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I will secure your lives, property, Anambra CP assures residents
I will secure your lives, property, Anambra CP assures residents
Security
By Joy Mbachi
Awka, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Mr Nnaghe Itam, Commissioner of Police (CP), The Police Command on Anambra, has assured residents of Anambra of safety of lives and property during his tenure as police chief in the state.
Itam, therefore, called on the people of the state to partner with the Command for a peaceful and safe Anambra.
The CP made the call during the celebration of his 57th birthday in Awka on Sunday.
Itam said reliable information from the people of the state to the police would help the command in meeting its policing responsibilities to them.
Itam called on traditional rulers and town union President-Generals always to promote peaceful co-existence in the state.
He advised police officers to discharge their duties professionally, urging them
to be committed and diligent in their work.
“All I ask from every single person in the state is patriotism and prayers for the common good of all.
“We will not lose hope in Nigeria; the country belongs to us so everyone needs to contribute his or her quota towards the development and growth of the nation, ” he said.
Mr Okechukwu Chijioke, Chairman, Association of Heads of Federal Establishments (AHFE), Anambra State Chapter, urged every resident of Anambra to key into the CP’s appeal for cooperation.
“We should all be good citizens and have confidence in the Police to move Anambra State more forward’’, he said.
Mr Chuba Akobi, a retired senior police Officer urged Anambra public to give their maximum support to the new CP.
Akobi, who hails from Ogidi Idemili North Local Government Area, described Itam as a fine police officer with seasoned knowledge about security and its management, adding that “Itam will selflessly serve Anambra people“.

Mr Maduaburochukwu Attah, an Awka indigene, urged wealthy Anambra indigenes to partner with the police for optimum security services.
He called on residents to sustain the peaceful environment being experienced in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Itam assumed duty as the 34th Commissioner of Police in Anambra on May 14. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
JOY/KUA
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Edited by Uche Anunne
June 17, 2024
Manufacturing, commercialisation critical to driving Nigeria’s economic growth — expert

Economy
By Lucy Ogalue
Abuja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) An Entrepreneur, Mr Innocent Ogu, says manufacturing and commercialisation are critical to driving Nigeria’s economic growth.
Ogu, the President, African Legacy International, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that his organisation was committed to fostering economic development through strategic initiatives.
He said one of such efforts was the upcoming 2024 Industrial and Commercial Expo, designed to catalyse technology transfer among stakeholders in the sector.
According to Ogu, the 2nd edition of the Expo, themed “Driving the Nigerian Economy to the Global Markets Level,” is scheduled to take place from August 21 to August 23 in Abuja.
He said various measures had been taken to ensure the event’s success, including the participation of more than 300 exhibitors and about 10,000 attendees.
“The event will feature high-level Government to Business meetings, and we expect about 300 exhibitors from different countries.
“Delegates will have the chance to meet local and international manufacturers, brands, and suppliers from various countries .
“The counries include China, South Korea, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Brazil, Poland, the Netherlands, South Africa, Egypt, and many others,” he said.
Ogu encouraged local manufacturers to showcase their products and engage with international producers, promoting an exchange of ideas and fostering business collaborations.
According to him, such interactions can significantly benefit Nigerian businesses by exposing them to global markets.
He expressed optimism that the programme would drive the Nigerian economy toward global market competitiveness.
“The Expo aims to provide Nigerians with the opportunity to compete on an international level, offering greater value for their goods and services.
“Local exhibitors are expected to gain enhanced visibility and appreciation for their participation, while international exhibitors will find direct end users for their products and services.
“The projected 10,000 visitors expected at the event highlights its potential impact on both local and international business communities.
“The 2024 Industrial and Commercial Expo represents a significant step towards economic growth and development in Nigeria.
“It will showcase the nation’s potential to engage with the global market and foster valuable business connections,”he Ogu said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
LCN/EEE
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Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams
June 17, 2024
Sallah: Nigerians decry high cost of foodstuff
Sallah: Nigerians decry high cost of foodstuff
Price
Safia Abdulrahman
Abuja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Some Nigerians living in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed worry over continuous increase in prices of foodstuffs and other commodities this Eid-el Kabir festive season.
A visit to some markets in the Abuja and its environs showed that the prices of good have continued to rise.
Some respondent told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Dutse Market, in Bwari Area Council that meeting their family needs was becoming increasingly difficult amidst lean resources.
Mallam Yahaya, a vegetable seller told NAN: “I am just trying to find happiness in my business since I don’t want to be idle. Making gain in this business is now a herculean task.
“I am selling perishable goods and I cannot keep them for too long because I want to make a lot of gains. If I don’t sell them I lose everything. They are not like other goods in the market’’, he said.
Mrs Hajiya Hassana, another petty trader told NAN that the prices of foodstuffs were now determined by what wholesalers sell to retailers.
“I know that some buyers may blame because they don’t know how we get these goods from the wholesalers; the challenge of transporting the goods to the market.
“It has not been like this before, things just changed automatically since the removal of fuel subsidy.
“For instance, how will I buy a mudu of beans at N3, 000 and sell it at a lesser price, it is not impossible. I would rather stay at home than to come to the market and sell with no profit.
“It’s so unfortunate that it’s the final consumers who are affected most because it is not easy for some Nigerians household now in the country,” she told NAN.
Hassana, nevertheless, said she was trying her best to satisfy her customers as well as ensuring that she makes some gains.
Similarly, Mr Mohammed Rabiu, a buyer said it was unfortunate that he could not afford what the feeding needs of his family due to high price of food items.
Rabiu, therefore, pleaded to government intervention in the situation by using relevant instruments and institutions to bring down the cost goods.
“A lot of people are ceasing the economic situation to dupe others and blame it on fuel subsidy removal.
“I witnessed how somebody will keep what she bought previously at certain amount but refused to sell those items.
“She kept them to watch when the prices will go higher so at to double the price and make make higher gain.
“Let government monitor the market with a view to controlling the prices of goods. This will help a lot in curtailing the rising cost of things’’ he said.
Similarly, Mrs Amina Bawa, another buyer, when asked how she was coping with the economy, she said: “When I hear prices of foodstuffs, I feel like committing suicide. But I can’t because it is not a good thing to do.
“I can’t remember the last time I ate to my satisfaction, I only eat to survive, ” she said.
Another respondent, Mr Idris Bello, urged government agencies to see the need for regulatory system in the country to avoid the unnecessary hike in, not only food items but all goods and services. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
FIA/KUA
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Edited by Uche Anunne
June 17, 2024
Lagos Island epicentre of Lagos cholera outbreak- Health Commissioner
Cholera
By Oluwafunke Ishola
Lagos, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, says Lagos Island has the highest number of suspected cholera cases with 106 cases out of the 350 suspected cases in the state.
Abayomi made the disclosure on Monday through his official X account @profakinabayomi while giving an update of the state’s cholera outbreak.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
Cholera can cause severe acute watery diarrhea and the severe forms of the disease can kill within hours if left untreated.
Abayomi disclosed that laboratory tests have confirmed that the outbreak was due to cholera with the identified strain being highly aggressive and contagious, with potential for widespread dissemination.
Speaking on the morbidity and mortality, Abayomi disclosed that 350 suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 wards across multiple local government areas (LGAs) in the state.
According to him, there are 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities attributed to severe dehydration caused by delayed presentation at health facilities.
The commissioner further said that geographical distribution of suspected cases by LGAs revealed that Lagos Island was the epicentre of the outbreak with 106 cases; followed by Kosofe 49; Eti-Osa 38; Lagos mainland 30 and Ojo 17.
Other LGAs affected are Ikorodu 16; Kosofe 16; Shomolu 11, Surulere has nine; Apapa -eight; Mushin-eight; Ifako Ijaiye -eight; Mushin -five; Alimosho -four; Ajeromi Ifelodun -four; Oshodi-Isolo -three; Ikeja three; Ibeju Lekki -two; Badagry -two; and Amuwo-Odofin -one.
“Through community-based case finding and contact tracing, we have observed that the number of cases has peaked and is now significantly declining,” he said.
He stressed that the state was intensifying its public health prevention campaigns to prevent a resurgence.
According to him, suspected cases are receiving free treatment at the state’s public health facilities, in line with public health response protocols.
Abayomi said that the state was receiving support from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and International partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF.
He added that local non-governmental organisations are actively involved in raising awareness and conducting community-based surveillance efforts.
On cholera causes and transmission, Abayomi disclosed that cholera is caused by contaminated water and food and transmission common in areas with inadequate water treatment, poor sanitation, and insufficient hygiene.
He said that common symptoms include severe diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, thirst and muscle cramps.
“Symptoms can appear within a few hours to five days after infection,” he warned.
On prevention measures, Abayomi advised citizens to drink safe water that’s boiled, treated, or bottled and eat food that’s thoroughly cooked and hot, and avoid raw foods.
He advised citizens to maintain high hygiene by washing hands with soap and clean water regularly and using proper sanitation facilities and disposing of waste properly.
Speaking on treatment, Abayomi stressed that immediate action on rehydration was key, adding that oral rehydration salts (ORS) are crucial.
He added that medical treatment would be required for severe cases that may require intravenous fluids and antibiotics.
Abayomi advised the public to seek prompt medical help if symptoms occur and report any suspected cases to health hotlines: 08023169485 08137412348, or call 767 or 112. (NAN)
AIO/VIV
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Edited by Vivian Ihechu

June 17, 2024
“Japa”, major problem affecting FMC Yenagoa—CMD

FMC
By Shedrack Frank
Yenagoa, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Dr James Omietimi, Chief Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa in Bayelsa, says the major challenge confronting and still lingering in the health facility is the ‘Japa’ syndrome.
Omietimi disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Yenagoa.
According to him, the Japa syndrome has impacted negatively on our healthcare delivery system in Nigeria today.
NAN reports that the new CMD has worked with the hospital for over 25 years as staff before his appointment few months ago.
He highlighted some of the challenges faced due to the departure of health professionals seeking better opportunities abroad and also the rate at which health professionals were being kidnapped in the country.
“This Japa movement has been a major challenge, not only for us here in FMC Yenagoa but most of the hospitals across Nigeria as a country.
“Most of our doctors, nurses, pharmacists and lab scientists are leaving Nigeria for greener pastures abroad and at an alarming rate.
“This movement has led to understaffing here and big workload on the remaining medical professionals,” he said.
The CMD stated also other aspects included poor remuneration, lack of security for personnel and infrastructure development.
He called for retirement age for medical health workers to increase from 60 to 65, or even 70 years, as it was done in other professions like university lectures and judges.
Omietimi reassured the general public of the hospital’s commitment to providing medical services, in spite shortage of clinical personnel.
He said the FMC had grown from what it used to be then, and has still remained one of the best hospitals in Bayelsa that served the people better.
According to him, government hospitals are not always funded like the private hospitals.
He urged the Bayelsa Government led by Gov. Douye Diri, to open doors for partnerships in the state’s medical sector and not only when there were major problems. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FS/CHOM/VIV
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Vivian Ihechu

June 17, 2024
Eid-el Kabir: ADP urges Muslims to keep praying
Prayer
By Diana Omueza
Abuja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has enjoined the Muslim faithful to continually pray for the country and its leaders for better governance.
Mr Yabagi Sani, the National Chairman of the party, said this on Monday to felicitate the Muslim faithful on Eid-el Kabir.
Sani said that prayer should be the only way to commit the hearts and will of every leader to do right and deliver on mandates.
“I urge us not to limit these acts of charity, love, and sacrifice to the celebration only, but to let it be a culture to imbibe now and forever.
“Let it be that we have energised ourselves for more and greater work of goodness for humanity and our God.
“I urge us to pray for a better tomorrow and may our prayers bring succour and healing in our land.
“Let us continually pray for our leaders and our dear country for peace, love, understanding and prosperity,” he said.
He advised the Muslim faithful to remember the act of sacrifice in all their activities and ensure to exhibit same virtue to their fellow humans.
Sani prayed for God’s blessings, peace and prosperity for all the Muslim faithful, citizens and wisdom and guidance for the country’s leaders.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
DOM/KAY
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Edited by Kayode Olaitan
June 17, 2024
Sallah: Rep. donates foodstuff, offers scholarship to orphans in Jos
Sallah: Rep. donates foodstuff, offers scholarship to orphans in Jos
Scholarship
By Polycarp Auta
Jos, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Rep. Yusuf Gagdi (APC-Plateau), has donated foodstuff and offered scholarship to orphans at the Anwarul Faidah Orphanage, also known as ”Gidan Marayu”, in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau.
Gagdi, representing Pankshin/Kanke/ Kanam Federal Constituency of the state, visited the orphanage on Monday as part of activities marking the 2024 Eid-el Kabir celebrations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the orphanage is housing over 70 orphans whose parents were killed in Borno, Adamawa, Southern Kaduna, and Plateau.
The lawmaker said that the gesture was aimed at supporting the orphans to get quality livelihood, adding that it would go a long way to give them a sense of belonging.
Gagdi, who said that the scholarship was basically for the orphans in primary and secondary schools, expressed deep concern over the growing number of out-of-school children, particularly in the northern region.
“Education is the key to unlocking the potential of our children, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child has access to quality education.
”We need to come together to address this challenge; we need an action that is aimed at reducing the number of idle children forced to beg on the streets, instead of attending school.
”So, we are here to provide succour to these underprivileged kids and give them a sense of belonging,” he said.
Gagdi also reiterated his commitment to prioritise the welfare of his constituents, particularly the vulnerable ones.
He, therefore, called on spirited individuals to support the less privileged persons at all times.
The lawmaker also donated food items and cash to the Quintessential Health Care Centre, a mental rehabilitation centre in Jos.
Responding, Prof. Goar suwa, the Executive Director of Quintessential Health Care Centre, Jos and Auwal Mustapha, the Administrative Manager of the Gidan Marayu, thanked the lawmaker for the gesture.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of items donated include bags of rice, cartons of spaghetti and noodles, meat, clothing, cash, among others.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AZA/AMM
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru
June 17, 2024
UniCal demonstration school wins SAGE 2024, to represent Nigeria in Tokyo
Officials of the SAGE initiative and team lead of the UniCal International Demonstration Secondary School

SAGE
By Christian Njoku
Calabar, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The University of Calabar International Demonstration Secondary School has won the 2024 edition of the Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE) competition.
By coming tops at the national competition, the School will represent Nigeria at the global level in Tokyo.
The school presented a solar-powered Chi ECOSOL Freeze Storage System, equiped with off-grid capacity for areas with limited or unreliable traditional electricity.
The system uses high efficiency cooling storage unit to preserve fresh produce and vegetables.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) Abuloma, finished second with a project on Bio Fortification of Cassava Flour at the finals held in Calabar.
NAN also reports that FGGC Benin came third with their project on Tomato Powder.
It would be recalled that Nigeria has won 12 out of the 17 international SAGE completions held in different parts of the world after its premier edition in 2002 in America.
The theme for this year’s edition of the competition is: “Mobilising Education for Food Security”
Speaking during the award ceremony on Monday in Calabar, Mr Peter Odey, the Cross River Deputy Governor, said that the theme for the 2024 edition of the competition was apt and well thought-out.
Represented by Hilary Bisong, the member representing Boki Constituency II at the State House of Assembly, Odey, said that the theme touched on a major challenge in todays human society.
He said that there was need for a multifaceted global campaign against hunger and food scarcity.
“Nobody who has access to three square meals in a day will start thinking of crimes and violence.
“Our state has very fertile soil, the winning school has proffered solution to the challenge of food storage and preservation.
“For example, in Boki, we always have so much food after harvest, but a lot of the foods get wasted due to poor storage, so this project gives us a solution,” he said.
Also speaking, the President, SAGE Nigeria, Mr Agwu Amogu, said that the essence of the initiative was to make young people to become solution providers through entrepreneurship and community service.
Amogu said that the initiative had directly and indirectly impacted on no fewer than 200,000 people since 2005 when it took effect in Nigeria.
“Also, no fewer than 8,000 students have passed through the initiative, many of them have graduated, and are now alumni of SAGE.
“Our goal is to move the mindset of young Nigerians from entitlement to being solution and innovation providers.
“This new mindset will not only create jobs for them, it will even make them to become job creators and self-reliant,” he said.
On her part, 15 year old Miss Victory Idiku, the team lead of UniCal International Demonstration Secondary School, expressed her team’s joy after wining the competition.
“It took us several weeks of research to create that innovative project, it also took a lot of hard work to effectively present it.
“We are happy to represent Nigeria at the global event in Tokyo, we promise to make our nation proud,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
CBN/AZU
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Edited by Azubuike Okeh
June 17, 2024
Inflation: Industrialist appeals to FG to save small-scale industries
Inflation
By Victor Adeoti
Osogbo, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Dr Khamis Badmus, the Chairman of Tuns Farms in Osun, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to fast track policies that would control the high inflation in the country.
Badmus, who is also the Asiwaju Musulumi of Yoruba, Edo and Delta; made the appeal while speaking with newsmen on monday in Osogbo.
According to him, small scale business are currently passing through tough times due to inflation and high electricity tariff.
“People who are in production sector are passing through a lot now. They have invested billions of naira in their businesses but with little or no returns due to inflation.
“Many industries have started relocating due to the harsh business environment, but for some of us, we don’t have anywhere to go.
“And that is why we are appealing to the federal government to fast track policies that will reduce inflation as well as electricity tariff in the country,” he said.
Badmus, who said that he had to shut some sections in his farms due to high electricity tariff, said his monthly electricity bill had increased from N5 million to N15 million on a monthly basis.
According to him, this is affecting production which will eventually lead to downsizing of the workforce.
Badmus, however, said that with the promise made by the president that the pain was just for awhile, he believes that the economy would soon improve.(NAN)
VE/VIV
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Edited by Vivian Ihechu
June 17, 2024
Soludo hails Muslims for contributing to peaceful development in Anambra

Muslims
By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
Awka, June 17, 2024(NAN) Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra on Monday commended the Muslim community for their valuable contributions to the peaceful development enjoyed in the state.
Soludo gave the commendation in his Sallah message in Awka, to felicitate with Muslim faithful on the celebration of the 2024 Eid-el Kabir.
He said the Muslim community also contributed to enriching diversity of the state’s collective social fabric.
“I felicitate with the Muslim faithful in Anambra and across Nigeria on the happy occasion of Eid-el Kabir which holds profound significance in the Islamic faith as it commemorates the enduring faith, obedience, and devotion to Almighty Allah.
“As our Muslim brothers and sisters observe this sacred event through acts of charity and communal prayers, it is a time for us to reflect on these universal values that bind humanity together.
“In this spirit of unity, I urge Muslim faithful to continue their support and prayers for Anambra government and Nigeria, in order to advance the collective progress, security and the well-being of every citizen.
“My administration will continue to foster an environment of religious harmony, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among all faiths in Anambra,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
LCO/CHOM/VIV
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Vivian Ihechu

June 17, 2024