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  • Enugu CP congratulates Rangers FC for winning NPFL, qualifying for CAF

    Enugu CP congratulates Rangers FC for winning NPFL, qualifying for CAF

     

     

    Congratulations

    By Stanley Nwanosike
    Enugu, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, on Monday, congratulated the players, management, staff and fans of Rangers International FC, Enugu, for winning the 2023–2024 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Rangers FC emerged winners of 2023–2024 NPFL league after beating Bendel Insurance FC, Benin, 2 – 0, on Sunday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

    Their closest rivals, Remo Stars and Enyimba Football Club, lost their respective match day 37 fixtures 1-2 each against Sunshine Stars and Sporting Lagos.

    This left Rangers FC, also known as Flying Antelopes, with 67 points with a game to go and five points ahead of its nearest rivals.

    The commissioner, who described the victory as a product of dedication, resilience and hard work; commended the players and management of the club for not taking their feet off the pedal until the victory was attained.

    The state police boss gave the commendation in a congratulatory message issued on his behalf by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, in Enugu.

    The commissioner said that he took particular delight in how the General Manager of the club, Mr Amobi Ezeaku, had so far piloted the affairs of the club.

    He noted that his unmistakable leadership style and prowess contributed so much to the victory.

    “I, therefore, urge him to keep the flag flying,” he said.

    The state police boss expressed delight at the peaceful conduct of the fans, especially during the club’s home games at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu (a.k.a. the Cathedral).

    He stressed that their positive conduct had again shown that sports, particularly football, remained a vital tool for the enhancement of public security and safety and the social re-engineering of society.

    The commissioner also reassured a closer and more robust working relationship especially in the area of providing adequate security during the club’s home games.

    “This has become more expedient given the victory and qualification of the club to participate in the Confederation of Africa (CAF) Champions League next season,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    KSN/VIV

    ====

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Relegation: We’ll bounce back, Heartland FC coach assures fans

     

    Relegation
    By Victor Nwachukwu
    Owerri, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Head Coach of the Heartland Football Club of Owerri, Mr Christian Obi, has assured fans of the club that his team will bounce back in spite being relegated from the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL).
    Obi said this while addressing newsmen in Owerri, on Monday as the team prepared for a final match of the 2023/2024 season away to their Ilorin counterparts.
    Obi, who hailed the fans for their unflinching support for the club assured them that their continued love and loyalty would eventually pay off.
    He hailed the players for their dedication, determination and hardwork, and urged them to keep faith with the club.
     “ I want to tell the fans that we lost it in the first round of the season and we apologise and promise that we will bounce back and do better.
     “ We salute our fans for the love they have shown to the team and we assure that tomorrow will be better. We love you all,” he said.
    In a reaction, the Chairman, Imo Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr Cosmos Chukwuemeka, described the relegation as “ a huge disappointment to all Imo people especially football lovers”.
     He, however, urged the team’s management to correct any mistakes so as to bounce back to the NPFL.
    According to the Imo SWAN chairman, only two teams will represent the state in the 2024/2025 Nigerian National League (NNL), hence an opportunity for Heartland to take advantage of.
    Speaking, a football enthusiast, Mr Uche Nnaoma, expressed regret that the club which only returned to the NPFL had quickly returned to relegation.
    He urged the club’s management to carry out internal rejigging for a better performance in the coming season.
    Also, another enthusiast, Mr Edward Chilaka, a fitness trainer, urged the team to justify the resources expended on it by the state government and recommit to a better season.
    He expressed hope that with the right management strategies, the team would come back stronger. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
     VIN / VIV
    =====
    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • 10th Reps have transformed Nigeria’s budgetary process—Don

    10th Reps have transformed Nigeria’s budgetary process—Don

    Budget

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Prof.  Ifure  Ifure, Country Representative, Centre for International and Strategy Studies, says the 10th House of Representatives has revolutionised Nigeria’s budgetary process with fresh ideas and innovations.

    He said the House replaced the traditional closed-door approach with a transparent open door method after one year in office.

    Ifure disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja in his appraisal of the 10th House of Representatives after one year in office.

    “These days, budget proposals are now subjected to public debates, inputs, and suggestions from members of the public”, he told NAN.

    He said that Rep.  Kabiru Bichi, Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation  and his colleagues mplemented a cutting-edge system that harnessed the power of technology and data analytics to optimise resource allocation.

    He further said such innovations in appropriations were well thought out approaches and should be commended.

    “I have the privilege of acknowledging a truly remarkable achievement, one that will go down in history as a testament to the power of innovation and leadership.

    “Their innovation, which has revolutionised the way our nation allocates resources, is a shining example of what can be achieved when vision, determination and expertise come together“, he said.  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ODF/CHOM/KUA

    ===========

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Uche Anunne

  • UN chief urges leaders to step up desertification convention implementation

    UN chief urges leaders to step up desertification convention implementation

    Convention

    By Cecilia Ologunagba

    New York, June 17, 2024 (NAN) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed to world leaders to step up the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to reverse the damage done to the earth.

    No fewer than 130 countries have already pledged to achieve land degradation neutrality by 2030 toward a world where human activity has a neutral, or even positive, impact on the land under UNCCD.

    The UN supports innovative efforts worldwide, including the newly launched Great Green Wall Observatory, which tracks progress of Africa’s largest land restoration initiative to combat land degradation, desertification and the negative impacts of climate change in the Sahel region.

    Guterres made the appeal in his message on Monday to mark the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, marked annually on June 17.

    He said that as nearly 40 per cent of land across the planet is degraded with more acres lost every second, governments, businesses and communities must galvanise action to reverse the damage and protect Earth.

    “We know what we need to do: it’s set out clearly in the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.

    “As we mark the thirtieth anniversary of the Convention, the world must dramatically pick up the pace of implementation.

    “Build momentum towards UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh; and ensure young people are heard in the negotiations.

    “Together, let’s sow the seeds for a thriving future – for nature and humanity,” he said.

    According to him, every second, around four football fields of healthy land are degraded.

    “The security, prosperity and health of billions of people rely on thriving lands supporting lives, livelihoods and ecosystems, but we’re vandalising the Earth that sustains us.”

    “Desertification, land degradation and drought are currently among the most pressing environmental challenges.”

    The Day’s theme is “United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future”, spotlighting the future of land stewardship, which is the planet’s most precious resource to ensure the stability and prosperity of billions of people around the world.

    Healthy land not only provides us with almost 95 per cent of food eaten around the world, but so much more.

    It clothes and shelters people, provides jobs and livelihoods and protects communities from the worsening droughts, floods and wildfires.

    “As the focus of this year’s World Day reminds us, we must be ‘United for Land’.

    “Governments, businesses, academics, communities and more must come together and act,” he said.

    Growing populations coupled with unsustainable production and consumption patterns fuel demand for natural resources, putting excessive pressure on land to the point of degradation.

    At the same time, desertification and drought are driving forced migration, putting tens of millions of people each year at risk of displacement.

    Of the world’s eight billion inhabitants, over one billion of young people under the age of 25 years live in developing countries, particularly in regions directly dependent on land and natural resources for sustenance.

    Creating job prospects for rural populations is a viable solution that gives young people access to eco-entrepreneurship opportunities and at the same time to scale up best practices. (NAN) (www.nannew.ng)

    CIA/VIV

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    Editing by Vivian Ihechu

  • FCT: Southern leaders urge Wike to ignore distractors

    FCT: Southern leaders urge Wike to ignore distractors

    Leaders
    By Naomi Sharang
    Abuja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Some leaders from the southern Nigeria have advised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, to ignore political distractors bent on frustrating his efforts to transform the area.

    The group gave the advice on Monday, while addressing newsmen in Abuja under the auspices of the Citizens Network for Peace and Development in Nigeria.

    It said that the appointment of Wike by President Bola Tinubu was one of the best decisions of the administration.

    The National Coordinator of the group, Mr Raphael Okorie, said that the minister had achieved in nine months, what former ministers could not in eight years.

    Okorie appealed to Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu, saying that he was striving to fix the economy, restore security and bring relief to Nigerians.

    “Wike has done a lot in just nine months.

    “We know that there are people who want to distract him from replicating his sterling performance in Rivers.

    “He is not even bothered about the crisis in Rivers. He is busy with developing Abuja,” the group said.

    It furthet said that Wike had transformed the FCT, adding that it was strongly behind him and praying for him to succeed as minister.

    Okorie said that the group had taken time to assess the performance of the administration of President Tinubu and Wike, adding that both were poised to urgently deliver the dividend of the Renewed Hope Agenda as promised.

    According to him, from the rapid infrastructure development to  stabilising the economy, there is no doubt that Nigeria is on the part of recovery.

    “Here, thereto, we micromanaged the value of the naira against other currencies of the world,” he said.

    He further contended that the country’s infrastructure development became stunted before the inception of Tinubu’s administration.

    Okorie said that the international community could not invest in Nigeria “because of inconsistent policies and over interference by the government in the affairs of the private sector.

    “Confidence in our economy that hit its highest under the former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration was completely eroded, Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) were near zero.

    “Today, we have attained relative and realistic stability in the management of the naira and FDI is growing by the day.

    “The private sector is getting the required support to grow and produce what we consume.

    “Local content is being seriously encouraged and the government has opened its doors to all Nigerians to build an all-inclusive country, where no Nigerian is shortchanged by those that have invaded to destroy our dear nation.

    “Our praises also go to Mr Project, Nyesom Wike for proving the president is right in appointing him as the minister of the nation’s capital,” he said.

    He said that the minister had succeeded in bringing insecurity, which was a major challenge in Abuja, under control within the six months of his appointment.

    “Today, the entire territory is relatively safe.

    “We are not there yet, but with Wike in charge, we are optimistic that FCT will be completely safe soon,” Okorie said.

    He appealed to the president to ignore those that were plotting to have Wike removed as FCT minister, and urged Tinubu to continue to support him.

    “We also call on residents of the FCT to join hands and support Wike to succeed,” Okorie said. (NAN)(wwww.nannnews.ng)

    NNL/FON/USO
    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Sam Oditah

  • Anambra police intercept alleged gun runner, recover 375 live cartridges

    Anambra police intercept alleged gun runner, recover 375 live cartridges

    Crime
    By Monday Ajogun
    Onitsha (Anambra), June 17, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in anambra says it has arrested 48-year-old Felix Owaya, in possession of 375 live cartridges.

    SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Onitsha on Monday.

    Ikenga stated that the suspect hail from Ika South Local Government Area of Delta.

    He also stated that the police operatives attached to Fegge Division made the arrest, while on patrol along Niger Street, Onitsha on Saturday.

    He added that during interrogation, the suspect confessed that he was sent by one Mr Charles Ogboma to a yet-to-be-identified man to collect the ammunition.

    He explained that investigation on the matter was still ongoing.

    According to him, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Nnaghe Itam, commended the operatives for their vigilance and tenacity of purpose.

    Itam was quoted to have directed all the personnel in the command to sustain the tempo of crime prevention and detection in service of the people and state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AJOM/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

  • Stop taking unprescribed drugs, lawmaker advises Nigerians

    Drugs
    By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
    Ilorin, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Hon. Amos Magaji, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions, has advised Nigerians to always seek medical advice from experts before taking drugs for ailments.

    Magaji made the call while speaking with newsmen, on the sidelines of the Committee’s visit to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) on its oversight function.

    He said that there was an increase in cases of renal and liver problems in the country, adding that the cause of this had been attributed to indiscriminate consumption of unrecommended drugs by the people.

    “Many Nigerians are used to taking different types of drugs including “Agbo” (local herbs) and other drugs not prescribed by medical experts without thinking of their effects.

    “This is why cases of renal and liver diseases are becoming rampant among our people.

    “Nigerians should desist from taking unprescribed drugs, they should seek medical advice from experts before they take drugs, when they are sick,” he said.

    The lawmaker also cautioned against taking drugs that are very cheap which are bought from roadside health vendors, adding that they should take prescriptions from experts and renowned pharmacies in the country.

    He observed that though people are complaining of high cost of drugs in the country, but it was better to take expensive drugs than to take cheap drugs that could send one to an early grave.

    The health committee chairman also advised Nigerians to always do periodic health checks to know their health status, saying that they should not wait until the time that they are sick before conducting health checks.

    He also urged them to do the checks either in hospital or at approved laboratories.

    Magaji said: “People should develop the culture of periodic health checks. They should not wait until the time they are sick before going to the hospital.

    “They should go to the Radiology Department to know the condition of their body system. This will also assist doctors to know their health status when they get to the hospital.”

    According to Magaji, health for all is possible if certain things are done for the nation’s health facilities, and government takes action to improve the performance of the National Health insurance Scheme.

    “The government should increase capitation of the National Health Insurance. As at present, the National Health Insurance covers below 20 percent of the people.

    “It should be increased to about 80%, because you cannot have health for all if people are still paying from their pocket,” he said.

    Magaji said that from the oversight function conducted at UITH, the committee discovered that the capital component given to the hospital in the 2022/2023 budget was too low.

    He noted that the hospital’s budget for capital projects was below N1 billion as against the recurrent of N14 billion.

    According to him, with this oversight function, the committee’s assessment is that the capital allocation for the hospital is too low.

    “If we want to reverse the medical tourism in this country, we have to develop infrastructure and replace key equipment in our hospitals and there should be change of attitude of our medical professionals,” he said.

    He said that the committee would work towards increasing capital budgetary allocation to health institutions in the 2025 budget.

    In his comments, Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf, the Chief Medical Director of UITH, appreciated the committee for its visit, stating that the committee should ensure that medical tourism was reduced to the minimum.

    Yusuf said that the health committee met with the management of the hospital and offered useful advice.

    He explained that some challenges facing the hospital included poor power supply, high cost of diesel and shortage of funds. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FATY/COF
    ==========
    Edited by Christiana Fadare

  • ALGON seeks 4-year tenure for LG officials

     

    Tenure

    By Sunday John

    Lafia, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), has called for the adoption of a unified four-year  tenure for elected local government officials in the country.

    Alhaji Aminu Muazu-Maifata, its National President, made the call in an interview with  newsmen on Monday in Lafia.

    Muazu-Maifata said that the move would ensure good governance and quality representation at the grassroots levels.

    The president called on the National Assembly to urgently amend the nation’s  constitution to unify the tenure of local government officials  across the country.

    “The tenure of local government officials should be four years to enable us deliver on our campaign promises to the electorate.

    ”It is unfortunate that the tenure of local government officials in some states is even one or two years.

    ”So, I wonder how these officials will deliver good governance within such a short period,” he fumed.

    On the N62,000 minimum wage proposed by the Federal Government, the ALGON boss called on the federal government to increase the monthly allocations of the 774 local government areas in the country.

    He maintained that the move would enable the councils pay the new minimum wage when it finally becomes a law.

    Muazu-Maifata, who is the Chairman of Lafia Local Government Council in Nasarawa Sate, however, lauded Gov. Abdullahi Sule for granting autonomy to councils in the state.

    He called on other governors to emulate Sule toward the overall development of the country, particularly the grassroots.

    On the security of Lafia, he explained that a partial curfew had been imposed to tackle the increasing rate of kidnaping and other crimes within the state capital.

    “We restricted the movement of motorcycles to between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., and tricycles to between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.

    “This is because security reports indicate that criminal gangs are using these two means of transportation to perpetrate crimes,” he explained.

    Muazu-Maifata, however, said that the security situation in Lafia had improved, adding that even better strategies were being adopted toward the safety of lives and property. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

    SDJ/CHOM/AZA

    ===============

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Polycarp Auta

  • Forum offers free medical outreach to vulnerable citizens in Kogi

    Forum offers free medical outreach to vulnerable citizens in Kogi

     

    A cross section of doctors attending to patients during the medical outreach organised by the House Officers Forum of FTHL on Monday in Andankolo, Lokoja

    Outreach

    By Stephen Adeleye

    Lokoja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The House Officers Forum (HO forum), Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja (FTHL), has offered free medical services to no fewer 100 indigent people of Adankolo market in Lokoja, Kogi State.

    The forum also enlightened the community on some health conditions, the right use of medications, how to take care of their health, as well as personal hygiene to prevent transmittable diseases.

    The Chief Medical Director of FTHL, Dr Olatunde Alabi, during the outreach programme, commended the forum for the initiative to invest their time and resources in helping the less privileged.

    Alabi, who was represented by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), FTHL, Dr Ojochide Ebune, expressed the FTHL management’s total support for the HO forum on the initiative.

    He stressed that the gesture would go a long way to improve the health of the beneficiaries who could not afford basic healthcare services due to financial constraints amidst the economic pressure.

    The CMD encouraged the community to mobilise their people to take advantage of the free healthcare services as well as other subsequent medical outreaches.

    He urged the people to pay adequate attention to their health especially regular screening, exercise, watch what they eat, drink, reduce stress and ensure adequate rest.

    “A healthy person is a productive, resource and useful person. Prevention is better than cure; health is wealth. If you take care of your health, it is cheaper than cure,” he said.

    The CMD further assured the populace of the commitment of management of FTHL to continue to ensure quality delivery of healthcare services to people of the state.

    He stressed that the institution remained the most equipped, effective, accessible and affordable tertiary health institution in the state.

    Also speaking, Dr Kenneth Nwafor, House Officer’s Representative, FTHL, said the medical outreach was part of activities to mark the HO Forum 2024 Week as a give back project to the society.

    Nwafor noted that the HO forum with the support of FTHL management had on Friday, sensitised the public on benefits of blood donation to commemorate the “World Blood Donor Day (WBDD)” 2024, marked every June 14.

    He said the medical outreach was to sensitise the people on their health challenges and how to avoid some bad practices.

    He added that it was also to raise awareness on chronic health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, among others.

    Nwafor said that the people would also be screened and given free drugs such as antihypertensives, antidiabetic, pain reliefs, among others.

    He further said that others who needed urgent medical attention would be referred to medical facilities.

    Nwafor appreciated the management of FTHL for their approval and full support for the initiative, stressing the need to continually encourage and support such project on regular basis.

    “I am really impressed with the turnout of the people for the medical outreach because it actually surpassed our target of 100 beneficiaries.

    “We are grateful to the management of FTHL for their support to ensure the success of the programme,” Nwafor said.

    Earlier in her sensitisation lecture, Dr Damilola Daniel, FTHL House Officer, advised the people to engage in regular exercise, avoid salty foods, self meditation and herbal concussion.

    Also, a 75-year-old community leader, Alhaji Isah Abdullahi, thanked the HO forum and the management of FTHL for bringing the medical outreach to Adankolo rural communities.

    “We thank the doctors and the hospital for treating our people and giving us free drugs,” Abdullahi said.

    Some of the beneficiaries, Rekiyat Ibrahim, Hasiya Isa, Salman Ismaila and Samuel Ariyo, all expressed their gratitude to the HO forum for the gesture toward improving their health and wellbeing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ASA/FAK/VIV

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    Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi/Vivian Ihechu

  • CSOs back shippers council regulatory bill

    CSOs back shippers council regulatory bill

    Bill

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 17, 2024(NAN) The Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Nigeria for Promotion of Accountability and Transparency in Governance (CCSGNPATG) have thrown their weight behind the proposed Nigeria Shippers Council Regulatory Agency.

    Mr Monday Ndubisi, the leader of the coalition which comprises 45 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), said this at a press conference in Abuja on Monday.

    He hailed the Committee on Shipping Services for its inclusivity and commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola for getting it right with the Shipping Council Regulatory bill.

    Ndubisi commended the committee for giving stakeholders the platform to make inputs to the bill at a public hearing.

    “The legislation aims at empowering the Nigerian Shippers Council to effectively regulate the shipping industry, protect the interests of shippers, and promote economic growth.

    “The Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigeria Shippers’ Council Act, and enact the Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill and related matter has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.

    “This bill will bring much-needed transparency, accountability, and efficiency to the sector while strengthening the Shippers Council’s regulatory powers,” he said.

    Ndubuisi further added that it would also reduce costs, increase competition, and improve service delivery.

    He said that the passage of the bill would have a positive impact on the Nigerian economy and the lives of citizens.

    “Our coalition is pleased to note that 99 per cent of the opinions expressed at the public hearing are in favour of the bill as presented.

    “We also note that a few amendments were suggested, which the House Committee on Shipping Services, ably led Rep. Abdulsamad Dansuki, has promised to take note of,’’ he said.

    He said that such an accommodating disposition was what the electorates expected of the lawmakers, adding that they are looking forward to the House to sustain this trend. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    ODF/FAK/COF
    ============
    Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi/Christiana Fadare