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  • Police take over 23 Rivers LG offices as crisis deepens

    Police take over 23 Rivers LG offices as crisis deepens

    Police

    By Desmond Ejibas

    Port Harcourt, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Police have taken over all the 23 Council Secretariats and some critical government infrastructure in Rivers.

    The police said the action was to forestall further bloodbath as well as a breakdown of law and order due to the spread of the crisis over the tenure of the outgoing local government chairmen.

    SP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson of the command, disclosed in a statement in Port Harcourt said that a police officer and a vigilante member lost their lives during a clash between two political groups.

    “Operatives have been deployed to uphold peace in all the 23 Local Government Areas (LGA).

    “The clash between the two political factions, sparked by disagreement over the chairmen’s tenures, resulted in the deaths of a police officer and a vigilante member in Eberi-Omuma community.

    “Consequently, the police have taken over the 23 council secretariats and some critical government facilities to forestall further unrest and breakdown of law and order.

    “To ensure order, the command has also deployed anti-riot police officers to the various council headquarters,” Iringe-Koko announced.

    The police spokesperson cautioned partisan groups against defying the law and reassured residents of the command’s management of the situation in the LGAs headquarters. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    DES/SH

    ======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Nusuk card didn’t stop illegal migrants from accessing Hajj camp- NAHCON

    Card

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Mina (Saudi Arabia), June 19, 2024 (NAN) The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says the Nusuk card introduced by Saudi authorities to prevent illegal migrants from gaining access to pilgrims’ tents at the sites of hajj rituals didn’t achieve its essence totally.

    Dr Aliyu Tanko, the Chairman, Committee on Movement of Pilgrims, said this in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday at Mina in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nusuk card is a crucial document introduced by Saudi authorities for identification of pilgrims to enable them again access to sites of hajj rituals.

    The introduction of the card became necessary due to the increased incidence of fake pilgrims and illegal migrants during the core hajj rites period in the past.

    Tanko said, “Unfortunately, even before the arrival of Nigerian pilgrims at the ritual sites, illegal migrants have already gained access to the area.

    ” To be frank with you, even before we left Makkah to Mina with our pilgrims, illegal migrants have gained access to the area, in spite of the introduction of the NUSUK card for easy identification of real pilgrims.

    ” And that has clearly shown that the NUSUK card introduced by the Saudi authority to prevent illegal people from gaining access to tents in Mina, Arafat and Muzzalifah has failed.

    ” Therefore, the essence of the card has not been achieved, even though it has worked to some extent but the objective of stopping fake pilgrims and illegal migrants has not been totally achieved.”

    Tanko, however, said that with the support of the Saudi authorities, the commission was able to overcome most of the challenges anticipated during the hajj.

    He said, ” To Allah be the glory, we have come to the end of the 2024 Hajj rites in Mina and the pilgrims have returned to Makkah, which signaled the conclusion of the exercise.

    ” The 2024 Hajj came with a lot of things and we have overcome all the challenges we anticipated.

    ” Therefore, we have recorded tremendous successes.”

    NAN reports the NAHCON officials on Monday intercepted two illegal migrants of Nigerian descent, Muhammed Umar and Nazifi Tasi’u GARBA,. over infiltration of the pilgrims’ tents amidst concerns regarding overstretched accommodation and petty theft.

    Consequently, the suspects were handed over to the Saudi Police, where their biometrics were obtained and a fine of 10,000 Saudi Riyals was imposed on each of them to be paid whenever they were leaving the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SSIBRM

    ========

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Iloenyosi pledges support for NUJ FCT correspondents’ football tourney 

    Iloenyosi pledges support for
    NUJ FCT correspondents’ football tourney
    Support
    By Muhyideen Jimoh
    Abuja, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Chairman of the Anambra Football Association, Chikelue Iloenyosi has pledged support for the second edition of the FCT Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondent Chapel Football Tournament.
    The three-day tournament tagged “Football for Friendship and Peace” is slated for July 11 to July 13 at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Abuja.
    At a news conference  on Tuesday to unveil the former Super Eagles player  as a  brand ambassador for the tournament, Iloenyosi stressed the importance of such events for journalists.
    “I am honoured and happy  today because of this great event that we’re about to do. Not only because l am made the ambassador, I’m going to support it massively.

    “Somebody asked me  why is it that every time they are giving you award. I have been in office for one and half year and l have received 17 awards because l am into grassroots football and l am doing it with passion.

    “That’s why my Governor has trust in me in everything l do.” he said.

    Earlier, Jide Oyekunle, Chairman of the FCT NUJ Correspondents’ chapel underscored the power of football in promoting unity among Nigerians.

    He said the chapel decided to use sports, particularly football to unite and strengthen the relationship between the media and participating organisations.

    “Football does not have language. Football is an integral activity that unites the people and has the power to change the world irrespective of the religion, ethnic and political background.

    “Football makes people forget their differences because it is a unifying factor. It heals the wounds and bond people together.

    “It is one of the antidotes for physical fitness and mental health and alertness,  which we all need particularly in the face of the present economic realities and hardship,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 12 teams will take part  in the much anticipated tournament.

    They include; NUJ Correspondent chapel, NNPC,  Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Federal High Court (FHC).

    Others are  Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), AIBEN Group, the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MUYI/JPE

    ========

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • Fouani Kidnap: Manufacturers advocate intensified efforts to address insecurity 

    Fouani Kidnap: Manufacturers advocate intensified efforts to address insecurity
    Manufacturers
    By Rukayat Moisemhe
    Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called for intensified efforts to tackle rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity in the country.
    The Director-General, MAN, Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, made the call on Tuesday in Lagos.
    The call was in response to the successful rescue of abducted Managing Director, Fouani Group, Mohamed Fouani and four others by the Lagos State Police Command operatives.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mohamed Fouani, along with four others were abducted on Friday, June 14, 2024 in Falomo area of Lagos.
    Ajayi-Kadir stated that the call was pertinent because cases of insecurity posed a significant threat to the business community and the overall economic development of Nigeria.
    He commended the security agencies for the safe release of Mr Fouani, saying that their efforts paid off and yielded results without casualties among the victims.
    “The association is, however, concerned about insecurity, as the kidnap of the Fouani managing director left the entire manufacturing community shocked and concerned about the safety of its chief executives and indeed, its workforce.
    “This, if not checked, will erode investor confidence in the economy and further jeopardise the efforts of the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at repositioning the economy for growth.
    “MAN also extends its solidarity and hearty felicitation to the family and colleagues of the managing director over the release.
    “The association remains concerned about the safety and well-being of its members and will continue to collaborate with authorities to address security challenges facing the operators in the manufacturing sector in particular and the nation in general,” he said.
    NAN reports that MAN is the leading voice of the manufacturing sector in Nigeria, representing the collective interests of manufacturers in the country.
    The association promotes the growth and development of the manufacturing industry, advocates for policies that support industrialisation, and provides a platform for networking and collaboration among its members. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    ARM/OJI/COF
    ===============
    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Christiana Fadare

  • Gov. Alia vows to end corruption in eduction sector 

    Corruption
    By Emmanuel Antswen
    Makurdi, June 18, 2024(NAN) Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue has vowed to end the deep-seated corruption in the state’s education sector.
    Alia said this at a public lecture and book launch organised by Dr Terna Francis, the Director General, Benue State Education Quality Assurance Agency.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that the event had the theme ”Nigeria: 25 Years of Uninterrupted Democracy”, while the book is titled ”Moral Philosophy and Character Formation: Nigeria Under the Lens” and “Civic Education and National Values”.
    The governor noted his administration’s commitment to addressing all forms of  corruption in the education sector and upgrade the sector to global standards.
    He added that combating corruption required more than mere statements, lamenting that the menace had permeated from families into the wider the society.
    The governor, however, called for attitudinal change in order to achieve significant progress in the ongoing fight against corruption in the country.
    “Change must begin with all of us; let us be the mirror of what we anticipate.
    ”What we talk of moral corruption at the national level, we should remember that it starts right from the primary school to homes, associations, the streets
    ”But we will start somewhere, and the starting point will be the education sector,” he said.
    Earlier,  the book reviewer, Prof Aloysius Ihuah, the National President of the Association of Physiology Practitioners in Nigeria, commended the author for promoting national ethics.
    He said the book had provided a good account of moral issues in need of national debate in a depressed nation like Nigeria.
    He added that the author took a critical examination of the many wrongs of the Nigerian state, particularly character deficit with its accompanying socio-economic baggage.
    “The book argues that something morally significant is missing in the Nigerian character.
    ”That there is every need to advance a pragmatic solution in an effort to foist a national ethic that establishes a culture of wholeness, humanness and hospitality of humanity.
    “The Twelve chapters book queries the paradox of human behaviour in a Nigerian that is seemingly saturated with many unanswered moral questions.
    “In attempting to answers to these and many questions of moral concerns in the Nigerian social space, the book blamed the situation on the gradual weakening of national institutions,” he said.
    Speaking, the author said that the book calls for character formation which is central to the morality of any society.
    ”This is made manifest through a contemporary Nigerian society which lacks this index of good character formation due to moral bankruptcy.
    “Unemployment and poverty, compromised security apparatus, poor leadership recruitment model, poor parental control and endemic corruption among other challenges are currently staring us in the face,” he decried. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
    AEB/OJI/AZA
    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Polycarp Auta
    =====================

  • 2 injured in road accident—LASEMA says

    2 injured in road accident—LASEMA says

    LASEMA

    By Henry Oladele

    Lagos, June 18, 2024(NAN) The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), on Tuesday said it had rescued two adults, who were severely injured in a road accident involving a van and a truck.

    The Permanent Secretary of the agency, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    He said the agency received a distress call via its emergency toll-free number, saying there was a road accident at a Mobil filling station after Otedola Bridge inward Alausa at about 06.56 hrs.

    “We responded from our command and control centre within 10 minutes.

    “On arrival at the scene, it was observed that a green van, registration number MUS 919 YA, laden with crates of eggs, was involved in a head-on collision with a truck, registration number unknown.

    “The van was on top speed, resulting in significant damages and injuries to the van and its occupants.

    “Further investigations at the scene revealed that the van’s excessive speed reportedly led to the accident, which caused substantial damage to the frontal parts of the van and destruction of  the crates of egg,” he said.

    He said two adult males suffered severe injuries and no fatalities were recorded.

    “The injured victims received pre-hospital care from the agency’s paramedics and LASAMBUS before being transported to the nearby hospitals for further treatment.

    “The accident vehicle was recovered with the aid of a tow truck and taken to the nearest police station for safekeeping and prevention of any secondary incidents.

    “The slippery contents of the broken eggs spilled on the road and the sides were flushed off by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, to further prevent secondary incidents.

    “In attendance were LASEMA, the agency’s pre-hospital care teams, LASAMBUS and Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service,” he said. (NAN)

    HOB/IFY

    =======

    Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole

  • Cholera: Education commissioner assures of infection prevention, control in schools

     

    Cholera: Lagos commissioner assures of infection prevention, control in schools

     

    Cholera

    By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

    Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Lagos State Government says it will apply Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures in schools in an effort to prevent and control  spread of communicable diseases.

     

    Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, gave the assurance in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

     

    The assurance followed cholera outbreak in some local government areas of the state.

    He urged that schools should call hotlines in the event of any suspected cholera cases or other health emergencies.

    He gave the numbers as 08023169485, 08137412348 and 767/112.

     

    He said, “The goal of IPC in schools is to minimise the risk of infectious disease outbreaks in the school community and ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for students, teachers and other members of staff.

     

    “As primary and secondary schools in Lagos resume tomorrow from the mid-term and Sallah break, the state government urges parents, guardians and school authorities to adhere to precautionary measures.

    “These include hand hygiene – handwashing with soap and water before meal and after using the restroom – cleaning and disinfection, health screening and communication, daily health checks and physical distancing.”

    He also said that the measures included vaccination.

    “Ensure your child’s vaccinations are up to date, encourage a balanced diet to boost your child’s immune system,” he said.

     

    The commissioner called on managements of schools to ensure that food handlers would observe strict hygiene practices to prevent contamination and  spread of diseases.

    He said that oral rehydration salts must be made availability in school clinics or bays to manage dehydration cases promptly, while handwashing facilities must provided.

     

     

    “The WASH facilities in washroom exits, food preparation areas, entrance of classes, entrance of canteens/halls and at exit to toilet facilities must be functional,” he added.

     

    Alli-Balogun advised students to stay safe and be vigilant.

    “Together, we shall create a safe and healthy environment for our children as they return to their educational activities,” he said.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that cholera is a bacterial disease that commonly presents with episodes of diarrhoea with or without vomiting or fever.

     

    Patients may become very dehydrated within hours if not treated. Children are often at highest risk. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MIL/DE/IGO

    ===========

    Edited by Dorcas  Jonah/Ijeoma Popoola

  • Plateau pilgrim dies in Saudi Arabia

     

    Pilgrim

    By Patience Aliyu

    Jos, June 18, 2024(NAN) Mr Ismaila Musa, a pilgrim from Plateau, has passed on in Makka, Saudi Arabia.

    Alhaji Daiyabu Dauda, the Executive Secretary, Plateau Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Jos.

    Dauda said that the deceased, who hails from Mangu Local Government Area of the state, died on Tuesday after a brief illness.

    ”He was ill and had been on admission at Annur Specialist Hospital in Makka since May 31.

    ”We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the government and people of Plateau.

    ”We pray that Allah will accept his hajj, grant him eternal rest and give his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Dauda prayed.(NAN)( www.nannews.ng)

    PAM/AZA
    =========

    Edited by Polycarp Auta

  • Africa’s 1bn youths are potential future global workforce – Microsoft

     

    Youths

    By Stellamaris Ashinze

    Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Microsoft says Africa’s youths will comprise a significant portion of the potential global workforce by the turn of the century.

     

    Ravi Bhat, Chief Technology and Solutions Officer at Microsoft Africa, said this in a webinar on Tuesday.

     

    The webinar was on “AI and the Future of Work in Africa whitepaper”, produced by Microsoft and industry experts from across the continent.

     

    According to Bhat, one billion people in Africa are currently under the age of 35, with the continent projected to host almost half of the world’s youth population.

     

    He highlighted Africa’s unique opportunity to shape the future of work in these formative years, saying large language models (LLMs) evolved and the application environment continued to develop.

     

    The expert said that up to 12 million young Africans enter the job market annually.

     

    He, however, said that more than 20 per cent were neither employed, in education, nor trained according to the International Labour Organisation.

     

    “We envision generative AI playing a pivotal role in transforming work environments and creating opportunities for youth to innovate, drive economic growth, and foster job creation,” Bhat stated.

     

    He emphasised the potential of generative AI (GenAI) to reshape knowledge worker jobs, alter job types, required skills, and output.

     

    “McKinsey research suggests that GenAI could boost annual labour productivity growth by up to 0.6 per cent through 2040, contingent upon technology adoption rates and the reallocation of worker time to other tasks,” he added.

     

    The technology and solutions officer, therefore, cautioned that technology alone would not address the challenges facing Africa’s youthful population.

     

    He underscored the importance of developing policies and practices to ensure responsible deployment of GenAI and AI in general, with a focus on valuing AI-related labour and ensuring dignified employment.

     

    Jacki O’Neill, Director of Microsoft Research Africa, spoke on the transformative potential of generative AI in enhancing human capabilities across various sectors.

     

    “As access to GenAI tools expands across Africa through internet-enabled devices and more affordable data, barriers to access are diminishing, presenting increased opportunities for skills development,” O’Neill said

     

    The director stressed the need to equip youth with the necessary skills to thrive in an AI-disrupted labour market.

     

    This, he noted, included deployment of GenAI tools, development of innovative applications, and proficiency in areas like machine learning, natural language processing and cybersecurity.

     

    “Investing in these skills equips Africans to create dignified jobs, integrate AI sensitively with indigenous knowledge, forge new value chains, and develop AI systems that reflect human-centered and community values.

    “The whitepaper underscores the importance of proactive governance, inclusive design, education investment, and commitment to regulatory and ethical standards for ensuring positive outcomes with GenAI.

    “This is a collective responsibility involving policymakers, technologists, and citizens alike,” O’Neill emphasised.

    He highlighted that the AI revolution in Africa was not merely a possibility but already underway, with Microsoft committed to collaborating with individuals, governments, partners, and stakeholders across the continent.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Microsoft, as a technology company, creates AI-powered platforms and tools to deliver innovative solutions meeting the evolving needs of customers. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SKA/AWA
    =========
    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • FirstBank reiterates boosting economy via creative arts

    Arts

     

    By Ibukun Emiola

     

    Ibadan, June 18, 2024 (NAN) First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) says Nigeria can boost its economy by promoting and exporting its creative arts to the world, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

     

     

     

    FBN Group Head, Public Sector West, Dr Timothy Arowoogun, said this in Ibadan on Tuesday at the recreation of a stage play, “Oke Langbodo”, at the Wole Soyinka Theatre, University of Ibadan (UI).

     

    According to Arowoogun, the bank believes anything linked with creative arts is a big business to be supported.

     

    “As a bank, we have aligned ourselves with creative arts in Nigeria and Africa because FirstBank is a global institution and we believe that we can sponsor the industry.

     

    “It is like the Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs), which is one of our core areas of support.

     

    “In Nigeria, without supporting the real sector, which creative arts, we believe, is part of it, we can’t go anywhere,” he said.

     

    He said to bring down the rising foreign exchange, Nigeria needed to build and support its SMEs to export goods and services thereby limiting the level of importation.

     

    Similarly, FBN Head of Media, External Relations and Sustainability, Ismail Omamegbe, said the bank would continue to sponsor components of the creative industry to promote SMEs.

     

    “A platform of arts is not peculiar to Yoruba folklore but it could be Igbo or Yoruba; it has to be able to drive unity and coming together.

     

    “It has to typify or exemplify what Nigeria stands for,” he said.

     

    Otunba Ayodeji Osibogun, the Executive Producer of the stage play and Chief Executive Director, Creazioni Network, said FirstBank, under its First@Arts initiative, partnered with his company to produce the play.

     

    “Oke Langbodo is a Yoruba folklore that has been adapted into various forms of literature, including plays, novels, and poems.

     

    “The story is often seen as a metaphor for life’s journey, with Langbodo representing the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity.

     

    “Oke Langbodo was initially created in 1977 and it’s being reproduced by Creazioni Communications with the theme that addresses human existence,” he said.

     

    He stressed the importance of youth involvement in everything being done in the country, especially as displayed by the bank in bringing the production to the Department of Theatre Arts, UI.

     

    According to him, the initiative will ensure that tomorrow’s artists are involved and ready to replace the Nollywood actors and actresses.

     

    “We are talking about moving people from the movie to the theatre, so who is going to run the theatre?

     

    “So, FirstBank and Odu’a are already thinking about tomorrow, that is why we are here,” Osibogun said.

     

    Meanwhile, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, reiterated the importance of promoting culture and supporting the development of creative industry in the state.

     

    NAN reports that Oke Langbodo, a legendary tale of courage and resilience, was inspired by the timeless classic, “Ogboju Ode ninu Igbo Irunmole” by D.O Fagunwa.

     

    It was reimagined in English as “Forest of a Thousand Demons” by Prof. Wole Soyinka and brought to life on stage by Wale Ogunyemi during Festac 77 as “Lagbodo”.

     

    Oke Langbodo was recreated as a collusion of ancient legends with modern technology of immense digital and technological experiential possibilities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    IBK/MAS

     

    Edited by Moses Solanke