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  • Police denounce booing of Emir Sanusi, warn troublemakers

    Police denounce booing of Emir Sanusi, warn troublemakers

    Warning

    By Aminu Garko

    Kano, June 17,2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Kano State has expressed displeasure  over the booing  entourage of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II by some individuals while he was returning to his palace after Eid prayers.

    This is contained in a Statement issued by the command’s spokesman, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, in Kano on Monday.

    He said that, the incident occurred when the Emir took a different route, as part of his religious obligation.

    He said unfortunately, he was booed within the vicinity of Festival Primary School and Zage/Zango areas by some unidentified persons.

    “Currently, the police command is monitoring the entire Sallah events to ensure law and order are maintained, adequate security measures are in place to tackle any form of security threats.

    “Accordingly, the police command is warning individuals intending to cause chaos or breach the peace during the Sallah celebration to stay clear of the state’’, he said.

    The spokesman further stated that at the moment adequate security personnel had been deployed to arrest anyone attempting to cause a breakdown of law and order.

    The police warned members of the public to desist from carrying weapons during and after the celebration, saying that anyone found would meet stiff penalties.

    “Rigorous stop-and-search operations and patrols are ongoing in all Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the metropolitan area to ensure a peaceful celebration”, Kiyawa said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AAG/KUA

    ========

    Edited by Uche Anunne

  • 2023 House of Assembly candidates seek end to factions in Abia APC

    2023 House of Assembly candidates seek end to factions in Abia APC

    Reconciliation

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The 24 members of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the 2023 Abia State House of Assembly election have demanded an end to the factions in the party.

    Mr Anderson Akaliro, the only elected APC lawmaker in the House of Assembly and the leader of the group, led the candidates on a reconciliation mission to Abuja, according to a communiqué issued at the end of their meeting.

    This is contained in the group’s communiqué at the end of a reconciliation meeting tagged `Abia APC Crisis Peace Initiative“ anchored by Mr Anderson Akaliro, the only APC lawmaker in Abia State House of Assembly.

    Akaliro who signed the communiqué said urged the national leadership of APC to, as a matter of urgency, convoke a meeting of all leaders and stakeholders of the party to resolve the impasse.

    The meeting, he said, should include the zonal leadership and the 2023 House of Assembly, Abia APC lawmakers in the National Assembly, to get their commitment to a peace accord.

    “All factions within the rank and file of the party should be resolved and all factions should fall back into the party as one indivisible unit.

    “We are aware of the forthcoming Congress, and we employ the party leadership to commit to ensuring that all interest groups are duly represented in the state, LGA, and ward party positions’’, he said.

    This, according to him, will be a prelude to free and fair party primaries in 2026.

    He, therefore, called on all gladiators in the crisis to sheath their sword and embrace peace and unity in APC in Abia State.

    “We want peace in the Abia APC because there are multiple factions, which is the reason why we lost the election.

    “24 of us contested for the State Assembly election and 23 lost; the faction challenge contributed to our loss. We only have one person as an APC member who won the election” he said in the communiqué.

    He said issues responsible for the factions, including imposition of candidates, greed, and pride anchored on personality clashes of interests were not good for the progress of the party.

    He appealed to President Bola Tinubu as the leader of the party and the National Chairman to call all stakeholders, including Assembly candidates, and Abia APC lawmakers in the two chambers of National Assembly for truce.

    “The facade of unity is but a veil over the fissures that have led to our collective losses in political contests, and it is time for introspection and action.”

    “The potential within our ranks is immense, with leaders of influence and respect.

    “It is our firm belief that through reconciliation and unity, the APC in Abia State will emerge stronger and victorious in future electoral endeavors’’. Akaliro said.

    He said the influx of new members into the party was a clarion call for reconciliation and to establish a harmonious environment that would foster alignment and bolster the spirit of togetherness. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

    ODF/KUA

    =======

    Edited by Uche Anunne

  • Extreme heat: Saudi stops pilgrims from ritual of throwing stones for 5hrs

    Extreme heat:  Saudi stops pilgrims from ritual of throwing stones for 5hrs

    Temperature

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Mina (Saudi Arabia), June 17, 2024 (NAN) The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has stopped pilgrims from proceeding to the Jamarat Bridge for the ritual of throwing stones from 11a.m. to 4p.m. due to extreme heat

    The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman, issue the directive in a statement on Monday in Mina, Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    He said that measure became necessary I’m order to ensure the well-being of pilgrims amidst high temperatures and to prevent heat stress.

    ” Accordingly, the following measures have been implemented: Pilgrims are prohibited from proceeding to the Jamarat Bridge for the ritual of throwing stones from11.a.m to 4.pm.”

    He said that security personnel would be stationed at camps to enforce the restriction and prevent any pilgrim from departing before 4p.m.

    He urged the Office of Hajj Affairs and service providers to ensure compliance, adding that they they would be held responsible for any violations thereof.

    ” We pray for Allah’s protection over the pilgrims and the acceptance of their Hajj.”

    Meanwhile, the official of the Nigeria’s Hajj Commission has intercepted two illegal migrants of Nigerian decent ( Muhammed Umar and Nazifi Tasi’u GARBA), over infiltration of pilgrims tents amidst concerns regarding overstretched accommodation and petty theft.

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

    NAN reports that the Jamarat are three pillars located in Mecca and are an important part of the Hajj pilgrimage for Muslims.

    As part of their pilgrimage to Mecca, pilgrims throw pebbles at the pillars to symbolically “stone the devil.”

    The Stoning of the Devil—or rajm al-jamarat, translated as throwing pebbles—is a way for Muslims to reject temptation, affirm their faith in Allah, and honor the Prophet Ibrahim.

    NAN reports that according  to the Saudi Gazette, more than 1.83 million pilgrims performed this year’s hajj.

    A total of 1,833,164 pilgrims came from within the Kingdom and abroad to perform the annual pilgrimage and they included 1,611,310 foreign pilgrims and 221,854 domestic pilgrims, both citizens and expatriates.(NAN)

    SSI/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Cannes Lions: Unik Ernest to host culturin afterparty, 5 all-star events

    By Philip Yatai

    Event

    Lagos, June 17, 2024 (NAN) A business strategist and cultural architect, Unik Ernest, will host the Culturin Afterparty Series during the 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

    The event will be held from June 17 to 21, at Elva Cannes, France, a statement by Mr Osita Oparaugo, founder and Chief Executive Officer, GetBundi Education Technology, said on Monday in Lagos.

    The statement said that Earnest would curate five all-star events, starting with a special Cannes Lions Welcome Party on Monday, June 17 to be hosted by Chief Executive Officer, United Masters, Steve Stoute.

    It said that expected attendees would include NBA stars Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson and Shannon Sharpe, who would toast to the creatives and enjoy the best of the French Riviera.

    It added that the welcome party would be followed by a Hip Hop Throwback Party with 300 Entertainment CEO, Kevin Liles and a special guest DJ on June 18.

    The statement also said that a designer and celebrity stylist, Jason Rembert, would host an Afrobeat/Amapiano Experience on June 19, and as the sun sets over the Mediterranean on June 20.

    “The Culturin Afterparty will host their first annual Rose Day, a quintessential Cannes experience.

    “The Annual Fête de la Musique and a special birthday celebration for Unik Ernest will close out this one-of-a-kind nightly series on June 21st.

    “This exclusive party series will serve as a preview to what culturin founder, Unik Ernest, and his team, will be able to do for clients and countries across the globe.

    “A formal launch for this bespoke media and travel company will take place in New York City this Fall to coincide with New York Fashion Week.”

    The statement quoted Ernest as saying that “the world needs more beautiful stories, and culturin will harness the power of storytelling, technology and cultural insights to amplify local cultures on a global stage”.

    It described Ernest as a personality who seamlessly blends cultural diplomacy and hospitality to forge genuine connection with artists and brands, governments and corporations.

    This, the statement said, he was doing through impactful partnerships in the public, private and philanthropic sectors.

    “Unik Ernest is a Haitian born, Manhattan-based nightlife guru and business leader.

    “Over the past 20 years, Unik has used his ability to capture attention and generate buzz in his work with the world’s largest brands.

    “As an event architect, he has engineered one-of-a-kind parties, promotions and special events for Nike, Valentino, JetBlue and NBC Universal.

    “With his company Lokee Worldwide Productions, he created events during Sundance, The Cannes Film Festival and the Grammy Awards,” the statement said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/ETS

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  • Prioritise needs of ordinary Nigerians, Methodist Archbishop tells Tinubu

    Need

    By Philomina Attah

    Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Metropolitan and Archbishop of Abuja Methodist Church, His Grace, Most Rev’d Michael Akinwale, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to address the economic hardships facing Nigerians.

    The Cleric made the appeal during the 2024 Men’s ‘Work-Week/Father’s Day Thanksgiving Service at the Methodist Cathedral of Unity, Wuse, Abuja on Sunday.

    The Archbishop called on Tinubu to take decisive actiona to address the hardship, stressing, a lot of Nigerians were suffering.

    “A lot of homes are bleeding at this time. The government should do everything they can to cushion the effect of this battered economy,” he implored.

    He highlighted the house high costs of living, which, according to him, has placed basic necessities beyond the reach of the common man.

    “This is part of our Divine responsibilities as men. But the truth is that we know that we are equally being challenged by the economy.

    “One thing we need to understand is that God is our provider. He is the one who has the ability to provide for us.

    “As long as we are resolutely determined as a father to meet up our responsibility, God will always make a way for us.

    “To our president, I want him to understand that a lot of home is bleeding at this time.

    “The commoners are really complaining. The government should block every conduit pipe where our resources are being drained at the expense of the masses,” he said.

    Speaking on the theme “Arise and Build,” the Clergy emphasised the critical role of fathers in the home and the nation.”

    “President Tinubu’s led government should do everything they can to cushion the effects of this battered economy. It is becoming very difficult to maintain the family, now, because almost everything has skyrocketed.

    “It is far beyond the reach of the common man. As the father of the nation, we want to use this Father’s Day to appeal to the President  passionately, to  address the challenges.

    “We understand that, the administration is trying entrench the stability if the economy, but the effect is really telling on the masses,” he said.

    Quoting from the Holy Book of Colossians 3:19, the Cleric urged men to love and provide for their families,notwithstanding the economic pressures.

    “God is our provider. As long as we are resolutely determined as fathers to meet our responsibilities, God will always make a way for us,” he said.

    Also speaking, the President, Men’s Fellowship, in the Church, Mr Kayode Beckleg, echoed the same sentiments as the Clergy.

    “Truly, the country is passing through tough times, but we should all realise that, it is only by the Grace of God that we are alive,” he said.

    Beckleg encouraged men to turn to God, remain hopeful, and not abandon their families.  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    APA/ROT
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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

     

  • NDLEA recovers 230,900 Tramadol pills, uncovers skuchies coy in Ogun

    NDLEA recovers 230,900 tramadol pills, uncovers skoochies coy in Ogun

    Pills
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN)The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recovered a total of 230,600 pills of 200mg and 225mg of Tramadol, a prohibited substance in Gadar Tamburawa area of Kano, Kano State.

    NDLEA ‘s Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Babafemi said that the NDLEA operatives arrested the duo of Yasir Rabi’u, 23, and Abubakar Ado, 30, who were major distributors of the illicit drugs in Kano and Jigawa states respectively.

    He said that the suspected drug peddlers were arrested on Monday.

    Babafemi said, “In the same vein, another suspect, Hassan Abdullahi-Ali, 25, was nabbed with 150 bottles of codeine syrup at Kofar Nassarawa area of Kano on Tuesday.

    “Also, In Ogun, NDLEA operatives on Monday seized 390kg of cannabis and arrested the three in connection with the illicit drugs.”

    He said that Muhammad Sani, Nura Mohammad and Samaila Rabe were arrested during an early morning raid at Ibese area of the state.

    Meanwhile, Babafemi said that officers on Wednesday busted a skuchies making factory at Sabo area of Sagamu town where seven suspects were arrested.

    “They include: Kareem Jamiu; Oriyimi Ayo; Bamidele Wasiu; Rasheed Olarewanju; Ramota Lawal; Amudalat Olarewaju; and Adeniyi Omotosho.

    “Exhibits recovered from them include: 387 litres of skuchies; 70 litres of industrial codeine; 25kg cannabis and different quantities of Tramadol, Rohypnol, Diazepam.

    “Also, there were various equipment used in the production of the new psychoactive substance and all were intercepted, “ he said.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/KOO/BRM

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

    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Trust God for better Nigeria- CAN urges Nigerians

    Trust
    By Philomina Attah
    Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged Nigerians to set aside their differences and trust in God’s promise for a better Nigeria.
    Okoh said this in a message to the Muslim community in Abuja on Sunday, as they celebrate  Eid-el Kabir.
    “I celebrate with Muslims all over the world as they celebrate Eid-el Kabir, a festival symbolising sacrifice, obedience, and faith.
    On behalf of the CAN,  I extend warm felicitations to our Muslim brothers and sisters.
    “I urge all Nigerians to embrace the values of sacrifice, obedience, and faith in our daily lives.
    “Let us set aside our differences, heed the call for unity and peace, and trust in God’s promise for a better Nigeria.
    Our nation is in dire need of God’s mercy, peace, and unity,” he said.
    According the Clergy,, in the face of current challenges, Nigerians should unite in love, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
    He prayed for Divine intervention in the country’s security, economic, and political struggles.
    “As the Muslim Ummah celebrate this festival, let us remember that our nation deeply needs God’s mercy, peace, and unity.
    “Let us work together to build a Nigeria where all citizens can thrive, regardless of religion, tribe or creed.
    “Our diversity is in strength and togetherness, we can overcome any obstacle,” he stressed.  (NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)
    APA/NCI/ROT
    ============
    Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • I’ll turn around fortunes of FUT, Minna- Pro-chancellor

    I’ll turn around fortunes of FUT, Minna- Pro-chancellor

    FUT
    By Ismail Abdulaziz
    Minna, June 17, 2024(NAN) The new Pro-chancellor of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Dr Mohammed Santuraki, has pledged to turn around the fortunes of the institution.

    He said his wealth of experience as an education administrator would be deployed to ensure that the institution retains its pride of place.

    In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Minna, Santuraki said FUT, Minna would also maintain its academic excellence.

    ‘’FUT, Minna is one institution that has been a rallying point for not only people of Niger  or the North but for all Nigerians.

    ‘’It is a microcosm of the country where youths are engaged in inventions, innovations and technology development with one common cause of realising the dream of a better Nigeria.

    ”Nigeria youth deserve to be encouraged to realise their full potential especially in a conducive educational environment,’’ he said.

    NAN reports that President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of Santuraki as the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of FUT, Minna a fortnight ago.

    He is a seasoned tertiary education administrator having served earlier in the same position at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), the Niger University.

    Santuraki also served as the Vice Chairman of the Committee of Pro-chancellors of State-owned Universities in Nigeria.

    The new pro-chancellor said that the appointment of the new boards of tertiary institutions would accelerate the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu in the education sector.

    He said that the education sector of the country would be revitalised with a strong board comprising men and women with wealth of experience and passion to make positive changes.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    IS/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Pray for peace in Nigeria, IPCR urges Muslims

    Pray for peace in Nigeria, IPCR urges Muslims

    Development

    By Sarafina Christopher

    Abuja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has charged Muslim Ummah in Nigeria to pray for peace and development of the country.

    Dr Joseph Ochogwu,  Director-General of the Institute, gave the charge during the Eid-el Kabir celebration on Monday in Abuja.

    According to him, the festival of sacrifice is a celebration of faith, obedience and devotion.

    He urged Nigerians to acknowledge the values of sacrifice, compassion, generosity that are embodied in the spirit of Eid-el Kabir.

    Ochogwu also appealed to Nigerians that regardless of their religious beliefs or backgrounds, they should use the occasion to promote peace, unity, love and harmony, noting that without these virtues a nation remained far from development.

    “Occasions like this call for sober reflection; our minds should dwell on those things that bind us together and are also capable of promoting development in the country,” he said.

    He also urged Nigerians to support the President  Bola Tinubu administration in his steady steps to make Nigeria great.

    “The President’s decisions are geared toward revamping the economy, blocking all loopholes, curtailing insecurity, promoting businesses and infrastructural development, amongst other things.

    “Let our thoughts and actions be peaceful, tolerant, and receptive toward one another as this is the only organic means to change the dangerous narrative that has eaten deep into our social fabrics and national cohesion.

    “Nigerians should rise up with one accord to build the nation of our dreams.

    “I congratulate all Nigerians on this auspicious occasion and wish everyone a happy Eid-el Kabir,” Ochogwu said. (NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

    SAF/CHOM/SA

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Salif Atojoko

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

  • Eid-el Kabir: COAS celebrates with wounded soldiers in Kaduna