     

    Speaker
    By Leonard Okachie
    Umuahia, June 28, 2024 (NAN) Ngwa Rangers Condemn has condemned the action of the Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Mr Emmanuel Emeruwa, who ejected a journalist from a press briefing without any justification.

    The group in a statement issued to newsmen on Friday, by the Publicity Secretary Mr Kingsley Ihesiaba, described his action as outrageous and autocratic.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Kingsley Chibuike, the Umuahia Correspondent with Enyimba TV and Radio Limited, Aba, was walked out of the briefing at the Assembly complex on Thursday, without any explanation.

    Enyimba TV and Radio Limited is the operator of Enyimba 94.3FM, Legend 98.3FM and Rose 101.9FM.

    The group claimed that no speaker of the Abia Assembly had ever sent a journalist out of a news conference.

    According to the statement, we will not allow a few individuals paid with taxpayers money to turn into tyrants.

    The statement read in part: “We are appalled that a sitting Speaker would resort to such dictatorial behavior, silencing the very people who are meant to hold him accountable.

    “This action is a clear indication of Hon. Emeruwa’s disdain for the fundamental rights of citizens and his utter disregard for the principles of democracy.

    “As enshrined in Section 39(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, “every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.”

    “We have noted that Emeruwa’s action is a result of the bold and courageous questions the correspondent had asked in the past.

    “We condemn this action in its entirety and reject this blatant attempt to intimidate and silence the press.

    “We demand an immediate apology to Kingsley Chibuike, the Press, and the people of Abia State from the Speaker for his actions and a commitment to respect the rights of journalists to report without fear of intimidation or harassment.

    “We also demand that the Speaker takes concrete steps to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.”(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    LEO/VIV

    ===

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

     

     

  • Those behind oil theft live outside Niger Delta – Sen. Dickson

    Theft

    By Edeki Igafe

    Warri (Delta), June 28, 2024 (NAN) Sen. Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa West) on Friday described those behind oil theft in the Niger Delta as “big players” who reside outside the region.

    The senator made the allegation at Oporoza, headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta while visiting the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketepe, Agadagba.

    Dickson said although Ijaw youths were tagged to be behind oil theft, they lacked the capacity and technical know-how to understand how pipelines operate.

    “Those big players behind the crude oil theft are not from the region but are based in Lagos, Abuja and other parts of the world,” he said.

    He explained that the Ijaw people were living in the creeks, earning their daily livelihood on the waterways and farmlands when the alleged thieves polluted the land with their nefarious activities.

    “We have no means and no capacity to engage in the high-level operations that result in the daily loss of Nigerian crude oil produced from our place.

    “Those who have the capacity to compromise and infiltrate the national security system and infiltrate the national petroleum system; those who have the capacity to hire the tankers and shuttle vessels, they are not Ijaws.

    “We do not have the capacity to do that! We do not even have the experience to be involved in that kind of operation,” he said.

    The legislator, who is also the state ex-governor, said such high-level operations needed a lot of resources, coordination, funding and international networking.

    He, however, urged Nigeria to step up her game in the international arena by pushing for the designation of her stolen crude oil.

    “Those who, on a daily basis under declare what is produced; those who have refused to properly monitor and record what is produced for over 50 or 60 years should take the blame.

    “It is not the Ijaw youth – harmless people without the capacity and without the technical know-how,” he said.

    He, however, commended the traditional ruler for ensuring peace in his kingdom and the entire Niger Delta.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dickson also visited Dr Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, founder of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).

    He commended Ekpemupolo for the wonderful job he had been doing with his private security outfit, TSSNL, to boost the nation’s oil revenue and ensure the regeneration of the region’s ecosystem. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    EDI/KOO/MAS
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    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Moses Solanke

  • FAAN MD wants WILAT key into cargo of agriculture produce

    FAAN MD wants WILAT key into cargo of agriculture produce

     

    Cargo

    By Itohan Abara-Laserian

     

    Lagos, June 28, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has urged  Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT) to key into air cargo of agricultural produce.

     

    Kuku made the call during a courtesy call  on her by a team from WILAT, on Friday in Lagos.

     

    Kuku said that FAAN was putting a lot in place to ensure that  necessary infrastructure such as temperature-controlled systems and testing centres would be  in place at all airports in the country.

     

    She said that the aim was  to grow the country’s economy through air cargo.

     

    Buttressing the role of WILAT in empowering, mentoring and supporting women in the ecosystem, Kuku said that women should be part of the end-to-end value system.

     

     

    “I do strongly believe that women in logistics and transport, both the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and WILAT, will play a critical role in this drive.

     

    “This is an opportunity for women nationally to play a role from the end-to-end value system.

     

    “This is an opportunity to look at your constituency to see how we can further execute the roadmap that we are working on in different states.

     

    “From our end in aviation, for the airports in particular, we have made commitments around the necessary infrastructure, which would include things such as temperature-controlled facilities, and I am certain there are people or organisations that are part of the broader ecosystem for WILAT,” she said.

    She advised WILAT to look for ways of collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

    The managing director pledged FAAN’s support and collaborations.

     

    Earlier, Mrs Folake Soji-George, the Global Vice Chairperson of WILAT, said that the group mentored students from the Faculty of Transport and Logistics, Lagos State University.

     

    Soji-George  praised FAAN for support so far but called for more.

     

    Mrs Khadijat Seidu-Shabi, Chairperson, WILAT Nigeria,  congratulated  Kuku on her appointment.

     

    She  disclosed that WILAT would decorate the FAAN MD with a role model award to encourage younger women in the ecosystem.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria NAN) reports that a congratulatory letter, card, satch and badge were presented to the managing director during the visit. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    ITM/IGO

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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • Tinubu mourns elder statesman Amadu Na-Funtua

    Tinubu mourns elder statesman Amadu Na-Funtua

    Mourning

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu extends his condolences to the government and people of Katsina State over the passing of elder statesman and long-reigning Sa’in Katsina, Alhaji Ahmadu Abdulkadir.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, in a statement on Friday, said the deceased, better known as Amadu Na-Funtua, was a renowned leader, politician and businessman.

    “President Tinubu states that the contributions of the late Na-Funtua to community building and development will long be remembered.

    “The president prays for Allah’s mercy on the soul of the deceased and comfort for his family,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/JPE

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    Edited by Joseph Edeh

     

  • Tinubu condoles with Davies’ family over passing of matriarch 

    Tinubu condoles with Davies’ family over passing of matriarch 

    Condolence

    By Salif Atojoko 

    Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to the family of the late Chief Hezekiah Oladipo Davies over the passing of their matriarch, Mrs Olujoke Davies.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, in a statement on Friday, said Olujoke passed away at the age of 90.

    He said Olujoke was the wife of Davies, one of Nigeria’s founding fathers; a lawyer, journalist, and former Minister of Industries.

    She was the mother of Mrs Olufunmilayo Goka, former Deputy Managing Director of Agip Oil, 

    “The President describes the departed matriarch as an illustrious daughter of the nation who lived a full life dedicated to the Almighty and to the service of her family and community.

    “President Tinubu commiserates with the entire Davies family, as well as the Oluwole family and the Ogunmade ruling house of Lagos,” the statement said.

    It said the President prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased, while asking her family to take solace in her enduring legacies. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/SOA

    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

     

  • CAS clears Amusan for Paris Olympics

    CAS clears Amusan for Paris Olympics
    CAS
    By Ijeoma Okigbo
    Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria’s 100m hurdles world record holder, Tobi Amusan has been cleared to run in the 2024 Paris Olympics Games.
    The  Court Arbitration of Sports (CAS)  dismissed the appeals filed by World Athletics (WA) and by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) against the decision to clear her of a doping offence.

    In July 2023, Amusan was charged by WA for  committing an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV), under Rule 2.4 WA ADR following three alleged whereabouts failures within a 12-month period.

    Meanwhile, Amusan challenged the decision, and the World Athletics Disciplinary Tribunal (WADT) in August 2023, considered that Amusan did not violate Rule 2.4 of the WA Anti-Doping Rules (WA ADR) and that no period of ineligibility should be . imposed on the Athlete.
    CAS in a statement on Friday, however upheld the decision of WADT.
    “In their respective appeal to CAS, WA and WADA had sought the imposition of a two-year period of ineligibility.
    “The CAS Panel held a hearing on  Jan. 19. Having deliberated, the CAS Panel has issued its decision today dismissing both appeals.
    “The CAS Panel unanimously acknowledged that the Athlete committed two filing failures but did not confirm the existence of a missed test, alleged by WA and WADA which would have been the third whereabouts failure committed within a 12-month period.
     “Accordingly, the CAS Panel concluded that the Athlete did not commit an ADRV and that the Challenged Decision should be confirmed,” CAS noted. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    IHA/JPE
    ======
    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • 13 Brigade ermerges winner of inter-brigade competition in Abia

    13 Brigade ermerges winner of inter-brigade competition in Abia
    Army
    By Leonard Okachie
    Ohafia(Abia), June 28, 2024(NAN) The 13 Brigade, Calabar, on Friday emerged winner in the 82 Division Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-commissioned Officers Competition 2024.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition was held at 14 Brigade, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks, Ohafia, among five formations  under 82 Division of the Nigerian Army.
    The Chief Umpire, Lt. Col. Ifreke Peters, who announced the results after the five-day keen contest, said 13 Brigade scored 6920 points to emerge winners of the competition.
    He said that 82 Division Garrison, Enugu and 34 Artillery Brigade, Owerri came second with 6780 points each.
    Peters further announced 44 Engineers  Brigade, Enugu came fourth with 6600 points while the host, 14 Brigade Ohafia occupied the fifth position.
    He said that the formations participated in various activities including drill, weapon handling, combat swimming,  map reading, 5km fitness test, 10km half marathon race, navigation and obstacle crossing.
    Participants who distinguished themselves in various events contested for were given award prizes in the male and female categories.
     Winners in each event were presented with trophies, while 14 Brigade, Ohafia was given a wooden spoon having emerged fifth position.
    Speaking during the closing ceremony, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, emphasised the importance of training in the Army.
    The GOC, who was represented by the Division Training Officer, Brig.-Gen. OO Ejere, said that the competition was intended to improve leadership  qualities and organisational ability among the soldiers.
    He congratulated the participants as well as 13 Brigade for emerging overall winner, while urging others to work harder in the next competition.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    LEO/VIV
    =====
    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • I am guilty of illicit drug peddling, man tells court

    I am guilty of illicit drug peddling, man tells court

    Confession

    By Olawale Akinremi

    Ibadan, June 28, 2024 (NAN)A A Federal High Court in Ibadan on Friday ordered the remand of a middle aged man, Toheeb Adediran, at the Agodi Correctional Centre, after he confessed to trading in 4.418 kg of Cannabis.

    Adediran confessed his guilt following his arraignment before Justice Ekerete Akpan, on a one-count charge of trading in illicit substances.

    Akpan consequently adjourned the suit until July 2 for presentation of facts and judgment.

    Earlier, counsel to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) Oyo State Command, Ms Ann Balogun, had told the court that the defendant committed the offence on March 3, in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

    Balogun added that the NDLEA operatives acted on a tip-off from concerned Nigerians that Adediran was in possession of 4.418kg of illicit substance.

    The prosecutor stated that the offence contravened the provisions of section 11 (C ) of the NDLEA Act Cap n30 Law of the Federation 2004.

    In another development, the court also ordered the remand of Emmanuel Ayorinde in Agodi correctional centre for allegedly mixing 5.25 litres of liquid substances with coding.

    Justice Akpan ordered Ayorinde to be remanded after he had pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of unlawful possession and mixing of harmful substances.

    Akpan adjourned the suit until July 15 for hearing on bail application and commencement of trial.

    The prosecutor had informed the court that the defendant committed the alleged offences on March 19, at New Garage area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

    She alleged that NDLEA operatives apprehended Ayorinde after intelligence reports revealed that he was in the business of mixing illicit harmful drug substances like coding, with liquid, which he sells to people.

    Balogun further told the court that the defendant was arrested with 17.4kg of Cannabis Sativa, which he concealed in a sack. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SEM/KOO/ETS

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    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Ephraims Sheyin

  • LASG exposes 30 students to road, bridge construction  

     

    Construction

    By Aderonke Ojediran

    Lagos, June 28, 2024 (NAN) Lagos State Government on Friday reiterated its commitment to engaging local engineers and students in higher institutions to ensure transfer of knowledge in roads and bridge construction.

     

    Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, gave the during a tour of five strategic road and bridge projects.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the government selected for internship,  no fewer than 30 students studying civil engineering in both private and public universities.

     

    The projects toured include Abiola-Onijemo link road with bridge, Ikeja GRA regeneration road project, and Opebi Mende-link bridge and roads.

     

    The others  include Arowojobe link bridge and approach road at Maryland, Agidi Demurin and Church Street Network, and Saint Finbarrs Road (UNILAG to Abule Okuta- Soluyi).

     

    Omotosho said: ” Many of our youths have been employed, we have seen our students working there, they are being taken to come and learn how to do things.

     

     

    “The project of this Opebi link bridge is not something that is common; so, it is very good for our young engineers to have this experience.

     

    “It is a massive project that will bring relief to residents of Lagos trying to connect the airport, Ojota, Ikorodu.”

     

     

    Omotosho said that in spite of the rains, contractors were committed to meeting deadlines.

     

     

    “We have been going around since morning, and what we have seen is testimony to the fact that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is not resting on his oars.

     

     

    “There are so many things that have been completed and so many in the pipeline,” he said.

     

    The Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Infrastructure, Mr Olufemi Daramola, who was in the team, expressed satisfaction at the various levels of completion of the projects in spite of the rainy season.

     

    ” The weather slowed down the spate of works on sites but the contractors are working assiduously in ensuring completion of the projects they are handling.

     

    “This tour is part of our efforts to ensure that all our contractors are up and doing.

    “Most of the projects have very commendable progress. The major challenge is the issue of the rain.

    ” However, I assure you that public works are up and running,” Daramola said.

     

    Miss Apologun Onetere, one of the interns on site and a fourth year student of Babcock University, said that the experience had been thrilling.

     

    ” I have learnt a lot about piling which is the foundation of building a bridge.

    “It is so interesting, I appreciate this experience,” she said.

    All the projects toured recorded, at least, 70 per cent  completion. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OAF/IGO

    ========

    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • NGO urges advanced data tools usage to tackle ecological challenges

    Ecology
    By Precious Akutamadu
    Port Harcourt, June, 28, 2024(NAN)The Media Awareness and Justice Initiative (MAJI), an NGO, on Friday urged the Federal Government and other stakeholders to deploy advanced data tools in the campaign against ecological challenges.
    The Executive Director, Mr Okoro Emmanuel, made the call at a media briefing to mark the 2024 International Day of the Tropics  in Port Harcourt.
    Represented by Mr Ikechukwu  Ahaka, the Project, Policy and Governance Officer, Emmanuel urged the Federal Government to collaborate strongly with relevant stakeholders to tackle environmental challenges in the tropical regions.
    “Nigeria’s Southern Tropics is facing loss of tropical biodiversity and environmental degradation from human-induced activities such as oil spills, artisanal crude oil refining and uncontrolled carbon emissions.
    “There are also other environmental challenges arising from indiscriminate mining and war in the Northern Sahel Tropics.
    “The tropics host nearly 95 per cent of the world’s mangrove forests, covering an area of about 99 per cent of mangrove species.
    “These mangrove species are essential to society’s survival, they serve as both a carbon sink and a habitat for a wide range of animal species,”he said.
    The executive director identified the lack of adequate environmental data and an evidence-based intervention system in Nigeria as one of the challenges in tackling ecological problems.
    He stated that MAJI with support from the U.S. Consular-General’s office, had developed an environmental data analysis Mobile App called DATACAB, as part of its contribution towards data-oriented environmental protection system.
    “This mobile application collects existing environmental data. It refines and analyses these data into free and easy to read formats for stakeholders to use.
    “It is available in downloadable formats for Android and IOS based mobile platforms.
    “We call on stakeholders to use this year’s international day for tropics to ponder on the current challenges facing Nigeria’s rich ecological environment.
    “The government should make specific efforts to document environmental data in a sustainable and effective manner,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    PA/AZU
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    Edited by Azubuike Okeh