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Ghana’s Torgah wins Rowland Adewumi golf classic
From Left: Dr Rowland Adewumi, Sponsor of the Rowland Adewumi golf classic presenting the overall trophy to the winner, Vincent Torgah of Ghana at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja
Ghana’s Torgah wins Rowland Adewumi golf classic
Champion
By Muhyideen Jimoh
Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Ghana’s Vincent Torgah has emerged overall winner of the maiden Rowland Adewumi Golf classic held at the prestigious IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that golfer representing Tema golf club emerged champion on Saturday with a gross of 219 to beat his closest rival, Godwin Okoko of IBB golf club.
Sunday Olapade of Ikoyi golf club played 22 gross over 54 holes to clinch third position, in the highly competitive three-day classic organised to commemorate the 50th birthday of the sponsor, Dr Rowland Adewumi.
In the Lady’s category, Racheal Danjuma came tops with a 256 gross beating the likes of Amina Wilfred and Bola Mustapaha Bola who came second and third respectively.
For the senior professional category, Liman Muhammed came first with 232 gross, as Agwom Luka and Lasisi Lateef also emerged second and third.
A delighted Torgah told NAN after receiving his winners trophy and prize money that he was impressed with the flawless organisation of the tournament.
He commended the organisers and participants for displaying a high sense of professionalism, while calling for more of such tournaments across the West African region.
“It was not easy, it was tough and highly competitive, we did our best by putting the game to the highest level.
“I was a bit shaken at the beginning, because I don’t know the kind of people competing, but along the way I realised it was fun.
“I quickly adjusted my self and after few mistakes, I came back strong, and to the glory of God I won it.
“I think we need more of such tournaments across the West African region, to further develop the sport, ” he said.
The tournament which teed-off on Thursday, came to a spectacular close on Saturday with a dinner where prizes worth N20 million naira in cash and items were presented to winners in various categories.
Cash gifts were also presented to some Abuja orphanages to support them. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
MUYI/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza
June 16, 2024
Find solution to out-of-school children crisis—Expert tells govts
Find solution to out-of-school children crisis—Expert tells govts
Children
By Angela Atabo
Abuja, June 16,2024 (NAN) SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, a child-centered international organisation, has advocated urgent need to find solutions to barriers that keep millions of Nigerian children out of school.
The National Director of SOS Children’s Villages in Nigeria, Mr Eghosa Erhumwunse, made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Sunday in Abuja.
Erhumwunse said an urgent collective effort was required to ensure that every Nigerian child had access to quality education in the safest environment.
He said the call was imperative as the world celebrates the International Day of the African Child with the theme “Education for All: The Time is Now.”
“There is a dire need to re-evaluate the concerns of education and the growing number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
“According to a recent report from UNICEF, Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, with about 18.4 million children out of school in Nigeria.
“What is the fate of the Nigerian child if 1 in 3 Nigerian children is out of school and 12.4 million children have never seen the inside of a classroom”, he said.
The director further said that 5.9 million children leave school earlier than the stipulated graduation time.
He stressed that Nigeria accounts for 15 per cent of the global total of out-of-school children according to a 2022 UNICEF report.
Erhumwunse listed the barriers as conflict and insecurity, vulnerability and scarce resources, cultural and gender norms, effects of climate change, limited infrastructure, and accessibility challenges.
“Education is not just about knowledge acquisition; it is a fundamental right and a catalyst for breaking the cycle of poverty as seen in many other countries.
“Nigeria, as a country, must double its efforts in tackling the issues of out-of-school children in society, especially in rural communities”, he said.
Erhumwunse said that SOS Children’s Villages prioritise the education needs of children through numerous programmes.
The SOS Children’s Villages director in Nigeria therefore urged governments to increase reinvestment in actionable policies and implementations that would take children off the streets.
He said that families’ economic capacities needed to be strengthened to meet the education and other needs of their young ones.
Erhumwunse said all hands must be on deck to ensure safe and peaceful atmosphere in schools through full implementation of the Safe School Declaration across states and communities.
He also said that communities and relevant stakeholders should create awareness on the importance of education for children.
He also emphasised the need to implement children’s right to education as contained in the Child Rights Act.
“Providing alternative care for children in emergencies reduces the number of out-of-school children.
“This method provides psychosocial and educational support for children who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care.
“It ensures that they grow in a loving environment fit and mentally ready for school and the society”, he said
Erhumwunse also urged policymakers, educators, civil society, and individuals to renew their dedication to creating conducive environment for children to dream and aspire regardless of their circumstances.
He said such environments would empower future generations to build a brighter and more equitable world. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ATAB / IEI /KUA
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Edited by Ijendu Iheaka/Uche Anunne
June 16, 2024
Yusuf inaugurates distribution of beef from 700 cows
Yusuf inaugurates distribution of beef from 700 cows
Beef
By Aminu Garko
Kano, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State on Sunday inaugurated the distribution of meat from 700 cows to 5,600 representatives of the 44 Local Government Areas in the state.
A Germany-based Non-Governmental Organisation, HASENE, in collaborating with BARIS Foundation donated the cows as part of their Eid el Kabir celebration.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the distribution took place at Bayero University, Kano.
Yusuf expressed joy at the benevolent act, saying it would uplift many souls in this festival period.
Yusuf charged those responsible for the distribution of the meet to be just in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Yusuf also advised that the meat be extended to patients in hospital, inmates of care facilities, and destitute.
He reaffirmed the state government commitments to partnering with any organisation willing to assist to make life more meaning to the people of the state.
One of the sponsors of this project, Muhammad Aydin, said they were in Kano to celebrate Ed el-Kabir and share their sacrificial meat with the Muslim community.
He expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to them by the Kano State Government and, by extension, the people of state.( NAN) ( www.nannews.ng)
AAG/KUA
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Edited by Uche Anunne
June 16, 2024
Summit: Participants urge LASG to establish climate innovation fund
Communique
By Fabian Ekeruche
Lagos, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Participants at the just concluded 10th Lagos International Climate Change Summit have advocated the establishment of a climate innovation fund to support climate resilience projects in the state.
This is contained in a communique issued by the Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Kunle Adeshina, on Sunday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that several key recommendations were made in the communique that will engender a smart and resilient Lagos.
The communique urged the government to provide funding for infrastructure to protect urban areas from climate hazards like floods, storms, and heatwaves.
It also called for the development of mechanisms to access and scale up climate finance through bankable adaptation projects with institutions such as the African Development Bank for concessional and blended financing, and risk mitigation to attract private capital.
In the area of blended financing, the communique called for the utilisation of both private capital investment and public or philanthropic funding.
It called for the completion of the ‘Adiyan Water Works’ to enhance potable water supply as an adaptation measure.
The communique called for the continued support and funding for the Bus Rapid Transit System and multi-modal transport strategy of the state.
The participants made a strong business case for adaptation, expanding investment instruments, and using carbon markets for climate financing.
The communique underscored the importance of creating an enabling environment to unlock domestic private capital and incentivizing private sector innovation.
It also stressed the need for a sustained tempo in the promotion of circular economy practices in the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and efficient use of resources.
The communique called for the integration of the health sector into the State Climate Action Plan to ensure environmental sustainability and public health protection.
The summit called for the provision of a comprehensive, accessible, community-based healthcare services, especially for vulnerable groups.
NAN reports that the summit with the theme: “Accelerating Climate Finance and Championing Local Adaptation Initiatives,” was held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island from June 11 to 13. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FBO/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
June 16, 2024
Cleric urges more palliatives for masses at Eid-el Kabir celebration
Imam Nurudeen Abdul-Kadiri, Chief Imam of Alhaja Sideeqat Ahmad Megida Central Mosque, Ikorodu, Lagos State, killing ram after Eid prayer on Sunday

Eid-el Kabir
By Aisha Cole
Lagos, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Imam Nurudeen Abdul-Kadiri, Chief Imam of Alhaja Sideeqat Ahmad Megida Central Mosque, Ikorodu, Lagos State, has urged the Federal Government to provide more palliatives to mitigate the suffering of the masses.
Abdul-Kadiri made the appeal during Eid-el Kabir prayer at the mosque on Sunday.
He said that prices of goods and services had gone higher, urging urgent measures to reduce hardship on the citizens.
The cleric urged the three tiers of government to provide more foods and employment opportunities for Nigerians.

He, however, urged Nigerians to go closer to God and be patient with the Federal Government in its efforts to tackle the country’s many problems.
“We should be patient and pray to Allah to guide our leaders.
” In our various homes, we should try and obey the laws of Allah. Once we do that, Allah will not let us down, just as Allah did not let Prophet Ibrahim down,” he said.
Mr Rasheed Akindiya, a Lagos resident, who worshipped at the Mosque, urged governments to come up more initiatives to reduce economic hardship on the citizens.
“Governments should create more jobs and a more favourable business environment,” Akindiya said.
A Muslim scholar, Ustaz Habib Tinuolaji, said, “We should see any situation as from Allah – good or bad.”
He urged Muslims to promogate their faith with steadfastness.
Another Lagos resident, Hajia Nimat Agoro, also urged Nigerians to be patient with the current administration.
She urged Nigerians to continue to be patriotic.
A U.S.-based Nigerian, Hajia Rasheedah Sadiq, called on Muslims to use the opportunity of the celebration to show love and preach peace and unity.
Sadiq urged governments to improve the well-being of the citizens. (NAN).
AIC/IGO
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
Some female Muslims at the prayer ground at Alhaja Sideeqat Ahmad Megida Central Mosque, Ikorodu, Lagos State.
Some male worshippers at the mosque
June 16, 2024
Cholera: Expert cautions Nigerians on vended local foods
Cholera: Expert cautions Nigerians on vended local foods
Mrs Assumpta Ilodibe
Cholera
By Joy Mbachi
Awka,June 16, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Assumpta Ilodibe, a Chief Nursing Officer at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka, says Nigerians to be mindful of how they patronise food vendors to avoid contracting cholera.
Ilodibe made the call following reports of cholera breakout in some parts of the country.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)in Awka on Sunday, Ilodibe
said the cholera could be fatal if medical intervention was delayed or not properly handled.
She said the bacteria responsible for cholera produced a toxin in the small intestines which made the body to secrete too much water leading to diarrhea and rapid loss of fluid and salt.
She said it was important to prevention contracting cholera through dedicated hygiene, safe drinking water.
Ilodibe advised that foodstuff bought from the markets needed to be washed well with salt before consumption.
The medical expert advised people to ensure they washed their toilets in and out with alcohol based detergents at least three times a week.
Ilodibe said that parents should ensure their children were trained to imbibe healthy living principles of proper hand washing after contacts with people and public places.
She said that hand washing under running water with soap after visiting the toilets or after returning from school or public places would prevent lots of communicable diseases.
Ilodibe advised against eating raw meat or fish and urged people to always wash their nuts, fruits, vegetables with clean water and salt before eating.
“Water for cooking should be very clean and upgraded personal hygiene should always be sustained,” she advised.
NAN reports that on June 9, the Lagos State Government declared a cholera outbreak as reported by the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) on June 12.
According to the EOC, 324 suspected cholera cases have been reported in the state, including 15 people who died. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
JOY/CHOM/KUA
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Uche Anunne
June 16, 2024
Eid-el Kabir: Pray for nation’s economic recovery – CAN urges Nigerians

Prayers
By Mohammed Baba Busu
Minna, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, on Sunday urges Nigerians to pray fervently for the fast recovery of the nation’s economy.
The CAN chairman made the call in his congratulatory message issued in Minna to the Muslim community on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir on Sunday.
Yohanna said that the price of commodities especially foodstuffs in the market nowadays called for intensive and fervent prayers for God’s divine intervention.
“This is why I am urging muslim faithful in Niger and Nigeria as a whole to use the Eid-el Kabir period for sober reflection and prayer for peace, unity, and economic recovery.
“I hereby appeal to Muslims to pray for the country’s challenges to be overcome.
“We should, as Nigerians, be encouraged and have hope in God for the transformation of the country,” he said.
He commended the Niger State government’s efforts to address security and economic issues.
According to him, there’s need for continued tolerance, synergy, and cooperation among government, agencies and citizens toward overcoming the challenges.
The chairman also called for improved healthcare, youth and women empowerment, investment in education, and addressing socio-economic challenges.
He, however, wished the Muslim community a peaceful and joyous Eid-el Kabir celebration. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
BAB/MNA
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
June 16, 2024
Anglican Archbishop charges fathers to be nation builders

Cross session of Fathers at the Church of the pentecost Awka
Fathers
Joy Mbachi
Awka, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province on the Niger, Most Revd Alexander Ibezim, has charged fathers to take total responsibility for their families against the hot chase for materialism.
Ibezim, also Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, Anglican Communion, charged Fathers to live their lives in the fear of God in order to achieve their full potentials and grow their families in the path of God.
Ibezim gave the charge during a special service in Awka on Sunday to mark the 2024 Fathers’ Day celebration in the Anglican church.
Ibezim, whose message centred on the theme of the year “Christian Fathers are living testimony of God’s glory”, was delivered by the Vicar of the church, Venerable Ekenedilichukwu Nwafor.
Ibezim thanked God for the gift of Fathers to humanity and described them as the glory of every home, without whose sacrifices and unwavering assistance to their wives, the home may not be a safe place to live in.
The archbishop noted that fathers were the image of God that carried His glory and could only manifest God’s glory by fearing him and seeking to keep His commandments always.
Ibezim urged fathers to love their families by making a significant sacrifice for their salvation and well being and appreciated all Fathers in the Awka Anglican Diocese for their sacrifices towards the progress of the church.
He also advised fathers to ensure they raised godly family units that would translate to a safer society and a better Nigeria.
Dr Chukwudi Okoli, the Accountant General of Anambra State, commended the founders of the day, saying they created room for families to share special day with their fathers.
Okoli said that the celebration also gave room for closer bonding amongst the nuclear family members and quality relationships in the family.
Chief Tim Egboka, a former legislator in the Anambra State House of Assembly, explained that Father’s Sunday was a day designed to honour fathers whom God had bequeathed the responsibilities of moulding, guiding and providing for the family.
He also urged them to always pray for their families and live exemplary lives for their wives and children to emulate.
Chief Chido Obidiegwu, the Managing Director of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), thanked God for keeping fathers alive to celebrate their day.
Mr Tim Nwabunwanne, leader of the Fathers fellowship in the church, said that Fathers are pillars of homes and will not relent in building healthy families.
Mrs Ada Okafor, a parishioner, thanked God for the gift of Fathers and described them as wonderful beings.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the special service featured cutting of cake by fathers to mark their day and special prayers for fathers and their families. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
JOY/MNA
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
June 16, 2024
Eid-el Kabir: GOC urges Nigerians to make sacrifices for peace, security

Sacrifice
By Stanley Nwanosike
Enugu, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, has urged Nigerians to continue to make sacrifices for peace, security and development of the nation.
Dada gave the charge on Sunday after the Eid-el Kabir prayer at Eid prayer ground of Abakpa Military Cantonment, Enugu.
He noted that Nigerians must learn from the exemplary lifestyle of Prophet Ibrahim, who have to give his only son for sacrifice but Almighty Allah instructed him to use a ram instead.
According to him, for things to go right and for peace and security to prevail, we must as individuals and collectively as organisations, make due sacrifices.
The GOC advised that people must always abide and respect constituted authorities enshrined by God and the nation’s authorities.
“If all of us submit to the will of the Almighty Allah and constituted authorities that is ordained by Almighty Allah, there is so much to benefit because Almighty Allah will also reward us bountifully.
“And for the government, what they are asking from us is to be law abiding and when we are law abiding, definitely there will be progress in the land and peace as well.
“The insecurity in the land is because people are not ready to make sacrifices,” he said.
Dada noted that the South-East Zone and the Cross River were abundantly blessed with natural endowments and human resources, but noted that insecurity caused by very few had hindered their great potentials.
“We are appealing to all those living in South-East and Cross River State to continue to partner and assist the Division with prompt and actionable information to check all forms of criminal activities.
“I sincerely believe that with security and peace in the entire South-East and Cross River State, progress and development will blossom in the areas,” Dada said.
In a sermon after the prayer, Chief Imam of 82 Division, Lt.-Col. Husein Eleje, urged all to live in peace with their neighbours as instructed by the Almighty Allah.
He said that one way to ensure that peace reigned was through sacrifice and commitment to the welfare of others.
“I will want Muslim faithful and Nigerians to look out for ways to sacrifice and invest in the welfare, well-being and progress of others to build a peaceful and prosperous neighourhood, community and society,” he said.
The chief imam prayed for the peace and progress of the nation as well as for the success of the President Bola Tinubu led administration.
Highlight of the special sallah prayer was the symbolic slaughtering of ram done by the chief imam. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
KSN/MNA
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
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June 16, 2024
Don’t bite more than you can chew, Nigerians advise fathers
Don’t bite more than you can chew, Nigerians advise fathers
Fathers
By Joan Odafe and Najibat Adebayo
Lagos, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Some Lagos residents have cautioned fathers against biting more than they can chew as they strive to meet the needs of their immediate and extended families in the face of economic challenges.
They gave the advice during separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
They said the plight of many men in the current economic situation was compounded by them succumbing to take more than they can handle.
Mr Seidu Momoh said even before the current not very pleasant economic situation in the nation, as a father, it had always been difficult providing for the family.
He acknowledged God had always helped him to meet most of his family’s needs are met.
He, however, said he had cut out luxuries and sourced for other streams of income to provide for his family.
Speaking on the impact of family pressure on fathers’ mental and physical health, Momoh said in spite of the harsh economy, many men engage in things they were not supposed to.
“I drive an SUV but I don’t take it out everyday because I know if I decide to fuel the car throughout the month, my house will suffer.
“So, that is why I drop my car and board bus like every other Nigerian. Before I used to enjoy myself; went to places; all those things have been cut out.
“I do things now in moderation and that is why I’ve been able to survive,” he said.
Mr Debo Adeshiyan, said men bore most of the financial burden in the home, including rent, school fees, feeding and taking care of extended family members.
He said the pressure of making ends meet had made many men fall into depression.
Adeshiyan urged the government to pay more attention to the welfare of the workers by offering a minimum wage that was commensurate with the costs of things in the market.
Mr Boma Joe-Jim urged fathers to be resilient to enable them cope with the challenges of the current realities.
“Now we’re hearing that a bag of beans is N250,000. Where will someone start?
“If, for instance, you used to buy one bag of rice now you have to share it because you want to get other things needed in the family,” he said.
He urged men to hold on to God and their beliefs to avoid being victims of pressure mounted on them by the society.
Speaking on the challenges fathers experience, Mrs Florence Eneonwuta, said she sympathized with them because many men could not withstand the level of pressure they have been exposed to in recent times.
She urged men, particularly fathers, to ask God for wisdom apply self-control when provoked by their family members. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
JOJO/KUA
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Edited by Uche Anunne
June 16, 2024