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  • New ICAN chairman pledges to enhance professionalism

    New ICAN chairman pledges to enhance professionalism in Nyanya-Mararaba District

    New President of Nyanya-Mararaba and District Society, Mrs Onilede Oluwafunmilayo Iyanu (2nd Left), Rep of ICAN President Mrs Lucy Okena (3rd Left) and Rep of Registrar of ICAN, Mr Adamu Yusuf (1st Left) during the Investiture of Iyanu on Saturday at Karu in Abuja
    Chairman
    By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
    Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Nyanya-Mararaba and District Society of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has elected Mrs Onilede Oluwafunmilayo Iyanu as the chairman, with a promise to enhance professionalism.
    Iyanu made the pledge in her acceptance speech, shortly after her investiture as the 4th Chairman and the first female chairman of the District on Saturday in Karu, Abuja.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other members of the executive include Mrs Idris Adeyiyi Kafilat as Vice Chairman, Mr Odiaka Gerald as General Secretary and Miss Fausat Yusuf as Assistant General Secretary.
    Others are Mr Christopher Daniel as Treasurer, Mr Alade Bako as Financial Secretary, Mrs Elekanachi Nneoma as Technical Secretary, Mr Obama Friday as Publicity/Social Secretary and Chinedu Okpo as Ex-Officio.
    They are to run the affairs of the district for one year.
    Iyanu expressed her gratitude to members of the District for placing their trust and confidence in her to lead the esteemed and fastest growing district in the country.
    “It is a privilege to serve alongside such talented and dedicatee professionals who are committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and ethical conduct in the field of accountancy.
    “I am fully aware of the immense responsibility that comes with this position, and I want to assure each and everyone of you that, I will approach my duties with unwavering commitment, integrity and transparency.
    “Our outlook for 2024/2025 chairmanship year include ‘Catch Them Young Programmes’, Land Acquisition to Build Office for the District’, Seminars and Technical Sessions’ to enhance professionalism and capacity-building initiative of ICAN.
    “Others are, ‘4th Annual Dinner and Award Night’ and ‘End of the Year Thanksgiving’ and activities that would involve visitation to the less privileged in orphanages, hospitals, churches, /mosques, donations, picnic and many others.
    “We also solicit for moral and financial support to enable us execute these compendium, laudable and life-touching programmes,” she said.
    Speaking, the ICAN President, Davidson Alaribe, represented by a member of Governing Council and Coordinator of the district, Mrs Lucy Okena, congratulated Iyanu and the new executive.
    “We are confident that your leadership will continue to champion the values of ICAN in this jurisdiction. Thanks to Yahaya Akeem and his team for their valuable contributions.
    “As a district close to seat of power, the Nyanya-Mararaba and District Society is one of the youngest, yet one of the fastest growing district of the institute.
    “In just four years, the district embarked on various impactful initiatives including Corporate Social Responsibility Programme and other initiatives of ICAN that have impacted the people, professional Community and the local economy of Nyanya-Mararaba.
    “May I use this opportunity to urge Iyanu and her team to be guided by the principle and values of the Institute and also know that leadership is a privilege and not a right.
    “I encourage you to commit yourself in serving the members of the district and ensure that the efforts of the past leaders must not go down the drain,” Alaribe said.
    He further urge them to work on the effort of the past leaders to keep the flag of professionalism and excellence flying in the district, including the catch them young activities.
    Meanwhile, the Chairman of the occasion,  Dr Samson Adegoke in his opening remark said ICAN, established about six decades ago has been instrumental in promoting accountability, transparency and ethical practice in Nigeria’s financial sector.
    “Today’s investiture underscores our responsibility to uphold integrity, competence and accountability as Chartered Accountants. We must remain committed to excellence and adapt to meet the profession’s and society’s changing needs”.
    Similarly, the Head of Abuja Liaison Office of ICAN, Mr Adams Yusuf, who represented the Registrar of the Institute, Dr Lanre Olasunkanmin, said districts were operated to attend to issues of members.
    “The institute have over 63,000 members, there is no way the umbrella body will be able to attend to the needs of all the members; and the districts are to impact positively on the environment they exist”.
    The immediate past chairman of the Nyanya-Mararaba and District Society, Mr Yahaya Akeem, said the journey was not easy.
    “But, we thank God, there is light at the end of the tunnel, because, ICAN has a way of carrying out its activities. There are standard and procedure to follow, like the catch them young Programmes and training and retraining of members”.
    NAN reports the event attracted relevant stakeholding which culminated at Iyanu and her team taking the oath of office. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CMY/IAA
    ========
    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

  • NDLEA bursts warehouse, seizes N4.7b drugs

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Suspected drug traffickers and peddlers arrested by the NDLEA
    Cartel By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Officers of the Special Operation Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Aba have discovered a cartel controlled by three suspected drug barons.

    The agency’s Director, Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi, announced this on Sunday in Abuja.

    The agency said that the suspects were arrested and the warehouses linked to the drugs were “taken down”.

    The agency said further that substances suspected to be cocaine and methamphetamine in consignments were seized.

    It said that the drugs could worth more than N4.1 billion in street value.

    Babafemi said that the special operation was conducted between June 13 and June 14 at Boundary Avenue and a residence on Ohia road in Aba.

    “Months of intelligence gathering led to the arrest of the leaders and the seizure of 20.76 kg of cocaine and methamphetamine from them.

    He also said that the operatives of the agency in Lagos State uncovered an expansive warehouse stocked with a large consignment of a substance suspected to be codeine-based syrup located in Kirikiri.

    Babafemi said that four persons were suspected to be connected with the importation and distribution of the substance.

    He said that they were arrested during an intelligence-led raid on the facility.

    “No few than 82,000 bottles of the opioid worth more than N600 million in street value were recovered from them.

    “Also, a truck and two buses used for distributing the substance were recovered from the premises on June 10”, he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/KAY

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    Edited by Kayode Olaitan

  • Tinubu salutes fathers for sacrifice, resilience in shaping nation’s future

    Sacrifice

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has congratulated fathers, including paternal figures, who have contributed to shaping the destiny of the nation with their sacrifices.

    Tinubu also congratulated fathers for their forbearance, provision, protection and guidance of the young ones, to the noble and true path.

    The President made the remarks in a statement issued by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, on the occasion of Father’s Day marked every June 16.

    “The President states that Father’s Day is significant for its purpose as a day set apart to honour all fathers – living, deceased and paternal figures.

    “President Tinubu affirms that society is in better stead with fathers who rise to the great demand of responsibility, guiding the children through the vagaries of existence and preparing them for the future,” he said.

    He added that society was also better off when fathers bequeathed to children pristine values that money or material comfort could not provide, but only by personal example of discipline, integrity, service, respect, love and allegiance to the nation.

    “The President salutes all fathers, the sung and the unsung, who brave the toil of the day and the soreness of the night to provide for their families, describing them as true heroes.

    “President Tinubu urges fathers to stay true to their bounden commitment of positively shaping the destinies of those to whom the future belongs.

    “The President wishes Nigerians happy Father’s Day,” Ngalele said in  the statement.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Father’s Day has its origins in the middle ages, and official roots in West Virginia, the United States, where an event was held in 1908 to celebrate 362 men who died in an explosion at a coal mining company. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SA/EMAF
    =======
    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

  • Ecosystem loss: Environmental experts call for attitudinal change

    Environment
    By Henry Oladele
    Lagos, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Environmental experts have called for attitudinal change and sustainable practices among Nigerians to curb ecosystem loss.
    The experts said this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.
    They also noted that all hands must be on deck to tackle human-induced environmental damage that affects the ecosystem.
    Mr Taiwo Adewole, an environmental consultant, told NAN that the human-induced environmental damage had far-reaching consequences for the ecosystem, biodiversity, and climate change.
    Adewole emphasised that there was the need for sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
    “We can see clearly the various human-induced environmental damage such as the climate change and ecosystem loss.
    “Deforestation is one of the human induced environmental damage.
    “Another one is clearing forests for agriculture, urbanisation, and logging, leading to loss of biodiversity and increased greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.
    He added that another human induced damage was pollution, releasing harmful substances into the environment, such as plastics, chemicals, and industrial waste, which contaminate air, water, and soil.
    “Land degradation is also an human activities that damage soil quality, reduce fertility, and alter ecosystems.
    “Burning fossil fuels and other human activities that release large amounts of greenhouse gases, leading to global warming and altered ecosystems.
    “We must switch from linear to circular economy, from fossil fuel to renewable sources,” he said.
    He added that the people also needed to be educated and sensitise on environmental  issues.
    “We need to integrate environmental education into school curricula and public awareness campaigns to promote sustainability and eco-friendly practices,”he said.
    A climate change enthusiast, Mr Emmanuel Emechete, told NAN that some implementations could help curb human induced environmental damage.
    Emechete said that creating and enforcing environmental policies would help individuals and businesses to practice sustainability in their daily lives and businesses.
    “Without a policy or law, many would take the cheapest or most available practice or method and get away with it.
    “For example illegal waste disposal, deforestation, bush burning, gas flaring among others,” he said
    He said encouraging and pushing for  sustainable behavioural change and practices could also curb human-induced environmental damage.
    Emechete added that the necessary infrastructure should be in place to avoid illegal disposal of waste.
    “If the government establish policies saying no illegal disposal of waste then they must  provide for people to do it the proper way.
    “The samething is applicable to organisations, if organisation wants its employees to work sustainably, they must also encourage this with infrastructure and systems to make it’s possible.
    “Individuals, government, families and communities must be aware of environmental issues.
    “Everyone must be aware of the policies implemented to curb and mitigate environment issues.
    “They must be taught on how to mitigate this event and about the policies, law or guidelines for sustainable environment practices,” he said.
    He added that everyone needed to work together to curb these anthropogenic activities.
    “Private and public sector, government, Families, religious bodies, among others can do more if we work together.
    “With data driven research, we can find out the source of the problems and what to do to fix It.
    “We can look at trends and proffer a solution based on projected predictions. We can know what has happened, why it has happened and predicted what will happen and what to do to change it.
    “For example, the reason we know that the climate is changing is because we have models that help us make research of its happening to the earth’s temperature,” he said. (NAN)
    HOB/JNC
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • GM mosquitoes proffer safety measures against malaria–Ex-NBMA DG

    Dr Rufus Ebegba former Director-General, NBMA
    Mosquito

    By Abigael Joshua

    Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Dr Rufus Ebegba, former Director-General, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), says Gene Drive Modified Mosquitoes can proffer new safety measures in the control malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases.

    Ebegba communicated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

    Elegba had, on June 10, moderated a session at a workshop in Washington DC, U.S.

    NAN reports that the theme of the workshop was “Environmental Monitoring of Gene Drive Modified Mosquitoes.”

    The Workshop was organised by GENE CONVENE and the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH).

    “Gene Drive Modified Mosquitoes have been proposed as a potential transformative new tool to control malaria and other mosquito borne diseases.

    “The transformation can be done by sustainably reducing numbers of mosquitoe vectors and or their ability to transmit pathogen,’’ he said.

    Ebegba said that the workshop was basically to propose safety measures to the environment and human health prior to the adoption of gene drive mosquito.

    FNIH creates and leads alliances and public-private partnerships that advance breakthrough biomedical discoveries and improve the quality of people’s lives. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AIJ/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • Eid-el Kabir: Sen. Kingibe felicitates Nigerians, calls for sacrifice among leaders

    Felicitation

    By Perpetua Onuegbu

    Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hajiya Ireti Kingibe, has urged leaders in all spheres of life to sacrifice for the good of the country.

    Kingibe made the call on Sunday in Abuja, in a statement issued by Mr Kennedy Mbele, her Senior Special Assistant on Media, while felicitating Muslim faithfuls on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir celebration.

    She called on leaders to emulate the virtues and sacrifices of holy Prophet Ibrahim, noting that for progress to be made in life, leaders must give up some valuables for the sake of others.

    Kingibe recalled the way holy Prophet Mohammed wanted to sacrifice his only son, Issah, without hesitation and the manner in which Allah later blessed him exceedingly by making him the father of all nations.

    The senator frowned at what she described as the ‘inexplicable gap between the rich and the poor in the country’, saying the rich must make some meaningful sacrifices to reduce the vast gap.

    Kingibe commended her constituents, the FCT residents, for their accommodating nature.

    She noted that being one another’s keeper was imperative in achieving peace anywhere, especially in a heterogeneous setting like the nation’s capital, Abuja.

    She prayed for Muslim faithful on pilgrimage in Mecca and wished  everyone a peaceful and unifying Eid-el Kabir celebration,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    PUO/EMAF
    ========
    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

  • IBEDC felicitates Nigerians on Eid-El-Kabir celebration

    Eid-el-Kabir
    By Ige Adekunle
    Sango-Ota (Ogun), June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc has extended its felicitations to Nigerians, especially Muslims, as they celebrate Eid-El-Kabir.

    In a statement on Sunday in Ota, the Acting Managing Director of the company, Mr Francis Agoha, emphasised the importance of selflessness, brotherly love, and sacrifice in fostering unity and prosperity for Nigeria.

     

    According to Agoha, these are some of the key values extolled during the season.

     

    He reaffirmed IBEDC’s dedication to providing quality service, within its control, even during and after the holidays.

     

    Agoha assured customers that technical teams are committed to promptly resolving any faults that may occur during this period.

     

    “We appeal to customers to refrain from engaging in energy theft, as it contradicts Eid-El-Kabir’s spirit of honesty and sacrifice.

     

    “Energy theft is a criminal offence that undermines the quality of service for all customers,” he stated.

     

    Agoha encouraged customers to report any issues or complaints to IBEDC offices or call the customer care line at 07001239999 instead of resorting to illegal activities.

     

    He also warned against tampering with electrical installations, highlighting the dangers of such actions that could lead to severe electrical accidents.

     

    The IBEDC boss advised customers to ensure proper earthing of their premises as part of their safety measures.

     

    He managing director encouraged customers to utilise IBEDC’s hassle-free payment channels for bill settlements and vending to avoid disconnection.

     

    He listed the authorised payment channels as the IBEDCPAY app for Android and iOS users, FetsWallet, Quickteller, Payarena, Jumia, Watu, Buypower and ATMs.

     

    He noted that IBEDC offices would remain open during public holidays from 9:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m. to address customer needs.

     

    Agoha said that inquiries could be made via email at customercare@ibedc.com. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    IGE/ISHO/AWA
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    Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Olawunmi Ashafa

  • Nigeria’s Okere wins international astronomical union’s award

    Dr Bonaventure Okere, Director, Centre for Basic Space Science and Astronomy, NASRDA

     

    Award

    By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

    Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Dr Bonaventure Okere, an astronomer with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), has won the 2024  International Astronomical Union (IAU) prize for astronomy education in Africa.

    Guido Schwarz, IAU’s Press Officer, announced the prize winners in a statement issued on the union’s official website page, a copy of which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

    The prizes were in three categories, which included the IAU Astronomy Outreach, Development and Education (ODE).

    “The IAU has announced the 2024 winners of three IAU prizes that were created in 2022.

    “The three awards recognise individuals and organisations who have made outstanding contributions to the fields of astronomy outreach, development and education.

    “The 2024 ODE Education prize is awarded to Linda Strubbe and Okere for their leadership in creating high-quality educational experiences in astronomy for African university students.

    “ Okere led the foundation of the Pan-African School for Emerging Astronomers (PASEA) at the IAU 28th General Assembly, in Beijing to improve Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education in Nigeria and Africa.’’

    Schwarz said that Okere’s partner, Strubbe, had been central in creating very high-quality educational experiences in PASEA through her design, leadership and teaching.

    According to Schwarz, Okere’s work draws on a particularly strong evidence base across the educational curriculum; from professional development for PASEA instructors to the evaluation of student’s learning.

    “The inquiry-based curriculum intertwines teaching content with scientific practices, and is highly regarded by students, building on Bonaventure Okere’s vision of leveraging the world-class astronomy facilities on the continent.

    “The impact of  Strubbe’s and  Okere’s initiative, leadership, and excellence in implementing PASEA is already enormous and will continue to grow into the future,” he said.

    He said that PASEA had trained no fewer than 300 students across 18 African countries, with the sixth school being held in Tunisia this year.

    Okere, in his response, said that with the many observatories across Africa, he had always pondered on how to contribute to the development of astronomers from Africa who would play key roles in the observatories.

    He said the collaborative journey to build a critical mass of astronomers across Africa began in 2012 and led to the founding of PASEA, adding that he was honoured to receive the prize for team PASEA.

    Other prize winners were Saran Poshyachinda for IAU Outreach and the Central American-Caribbean Bridge in Astrophysics for the IAU Development.

    A total of 62 valid nominations were received, with both the nominators and nominees spanning the entire globe.

    Schwarz said that the awards would be presented to the winners at the IAU 32nd General Assembly (IAUGA2024) in Cape Town, South Africa, in August.

    Okere is presently the Director, Centre for Basic Space Science and Astronomy, an activity centre of NASRDA.

    Strubbe is an Astrophysicist, who is currently consulting for a number of physics education projects in the U.S. and working to develop more ways to support African astronomy lecturers and students.(NAN)www.nannews.ng

     

    NIU/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

     

     

  • Expert seeks joint electricity safety committee establishment to prevent quacks

    Committee

    By Constance Athekame

    Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Mr John Etim, an expert in the power sector, has appealed to the National Assembly (NASS) to enact a law that will ensure the setting up of a joint electricity safety, security and standards enforcement committee.

    Etim, who is the National President, Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN), made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.

    He said that enacting such a law would guard against quackery which had seen quacks carry out installations within and outside Electricity Distribution (DisCo ) staff.

    According to him, the law will also enhance job creation, promote local made products, enhance compliance as well as help in realising the local content.

    Etim said that the committee should comprise members of LECAN, Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Police Force, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Governors Forum.

    Others are; the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) and representatives of Civil  Society Organisation (CSO) .

    Etim listed part of the functions of the proposed committee to include ensuring that fake electrical materials in the markets are confiscated and dealers prosecuted.

    “The committee will also monitor electricity installations to ensure that Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) criteria for practice are complied with.

    “To identify quacks that carry out installations within and outside Disco Staff and ensure that they are prosecuted.

    ”The committee will ensure that new installations are inspected and tested before connection to the grid,” he said.

    Etim said that the overall goal of LECAN was to ensure the safety of lives and property of Nigerians from electricity accidents such as fire outbreak and electrocution.

    He said that LECAN members were worried and saddened by some ugly experiences which hindered them from performing their role as safety standards and regulation partners.

    Etim said that efforts made by members of LECAN to ensure that certified electrical installation personnel or contractors comply with the terms and conditions for practice approved by NEMSA were being frustrated.

    “We appeal to NEMSA to make it mandatory for all certified electrical contractors to join LECAN for proper monitoring and discipline.

    “With our wide coverage in each state and the 774 local government areas in the country, we can assure you that if this law is adopted, we can curb sub-standard materials and bad installations,” he said.

    Etim also said that the introduction of corporate certificate competency certificates has worsened the safety and standards in the country.

    “Every cable seller, bub seller and the woman selling tomatoes has a corporate competency certificate. It is a menace to the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI),” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    COA/ISHO/EMAF
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    Edited by Yinusa Ishola and Emmanuel Afonne

  • Sallah: Minister urges Nigerians not to despair over current difficulties

    Sallah: Minister urges Nigerians not to despair over current difficulties
    By Martha Agas
    Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, has urged Nigerians not to despair over the current difficulties in the country.

    Audu made the call in his special message to felicitate with the Muslim Faithful as they celebrate the Eid-El-Kabir.

    His message was issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Lizzy Okoji, on Sunday in Abuja.

    He urged Nigerians and the Muslim Faithful to use the Sallah period to reflect on the sacrifices and acts of obedience of Prophet Ibrahim.

    He said that the prophet trusted in Almighty Allah (SWT) even at his most trying time, and the rewards afterwards.

    He urged Nigerians to do likewise as their sacrifices and the trials being experienced in the nation would soon yield positive results.

    According to the minister, Nigerians will soon be ushered into the dividends of democracy, good governance, and a better life as designed by the robust policies and bold reform programmes of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    He reminded Nigerians that the electioneering season was over, and it was time for nation-building and good governance, regardless of political, ethnic, or religious divides.

    He added that the 25 years of uninterrupted democracy of Nigeria should not be taken for granted, as it has shown how formidable Nigeria can be as a nation.

    “Though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we must continue to stand,” he said.

    The minister urged the Muslim Faithful to extend charity to their fellow Muslims and other Nigerians, who are not privileged, as stated in the teachings of peace and almsgiving of Prophet Mohammed (SAW).

    He assured Nigerians of his commitment to delivering on his mandate of reviving the steel industry in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He said that the move was  targeted at growing the economy to more than 1 trillion dollars by 2031, as well as creating millions of job opportunities for Nigerians.

    “This is especially to the youths, thus making Nigeria a global investment destination, among other initiatives.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    MAA/YGA

    Edited by Gabriel Yough