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  • FG to list Ojude Oba as UNESCO approved festival

    FG to list Ojude Oba as UNESCO approved festival

    Festival

    By Joy Akinsanya

    Abeokuta, June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government says it has plans to list the annual Ojude Oba Festival as one of the festivals backed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

    The Minister of Culture, Arts and Creative Economy,  Hannatu Musa- Musawa, said this on Tuesday, at the 2024 edition of the festival at Awujale’s pavilion, Ijebu-Ode.

    The festival has as its theme “Ojude Oba: Unity and Harmony, Our Gift”.

    The minister, represented by the Director of Cultural Agencies and Heritage, Dr Ben Ugo Anama, noted that the annual festival was in tune with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    She said the mandate of the ministry was to make revenue generation from tourism to be over $100 billion by 2030.

    The minister described the annual festival as a platform for fostering the unity of the country as well as one of the country’s tourism potentialities.

    Musa- Musawa said it could be tapped into to diversify the economy from oil and generate more resources in the nation.

    She noted that in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the ministry would always collaborate with stakeholders to promote, preserve and protect the rich cultural heritage of our nation.

    The minister added that the ministry would ensure it reached its enviable height according to the vision for the ministry tagged “Destination 2030”.

    “This vision considers the potentialities in arts, culture and creative economy, in terms of its ability to create economic expansion.

    “Our ambitious goals are predicated on this drive, which is capable of yielding billions and increase the Gross Domestic Product by year 2030,” she said.

    She said that the Presidential Renewed Hope Agenda, especially for the ministry demonstrated unwavering commitment to diversify the economy and move away from the country’s over dependence on oil revenue.

    Musa-Musawa rejoiced with the sons and daughters of Ijebuland over the success of the festival and the good image it had given the country over the years.

    She said that she had observed that the festival had not received any elements of UNESCO approval as one of its approved festivals.

    The Minister said that the status of a festival like Ojude-Oba, with its profound impact on the tourism sector, deserved to be listed by the international body.

    She, however, vowed to activate all the processes to get this done without further delay.

    Also Speaking at the event, Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, hailed Ojude-Oba and described it as a festival that had given Ijebuland and the people of Ogun a distinct identity.

    Abiodun said that the festival had also become a catalyst for the development of Ijebuland and this underscored the essence of preserving the rich cultural heritage.

    The governor, while rejoicing with the sons and daughters of Ijebuland over this year’s celebration, promised to partner with the Federal Government to develop the festival and make it a global tourist attraction and destination.

    He added that the theme of the celebration was quite apt, as unity and harmony remained the bedrock of any thriving society.

    He called for a more united force to lift the country out of its present woes.

    NAN reports that the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, the chief host of the event, was also on seat to receive over 100 age grade groups of males and females (Regberegbes), decked in attractive and impressive attire.

    They came around to pay annual homage to the traditional ruler.

    The horse riders, who were from the warrior families in Ijebuland, were also on hand to thrill the fun seekers to various acrobatic displays with their horses. (NAN)(nannews.ng)
    IOJ/DE/IFY

    ==========

    Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Ifeyinwa Omowole

  • LASG floats smart health information platform for patients’ data management

    LASG floats smart health information platform for patients’ data management


    Pic: From left: Managing Director, Eclat Healthcare Ltd., Dr Wallace Ogufere; Group Managing Director of Interswitch Ltd., Mr Mitchel Elegbe; Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Pedro Lawal; and Lagos State  Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi,  during the signing of the Concession Agreement for the Implementation of the Smart Health Information Platform, at the Lagos House in Marina on Tuesday

     

    Agreement

    By Aderonke Ojediran

    Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Lagos State Government has signed a concession agreement for Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP).

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SHIP was created to transform data transmission and management across all state-owned healthcare facilities.

    It is aimed at creating a backbone for seamless movement of patients’ data and to enhance digital transformation in the state’s healthcare system.

     

    It was designed by the state government in collaboration with eClat, a health technology company, and Interswitch Ltd.

     

    The signing ceremony held at the Lagos House,  Marina, on Tuesday.

    Digital Health Platform Ltd. — a special purpose vehicle  comprising Lagos State Ministry of Health, Interswitch and eClat  –  will drive SHIP operations.

    Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu supervised the signing of the concession agreement between the state’s Office of Public Private Partnership and Digital Health Platform Ltd. ahead of the full deployment of SHIP in the state’s health sector.

    Sanwo-Olu said at the event that SHIP was a transformational step in simplifying data collection and usage in the state’s health sector.

    “We made a bold move in leveraging technology to enable efficient health delivery.

     

    ” This will enable proper allocation of resources and empower decision makers to analyse and evaluate the impact of interventions in the sector.

    “We have seen  a global trend in using technology as a backbone to manage healthcare delivery and to assess changes in lifestyle of the population.

     

     

    “We have seen the transformation technology has brought to banking, transportation and education,” the governor said.

     

    He said that SHIP was a bold step of the government to transform healthcare and ease  cumbersome data processing in public  hospitals.

     

    “This transition has taken us about two to three years of building a robust platform that will secure and protect patients’ data.

     

     

    ” During this journey, we were able to identify best partners that will deliver and help us realise our vision for the transformation of services in our hospitals.

    “This is the beginning of full information technology reform in our healthcare system,” he said.

     

    Sanwo-Olu assured the public of full protection of the database, adding that there would be  maintenance of privacy of the data collected through the platform.

     

    “As the technology is being rolled out, I believe the state will see the benefits of the decision we are making today.

    “We hope to see how this will strengthen and enhance access to healthcare, enable us to analyse the health needs of the people, and guide our interventions in the sector,” Sanwo-Olu said.

     

    The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said that  general hospitals alone generated seven million contact data.

     

    The commissioner said that managing the data required a robust digital infrastructure that would enable elimination of  repetitions and errors.

    Abayomi said that SHIP would  empower the state government to plan and coordinate health services across all levels.

     

    ” We can use the data for policy formulation and use the data to apply resources to certain places.

    “The platform is not only for the care of  patients, it is also for policymaking,” Abayomi said.

     

    The Group Managing Director of Interswitch, Mr Mitchell Elegbe, said that SHIP would not only allow free flow of data from one health institution to another, but would also provide seamless payment options for patients.

     

    He gave the assurance that the platform would not compromise patients’ data and other information stored in it.

     

    “This partnership is something we won’t take with levity,” he said.

    The agreement signing was also witnessed by the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OAF/IGO

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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • App-based drivers urge Lagos Government to accept its collective agreement

    Transporters
    By Christiana Fadare
    Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has urged the Lagos State government to accept and adopt its Collective Agreement for Platform Workers in Nigeria.
    Kolawole Aina, the South-West zonal chairman of AUATON, said in an interview on Sunday in Lagos that the union made the collective agreement to ensure that its members would be regulated and have their welfare well taken care of.

    AUATON is a registered trade union under the Ministry of Labour and Employment and an affiliate member of the Nigeria Labour Congress.

    Its members include e-hailing or online transport drivers, app-based bike and bicycle food delivery and courier delivery workers (dispatch), app-based bike passenger workers, and app-based bus passenger workers in the online sub-sector of Nigeria’s transport industry.

    “As a union, we saw the problems, created solutions and presented the solutions to government. It was accepted by the federal ministries of transport and labour, but the Lagos State government did not give us a listening ear.

    “The document, which we call the collective agreement, is about how the government, app-based companies, drivers, and riders can have a fair share of responsibilities in the industry.

    “It will be a system where each ride can be monitored by all the four communities, and each community can mutually benefit,” he said.

    According to the AUATON executive, before the creation of the union in 2023, there had been a series of agitations among various groups of drivers, with many app-based companies alleging maltreatment.

    He recalled a conference held in Lagos with attendees from Oyo, Abuja and Ondo, stating that the agreement addressed insecurity, insurance and the app-based companies’ policies.

    “The issues of insurance and security have become very important. I cannot remember the number of drivers that have died on the job this year alone or lost properties to their customers or riders,” Aina said.

    He regretted that the association’s deputy president died of fatigue inside his car this year, also noting that “Criminally-minded customers, sometimes, order rides, and during the ride, they kill the driver and steal the car and sell it.”

    “This is where insurance comes in. All trips will be insured; the driver, riders, property in the cars and the car itself will be insured,” said Mr Aina.

    Mr Aina said the agreement also addressed low pricing, high commission, and the activation and deactivation of drivers at will by app-based companies.

    He decried algorithm management instead of human management in app-based companies, saying that machines are making decisions that humans should make.

    “The policies of app-based companies can sometimes be rather harsh,” the union leader said.

    The union leader urged the Lagos State government and app-based companies to partner with it to ensure the welfare of its members.

    He said any government regulation in the industry could only work if the union were properly carried along. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    COF/IGO

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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • Cholera: LASG wants pupils maintain hygiene as schools resume

     

     

    LASG wants pupils to maintain good hygiene as schools resume

    Hygiene

    By Aderonke Ojediran

    Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Ahead of schools’ resumption from mid-term and Eid-el Kabir breaks, the Lagos State Government has called on public and private school administrators to ensure pupils’ hygiene in order to curb  cholera outbreak.

    The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, made the call at a press briefing at the Lagos House, Marina.

    ” The children are resuming school, universities too are resuming; so, we are working very closely with our two commissioners in education, to  make sure that we sensitise  teachers and school clinics.

    “When there is severe vomiting, it is crucial to start the first aid.

    “We are still on high alert, we are not relaxing in anyway so that we protect our children.

    ” Don’t  collect treatments on streets, don’t go and take antibiotics, you may not need to, you may just need rehydration,” he said.

    Abayomi disclosed that since the cholera outbreak in the state, not less than 15 persons had died  because they started treatment late.

    “We lost not less than 15 persons within five days, which is sad. Most of those people were brought in dead or died soon after arrival because they left it too late,” he said.

    According to the commissioner,   cholera is associated with diarrhoea and vomiting.

    “When you have diarrhoea, you can revive yourself by drinking water, but with vomiting you dehydrate easily and the system shuts down.

    ” It is a contagious disease; so, the same principle applies: good sanitation and  use of water.

    “Be sure of the water you are drinking and the source of food you are eating,” the commissioner said.

    He also advised residents of the state to go to general hospitals and primary health centres to access free treatment, if they suspected the disease, to avoid more fatal cases.

    ” If you develop symptoms, come quickly so we can address it.

    “Also, bear in mind that during a public health crisis, all treatment is provided free by the government. That is the only way we can bring people in quickly.

    ” We are still anticipating the problem because the bacteria is still in the community.

    “It is either in the water or people are still recovering from cholera and they are potentially contagious,” he added.

    Abayomi,  however, said that there had been progressive decline in the number of cases.

    “The numbers have come down. We actually have not recorded any case of cholera since yesterday,” Abayomi said.

    The professor said that there was need to nip it in the bud by collecting environmental samples.

    “We are working with the ministry of environment and water resources by collecting environmental samples.

    “The moment we picked up, through our surveillance, the increasing number of cases of severe gastroenteritis and vomiting, we realised that there was a sudden spike.

    ” On the 10th of June, we saw about 140 cases in Lagos Island, Lekki and Kosofe.

    “We realised that something was happening. We activated what we call  emergency operation centre, which has multiple pillars, to investigate what was happening across the state,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OAF/IGO

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    Edit by Ijeoma Popoola

     

     

     

     

     

  • Police dislodge secessionist group, arrest 4 suspects in Anambra

    Security

    By Joy Mbachi

    Awka, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Police Command in Anambra has raided and dislodged the secessionist group in the state following credible intelligence report.

    The Command’s Spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this on Tuesday in a statement in Awka.

    Ikenga said a Police-led Joint Security Force intercepted four members of the military wing of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), at Ufuma, Orumba North Local Government Area of the State.

    He said that the ESN operatives were arrested based on information received over time of planned attacks on security agents and innocent citizens by the dreaded group.

    Ikenga said that one Maduabuchi Nwafor, alias Omenkpo, aged 32 and a native of Ufuma, was one of the four suspects arrested.

    “Nwafor has been identified as one of the herbalists who prepare charms for the group and uses his shrine for initiation ceremonies and a meeting venue for the criminals.

    “Also, another suspect, unnamed, who is already assisting the police with vital information, confessed to be one of the gunmen dispatched by the group to enforce the illegal sit-at-home order on May 30.

    The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Mr Nnaghe Itam, said that it has ordered investigations to identify hideouts of the insurgents in the state.

    Itam assured members of the public in Anambra that the Police Command, would continue to serve the people selflessly and would protect the sources of its information from harm. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    JOY/OIF/MNA
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Maureen Atuonwu

     

     

  • Police arrest 2 robbery suspects, one other in Delta

    Suspects

    By Edeki Igafe

    Warri (Delta), June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Delta has arrested two robbery suspects in Aladja Community, Udu Local Government Area of the state.

     

    SP Bright Edafe, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, said this on Tuesday in Warri.

     

    Edafe said that the suspected hoodlums were nabbed by the operatives of Aladja police out-station.

     

    According to him, the police operatives received distress call that some suspected armed robbers were carrying out a robbery operation in Aladja Community.

     

    “The District Officer alongside members of the community mobilised to the scene where the suspects were arrested at Igwere Quarters, Aladja.

     

    “One locally-made gun, cartridges, knife and a suspected stolen phone were recovered from them,” he said.

     

    Edafe said that the suspects were currently in police custody, adding that investigation on the case was ongoing.

     

    In another development, Edafe said that the command’s operatives on special assignment, deployed to Ughelli also arrested a suspected cultist.

     

    The spokesman said that the suspect, whom he described as a “notorious cultist”, was apprehended on Friday by the police team led by ASP Julius Robinson.

     

    “Acting on a credible intelligence on the peddling of arms and an intended cult clash within Oteri Community in Ughelli, North, operatives led by ASP Robinson trailed a notorious cultist and a mastermind of the intended cult clash to a hotel in Ughelli.

     

    “The suspect, who is a member of the Eiye confraternity, was arrested.

     

    “Upon interrogation, the suspect took operatives to his residence where a Berretta pistol was recovered,” he said.

     

    Edafe said that investigation on the matter was ongoing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    EDI/OIF/AOS

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    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Bayo Sekoni

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • No confirmed Cholera case in Abia says health official

    Cholera

    By Ijendu Iheaka

    Umuahi, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Abia Government says that there was no confirmed case of cholera in the state, though it recorded 109 cases of stooling and vomiting in six of its 17 Local Government Areas.

    Dr Orie Agomoh, Director, Public Health and Disease Control in the Ministry of Health confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Umuahia.

    Agomoh said that the 109 cases of stooling and vomiting suspected to be cholera outbreaks were recorded between January and June.

    She noted that two earlier samples collected and tested using Rapid Diagnostic Testing (RDT) showed positive results.

    However, a repeated test of the samples sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja, were confirmed negative for cholera.

    She said that one case each was recorded in Ohafia and Osisioma local government areas, while Arochukwu, Umunneochi, Bende and Ikwuano recorded 42, 39, 17 and nine cases respectively.

    “The State Ministry of Health emphasizes that Abia State has not recorded any confirmed positive case of cholera within the period under review.

    “Nevertheless, because of ongoing outbreak reported in some states, the Ministry has instituted response measures towards prevention and identification of any suspected case and appropriate treatment.

    “As part of the intervention, citizens are advised to continue to observe preventive measures to stay safe,” the director said.

    The preventive measures, she listed, included ensuring access to safe drinking water, practicing sanitation including proper hand-washing and maintaining personal hygiene.

    Others are handling food safely, washing fruits and vegetables properly before consumption and cooking food properly before eating same.

    The ministry also warned residents to avoid roadside foods and drinking of untreated water.

    The director urged citizens to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of cholera while promising further updates where necessary.

    She supplied the phone and email contacts of Dr Orie Agomoh, Director Public Health and Disease Control and Mr Elezuo Elezuo, State Epidemiologist, for residents to reach out to the ministry.

    The phone numbers and email addresses of the officials are as follows Dr Agomoh – 08168440992, email: drprincessorieagomoh@gmail.com and Mr. Elezuo Elezuo, 08030960031 email : eoelezuo@yahoo.com.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    IEI /MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

    ======

  • Resident doctors want more workers in General Hospital, Ilorin

     

    Manpower

    By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

    Ilorin, June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Association of Resident Doctors, General Hospital, Ilorin chapter, has appealed to Gov. Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara to employ more medical staffers for the facility.

    The association made the call on Tuesday in Ilorin in their Sallah goodwill message to the governor.

    The message was jointly signed by Dr Usman Abubakar, the President, and Dr Audu Charles, the Secretary.

    The association stated that the shortage of medical staffers had hindered services in some departments of the hospital.

    “Since the General Hospital, Ilorin is now a Teaching Hospital, it has become important to address issues that will help the smooth take-off  of the Teaching Hospital,” the association said.

    The doctors, however, congratulated AbdulRazaq on achievements recorded in the health sector, especially in the areas of malaria control and the passage of Kwara State Teaching Hospital Bill.

    “While congratulating you on these achievements, we do not want you to relent on your efforts to make Kwara a shining star among other states in the country,” the association said.

    The association also noted that the domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act (MRTA), was long overdue.

    “This will allow the resident doctors to have better research and training opportunities and translate this into good medical services for the people.

    “We know that as our leader, you will help look into this as it requires very urgent attention,” the physicians said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FATY/OIF/IFY

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    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Ifeyinwa Omowole

     

     

     

  • 2024 WTT Contender: Lagos promises hitch-free competition

    Table-Tennis

    By Vivian Ibobo

    Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Lekan Fatodu, Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, on Tuesday restated the government’s commitment to provide the right atmosphere for hosting international tournaments in the state.

    Fatodu gave the assurance in his opening address at the news conference for the Lagos World Table Tennis (WTT) Contender, scheduled to begin on Wednesday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event is scheduled to hold at the Molade Okoya Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium from Wednesday June 19 to June 23.

    Fatodu said that the state would parade home grown talents that would favourably contest with the international Stars at the tournament.

    “It’s on a very good note that l welcome everyone to the first WTT Contender Series in Sub-Saharan Africa in the state of the Aquatic splendour, Lagos, Nigeria.

    “We are very glad to welcome our Table Tennis Players to another milestone in the history of the state in promoting sporting excellence, where the WTT Contender will be unfolding for the next five days.

    “As a state, we are ever ready for this kind of showpiece as our homegrown and budding players like Muizz Adegoke and Abdulbasit Abdulfatai are already warming up for the world event.

    “Our indefatigable Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been demonstrating unwavering support in sporting infrastructure,” he said.

    Fatodu added that they would leave no stone unturned in the development of sports and other activities that would expose athletes in the state to international championships.

    ”It’s on this note that our home and international players will enjoy a hitch free tournament as the event is about to record another inspiring achievement in the ping-pong game.

    “Our visiting players will also enjoy the hospitality nature of the state in terms of accommodation, transportation and our attractive tourists’ centres.

    “We cannot do away with the development of sports in our circle and this 400 ITTF world ranking points Table Tennis championships.

    “The championships serves as an avenue for our local players to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of Brazilian Hugo Calderano, Dimitrij Ovtcharov of Germany, among top players ready to feature in this tournament,” he said.

    Fatodu said that Lagos was a pacesetter in the sports and infrastructure development.

    “Hosting another world championship in the commercial nerve centre of the country is putting the state on the world map and also creating an avenue for the budding talents to explore and excel.

    “This is Lagos and we are open to subsequent major tournaments.

    “Welcome to Lagos, Nigeria, where WTT Contender is taking place and we are very sure that champions will be unveiled here,” he said. (NAN)

    IZU/OIF/EMAF
    ===========
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Emmanuel Afonne

  • Security guard allegedly stabbed to death while mediating quarrel

    Altercation

    By Moses Omorogieva

    Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Lagos, says, a private security guard, Yusuf Akadogo, has lost his life after being allegedly stabbed during a minor altercation.

     

    Confirming the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that the deceased security guard was attacked by an Okada rider, currently at large.

     

    Hundeyin stated that the incident occurred on Thursday at the Idi-Araba area of the state.

     

    “On that fateful day, around 9:20 p.m., the police received a distress call from a concerned community member regarding a disturbance at Igbira Road, Idi-Araba,” Hundeyin said.

     

    He also said that police operatives swiftly responded to the scene, where an eyewitness provided an account of the events.

     

    According to a witness, the deceased security guard intervened in a minor altercation between the Okada rider and another individual.

     

    “Unexpectedly, the motorcycle rider, whose identity is withheld, allegedly turned his aggression towards the security guard and stabbed him in the stomach with a knife.

     

    “The victim was rushed to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, for urgent medical attention but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

     

    “The suspect fled the scene immediately after the attack, and the area is currently under surveillance as efforts to apprehend him are ongoing,” he said.

     

    In a separate incident, Hundeyin said that police had arrested four men who allegedly broke into a musical instrument warehouse in the Ikota area of the state.

     

    The spokesperson said that the suspects were arrested on June 11, at about 4.30 p.m. following a reported case of theft by the owner of a warehouse.

     

    Hundeyin said that the police had received a report from Idi-Oro Mushin, that two young men (names withheld), were caught with two big speakers allegedly stolen from the warehouse.

     

    Hundeyin said that the businessman had reportedly said goods worth millions of Naira had been stolen from the warehouse.

     

    “Preliminary investigation revealed that a man called Pastor, now at large, conspired with the suspects on June 10, at about 11.30 p.m.

     

    “They had driven into a warehouse in the Okota area with a mini truck vehicle with which they carted away their loot.

    “The 25-year-old security man and 33-year-old supervisor in possession of the warehouse keys were later arrested, ” he said.

     

    Hundeyin, however, said that the suspected Pastor, who resides in Oshodi, fled before the arrival of the police.

     

    He said that efforts were on to apprehend the suspect  and recover the stolen items, while investigations into both incidents continue. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    MIO/KOO/AWA
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    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Olawunmi Ashafa