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  • FRSC arrested 5,014 traffic offenders during Sallah operations – boss

    Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Malam Shehu Mohammed, when he arrested a motorist for overloading his vehicle with goods and humans.

    FRSC arrested 5,014 traffic offenders during Sallah operations – boss

    Offenders
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 28, 2024((NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), arrested 5,014 traffic offenders in its Eid-el Kabir special patrol operations, the Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, has said.

    Mohammed, while briefing newsmen on Friday in Abuja, said that the figure was 22 per cent above the 4,116 offenders arrested within the same period in 2023.

    Mohammed said that the nationwide patrol started on Friday, June 14, and ended on Sunday, June 23.

    He listed the offences to include seat belt violations, phoning while driving, beating traffic, overloading vehicles with goods and humans, among others.

    He reaffirmed his commitment to reducing crashes on the highways and ensuring sanity at all cost.

    “Since taking over as the 8th Corps Marshal, I have ensured that the Corps move beyond rhetoric to action.

    “A number of concrete actions have been taken which contributed to the successes we have achieved so far.

    “Being aware of the challenges confronting the actualisation of our corporate mandate, we have left no stone unturned in our quest to make the roads safe.

    “Part of our resolve is to consolidate on the gains recorded so far through the strategic combat operations of the Inter-agency Joint Task Force.

    “We have decided to sustain the tempo by extending the operations of the JTF to other critical corridors across the nation.

    “The essence of this extension is to give it a holistic approach,” he said.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/ETS

    ======

  • Kwara intensifies efforts to prevent outbreak of diseases

    Prevention

    By Mujidat Oyewole

    Ilorin, June 28, 2024 (NAN) Kwara Government says it has put various measures in place to prevent the outbreak of diseases, especially cholera, which is already ravaging some states in the country.

    The Permanent Secretary (PS) in the state Ministry of Environment, Dr Abubakar Ayinla, disclosed this at a news conference by the ministry in Ilorin on Friday.

    Ayinla said the ministry’s environmental health team in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders would be supervising the clearing of indiscriminate refuse dumped on riverbanks.

    The PS said the exercise would be along Sobi Road, near Akerebiata Abattoir, and other neighbouring communities during Saturday’s monthly environmental sanitation.

    “We are killing many birds with one stone, just as the National Environmental Sanitation Day is marked every June 28, annually.

    “We also need to be weary and proactive so that we do not let loose our guards in keeping cholera and other diseases at bay while undertaking the sanitation exercise,” he said.

    Ayinla called on the residents to join hands with the Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration in ensuring a clean environment.

    He urged them to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse, especially on riverbanks and road medians, saying they should use the waste bins provided at strategic locations across the metropolis.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a modified environmental sanitation exercise will take place on Saturday to mark the National Environmental Sanitation Day.

    However, due to the ongoing National Business and Technical Education Board (NABTEB) examination, the state government allowed free vehicular and human movement but with a charge to the people to clean their environment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MOB/MAS

    Edited by Moses Solanke

  • AMAC Chairman flag-off cconstruction, rehabilitation of Waru/Yimitu township road

    AMAC Chairman, Mr Christopher Maikalangu, during the flag off ceremony of the construction, rehabilitation of Waru/Yimitu township road on Friday in Abuja
    AMAC Chairman flag-off construction, rehabilitation of Waru/Yimitu township road
    Road
    By Philomina Attah
    Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN)  Mr Christopher Maikalangu, the Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC),  has flaged-off the construction and rehabilitation of the Waru/Yimitu township roads.
     Speaking at the ceremony at the Old Chief Palace in Waru, near Apo mechanic village in Abuja on Friday, the Chairman highlighted the indispensable role of road infrastructure in fostering development.
    He said  that the poor condition of the road had particularly affected pregnant women in the area.
    Maikalangu  reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the community received quality roads.
    “The most expensive work in  AMAC is road construction. And I put it to myself that I have done my research.
    “What our people need most is road. It is road that will bring economic activities to our community.  I am giving all my contractors two weeks to start and complete all road projects in the council.
    “There is no community that will develop without access road. The community district head has repeatedly visited me  and sought for the construction of this road linking two villages with more than 3,000 people,” he said.
    He stressed his administration’s research-driven approach to prioritising infrastructure projects such as water, electricity, good roads, schools and hospitals to his people.
    He expressed gratitude to the councillors of AMAC for approving the project, urging the community to applaud their efforts.
    He assured the communities  that construction would commence immediately with contractors arriving site on  Saturday.
    Maikalangu called for community cooperation, especially in accommodating any disruptions caused by the construction.
    “Don’t tell me that we are tampering with your house and shop and need compensation.
    “Do no come to me for compensation,” he said.
    He emphasised the importance of collective support for the success of the project.
    The chairman urged the youths to take active role in supervising the project, encouraging them to report any dissatisfaction with the work directly to him.
    He also  pledged to  personally supervise the work  to ensure that it is of high standard.
    “Be my supervisor; at any stage that you are not satisfied with the job, please intimate me immediately,” he said.
    He said that AMAC’s development strategy involves a balanced distribution of resources across its 12 wards, encompassing not only roads but also electrification, water projects, schools and healthcare facilities.
    He emphasised the importance of equitable resource allocation and community understanding of the constraints.
    Maikalangu reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to sustainable and impactful projects, urging residents to support and cooperate with ongoing development efforts in the council.
    On his part, Director of Works in AMAC, Mr Andrew Gaza, urged the communuty to cooperate  to ensure early completion of the work.
    Gaza, who was represented by Haruna Galadima, said that the project encompasses 2.5 kilometers of road construction.
    He assured the people that the work would adhere to high standards to ensure long-term benefits for the community. (NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)
    APA/JPE
    =======
    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • NCF, Continental Reinsurance plant trees to boost environmental sustainability

    Trees
    By Fabian Ekeruche
    Lagos, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in partnership with Continental Reinsurance Company on Friday planted 2,000 trees to boost environmental sustainability.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tree planting which took place at the Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC) is critical in challenging the impact of climate change within the Lekki Epe corridor.

    Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NCF, Dr Joseph Onoja, noted that the month of June is a very special month for nature with many events aimed at nature conservation.

    Represented by Mr Uchenna Achunine, Director, Business Development and Communications, NCF, Onoja extolled the quality of the partnership between the NCF and Continental Reinsurance.

    “Though our partnership has not been for many years, we have become a family.

    “They have treated us very well as partners,” Onoja said.

    He said that the insurance company with presence in six African countries has an ambitious project of planting one million trees in Africa.

    “The company invited us to speak to at their ninth Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) summit in Zimbabwe in May; thus giving us the opportunity to talk about nature conservation to insurance CEOs.

    “We are working out all the details of playing a key role in that sector and how it can be achieved,” Onoja said.

    He noted that the NCF is the foremost environmental conservation organisation in Nigeria and has been advocating environmental sustainability and nature conservation for over 44 years.

    Onoja said the foundation launched the Green Recovery Nigeria (GRN) project in 2017 with an ambitious target of restoring and recovering Nigeria’s lost forest cover to 25 per cent.

    “Today Nigeria’s forest cover hovers around four to eight per cent.

    “It is still a far cry from where it is supposed to be,” Onoja said.

    In his goodwill message, the Group Executive Director, Technical Operation, Continental Reinsurance, Mr Chukwuemeka Akwiwu, said that the tree planting event was in line with the GRN project of the NCF.

    “We are pleased to support this noble goal with a donation of 2,000 trees for now.

    “It is my intention of having this conversation on an annual basis,” Akwiwu said.

    He noted that following the participation of the NCF at the ninth CEOs Summit in Zimbabwe, Continental Reinsurance would continue the advocacy for climate change in the insurance industry.

    “We will mobilise key players in this regard.
    “These trees are not just ceremonial trees, but a symbol of hope in combating climate change,” Akwiwu said.

    According to him, NCF’s participation at the ninth CEOs summit inspired our audience of insurance industry leaders by showcasing what NCF does.

    He added that the input of NCF at the summit demonstrated how company’s can support such impactful work of the foundation.

    “Today’s event is a significant milestone of broader goal of achieving our environmental target as Continental Reinsurance.

    “Working together we can amplify our impact and drive meaningful change in environmental conservation.

    “At Continental Reinsurance, we are unwavering in our commitment to make a positive difference in our environmental future.

    “We believe that through collaboration and shared effort, we can create a lasting impact,” Akwiwu said.

    NAN reports that the climax of the event was the tree planting exercise at the conservation area of the LCC. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FBO/JNC
    =========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • FG upbeat on curtailing spread of cholera

    Dr Iziaq Salako Minister of State for Environment and  Istifanus Shegaje, Chief of Chika Community

     

    Cholera

    By Abigael Joshua

    Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) Federal Government has promised to curtail the spread of cholera through effective hygiene and sanitation practices in the country.

    Dr Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Environment, gave this assurance on Friday at the commemoration of the 2024 National Environmental Sanitation Day (NESD) at Chika community, FCT.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that NESD is commemorated on June 28 annually.

    “The ongoing Cholera outbreak in the country comes as a stark reminder that when we fail to prioritise proper environmental sanitation, our public health is jeopardised and our economy adversely affected.

    “Nigeria is experiencing the adverse impact of climate change as evidenced by the shift in seasons, rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events like floods, droughts and heat waves with undeniable health consequences.’’

    The minister said that the commemoration of 2024 NESD with the theme “Environmental Sanitation in the Era of Climate Change and the sub-theme “Go Greener, Stay Clean, Climate Change is Real”  was apt.

    According to him, the combination of climate change and poor sanitation, without doubt, poses a double jeopardy to the health of the planet and all creatures on it.

    “Our presence here today is to underscore our agenda to transform Chika into a model community for good environmental sanitation practices that can inspire positive changes in other communities.

    “This year’s theme is particularly apt considering the devastating impacts of climate change on our planet and the current resurgence of cholera being experienced in our country as in several other parts of the world,’’ he said.

    Dr Alexander Chimbaru, the Representative of the World Health Organisation, said that the promotion of personal and environmental hygiene in local communities helped to reduce communicable diseases such as cholera.

    “An aggressive adoption of environmental hygiene practices and WASH measures in our communities is needed more urgently to prevent the ongoing spread of cholera in the country.

    “Climate change is impacting health in a myriad of ways, including by leading to death and illness from increasingly frequent extreme weather events, such as heat waves, storms and floods.

    “It is high time as a country to promote actions that both reduce carbon emissions and improve health,” Chimbaru said.

    Responding, Chief of Chika community,  Istifanus Shegaje, appealed to the minister  to help the community with a compartment  to enhance proper waste disposal.

    He urged residents in the community to imbibe sustainable environment friendly practices, reduce carbon footprint and conserve their natural resources.

    “Together, we can make a difference and ensure a safer, greener and healthier lifestyle both for the present and posterity,’’ he said.

    Shegaje also appealed to the FCT administration to help construct concrete drainages and build asphalt roads within the community.

    He expressed optimism that by such gesture, the community would enjoy the dividends of democracy and good governance in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    AIJ/CJ/

    ======

    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • N-HYPPADEC reviews flood resettlement centre’s contract in Niger

  • Oborevwori tasks youths on skills acquisition  

     

    Oborevwori task youths on  skills acquisition
    Skills
    By Ifeanyi Olannye
    Asaba, June 28, 2024(NAN) Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta on Friday, charged youths in the country to acquire skills and financial literacy to become self-employed.
    The governor gave the charge at the Niger Delta Viewpoint Small Medium Enterprises (NDVP-SME) Conference 2024 in Asaba, Delta.
    The  theme of the conference is:  “Financial Literacy and Skill Acquisition, A Journey To Self Actualisation”.
    Oborevwori, represented by his Chief of Staff, Prince Johnson Erijo, said acquisition of skills in various fields was a sure avenue for self development and empowerment.
    He called on young people to learn from and emulate successful entrepreneurs by starting businesses of their choice.
    “The training of our youths and women in self actualising knowledge and skills to make them economically independent, is a  welcome development.
    “The time has come to wean our people, especially the youths, from  depending soley  on government for the provision of all human capital development mechanism,”he said.
    He said that  government alone cannot employ everybody.
    “It has  become necessary to train our people in various areas where they can become entrepreneurs, grow their businesses and become employers of labour.
    “I am happy this programme will train our people in financial literacy.
    “This way, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs can find their way in independently negotiating and accessing funds to grow their businesses,” he said.
    He said the state government has trained thousands of youths, male and  female in skills acquisition in various fields.
    The governor said that they have also been  empowered to start their chosen businesses on their own.
    “We sincerely believe that the State has created a sizeable pool of entrepreneurs capable of revolutionising SMEs in the State.
    “It is noteworthy that this initiative covers catering, fashion, IT, both soft and hardware, farming, manufacturing and the creative industry.
    “These array of skills acquisition is capable of making participants economically self reliant.
    “I urge all participants to pay serious attention and be well equipped in the knowledge of whatever area they have chosen.
    “I implore the organisers to lay emphasis on mentoring. Some graduates of skill acquisition often branch off from what they have learnt,”he said.
    Earlier, the Founder and Group Managing Director,  Kudimata Nigeria Limited, Mrs Kathleen Erhimu, said after working  in the financial sector, it became imperative to work for herself while creating value for others.
    She said it provided empowerment, training and development to individuals and small-scale businesses in the interest of economic growth.
    The Lead Speaker and Founder, House of Tara, Mrs Tara Fela-Durotoye, Harped on the importance of relationship, reputation and resilience in the business world.
    On his part, Mudiaga Enajemo, of Mudi Africa, said he built his brand for over 30 years with talent and self-confidence.
    He urged Nigerian youths to build on their talent by undergoing requisite training needed to grow their businesses.
    Frank Onosigho, a lawyer who spoke on legal basics for entrepreneurs, said businesses must be registered through the Corporate Affairs Commission CAC.
    He also said that business  should be  built on  trust and relationships for excellence and sustainability in business.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kudimata in conjunction with Prudential Energy, presented N500,000 cheques to each of the 50 beneficiaries to start up their own businesses.(NAN) (www.nannews.com.ng).
    IO/JPE
    ======
    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • Cholera: Lagos Council offers free medical screening, treatments to residents 

     

    Cholera: Lagos Council offers free medical screening, treatments to residents

     

    Cholera

     

    By Kazeem Akande

    Lagos, June 28, 2024(NAN) As part of measures to curtail the spread of cholera in the state, the Ifelodun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on Friday organised a free screening and presentation of drugs to residents with special ailments.

    The Executive Chairman of the LCDA,  Mr Olufemi Okeowo, was represented by Dr Japheth Olugbogi, the Medical Officer of Health at the LCDA.

    In his remarks at the programme/public enlightenment, he appealed to residents to adhere strictly to all precautionary measures to curb cholera outbreak.

    “Today, we shall be having free general medical check-up towards overcoming the cholera outbreak.

    “This development, coupled with creating necessary awareness and public education on how to give proper hygiene, is the condition necessary to curb the insurgent of cholera,” he said.

    Olugbogi said that the council chairman cherished the health of the residents which was why the programme was initiated and being financed every month by the council.

    “This is why the residents troop out in their large numbers to benefit from the free healthcare as this administration is committed to providing both human and material resources to support the residents’ environmental health,” he said.

    He added that the avenue was also used to create more awareness, informing the residents to patronise the Primary Health Centres (PHCs) any time the need arose.

    According to him, PHC medical personnel are available to provide the best of service to the community.

    Olugbogi advised parents and guardians to improve and imbibe the preventive measures to ensure safety of their children medically.

    “We also task the teachers to strictly enforce pupils and students to wash their hands before and after eating, and after using the toilets.

    “Presently, all hands must be on deck; the children should be trained to keep their environment clean, both at home and in the school”.

    Mrs Yetunde Lawal, one of the beneficiaries, thanked the council chairman for the free screening and drugs given to them.

    “This is a great opportunity for the residents and it really give us joy to be here for the screening and the free medical support.

    “The high cost of drugs now cannot be overemphasised. That’s why majority of the residents are here to benefit from the medical gesture,” she said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that hundreds of residents benefitted from the free medical support while other serious cases were referred to the General Hospital.(NAN)

     

    AKA/VIV

    =====

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • ASUU urges measures to avert nationwide strike over unmet demands

    ASUU urges measures to avert nationwide strike over unmet demands

    Strike
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Uturu (Abia), June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urged Nigerians to prevail on the Federal Government (FG) to grant its demands for better welfare and administrative conditions in public universities.

    The union made the request on Friday at a news conference held at the Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu.

    The Zonal Coordinator, ASUU Calabar Zone, Mrs Happiness Uduk, said that the only way to avert the imminent nationwide strike was for the State and Federal Governments to meet the union’s demands.

    Uduk said that the body had given a two-week ultimatum for its demands to be met, warning that failure to do so would result in an industrial action.

    She regretted that the FG had yet to fulfill its commitments under the FG-ASUU agreement in 2009, leading to stagnation in salary scales and overall welfare improvements.

    She said: “Government had an agreement with ASUU in 2009, which tells us that for 15 years running, ASUU members have been on the same salary scale, nothing has changed.

    “We are requesting that government should complete negotiations it started with us more than 13 years ago, first with the Babalakin-led team, then the Munzali-led team, finally the Briggs-led team.

    “These people had completed the negotiations and, if the negotiations had been completed and Mr President has the document, we don’t know why for a year now he has not called us to talk to us about it.

    “So, government should as a matter of urgency address our renegotiation and take into account current realities, including inflation rate, exchange rate and whatever needs to go into that,” Uduk said.

    She called on the Federal and State Governments to address issues bordering on revitalisation fund for public universities, payment of earned  academic allowances and withheld salaries, high taxation and victimisation of ASUU members

    She also said that ASUU strongly insisted on the removal of its members in federal universities from the Integrated Personnel Payroll System (IPPIS).

    Uduk further said that the high rate of taxation experienced by ASUU members was a result of “the introduction of an obnoxious platform” for salary payment.

    “Whatever government has in mind with regards to that, it should use our University Transparency and Accountability Solution or any other platform that would originate from universities rather than the IPPIS,” she said.

    She advised that the FG’s students loan scheme be replaced with grants which, she said, would alleviate financial stress on students and improve their academic pursuit.

    Uduk called on the FG to stop the proliferation of universities and focus on better funding for the existing ones to improve overall standards within the existing institutions.

    She also advocated for the quick resolution of the minimum wage debacle and introduction of a living wage that obtains in saner climes.

    On Abia, the ASUU zonal coordinator called on the Abia Government to pay the 11 months salary arrears owed to lecturers in ABSU.

    “We are not negotiating any part of that salary for anything because we have worked, taught students and examined them and some of them have graduated,” Uduk said.

    She urged the Abia Government to discontinue the use of Treasury Single Account in the payment of ABSU lecturers’ salaries and address the recent inconsistency in the payment of salaries.

    According to her, Government is owing April, May and June.

    “Let the Abia Government leave payment in the hands of the university administrators and a platform that is consistent with the institution’s operations.

    “But it can do its oversight as far as ABSU is concerned,” she said.

    Uduk said that some ASUU members at the Ebonyi State University had been suspended for more than two years without salary.

    “We call on the Ebonyi governor to look into the peculiarities of the  problems in the state university and ensure that our members are reinstated forthwith,” she said.

    Uduk said that the ongoing interface with stakeholders was to encourage Nigerians to appeal to the government to do the needful, “otherwise, in two weeks time ASUU will go on strike”.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the union had earlier held an interactive session with critical stakeholders, parents, children and traditional rulers, amongst others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    INA/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Ododo commends selection of Kogi as special agro-industrial processing zone

    Ododo commends selection of Kogi as special agro-industrial processing zone

    Agriculture

    By Thompson Yamput

    Lokoja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi says the choice of the state as a special agro-industrial processing zone by the Federal Government is a step in right direction.

    Ododo said this  when he hosted a delegation from the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security on  Friday in Lokoja.

    He explained that his administration was ready to meet all requirements for the establishment of a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project ,which is an initiative of the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Kogi government, is expected to attract significant foreign and domestic private sector investment into the state.

    The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone is expected to process maize, cassava, rice, palm oil, cashew, sugarcane and fish, in line with the commitment of Gov Ododo to transform Kogi into an agro-industrial hub.

    The governor said: “We have already allocated 254 hectares of land in Ukpake, AjaoKuta Local Government Area for the purpose of the special agro-industrial processing zone.

    “Our decision to establish the agro-industrial processing zone in Ukpake was due to its strategic location and proximity to essential resources such as water supply, electricity, gas, a railway line linking Kogi and a number of states and the proposed international cargo airport in Adogo ,which is a few kilometers from the proposed site of the agro-industrial facility.

    “We wish to assure you that Kogi  government will do everything possible to provide the enabling environment for the selection of the state for the phase II of the project and its eventual take off.

    “This is because it is  in line with my administration’s policy on industrialisation and the strong will to guarantee food security in the state through investment in agriculture.

    “We are also aware that such investment in agricultural value chain will increase productivity, provide access to market for farmers and provide job opportunities for the teeming population of the state.”

    Ododo commended the African Development Bank for the initiative, which he said would enhance job creation and guarantee food security in Kogi and Nigeria ,at large.

    In his remarks, Dr. Bashir Ibrahim-Gaya, who led the AfDB delegation, said the assessment tour was intended to verify the readiness of states to be selected in the phase II for the establishment of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone.

    Ibrahim-Gaya explained that the SAPZs were being implemented in 18 countries across Africa, including Nigeria.

    According to him, the phase I in Nigeria, covering seven states ,including the Federal Capital Territory, has commenced.

    “Our team is here in Kogi to assess the state’s readiness as a possible beneficiary in the phase II of the project, ” he said.

    In their separate remarks, the State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Ashiru Idris and Commissioner for Agriculture,Mr  Timothy Ojomah, assured of the political will by the state government to see to the realisation of the project in the state.

    Ojomah said the proposed agro-industrial processing facility would  be supported by adequate and reliable supply of raw materials and semi-processed agricultural produce from the state Agricultural Transformation Centres in Alape, Anyigba and Osara. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TYC/BHB

     

    Edited by Buhari Bolaji