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  • Lawmaker seeks establishment of entrepreneur university in Lagos

    Lawmaker seeks establishment of entrepreneur university in Lagos

    University

    By Florence Onuegbu

    Lagos, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Mr Paul Kalejaiye, House of Representatives member representing Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency, has called for the establishment of Entrepreneur University in Lagos State.

    Kalejaiye told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos, that he, in collaboration with his colleague, Mr Babajimi Benson, representing Ikorodu Constituency, had succeeded in raising the Bill at the House.

    ”We have moved a Bill asking for an establishment of an entrepreneur university in Lagos, to be sited in Ikorodu.

    ‘‘We have already done the first reading of the Bill, it is going to the second,” he said.

    The lawmaker said that there was the need for the university, owing to the populous nature of Lagos State and the necessity for another federal university.

    ”We have only one federal university in Lagos, and considering the population; considering the heterogeneous nature of Lagos; there is a need for us to have a second university.

    ”We are not just looking for a university for university’s sake, we are looking at a specialised university, which will be an entrepreneur university.

    ‘‘This is where the people can learn skills, where people can learn things that will make them to be employable,” he said.

    According to him, a lot of graduates are unemployable, hence, the need for them to undergo re-entrepreneurship training, re-convertibility training.

    He said that nowadays, nobody spoke about how many degrees one had, as what was being talked about was how productive someone is, and what innovations one could bring into the system.

    Kalejaiye said that he had been concerned about things that would bring development to Ajeromi-Ifelodun constituency, hence, had moved three motions (Bills), toward effecting positively on the constituents.

    He said that one of his major concerns was the abandoned Federal Government Press in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, which was established in 1975.

    According to him, the federal press was where bulletins, newsletters, gazettes are printed, when Lagos State was Federal Capital Territory.

    ”Since the Federal Government relocated to Abuja, the press has become very moribund.

    ‘‘The Federal Ministry of Information no longer carry out such exercises in that press, that press, more or less turned into an event centre where ceremonies and whatever take place.

    ”So, I succeeded in moving a motion on the floor of the House, asking for its convertibility into a skill and acquisition centre for the youths of our people.

    ”That have been passed and it is on that process as I speak with you, so I have been concerned about those things that will bring development to the area,” Kalejaiye said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FON/FAK/VIV
    =========

    Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi/Vivian Ihechu

  • Oil palm producers caution against foreign involvement in primary production

    Investors

    By Felicia Imohimi

    Abuja, June 17, 2024(NAN)The National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NPPAN) has cautioned states and local governments against involvement of foreign investors in primary production of oil palm in the country.

    Amb. Alphonsus Inyang, National President of NPPAN, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

    Inyang frowned at promotion of such practices in some states in the country, describing the menace as inimical to national development.

    He said that allowing foreigners to engage in primary production of the product like planting seedlings, nursery and harvest and mill would turn Nigerian citizens into labourers in their country.

    “Foreign investors will pay peanuts to our people as plantation attendants while they declare billions as profit every year and our people will be struggling to feed.

    “We do not want foreign investors to come and plant palm trees and any state promoting such should stop; they should not be involved in primary production.

    “We do not want them in the upstream rather they should be at the downstream that is processing and value addition.

    “Nigerian populace should do the planting while investors provide us with inputs such as planting materials, fertilisers, herbicides and land development for planting and they can as well offtake the harvest.’’

    The president explained that discouraging foreigners from primary production would ensure the distribution of wealth of oil palm sector from rural communities being the primary producers to the millers and makers who would be the investors.

    ‘‘We want a robust out grower system such as the Indonesian model of the “Core and the Plasma.’’

    He said that the investors should build mills and provide inputs for NPPAN members to plant for them.

    “Such model will create millionaires out of our people instead of taking lands from our people and allocating to big men.

    “Government should talk to our association on how to make this model work,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    FUA/FAK/CJ/

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    Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi and Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • OPHS arrests 6 bandits, recovers rustled cows, weapons in Plateau

    Bandits
    By Polycarp Auta
    Jos, June 17, 2024 (NAN) A special task force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), has arrested six suspected bandits and recovered weapons and 47 rustled cows in Manguna, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau.
    Commander of OPSH, Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, disclosed this at the Eid-el-Kabir luncheon, organised for troops of the operation on Monday in Jos.
    Abubakar, who doubles as the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, said that the feat followed intensified operations by personnel of the operation.
    ”As part of our resolve to completely eradicate banditry and criminal elements and ensure a successful farming season and security of lives and property, our intensified operations continue to yield results.
    “This has led to recovery of different calibers of arms and ammunition in different parts of Plateau.
    ”Specifically on June 10, OPSH Tactical Team raided a suspected criminal hideout at Manguna village in Bokkos local government area and during the operation, troops recovered one G3 rifle, two revolver rifles and one magazine with rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
    ”We also recovered a quiver with 20 arrows and 47 herds of cattle, while a total of six bandits and cattle rustlers were captured with the rifles and ammunition,” he said.
    The commander further stated that his troops also raided the Pandam forest in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of the state and recovered various weapons and ammunition.
    ”Similarly on June 12, troops, acting on credible intelligence, conducted clearance operations at suspected bandits’ hideouts at Pandam forest in Qua’an.
    ”During the operation, troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, two AK-47 magazines and 13 rounds of 7.62mm special.
    ”Troops are currently sustaining operations in the area to intercept and neutralise the fleeing terrorists,” he added.
    Abubakar said that the troops also arrested 29 suspected members of a cult group known as Sara-suka, with fabricated rifles, pistols and other assorted dangerous weapons recovered in Jos.
    The commander, who thanked the personnel for their efforts, assured residents of the state of the operation’s readiness to secure their lives and property. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AZA/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Olomojobi’s appointment as Ekiti Head of Service well-deserved – Medical women

    Appointment
    By Bolanle Lawal
    Ado-Ekiti, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Ekiti chapter, has congratulated Dr Folakemi Olomojobi on her appointment as the new Head of Service in the state.
    The congratulatory message was contained in a statement issued by the MWAN President and Secretary, Drs Esther Akinsoto Bola Ibirongbe respectively, and made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Ado-Ekiti on Monday.
    The association described Olomojobi’s appointment as well-deserved, having served in various capacities within the state civil service.
    It also described the appointment as a testament to Olomojobi’s exceptional dedication, vast expertise, industry, hard work and exemplary leadership.
    The association said that the unwavering commitment and contributions of the new head of service to Ekiti people, particularly in the health sector, had earned her the appointment.
    “We use this opportunity to say that we identify with you as our pioneer President in MWAN, Ekiti.
    “We are confident that your professionalism will continue to drive positive change and inspire excellence in Ekiti State civil service.
    “Your remarkable journey and contributions, particularly in the field of health management, demonstrate your unwavering commitment to public service.
    “We urge you to see this appointment as a call to service by using your position to mentor young women and girls, inspiring them to strive for excellence in their careers,” the association said.
    It expressed gratitude to Gov. Biodun Oyebanji for being gender-friendly, stressing that the appointment was a testament to his administration’s commitment to gender equality and women inclusion. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    FFB/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • NAF pledges regular air operations to end oil theft, insurgency

    Oil theft

    By Desmond Ejibas

    Port Harcourt, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has pledged increased air support to sister security agencies combating oil theft and insurgency across the country.

    Abubakar gave this assurance on Monday at a luncheon with troops of air component of Operation Delta Safe (ODS) at the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) base in Port Harcourt, Rivers.

    He said that President Bola Tinubu had mandated the military to adopt results-driven approach to addressing insecurity in the country.

    “The Nigeria Air Force is resolute and determined to preserve the territorial integrity of a united Nigeria as well as prevent economic sabotage.

    “It is heartwarming to note that the NAF has continued to execute its mandate through the conduct of operations to deter criminal elements from sabotaging our dear nation.

    “Recently, the air force carried out series of air missions in support of surface forces for enhanced operational effectiveness.”

    Abubakar, who was represented by the Commander of NAF’s 115 Special Operations Group, Commander Ali Idris, outlined various air operations, including air interdiction, armed reconnaissance and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

    Others are casualty/medical evacuation, tactical airlifts and logistics resupply, psychological operations and combat search and rescue missions, among others.

    “The NAF, supported by sister services, has rejuvenated the multifaceted contributions of airpower in fighting the prevailing security challenges across the country.

    “The impact of airpower employed in the theatre of operations has yielded positive results in decimating oil thieves and their capabilities.

    “These air interdiction missions conducted in the past three months have significantly crippled criminal activities and disrupted their logistics hubs, denying them freedom in the Niger Delta,” he said.

    The air chief commended Tinubu’s backing of security forces and assured the troop’s commitment to actualising their mandate.

    Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers expressed gratitude to the military for its selfless sacrifice in protecting the state and the nation from both foreign and domestic threats.

    He said that the country had recorded significant reduction in insecurity and attributed the improved security situation to the commitment of security personnel.

    “The armed forces personnel understand the true meaning of sacrifice and have shown this by standing strong to defend Rivers state and the country at large.

    “The success recorded in combating insecurity is not only a clear indication of ongoing efforts to defend Nigeria but a testimony that the mission of NAF is yielding positive results.

    “Therefore, we owe it a duty to reflect and pray for our fallen heroes who paid the supreme price protecting the territorial integrity of our dear nation,” he said.

    Fubara reiterated his government’s support for the air force operations against illegal bunkering and other unlawful activities in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DES/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

  • Nigeria wins Bronze at Chovken World Championship in Azerbaijan

    Nigeria wins Bronze at Chovken World Championship in Azerbaijan

    Team Nigeria

    Win

    By Priscilla Osaje

    Abuja, June 17, 2024(NAN) The Nigeria team has won  Bronze  at the 2024 Chovken World Championship held in Baku, Azerbaijan.

    Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa, patron of NSK Polo team and Resort, disclosed this in a statement  by Joesef Karim, Media Assistant to Vice President, African Region, International Chovken Federation on Monday in Abuja.

    Kangiwa, who is also the Chairman, African Region of the International Chovken Federation, said that Nigeria drew 1-1with Uzbekistan to win Bronze on points from previous matches.

    Kangiwa, the President of Nigeria Polo Federation, said Nigeria team emerged the third best team at the just concluded Chovken World Championship .

    “This is the first time Nigeria participated in any global Chovken , an ancient equestrian sport similar to Polo.

    ” Team Nigeria’s build-up to the finals, Nigeria beat Germany 5-0; beat Poland 4-1; and lost against Morocco 4-1,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Chovken Championship was held from June 10 to 16.

    NAN  reports that  Turkey, Malta, Kuwait, Morocco, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Poland, Germany, Nigeria, including the host Azerbaijan participated in the championship.

    The ancient sport of Chovken is a team sport similar to the more popular Polo. It is played by horse riders with sticks competing to hit a small ball into a goal post.

    A  match consists of two halves, each last for  15 minutes of effective play time.

    The team Nigeria players include  Yusuf Bello, Shehu Kangiwa, Mukhtar Adhama and Abdulmalik Badamasi and they were led by Kangiwa.(NAN)(www. nannews ng)

    PO/JPE

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    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • Police arrest 3, recover firearms, ammunition, motor batteries in Enugu

    Arrest
    By Stanley Nwanosike
    Enugu, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Enugu State has arrested three suspected criminals and recovered firearms, ammunition and 15 motor batteries within Enugu metropolis.
    The command’s Spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, made the disclosure in a statement on Monday in Enugu.
    Ndukwe said that police operatives serving in Emene Division, in concert with law-abiding citizens recovered a Beretta pistol with 36 rounds of 0.9mm calibre ammunition on June 16, around 7 p.m.
    Ndukwe said that the firearms and ammunition were recovered from a small bush where they had been abandoned around Airport Corner, by Old Abakaliki Road, Emene in Enugu.
    “The exhibits were suspected to have been abandoned by criminal elements on the hot trail of the police operatives for allegations of armed robberies,” he said.
    The spokesman said that in another operation, three suspects were arrested by police operatives serving in the Awkunanaw Division in Enugu on June 7, around 2 p.m.
    He said that their arrest followed the conduct of a covert operation by the operatives upon the receipt of complaints about the theft of several motor vehicle batteries at a construction site in Awkunanaw axis of Enugu.
    Ndukwe said that the suspects, who were initially arrested during the act, had confessed, upon interrogation, to having stolen many batteries and sold them to another suspect who was later arrested.
    “15 batteries, including those of articulated and other motor vehicles and tricycles, were recovered from them,” he said.
    Ndukwe said that the suspects would be arraigned and prosecuted upon conclusion of investigations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    KSN/OJI/WAS
    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Kwankwaso lauds  Yusuf’s transformative leadership in Kano

    Kwankwaso lauds  Yusuf’s transformative leadership in Kano
    Leadership
    By Aminu Garko
    Kano, June 17,2024 (NAN) Sen. Rabi’u Kwankwaso, National Leader of New Nigeria Peoples Party ( NNPP) has lauded  Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State for his outstanding performance in first year of his stewardship in the state.
    The News Agency of Nigeria( NAN)  reports that Kwankwaso made the commendation on Monday during his Sallah homage to the governor at the  Government House, Kano.
    He  commended Yusuf’s administration’s dedication to advancing Education and women empowerment initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of Kano State residents.
    The former governor of Kano State, expressed delight at  Yusuf’s commitment to empowering women with substantial support.
    He said that this was significant for rural entrepreneurship  and emphasised the importance of effective monitoring to ensure equitable distribution of empowerment grants.
    Kwankwaso called for enhanced efforts in security, empowerment of the less privileged and advancement of developmental projects.
    The NNPP leader assured the governor of his commitment as a stakeholder to provide valuable guidance and support to the government.
    Responding, Yusuf  thanked  Kwankwaso for his mentorship and support for his administration.
    He reiterated his administration’s dedication to upholding the principles of the Kwankwasiyya movement for continued progress and development of the state.( NAN)( www.nannews.ng)
    AAG/BEN/JPE
    ============
    Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Joseph Edeh

  • Oyebanji’s wife distributes bags of rice to households in Ekiti farmsteads

    Rice
    By Bolanle Lawal
    Ado-Ekiti, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Wife of Ekiti Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, has distributed bags of rice to households in 14 farmsteads and villages in Ado-Ekiti to cushion the effects of the present economic situation.
    Oyebanji said that the gesture, aside identifying with the people and meeting their needs, was also an opportunity to connect with the people at the grassroots.
    She described the beneficiaries as important stakeholders in the task of taking Ekiti to greater heights.
    The governor’s wife, who was represented by her Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters, Mrs Toyin Adepoju, expressed concern over what the people were passing through, hence the need for the gesture.
    She said that the welfare of the people was paramount to the government and that it was poised to put smiles on their faces, especially during the festive period.
    Oyebanji said it had become necessary for her and other political office holders to visit the farmsteads and other people in the state from time to time to feel their pulse, and not only during election period.
    She appreciated the people for their love, support and prayers for the present administration, urging them to continue in that regard so as to achieve success in all areas.
    She said that efforts were in top gear to bring social amenities to the farmsteads in the state in order to make life comfortable for them.
    Oyebanji appealed for patience, understanding and collaboration with the present administration in order for it to deliver dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of the masses.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the localities visited during the distribution exercise included: Ugbogun Esumo, Aso Ayegunle, Ago Aduloju, Ika, Ilokun, Irasa, Uso, Igbaye, Oke Aso, Odo, Ujemu, Igbo Aso, Aaye, Aba Iya Medi and Temidire, among others.
    The beneficiaries, who were mostly from ethnic groups, such as: Tiv, Ebira, Urhobo and Yoruba, could not hide their joy, as they sang various songs in appreciation of the gesture.
    The community leaders and residents also commended the governor’s wife and prayed for the success of her husband’s administration in the state.
    Earlier, the village heads in the various farmsteads visited had called for equipped health centres, regular grading of their roads, potable water and power supply. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    FFB/KOLE/WAS
    Edited by Remi Koleoso and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Over 3,500 persons to benefit from NDDC health intervention in C’River

    Over 3,500 persons to benefit from NDDC health intervention in C’River

    Health

    By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

    Akamkpa (Cross River), June 17, 2024 (NAN) No fewer than 3,500 persons have been slated to benefit from a free five-day medical mission in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River.

    The medical mission is being sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) with aim of providing healthcare services to medically underserved rural communities in the region.

    The Commission’s Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbudu, said that the medical mission, which had already taken place in eight states of the region, had seen to the treatment of over two million people in Niger Delta.

    Represented by Dr Eme Inyangabia, Assistant Director, Education, Health and Social Services (EHSS), he said the mission was the flagship of the Commission, serving to endear NDDC to the medically needy communities.

    “The medical mission is one of several health programmes of the Commission, targeted at changing the health situation and narrative of our people in the region.

    “It is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No. 3 which aspires to achieve Universal Health Coverage and ensure health and well-being for all,” he stated.

    Similarly, the Executive Director, EHSS of the Commission, Dr George Uzonwanne, said they were looking at 12,000 to 15,000 data points as a particular patient may be treated on more than one ailment.

    ‘‘We are carrying out a one-week short term intervention free of charge to the people of Cross River State.

    ‘‘We are looking at treating 3,000 to 3,500 patients but not really the number of patients but the number of data points because one patient may have more than three interventions.

    ‘‘So, we are looking at between 12,000 to 15,000 data points.

    ‘‘Treatments will range from things like malaria to things as complex as having fibroid surgery or general surgery,’’ he said.

    Uzonwanne added that a team would be on standby to look after patients before they were discharged and others with more severe ailments would be treated by the commission in a referral hospital. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    ESI/FAK/VIV

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    Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi/Vivian Ihechu