WordPress

Blog

  • Nigeria, U.S firm sign MoU on human space flight

    MoU

    By Sylvester Thompson/Ijeoma Olorunfemi

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a U.S firm, Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA), on Human Space Flight programme, aimed at sending the first Nigerian to space.

    The National Space Research and Development Agency (NARSDA) signed the MoU on behalf of the Federal Government in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The Director-General of NASRDA, Dr Matthew Adepoju, said the event marked the commencement of the agency’s efforts to implement part of its mandate of human space flight.

    “The Human Space Flight programme is one of the cardinal objectives of National Space Policy and Programme.

    “It was with this in mind that we established the Department of Physical and Life Sciences about three years ago to forge this mandate.

    “This is also coming as one of our deep space exploration because there are many spinoffs that will come from the collaboration and opportunities opened for Nigerians,’’ director-general said

    According to him, the agency is committed to ensure Nigerian is sent to space.

    In his remarks, Mr Sam Hutchison, Co-founder of SERA, said the human space flight programme gave Nigerians opportunity to choose who they want to send to space.

    “The process of application would be open to anybody in Nigeria who is up to 18 years of age, there are no other qualification required.

    ” You will be able to sign up and then encourage others to vote for you, as part of democratic process, the Nigerian people will select four potential astronaut candidates before a final selection process.

    “The important thing to understand is that anybody can apply, you don’t have to be a scientist, mathematician, engineer,” Hutchison said.

    He disclosed that it was about opening up access to ordinary Nigerians and giving them opportunity to be the first Nigerian in space.

    He said that the selection process would be open and fully run by SERA platform where anybody would be welcome to apply.

    He said Nigeria was chosen because the country had indicated serious intent in regard to future space exploration.

    He said the programme was to raise awareness among young people in Nigeria, adding that if they get into science, technology, engineering and mathematics, they can go to space.

    “There are billions of dollars being invested in the commercial development of in-space activities and Nigeria should be part of it,” Hutchison said.

    Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, in a remark, said that human space flight was a key objective of Nigeria.

    He said the National Space Policy and Programme (NSPP), approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2001, identified human space flight as one of its three pillars.

    “According to the 25-year roadmap approved in 2005 for the implementation of the NSPP, our first human space flight was scheduled for 2018.

    “This means we are about six years behind schedule,” Nnaji said.

    He stated that the signing of the MoU was a testament to the rigorous efforts of the ministry in the past months. (NAN) www nannews.ng

    SET/NIU/ADA

    Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

  • PDP has not suspended its member in Oredo LG –party boss

    Suspension
    By Nefishetu Yakubu
    Benin, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo says the party has not suspended Assemblyman Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, a former House of Representatives member.

    The party said on Wednesday in Benin that the purported suspension was false and misleading.

    The PDP Chairman in the local government, Mr Oduwa Igbinosun, told journalists in Benin that the “local government executives’ attention has been drawn to a purported expulsion of Ogbeide-Ihama by a group”.

    Igbinosun also said that the National Working Committee of the party had extended the tenure of all elected executives and rectified them to act as caretaker committee.

    Also, the executives of PDP Ward 2, Oredo Local Government, said that they were not aware of the purported suspension and expulsion of the two-term House of Representatives member.

    The Secretary of the ward, Mr Jesuobo Obadigie, stated this on behalf of the executives.

    “Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama remains not just a member, but a prominent and formidable leader of the party and he continues to enjoy the total support of the members in Ward 2.

    “It is expected that anyone who loves the party should at this point be focused on actions that will unite the party ahead of the September governorship elections.

    “This is to warn mischief makers and impostors to desist from their criminal and divisive actions that could cause harm”.(NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)
    NY/KAY
    ======
    Edited by Kayode Olaitan

  • Ogundoyin family donates drugs, N5m to 500 sickle cell patients

    Donation
    By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju
    Ibadan, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Family of the late Ibadan-based industrialist, Chief Adeseun Ogundoyin, on Wednesday donated drugs and N5 million to 500 sickle cell patients in Ibadan.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the donation was done by the family, in partnership with an NGO, Sickle Cell Hope Alive Foundation (SCHAF) to mark this year’s World Sickle Cell Awareness Day.

    NAN also reports that the late business mogul, the father of the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin died on June 19, 1991 after battling with sickle cell disease.

    Speaking at the occasion, held at Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, the speaker said that the donation of the drugs and cash was in continuation of the 33rd anniversary of his father’s demise.

    Ogundoyin expressed the regret that his late father fought ‘fearlessly, courageously and tenaciously’ with sickle cell disease until he breathed his last 33 years ago.

    He said that the free drugs given to the 500 sickle cell patients from across the state would last them for three months.

    The speaker said that the family decided to embark on raising awareness, providing drugs and empowering those affected by the deadly disease in honour of the memory of a life well-lived by their patriarch.

    “Just like every other sickle cell patient, my father’s struggle with the disease was immense and intense, but he never lost hope.

    “I must say that his life was a demonstration of the power of hope and determination which all of us, including those living with the disease, must emulate,” he said.

    The speaker further stated that the family had resolved to continue their patriarch father’s tireless support to the sickle cell disease community by supporting awareness and advocacy on the disease.

    He said that the family had also continued to provide resources, drugs and access to healthcare services for the patients.

    “With this, we hope to make a difference in their lives, create a brighter future for them and ultimately keep the memory and legacy of late Ogundoyin,” he said.

    Ogundoyin urged the sickle cell patients at the occasion not to allow the genetic disorder to hamper their lives struggle and ambition.

    “As a nation, we must rise up to the challenge posed by sickle cell disease because 70 per cent of the world’s cases of the disease occur in Africa, with Nigeria having the highest number of carriers worldwide.

    “We need to come up with policies that will reduce the economic burden put on families by the patients who frequently visit hospitals and buy drugs for survival.

    “They must, therefore, have unhindered access to free healthcare services, drugs, genetic counseling, prenatal test and comprehensive medical care,” he said.

    The speaker enjoined NGOs, religious institutions, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to increase awareness to end the stigmatisation against individuals and families affected with sickle cell disease.

    “We need to show them love and give them support,” he said.

    Ogundoyin assured that the legislature would work with other arms of government in the state to pass laws that would protect the rights of sickle cell patients and improve their living conditions so that they could live productive and fulfilling lives.

    “We are not just honoring my father’s memory but the resilience of every individual who has fought against this disease.

    “We celebrate the courage of those who have lost loved ones and the determination of those who continue to battle on.

    “Let us continue to raise our voices, to support one another and to fight for a world where sickle cell disease no longer defines a person’s worth or potential,” he said.

    Vice-Chancellor Chrisland University, Prof. Chinedum Babalola, who gave the keynote address, said that Nigeria had the largest number of people affected by sickle cell disease in the world.
    According to Babalola, 50 million people, which is 25 percent of the country’s population, are affected by the disease. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    SEY/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Alleged Terrorism: Nnamdi Kanu seeks out-of-court settlement

    Alleged Terrorism: Nnamdi Kanu seeks out-of-court settlement

    Terrorism
    By Taiye Agbaje

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Wednesday, indicated his interest to explore out-of-court settlement in the alleged terrorism charge preferred against him by the Federal Government.

    Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, told Justice Binta Nyako of a Federal High Court, Abuja upon resumed trial in the matter.

    Ejimakor told the court that he had discussed the matter with the lawyer to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, in the last adjourned date.

    But Awomolo said though Ejimakor had a discussion with him on the issue, the senior lawyer said he bluntly told him to approach the AGF who had the power to initiate the idea.

    According him him, I have not been instructed or authorised to do so.

    Earlier when the matter was called, Awomolo informed the court that the matter was scheduled for trial.

    He said he was ready to proceed as their witnesses were in court.

    Ejimakor then informed the court that he had two applications before the court.

    The lawyer said one was Form 49 application seeking the committal of the director general of Department of State Service (DSS) to prison for alleged disobedience to court orders

    He said the second was the application challenging the jurisdcition of the court.

    He said the DSS had not fully complied with the orders of the court as their visit to Kanu was still being bugged.

    Ejimakor, however, said in their last visit to Kanu on Monday, there was considerable improvement in the way they were treated by the security agency.

    He said he and his colleagues were granted access into the facility and they were given papers to take note.

    The lawyer, however, insisted that the service had not obeyed the order directing them to give Kanu a “safe room,” to meet with his lawyers.

    Ejimakor expressed concern that the room the DSS gave them to meet with their “client is bugged.”

    He, therefore, urged the court to invoke Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, which he said, provides for “reconciliation” and facilitation of amicable settlement in criminal or civil matters.

    He claimed that he had, in the last adjourned date, discussed the proposition with Awomolo and that the senior lawyer told him the proper time for such issue had not come.

    Responding, Awomolo said did not have the instruction of his client to embark on any negation with the defendant over the charge.

    He said as a legal practitioner, he was only briefed to prosecute the matter.

    “I told him to go to the AGF who has the power,” he said.

    However, trial judge who observed that the court had no problem with exploring out-of-court settlement if the parties decided to do so, urged Kanu to approach the AGF who is the proper person to negotiate with.

    On the issue of Form 49 application filed by Kanu, Justice Nyako held that application was not before her.

    She said the matter would be looked into when the application Is brought before her.

    The judge, however, ordered the DSS to provide an “unbugged space” for Kanu to meet with his lawyers each time they were at the facility to prepare for his defence.

    She said the unbugged space could be a garden within the DSS premises where Kanu and his lawyers could discuss without any interference by the DSS operatives.

    Meanwhile, Justice Nyako also dismissed a fresh application by Kanu challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain counts 1,2,3,4,5,8 and 15 for being unconstitutional.

    The judge held that she cannot overruled herself on issues she had already resolved, adding that the only option left for the applicant was to proceed on appeal.

    Justice Nyako equally ordered the prosecution to file and serve its prove of evidence on the defendant while the defendant should file his defecee pending the next adjourned date.

    She ordered that the defendant should agree with the prosecution where there are no issues and state his objection where necessary.

    Kanu, through his lawyer, had in the fresh application urged the court to quash the charges for being unconstitutional.

    He argued that in five counts, the prosecution failed to indicate the exact location where Kanu’s alleged offensive broadcast occurred.

    He had argued that the court lacked jurisdiction since the prosecution failed to show in the charge whether the alleged offensive broadcast was a punishable offence in Kenya or Britain, the two places where Kanu had been outside Nigeria before his rearrest.

    The judge adjourned the matter until Sept. 24 for further hearing.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the IPOB leader had been in the custody of the DSS since 2021, when he was re-arrested and brought back to continue his trial on allegedly treasonable felony and terrorism charge.

    The court had, on May 20, refused to release him from custody on grounds that the DSS is the proper place for the defendant to be while the trial last.

    The court, which declined Kanu’s application, ordered the DSS to grant Kanu unfettered access to his lawyers and fixed Wednesday for trial.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TOA/SH

    =======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Fubara directs immediate audit of 23 LG accounts

    Audit
    By Precious Akutamadu
    Port Harcourt, June, 19, 2024(NAN) Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, has directed an immediate audit of the accounts of the 23 local government councils in the state.
    Fubara gave the directive in Port Harcourt on Wednesday shortly after swearing-in Caretaker Committee Chairmen of local government councils in the state.
    He said that it was important for Rivers people to know how the finances of the 23 local government councils were managed in the past three years.
    The governor who demanded that the auditing process must be thorough, said that the report should be submitted within one month.
    “I officially mandate the Auditor-General to immediately commence the audit of the 23 local government councils in the past three years.
    “This auditing is very important, we need to know how public funds were managed in the third tier system in the past three years.
    “This process will help us to also keep those that are coming in on their feet. It is not business as usual,” he said.
    Fubara urged the new chairmen to ensure prudent management of resources and delivery of democracy dividends to the people.
    He further urged them to compute and pay outstanding financial benefits including salaries meant for the outgoing chairmen, vice-chairmen and councillors.
    “Avoid confrontation, endeavour to be law-abiding all the time as you take full control of the local government system,” he said.
    Fubara stated that the tenure of the caretaker committees would not be long as efforts would be made to quickly conduct elections into the councils.
    (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    PA/AZU
    ======
    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • Residents butcher stranded whale for meat in Bayelsa community

    Residents butcher stranded whale for meat in Bayelsa community

    Whale

    By Shedrack Frank

    Brass (Bayelsa) June 19, 2024 (NAN) Residents of Okpoama Community in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa, have butchered a stranded giant whale at seaside of the Atlantic ocean close to the community.

    The stranded whale, measured about 15 meters long, 5 meters wide and 3 meters height, may have been washed off on Tuesday evening due to low sea wave at the river bank.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that residents of the community meeting the stranded whale on Wednesday morning, trooped out with machetes, hacksaws and axes to dismember the sea animal for fish.

    NAN reports that the butchering is still ongoing as at the time of filling the report at Okpoama waterside.

    Mr Nengi Omietimi, a resident of the community, said: “as you can see, giant whale was washed off this morning in Okpoama beach; things like this happen every five to six or 10 years.

    “Young men are here doing what they know best, a lot of people are still queuing waiting at the beach to get their own share of the fish.

    “This thing started happening since morning, as you can see this fish can feed the whole community.

    “We just found it this morning at the beach, the people you’re seeing here came from different communities to get their own share of the large mammal,” he said.

    Mr Tarinyo Akono, a former chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Bayelsa, who is also an indigene of the community, said that the whale might have died after it got stranded, due to low wave.

    He stated that the animal was grounded in the night when the people had gone to sleep, adding that if it was found alive, it could have been rescued and pushed back to the sea.

    Also, the Youth President of Okpoama community, Mr Seiyefa Felix Ben-Basuo, who confirmed the incident, also said that the people were at the waterside butchering the sea mammal.

    NAN reports that in August 2019, a similar giant whale got stranded at the same waterside and was also butchered by the residents for meat. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FS/AMM

    =========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Court remands woman for allegedly inserting firewood into 12- year-old girl private part

     

    Remand

    By Joy Akinsanya

    Abeokuta, June, 19, 2024 (NAN) An Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court sitting in Isabo, on Wednesday, remanded a 25-year-old woman for allegedly causing grievous harm to a 12-year -old girl by inserting a piece of burning firewood into her private part.

    The defendant, who resides at No 6 Isewo Dotin, in Obada-Oko area in Abeokuta, is facing a one-count charge of causing grievous harm.

    The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge and begged for the court’s forgiveness.

    The Magistrate, Mrs B.V William, ordered her remand in a correctional facility and asked the Prosecution to duplicate and send the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution for legal advice.

    William adjourned the case until June 26 for mention.

    Earlier, the prosecuting counsel, Insp Lawrence Olu-Balogun, told the court that the defendants committed the offence on June 11, at No 6, Isewo Dotin in Obada area

    He alleged that the defendant, being the victim’s guardian, inserted a burning firewood into her private part over alleged theft of beverages valued at N650.

    He told the court that the offence contravened Sections 316 and 319 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun 2006. (NAN)(nannews.ng)
    IOJ/ KOO/MNA
    ========
    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Maureen Atuonwu

  • Congresses: PDP extends deadline for sale of forms

    Congresses: PDP extends deadline for sale of forms

     

    Congresses

     

    By Emmanuel Oloniruha

     

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN)The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has extended the deadline for the sale of forms for its 2024 congresses from  June 17 to  June 28.

     

     

    National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr  Debo Ologunagba,disclosed this in a statement issued  in Abuja on Tuesday.

     

    Ologunagba said that the extension was approved by the party’s  National Working Committee (NWC) pursuant to its power under the party’s constitution.

     

    Ologunagba added that the deadline for  the submission of completed states’ executives forms had also been extended from June 21 to July 5.

     

    He advised all party leaders, stakeholders and members to note the extension and be guided accordingly.(NAN)(nannews.ng)

    OBE/BHB

    ====~

     

    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

  • Uzodimma charges media practitioners on patriotic journalism 

     

    Patriotism

    By Ugonne Uzoma

    Owerri, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo has urged journalists to be patriotic and ensure the overriding interest of the state and country while carrying out their duties.

    Uzodimma gave the charge while receiving journalists at the Imo Government House, in Owerri on Wednesday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of the Correspondents’ Chapel and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Imo State Council had paid the governor a courtesy call.

    They were led by the state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council, Mr Ifeanyi Nwanguma.

    “There must be synergy between the government and the press for true and functional democratic governance,” Uzodimma said.

    The governor added that the media must also criticise the government while offering its support through fact-based reporting.

    The governor, who further advised the press against antagonistic reporting, urged them to show more commitment to objective and patriotic reporting.

    “Let the overriding interest in your duties as pressmen be patriotic; criticise objectively but also ensure you report the good works of the government.

    “There can be no government without the media so protect and partner with the government to help strengthen democracy in our country,” he said.

    Speaking on the pervading economic hardship across the country, the governor urged the press to educate the people on the long term benefits of the policies of the Federal Government.

    “As a nation, we must endure temporary hardship in the struggle to recalibrate the country.

    “The people might feel the impact for a short while but the long term benefits are enormous.

    “Please do your duties by enlightening the people on the benefits of these policies of government,” he said.

    Earlier, the Chairman of the Imo Correspondents’ chapel, Mr Chinonso Alozie, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the chapel and the state government.

    Alozie added that the chapel was also desirous of identifying areas of partnership inline with its core mandate of developmental journalism.

    The chairman also called for more inclusion of the press to enable better reportage of the activities and programmes of government.

    He commended the governor for his developmental projects in the state, especially in the areas of road construction.

    Also speaking at the meeting, the state Chairman of NAWOJ, Dr Dorothy Nnaji, also commended the governor for his recognition of the press in the state.

    Nnaji also appealed for more support for the group to enable them carry out their development programmes across the state especially in the area of health campaign for rural women.

    Highlights of the visit was the governor’s donation of a 14-seater bus each to the Correspondents’ Chapel and NAWOJ. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    UOI/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Organisations train LASUSTECH students on Artificial Intelligence

    Training

    By Oluwakemi Oladipo

    Lagos, June 19,2024 (NAN) Two technology organisations, SIID Africa  and Tech4Dev, in collaboration with America Corner, on Wednesday  trained students of Lagos State University of Science and Technology on Artificial Intelligence.

    The Dean of Students Affairs of the institution, Dr Ademola Aderogba, said at  the training in Lagos that Artificial Intelligence would equip the students to compete favourably with their peers in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

    “I appreciate the organisers of the programme for staging a technological advancement programme in the university.

    “This training will make the students to achieve  proper knowledge about Artificial Intelligence which is evolving globally.

    “I admonish the students to always attend a programme like this to make them more knowledgeable,” he said.

    One of the resource persons, Mr Samuel Odusanya from SIID Africa, said that Artificial Intelligence was relevant in all aspects of human endeavours.

    Odusanya urged the students to leverage the training and develop Artificial Intelligence-driven solutions to human problems.

    He, however, advised that the students should  not totally displace the functionalities of the human brain by relying on Artificial Intelligence.

    Another resource person, Mr Muiz Chika, said that Artificial Intelligence would be the future and  had come to stay.

    Chika advised the students to take advantage of the training to explore the future without any form of ambiguity.

    “AI can be useful in areas such as research, book writing, medical field and any other fields you will find yourselves  as the future unfolds.

    “Embrace AI with curiosity, creativity and courage as it will help you to carry out various tasks,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OKG/IGO
    ========
    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola