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  • Appeal Court affirms Adediwura as Obalufe, overturns lower court’s verdict

    Appeal Court affirms Adediwura as Obalufe, overturns lower court’s verdict
    Judgment
    Akure, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Court of Appeal, Akure Division, on Wednesday, overturned the verdict of an Osun State High Court which affirmed Prince Abayomi Olubuji of Aga ruling house as the Obalufe of Ile-Ife.
    Obalufe is the second in Command to Ooni of Ile Ife.
    Justice Yusuf Bashir, who delivered the judgment of the panel of justices, said that the matter, which he described as hostile, should have been commenced  by writ of summon and not by originating summon.
    He said that the form of commencement of the case in the lower court was wrong.
    According to the judge, the trial court ought not to have assumed jurisdiction over the matter without asking the parties to file pleadings.
    He said that the lower court gave judgment based on assumptions without going into the details of the matter.
    Bashir, therefore, struck out the verdict of thr lower court and declared Oba Idowu Olaniyi Adediwura, as the Obalufe of Ile Ife.
    Reacting to the verdict, Mr Abdulkadir Orire, the lead counsel for the appeallants, said that the appeallants approached the court having found error in the lower court’s ruling.
    Orire said that the appeallants were ready if the respondent wanted to challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court.
    In his remarks, Mr Edmund Biri-Omoni, the respondent’s counsel, said that he would consult his clients to know the next line of action.
    Also speaking to newsmen, Oba Idowu Olaniyi Adediwura, the validated Obalufe, appreciated God for the victory.
    He said that the Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, had made several efforts to settle the matter between the two parties without any result.
    Oba Adediwura said that he would extend a hand of fellowship to the respondent and ensure peace reign in Ile Ife.
    ” I have nothing to do than to draw them closer. They are still my brothers and sisters,” he said.
    The respondent, Prince Abayomi Olubuji,  is from Aga Ruling House while Adediwura is from Ajagbusi Ruling House.( NAN)
    OKEO/AOS
    =========
    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

  • Ilorin Emirate mourns Saraki’s mother

    Ilorin Emirate mourns Saraki’s mother

    Mourning

    By Mujidat Oyewole

    Ilorin, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) has expressed shock over the death of Mrs Florence Saraki, mother of a former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

    This is contained in a condolence message signed by the National President of the union, Alhaji AbdulMumini Abdulmalik on Wednesday, in Ilorin.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Florence, wife of the former Senate Leader and immediate past Waziri of Ilorin, late Dr Olusola Saraki, died on Tuesday.

    Abdulmalik described her death as a big loss to the renowned family, good people of Ilorin Emirate and the nation at large.

    According to him, late Saraki was an embodiment of humility, hard work and fraternity.

    He said that IEDPU sympathised with the current Waziri of Ilorin and former governor of Kwara, Sen. Bukola Saraki and Sen. Gbemisola Saraki, former Minister of State.

    The union, he said, also sympathized with other members of Saraki family on the demise of their mother.

    He said that the IEDPU also sympathised with the Kwara State Government, Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on the death of a senior member of Ilorin Emirate community.

    “It prayed that Almighty Allah grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deceased was the wife of former Senate Leader and immediate past Waziri of Ilorin, late Dr Abubakar Olusola Saraki.(NAN)www.nannews.ng

    MOB/ISHO/IAA

    ==========

    Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Isaac Aregbesola

  • S/Africa: Don optimistic about GNU creating better opportunities

    S/Africa: Don optimistic about GNU creating better opportunities 

    South Africa

    By Busayo Onijala

    Lagos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) A South Africa-based Professor. Abiodun Salawu, has expressed optimism that the Government of National Unity (GNU) in the country would  work to create better opportunities for people and reduce unemployment among youths.

    Salawu, Director of Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) and Professor in the Department of Communication, North-West University, South Africa,  spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.

    The professor of media studies spoke on the inauguration of Cyril Ramaphosa for a second term as South Africa’s President and  formation of the GNU.

    South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa being sworn in for a second term on June 19, 2024.

    Ramaphosa’s party, African National Congress (ANC) said the formation of the GNU was rooted in its shared commitment to uphold the constitution, promote non-racialism, and ensure social justice and equity for all South Africans.

    Parties that officially signed the Statement of Intent to participate in the GNU include the ANC, Democratic Alliance (DA) which is South Africa’s second largest party, Inkatha Freedom Party, GOOD, and the Patriotic Alliance.

    According to ANC, this collaboration represents 273 seats in the National Assembly.

    In his inauguration speech on Wednesday, in Pretoria, Ramaphosa said the formation of the GNU was a moment of profound significance.

    He said it was “the beginning of a new era”.

    Salawu, in his assessment, said that going by the various parties and their leaders, Ramaphosa was the best for the role, given the circumstance and despite his imperfections.

    “In 30 years of democracy, this was the first time ANC fell low and it was apparent that they couldn’t go alone this time after losing parliamentary majority”.

    Salawu said Ramaphosa had a vast capacity for consultations.

    This, he said,  had gotten him criticisms many times but would help him thrive in the GNU.

    “He doesn’t take decisions abrasively without bringing other parties into consideration so we should be able to run through this without having to experience very difficult challenges.”

    Salawu, however, said his concern was that the parties had different ideologies, policies and personalities which could create tensions over time.

    He urged the GNU parties not to be too rigid, extreme and combative with their positions for the sake of the country.

    “There is a large number of people who do not believe ANC and DA can work together.

    “When you look at that, you’ll want to expect that the parties will be careful and employ a lot of political tact and maturity to make the GNU work,” Salawu said.

    Meanwhile, in attendance at Ramaphosa’s inauguration were dignitaries including Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, King Mswati III of Eswatini, among others.

    Speaking on bilateral relations between South Africa and Nigeria, Salawu said continued collaboration between both countries would be of great benefit to the continent.

    According to him, what it requires is a matter of mutual respect between both countries and mutual respect for citizens.

    “Nigerians in South Africa should be treated with dignity and vice-versa.

    “Both countries should not see each other as competitors in order to enjoy good diplomatic relations,” Salawu said. (NAN)

    OMB/CHOM/SOA

    ==============

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Oluwole Sogunle

     

     

     

  • Cholera: LAWMA boss tasks residents on personal, domestic hygiene

     

    LAWMA

    By Fabian Ekeruche

    Lagos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director/CEO,  Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA),urged  residents to observe best personal and domestic hygiene to curb spread of cholera

    He also said there was need for proper waste management and disposal of Lagos state is stop the rampaging cholera.

    He gave the advice in a statement on Tuesday  against the recent outbreak of the disease, which has claimed some lives, leaving many hospitalised.

    Gbadegesin noted that Cholera, a severe diarrheal illness caused by infection with the bacterium vibrio cholerae, spreads primarily through contaminated water and food, thriving rapidly in unsanitary conditions.

     “The outbreak of cholera in the state is a serious public health concern. It is imperative that every resident takes proactive measures to prevent further spread of the disease.

    “Ensuring proper personal and domestic hygiene, including efficient waste management, will go a long way in curbing  spread of the fatal disease,” Gbadegesin said.

    The LAWMA boss suggested several precautionary measures including: ensuring safe drinking water; frequent hand-washing with soap; food safety practices and use of proper sanitation facilities among others.

    He admonished residents to shun indiscriminate refuse dumping and to imbibe the practice of bagging and disposing of their waste using covered bins to prevent the spread of diseases by vectors, and  ensure seamless evacuation by assigned PSP operators.

    Gbadegesin said the authority would continue to intensify efforts at making sure that waste generated across the state  was promptly and efficiently managed, with service providers working around the clock to clean up black spots.

    He further appealed to residents to always wash their hands when they come in contact with waste, either while bagging or putting in covered bins.

    He urged them to align with the state government’s environmental and health safety policies, by avoiding reckless waste dumping in drains, road medians, among other negative environmental practices.

    “We are fully committed to the health and safety of every resident. Our teams are on  ground, ensuring that waste is properly collected and disposed of to minimise health risks.

    ” However, we need the cooperation of all residents to maintain a clean and safe environment,” Gbadegesin said. (NAN)

    FBO/CHOM/VIV

    ===========

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Vivian Ihechu

     

  • All victims of Abakaliki collapsed building are safe- Ebonyi Govt, Police

    Building
    By Chukwuemeka Opara
    Abakalikii, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Ebonyi Government and the Police have confirmed that all victims of the  collapsed building incident which occurred in Abakaliki on June 18 are safe.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three- storey building under construction is owned by a member of the Ebonyi House of Assembly, Mr Oluchukwu Ezeali.
    The state Commissioner for Capital City and Urban Planning, Chief Sunday Inyima told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday that two construction workers trapped inside the building’s rubble had  been rescued.
    Inyima said that four other construction workers at the site successfully escaped when the building collapsed.
    “We went to the hospital with the four workers to see the two rescued victims and they confirmed that the workers worked with them on the site.
    “We are happy that all the workers are alive and we can presently face technical matters,” he said.
    The commissioner assured the public that the matter would be thoroughly investigated to serve as deterent to others.
    “We call on the owner of the building to present himself to security agencies for investigations.
    “I spoke with him and he promised to bring the site workers and the supervising engineer to the ministry but he has only brought the workers,” he said.
    He noted that the building was not approved by the ministry as the owner was advised not to erect a high rise building in the area.
    “The building was situated at Udensi/ Nnodo low-cost housing estate of Abakaliki and only bungalows were approved for the area.
    “The owner ignored the advice and according to information in his records, he was constructing a three-storey building.
    “He did not obtain a building approval as whatever he did concerning the structure was illegal,” he said.
    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Joshua Ukandu, also confirmed that the two trapped  victims were responding to treatment at the Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital.
    “The divisional police officer in charge of the area is on top of the situation and can confirm that the victims are responding to treatment,” he said.
    One of the victims, Celestine Arua, thanked God for saving him as he thought he would die under the rubble.
    NAN reports that officials of the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and other engineering regulatory bodies all visited the site and confirmed that it didn’t meet relevant engineering stipulations.
    The Lawmaker, Ezeali, when approached by newsmen, said that he was still in shock over the incident and would address the press appropriately. (NAN) (nannews.com)
    RCO/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Man bags life imprisonment for raping a 15-year-old Minor in Ekiti

    Imprisonment
    Opeyemi Gbemiro

    Ado- Ekiti, June 19, 2024 (NAN) An Ado-Ekiti High Court presided by Justice J.O Adeyeye on Wednesday sentenced one Ojo Ayegbusi  to life imprisonment for the rape of a 15-year-old minor.

    The Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Julius Ajibare, in his submissions, said the convict, who faced a lone count charge of rape, perpetrated the act when the victim was returning from school.

    “She was accosted by the convict, who lured her into his room and had carnal knowledge of her.

    “The girl could not tell anybody of her nasty experience but her father found out when the girl collapsed at home and blood was gushing out of her private part.

    “She was however, rushed to the hospital while the convict was arrested and charged to Court,”.

    The offence of rape is contrary to section 31 (2) of the Child’s Rights Law, Cap.C7, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.

    The prosecutor called five witnesses and tendered three exhibits in support of his case.

    The convict, who spoke through his counsel, Mr. E O. Sunmonu, gave evidence in his defence and called one additional witness.

    The court delivered judgement and held that the prosecution proved the offence of rape against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.

    The court consequently convicted the defendant and sentenced him to life imprisonment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

    OPA/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

    =============

  • World MSME Day: 1000 entrepreneurs for business development summit

    Summit

    By Perpetua Onuegbu

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Niger Delta Young Professionals (NDYP) says it will organise a Summit/Bootcamp for over 1000 young professionals across the Niger Delta region to cross-fertilise ideas on business development.

    Mr Moses Siasia said on Wednesday that the summit would be specially designed to hold in Port Harcourt, Rivers, on June 27, to bring together a cross-section of economists, policymakers and business development experts.

    Siasia said that the theme of the summit ‘Building a Culture of Entrepreneurship and Self-reliance Beyond Oil’, was designed to help entrepreneurs know the best way to wriggle out of the current economic challenges faced in the country.

    He said the experts would examine the critical role of MSME in the overall development of the economy.

    Siasia said this year’s event is strategic, as it coincides with the 2024 United Nations World MSME Day.

    “The World MSME Day is specially marked to create a platform to discuss and exchange ideas.

    “The ideas are on how key stakeholders, including policy makers, large companies, financial institutions, and the international community can support micro, small and medium-sized businesses to advance the 2030 Agenda.

    “It also contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty eradication and decent work for all.

    “The Niger Delta MSME Summit/Bootcamp is a sustained initiative that has been creating enormous opportunities and growth for young MSME owners in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region,” Siasia said.

    According to him, the event will enable a cross-section of economists, policymakers and business development experts to examine the critical role of MSME in the overall development of the economy.

    He noted that in spite of lack of support from the governments in the region, poor management of MSMEs, high-interest loans from banks, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure, the initiative had pulled through with sustainable impacts over the years.

    Siasia said that Mr Summy Francis, the President of Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs (A.Y.E.) would be speaking at the event.

    “Other speakers include Mr Temitope Runsewe, the CEO of Dutum Company Limited; Mrs Esther Adebayo, President of the Women Agro Processors, Agricgen and Exporters Initiative (WAPAGEIN).

    “Mr Otuya Okecha, CEO Firbesol Nigeria Limited; Dr Martins Fregene, Director of Agriculture, African Development Bank, among others, will also be speaking at the event.

    “The summit is expected to “ignite the next generation through expanding entrepreneurial culture in the Niger Delta region.

    “Participants for the summit will be drawn from the nine states of the Niger Delta region, as past editions produced positive results which are indication of secured future of entrepreneurs in the oil-rich region.

    “This year’s event would feature product exhibitions, grants, bootcamp, main-stage keynotes, panel discussions, interactive master sessions, style breakout.

    “There will also be a business-to-business meetings, mentoring sessions, networking opportunities featuring outstanding line-up of successful entrepreneurs, innovators, strategists and business leaders from top brands.”

    Siasia noted that the beneficiaries of past editions, many of whom have received grants to grow their businesses, have been able to grow a huge business capital and create employment opportunities for other prospective MSMEs.

    “The inaugural edition of the summit held in 2021 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State had over 400 Niger Deltans benefitting from the NIRSAL Intervention Loan for small business owners in the area of Agriculture, Creative Industry and ICT.

    “In the second edition held in Asaba, Delta State in 2022, and the third edition in 2023 in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, the NDYP gave out grants to innovative businesses,” Siasia added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    PUO/EMAF
    =========
    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

  • FRSC produces 73,740 National Drivers Licences in two weeks

    The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Malam Shehu Mohammed

    Licence
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) produced 73,740 National Drivers’ Licences (NDLs)  in two weeks, the Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, has said.

    A statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide quotes Mohammed as saying this on Wednesday in Abuja.

     

    The Corps Marshal said that the achievement followed strategic interventions introduced to clear the backlogs of licences.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mohammed, on assumption of office, visited the FRSC Print Farm as a major step to revamp the entire process of service delivery with respect to issuance of drivers’ licences.

     

    The assessment was propelled by the rate of public outcry over the unprecedented delay faced by applicants in obtaining National Drivers Licence.

     

    At the end of the assessment, the Corps Marshal set up a taskforce to ensure that the backlogs were immediately cleared as soon as possible.

     

    He directed 24 hours production and immediate rectification of the identified technical glitches that affected the overall production capacity of the farm.

    “As at the moment, a total of 84,500 NDLs are on queue for production and expected to be delivered to the respective State Licensing Authorities nationwide,” he said.

    Mohammed assured the public of the Corps’ commitment to quality service.

    The corps marshal advised applicants, especially those who have been awaiting issuance for sometime, to visit their state licensing offices to check and pick their licences.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/OIF/AOS

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    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Bayo Sekoni

  • Cholera: Edo Govt tasks residents on hygiene, sanitation

     

    Health

    By Joy Odigie

    Benin, June 19, 2024 (NAN) As Nigeria grapples with a cholera outbreak affecting some states, Edo Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) has urged residents of the state to prioritize personal hygiene and sanitation practices.

    Mrs Irene Uabor, Health Educator, EDSPHCD), disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Benin.

    Uabor said that the Agency had started sensitization on the disease at the local government councils.

    She said, “while Edo has not recorded any cases of cholera, the risk of the disease spreading is significant, necessitating proactive measures to prevent an outbreak”.

    The health educator said that the disease was characterized by severe diarrhoea and vomiting, leading to rapid dehydration and, if left untreated, could be fatal within hours.

    “Cholera is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by consuming contaminated water or food.”

    She emphasized the importance of clean water and proper sanitation, saying, “Cholera thrives in environments where water and food sources are contaminated with faecal matter.

    “Ensuring access to clean drinking water, proper disposal of waste, and maintaining personal hygiene are key to preventing cholera.”

    “Residents are advised to boil water before drinking, avoid eating street food, and wash their hands regularly with soap and clean water, especially before eating and after using the toilet.

    “Communities are also encouraged to improve waste management practices, ensuring that dirts are disposed of in designated areas and not left in the open where it can contaminate water sources,” she said.

    She added that the agency had heightened media campaigns on the awareness and preventive measures against the disease in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OOJ/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Accept N62,000 minimum wage offer, Osun Ex-Perm Sec. urges labour

    Wage
    By Dorcas Elusogbon
    Ile-Ife (Osun), June 19, 2024 (NAN) A former Permanent Secretary in Osun, Alhaji Fatai Kolawole, has urged civil servants in Nigeria to accept the N62,000 new minimum wage offered by the Federal Government.
    Kolawole, who retired as Permanent Secretary in the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), stated this in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday in Modakeke, Ife East Local Government Area of Osun.
    He attributed his position on the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers on the present economic downturn which, he said, was global.
    Kolawole, however, described the economic challenges as a passing phase, calling on Nigerians, particularly the civil servants, to exercise patience with President Bola Tinubu on the country’s economic condition.
    He said that the civil servants should consider the N62,000 minimum wage offered by the government for now, as thing would be getting better gradually.
    The retired permanent secretary expressed the hope that prices of petroleum products would soon come down, particularly with the ongoing turn-around maintenance of the Port Harcourt Refinery and the coming on stream of Dangote Refinery.
    “Dangote Refinery has reduced diesel price from N1,600 to N1,200 per litre and has said that by July, petrol will come down to between N400 and N400 per litre.
    “We should note that the economic downturn is global, as those in foreign countries are also not having it easy.
    “So what is happening is not in Nigeria alone. It should, however, be seen as a passing phase,” he said.
    Kolawole noted that the federal government was re-jigging the system during which things might be a bit hard.
    “This is a bitter pill that Nigeria must take now and hopefully, within the next one year, things will change for better. Surely, there’s light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
    The retired technocrat expressed confidence in the handlers of the nation’s economy, whom he described as capable hands, assuring that the things would soon turn around for better. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    EDA/CHOM/WAS
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma and ‘Wale Sadeeq