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  • Man pleads guilty to dealing in hard drugs

    Plea
    By Sandra Umeh
    Lagos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) A 24-year old man, Chiazo Obi on Wednesday pleaded guilty to dealing in hard drugs –  Cocaine, Heroin and Cannabis – .

    Chiazo took the plea when he was arraigned before a Federal High Court, Lagos, by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    The defendant was arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, on a three-count charge bordering on unlawful deal in hard drugs.

    Following his plea, the Prosecutor, Mrs N.J Mamza, applied for a date to enable her review the facts of the case.

    The court adjourned the case until June 21 for review.

    The defendant was said to have committed the offence on May 13, at the Mazamaza area of Lagos.

    “Obi was caught with nine grammes of Cocaine, five grammes of Heroin and 21 grammes of Cannabis.

    “The substances are classified as banned narcotics in the NDLEA schedule,” the prosecutor said.

    Manza said the offence contravenes the provisions of Section 11(c) of the NDLEA Act, 2004. (NAN)

    UNS/CEO/ROT

    ===========

    Edited by Chidi Opara/Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • FG tasks civil servants on improved service delivery

    FG tasks civil servants on improved service delivery

    Service-delivery

    By Maureen Okon

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has urged civil servants to remain diligent and value-oriented in the execution of their official duties.

    Gabriel Aduda, Permanent Secretary in the ministry gave the charge when Ali Seidu, Chairman of the Union Executive and staff of  the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside some members of staff, visited him in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was in appreciation of Aduda’s impactful role during his tenure as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from December 2020 to October 2022.

    Aduda said that the civil service was the engine room of government adding that, it was their responsibility as civil servants to ensure effective service delivery to Nigerians.

    He further said that the civil service was crucial in actualising the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu-led Administration.

    He, therefore, urged civil servants to always give their best in their service to humanity.

    “Always put in your best at every opportunity you are given to serve. You may never have a second chance to make a first impression, so always put your best foot forward.

    “Never relent in supporting your subordinates and superiors,’’ he advised.

    Aduda reaffirmed the government’s commitment to capacity development for workers; enhance efficiency and productivity for effective service delivery in the public sector, in line with global standards.

    Responding, Seidu the union chairman expressed gratitude to the permanent secretary for his contributions to staff career progression and capacity building at the foreign ministry.

    He acknowledged Aduda’s efforts in facilitating the conversion of staff from the Executive Cadre to Officer Cadre.

    Seidu said that the knowledge and opportunities gained from these initiatives would be utilised to achieve the goals and objectives of the federal government.

    NAN reports that the high point of the event was the presentation of a customised, handcrafted thank-you card by the group. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ETIM/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Initiate developmental projects, Ex-NOA boss urges LG chairmen

    Initiate developmental projects, Ex-NOA boss urges LG chairmen

    Projects
    By Adedeji Egbebi
    Oye-Ekiti(Ekiti), June 19, 2024(NAN) A former Director of the National Orientation Agency(NOA) in Ekiti State, Mr Bamitale Oguntoyinbo, has advised local government chairmen to initiate and execute projects that would promote community development.

    Oguntoyinbo gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Oye-Ekiti, Oye Local Government area of the state.

    He noted that some LG chairmen in the state were not living to expectations of the residents in providing the dividends of democracy.

    Oguntoyinbo, also a former Chairman of Oye Local Government, described local government as the bedrock of democracy.

    He said it is also the closest government to the people where developmental projects must be carried out to complement the state government.

    He urged the chairmen to work harder in their various local governments to complement the good work of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

    According to him, the governor has been working tirelessly to fulfil his electoral promises, and need the support of the chairmen for the people to enjoy dividends of democracy.

    “I enjoin the local government chairmen to initiate and execute developmental projects to promote development in their communities.

    “The chairmen must interact with the community people, share ideas with them on their needs and initiate projects that will meet their needs.

    “They should also initiate good projects and ideas that can attract the approval of the governor to release funds,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    DJ/CEO/IKU
    Edited by Chidi Opara/Tayo Ikujuni

  • 3 men in court over alleged possession of Indian hemp

    3 men in court over alleged possession of Indian hemp

    Arraignment

    By Funmilayo Okunade

    Ado-Ekiti, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Three men, Odogwu Nelson ,28, Endurance Monday,23,  and Akinyemi Sunday,32, were on Wednesday arraigned in  an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged possession of Indian hemp.

    The defendants, of unknown addresses are facing a charge of possession of Indian hemp.

    The police prosecutor, Insp Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendants committed the offence on June 8 at about 04:00 p.m. in Ise-Ekiti.

    He alleged that the defendants had in their possession weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.

    Oriyomi said the offence contravened Section 5(b) of the Indian hemp Act LFN 2004.

    He urged the court to adjourn the case to enable him to study the file and assemble his witnesses.

    The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them.

    Counsel to the defendants, Mr Sunday Balogun, urged the court to grant the defendants bail, with a promise that they would not jump bail.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mr Olarewaju Owoleso, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N200, 000 with one surety each in like sum.

    He adjourned the case until July 30, for a hearing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FOA/NNO/JPE

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    Edited by Nick Nicholas/Joseph Edeh

  • Sao Tome and Principe Forum woos investors to explore business opportunities

    Sao Tome and Principe Forum woos investors to explore business opportunities

    Partnership

    By Patricia Amogu

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Sao Tome and Principe Forum said on Wednesday the country would work toward deepening relations with Nigeria by exploring business opportunities that would mobilise private sector players for national development.

    The President of the forum, Dr Mike Ozumba, stated this in Abuja when he led members of the forum on a visit to the Ambassador of Sao Tome and Principe to Nigeria, Gjazaide Aguar.

    Ozumba added that the purpose of the meeting was to deepen engagement with Nigerian investors and entrepreneurs and to encourage them to take advantage of the off-shore economic opportunities in Sao Tome and Principe.

    He said that the visit would provide the forum with the chance to discuss mutually beneficial opportunities on offer at the Sao Tome and Principe Investment Summit to be held in February 2025.

    He spoke of the forum’s commitment to providing access to critical information on trade and investment for decision-makers through the relationship with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

    “This partnership and development-centered relationship between Nigeria and Sao Tome and Principe is that it stands as a gateway to mutual economic and investment opportunities in the light of the AfCFTA possibilities.

    “AfCFTA is an ambitious trade pact to form the world’s largest free trade area by creating a single market for goods and services across Africa and deepening efforts toward the economic integration of Africa,” the president of the forum said.

    Speaking, Mr Chinedu Amadi, Director of the forum said the visit demonstrated the readiness of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in both countries to leverage the possibilities offered by AfCFTA.

    This move, he explained, will lead to sustainable economic development in Africa, attract foreign investors, and strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

    “The beginning of trading under AfCFTA has put Africa on the global map as the largest integrated trading area in the world by allowing liberalisation of trade in goods, services, and talent without tariffs.

    “This has laid bare fresh opportunities and possibilities with greater promises to fast-track industrialisation and value addition,’’ he said.

    Responding, the Sao Tome and Principe ambassador in Nigeria praised the forum for the initiative and visit.

    He described São Tomé and Principe as a choice destination for quality investment.

    Aguar added that the partnership and efforts of the forum would go a long way in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting trade and investment between the two countries. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    PAO/DE/YEE

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    (Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Emmanuel Yashim)

  • Cholera: Expert recommends intensified hygiene practices for schools

    Cholera

    By Tosin Kolade
    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) In response to suspected and confirmed reports of cholera outbreaks in some parts of Nigeria, a sanitation expert has called for improved hygiene practices in schools.

    Mr Benson Attah, the National Coordinator, Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

    He said that school management authourities need to immediately increase their level of alertness and intensify cholera awareness.

    He urged local government councils with reported outbreaks to disseminate hygiene messages to pupils and students in affected areas.

    Attah advised students to share the messages with their families, neighbours, and communities to ensure widespread awareness and preventive action.

    “This outbreak should serve as an early warning to the councils and states yet unaffected,” Attah said.

    He underscored the necessity for proactive measures even in regions not currently experiencing outbreaks.

    “The recommended hygiene practices include; regular hand washing with safe, clean water and soap, especially before eating.

    “We must all practice food safety by washing fruits and vegetables with salt and water, followed by thorough rinsing and ensuring that all cooking and eating utensils are cleaned with soap and water.

    “Another issue is insect and rodent prevention through preventing flies and other insects from contacting food and keeping rodents out of homes, particularly kitchens and food storage areas”.

    The national coordinator noted the importance of water safety, saying drinking only potable or boiled water should be encouraged at all times.

    Attah said that school management authorities must immediately increase their alertness and cholera awareness efforts to mitigate the spread of the disease.

    He urged everyone to maintain a high level of hygiene at home, in schools, on buses, and in other public places to prevent further outbreaks.

    “The level of seriousness and commitment to hygiene practices must be heightened across all affected and unaffected areas, collective responsibility is essential in combating the cholera outbreak.

    Attah also advised everyone to avoid buying and eating street food in areas with reported cholera cases, saying clothes and bedding should be soaked in soap, boiled water, and disinfectants, or bleach.

    He said floors, walls, toilets, and bathrooms should be washed with disinfectants or bleach where cholera patients stayed or were treated.

    “Everyone should drink boiled or potable water, additionally, people should adopt regular hand washing with safe water and soap or use hand sanitizer.”

    NAN quotes the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention as saying ` as of 11 June 2024, 1,141 suspected cholera cases had been recorded across 30 states in Nigeria since January 2024.’’

    The 10 states that recorded 90 per cent of the cases are mostly located in the South (Bayelsa—over 400 cases, Lagos, Abia, Cross River, Delta, Imo States), with some situated further north (Katsina, Nasarawa, Zamfara States). (NAN)

    TAK/EEE

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    Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

     

     

  • Fubara swears in new Caretaker Committee Chairmen for 23  LGAs

    Fubara swears in new Caretaker Committee Chairmen for 23 LGAs
    Swearing
    By Precious Akutamadu
    Port Harcourt, June, 19, 2024(NAN)Gov.Siminalayi  Fubara of Rivers, on Wednesday swore in Caretaker Committee Chairmen for the 23 Local Government Councils of the state.
    The swearing-in ceremony was performed at the Executive Council meeting in Government House, Port Harcourt.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new Caretaker Committee Chairmen were earlier invited by the Rivers State House  of Assembly for screening and confirmation before  the swearing in by the Governor.

    The newly sworn-in Caretaker Committee Chairmen includes; Mr Madigai Dickson for Abua-Odual LGA, Mr Happy Benneth – Ahoada East LGA, Mr. Daddy John Green – Ahoada west,;  Otonto Briggs -Akuku Toru LGA , Reginald Ekaa –  Andoni LGA .

    Others are Asari Toru LGA – Orolosoma Amachree; Bonny LGA – Alabota Anengi Barasua; Degema LGA – Anthony Soberekon; Eleme LGA – Brain Gokpa; Emouha LGA – David Omereji; Etche LGA – John Otamiri and Gokana LGA – Kenneth Kpeden.

    The others are; Ikwerre LGA – Darlington Orji; Khana LGA – Marvin Yobana; Obio/Akpor LGA – Chijioke Ihunwo; Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA – Princewill Ejekwe; Ogu/Bolo LGA – Evans Bipi; Okrika LGA – Princess Ogan; Omuma LGA – Promise Reginald; Opobo/Nkoro LGA – Enyiada Cookey-Gam; Oyigbo LGA – Gogo Philip; Port Harcourt LGA – Ichemati Ezebunwo and Tai LGA – Hon. Matthew Dike.(NAN)(www,nannews.ng)

    PA/EBI/SH

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    Edited by Benson Iziama/Sadiya Hamza

  • 3 men collapse after smoking contaminated cigarettes

    3 men collapse after smoking contaminated cigarettes

    Smoking

    Berlin, June 19, 2024 (dpa/NAN) Two men collapsed in western Germany on Tuesday after smoking cigarettes containing an unknown substance which they are believed to have purchased from the same vendor.

    However, another person fell ill over the weekend because of this same substance.

    The police said that paramedics had revived an unconscious 52-year-old man in the city of Duisburg who collapsed after smoking a cigarette laced with an unknown substance on Saturday evening.

    According to the police, the man is no longer in critical condition.

    In two similar incidents on Tuesday, a 43-year-old and a 45-year-old man collapsed after smoking contaminated and both men survived.

    However, after questioning witnesses and obtaining a description of the potential cigarette vendor.

    A suspect was detained on suspicion of violating the New Psychoactive Substances Act.

    However, a search at the suspect’s home revealed no further evidence.

    Investigators believe that the consumption of a cigarette containing an unknown substance caused severe cardiovascular complications that could have been fatal. (dpa/ NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/YEE
    =======

    (Edited by Cecilia Odey/Emmanuel Yashim)

  • Intensify efforts in actualising safe, secure nation – CAS tells commanders

    Intensify efforts in actualising safe, secure nation – CAS tells commanders

     

    NAF

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has charged commanders to be proactive and to intensify efforts in actulising a safe and secure nation.

     

    Abubakar gave the charge at the opening of the meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding and Directors as well as the entire senior leadership cadre of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He reiterated the commitment of the NAF alongside sister services to reinvigorating the fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other security threats facing the nation.

    ”All these threats have global and regional perspectives and attendant impacts on Nigeria’s national security,” he said.

    He added that the implications of the broader strategic external security outlook must never be overlooked.

    The CAS said that key global and regional challenges like the Russian-Ukraine war, upsurge in coups in West Africa and withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), had negative impacts on collective regional security architecture.

    He also said that the withdrawals of UN troops from MINUSMA, 2000 Chadian troops from Mali as well as Niger Republic troops from the Multi-National Joint Task Force could aggravate the security challenges in the Sahel Region.

    He noted that this could cause the influx of more weapons and terrorists into Nigeria.

    ”Invariably, this situation militates against our counterinsurgency efforts. Consequently, we would likely witness a continued growth in the pattern of threats I have previously highlighted.

    ”Hence, it is no gainsaying that we must be proactive and intensify our efforts to meet the Federal Government and Nigerian citizens’ expectations for an expeditious actualisation of a peaceful, safe and secure nation for prosperity to thrive.

    ”In the past 12 months, to enhance our gains against these  threats of terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other criminal activities,  we have re-strategised  and  adopted new  air power measures in line with my command philosophy,” he said.

    Abubakar further said the NAF had so far, achieved modest, yet significant progress in fighting insurgency, terrorism, banditry, oil theft and other criminal activities in the country.

    He commended the top officers and commanders for their efforts and support over the last 12 months, adding that there was still so much more to do.

    According to him, the harsh economic realities such as high rate of youth unemployment, increasing inflation and high multi-dimensional poverty have further aggravated the security situation in the country.

    He explained that the leadership meeting was crucial, as it would holistically review their performances and actions in the past 12 months in transforming the NAF to effectively meet the air power demands of Nigeria’s security.

    He added that the purpose of the meeting was to look back at the set objectives in line with his command philosophy and key enablers, discuss performances and achievements as well as the militating challenges.

    According to him, the meeting will also allow us to directly interact and exchange ideas towards achieving more in the coming year, going forward.

    ”I assure you of my commitment to continuous improvement at all levels in the NAF,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/DCO/SH

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    Edited by Deborah Coker/Sadiya Hamza

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Hotel business receives boost in Epe — association

    Hotel
    By Idris Olukoya
    Epe (Lagos State), June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Hotel Association, Epe Branch, says hotel business in Epe and Ibeju-Lekki axis of Lagos State received a boost, recording good sales in the just concluded Eid el-Kabir.

    Mr Deji Alade, the president of the association, Epe Branch on Wednesday, said that hundreds of visitors and Muslim faithful were on tour of the area for the festival.

    He explained that members of the association had a busy time as patronage of their hotels peaked during the period.

    “Virtually, all our hotels which experienced low patronage before Eid el-Kabir, were booked,” he said.

    He said that some visitors and guests had booked their accommodation two days before the Eid el-Kabir while others checked in on the day.

    Alade described Lekki-Epe as the state’s tourists’ destination, noting that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration in Lagos State had transformed the coastal city of Epe with good road.

    He also noted that industries that “are springing up in the area, such as Dangote’s refinery, the Fourth Mainland Bridge, seaports and the coastal Lagos Lagoon has raised the tourism potential of the area”.

    A member of the association, Mr Tunde Allison, also confirmed that hotels in the area enjoyed high patronage.

    According to him, many intending lodgers did not get rooms as the hotel rooms were fully booked.

    Also, Mr Segun Balogun, an hotelier, said that there was a boost in the sector.

    “I never believe we will record good sales because of the economic hardship but in spite of that, the patronage during the celebration was overwhelming.

    “All our rooms were booked since two days before the celebration until after it. It was a huge success,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    SIO/KAY
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    Edited by Kayode Olaitan