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  • Eid-el Kabir: COAS hails troops’ gallantry, sacrifice

    Troops

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has commended troops of the Nigerian Army for their commitment and gallantry in confronting the security challenges and threats in the country.

    Lagbaja gave the commendation on Sunday in Abuja, in his goodwill message to the troops and their families on the occasion of the Eid-el Kabir celebration.

    He described the Eid-el-Kabir as a significant festival depicting the important place of sacrifice in humanity and divinity.

    The COAS said the 2024 Eid-el Kabir celebration was also remarkable, as it coincided with the completion of his first year in office as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff.

    He expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life and the relative peace restored in many troubled parts of the country.

    He acknowledged the enormous sacrifice made by the army, both in human and logistics resources, in the ongoing battle against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, secessionist agitations and sundry crimes.

    Lagbaja said the troops had displayed unalloyed loyalty, extraordinary courage and faith in the nation, thereby, emerging victorious in the face of grave danger.

    He added that many of them currently bore the badge of courage and bravery in the form of battle scars and injuries, while others carried the memories and stories of their sacrifices for the country.

    The COAS enjoined all Nigerians to show collective understanding and support for the government’s efforts to implement necessary reforms to restore economic prosperity.

    He also urged all personnel and their families to renew their commitment to selflessness and patriotism for the growth and development of the country.

    The army chief, however, reaffirmed his dedication to providing visionary and inclusive leadership needed for effective training, robust living standards and operational effectiveness.

    He expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, for his unflinching support and leadership.

    Lagbaja also extended appreciation to the National Assembly, Minister of Defence, the Minister of State for Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff, for their strategic guidance.

    He lauded Nigerians and the international community for their continuous support and belief in the Nigerian Army.

    According to him, the Nigerian Army looks forward to continued collaboration to end security challenges and create an enabling environment for economic prosperity and other democratic dividends. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/CHOM/EMAF
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma and Emmanuel Afonne

  • TCM urges muslims to pray for Nigeria’s economy, security

    Prayer

    By Oluwatope Lawanson

    Lagos, June 16, 2024 (NAN) A  group, The Collective Movement (TCM), has congratulated  Muslims on Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging them to pray more for Nigeria’s security and economic growth.

    In a statement signed by its Director of Media, Mr Ndubuisi Nwachukwu, TCM said that there was need for  Muslims  to use the celebration period to reflect on Nigeria’s economic and security challenges and seek divine intervention.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Muslims worldwide  celebrated Eid-el-Kabir on Sunday.

    Eid-el-Kabir marks the culmination of  Hajj.

    It is to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to a command from God.

    “Our political leaders should make sacrifices that would improve the living conditions of the citizenry.

    “They should put the interest of the country  first,” the group said.  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    LAW/CHOM/IGO

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ijeoma Popoola    sc

  • Nwoko holds interactive session to unite constituents in Abuja

    Sen. Ted Nwoko addressing Anioma residents during an interactive session in Abuja on Sunday

     

    Unity

    By Deborah Coker

    Abuja, June 15, 2024 (NAN), Sen. Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta), representing Delta North Senatorial District, held an interactive session with residents of the Anioma community on Sunday in Abuja.

    Nwoko said he initiated the event to recognise his constituents in the FCT, build relationships, and seek their input to better address their needs and concerns.

    He the objective of the interactive session included uniting all Anioma people in Abuja, and to encourage them to share information about budget placements, capacity-building initiatives, job opportunities, among others.

    “First, it seeks to unite all Anioma people in Abuja and its environs under one umbrella and inform you about my duties in the senate and my responsibilities to you as your senator.

    “Secondly it aims to encourage you to share information about budget placements, capacity-building initiatives, job opportunities, training programmes, and career development within your agencies and ministries so that I can facilitate access to these opportunities for our people,” he said.

    He noted that the array of personalities present at the event signified a positive step towards realising his vision for the people of Anioma.

    “You must know what we are doing in the National Assembly. The National Assembly is here to serve you.

    “You need to understand my duties and the services I owe you. Whether it’s on jobs, health issues, or community matters, you have someone in the Federal Government to attend to your needs and concerns.

    “How do you gain access to me or my office if you don’t know my willingness to serve you? I didn’t come to NASS just to hold the title of Senator; I know my duties and I am committed to them.

    “Many of you hold key positions in various government agencies and ministries, and I seek your advice and partnership to serve our people effectively,” the lawmaker said.

    Speaking on his bill for the creation of Anioma State, the senator stressed the importance of the creation of state over regional classification.


    According to him, whether Anioma is South-South or South-East should not be the focus.

    “What’s most important to discuss is that Anioma is poised to become a highly significant and viable state. We already have six out of nine local government areas producing oil and gas.

    “In addition, Anioma boasts of numerous talented and important individuals. In spite of current challenges, Emefiele will continue to be a prominent figure in Anioma.

    “We also have people like Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, and other notable personalities. We have all the talents we need to excel in all areas, be it sports or academics,” he said.

    In his remarks, Chief Godfrey Odogwu, President General of the Asaba Development Union, Abuja branch, said the creation of Anioma State was long overdue.

    He underscored the importance of this for every son and daughter of Anioma.

    The high point of the event was a vote of confidence on Nwoko by the Anioma community in Abuja.

    Mr Patrick Obi, Branch President of Ogwashi-Uku Development Association, leading the vote of confidence, said, “We have been assured that we have a Senator. Doors have never been this open for us.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DCO/SA

    Edited by Salif Atojoko

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

  • Eid El Kabir- Adelabu urges Nigerians to imbibe spirit of sacrifice 

    Sacrifice
    By Constance Athekame
    Abuja, June 16, 2024(NAN) The Minister of Power, Mr  Adebayo Adelabu has urged  Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice as Muslims worldwide celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir.
     This is  contained in a statement by Mr Bolaji Tunji,  Special Adviser, Strategic Communication and Media Relations to the Minister  in Abuja on Sunday.
    The minister Muslims  in the country  and also enjoined them to continue to pray for peace and the administration of President Bola  Tinubu.
    “ The President is desirous of taking the country to the promised land, he has good plans for the country as captured in the Renewed Hope Agenda.
    ”He has set the nation on the path of growth and development in the past one year of his administration.
    “The Eid-el-Kabir is a sacred moment to reflect on the blessings, love and sacrifices of Allah upon humanity,”he said.
    According to him, the Eid-el-Kabir is a period to renew our faith with the solemn trust that Allah has accepted our Ibadah.
    ”So I want to extend my heartfelt greetings to all Muslim Ummah on the joyous celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.
    “May this celebration mark a new reign of unending blessings and prosperity unto our land.
    ”May we begin to experience divine intervention in all spheres of every citizen’s life and good governance as a whole, ”he said .
    Adelabu  urged all Muslims to use the Eid celebration to reflect on the past and pray for growth of the country toward a steady development.
    The minister  said it was important that Nigerians reflected on the spiritual benefits of the festive celebration, and translate them into their personal lives and relationship with  fellow citizens.
    “We should also use this Eid celebration to reflect and pray for our country to grow and continue on its steady development  for us  to  begin to reap the dividends of democracy as a nation,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    COA/CHOM/JPE
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Joseph Edeh

  • Eid-el Kabir: VP prays for peace, bumper harvest 

    Eid-el Kabir: VP prays for peace, bumper harvest 

    Sallah 

    By Yakubu Uba 

    Maiduguri, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Vice President, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, has joined other Muslim faithful to observe the Eid-el Kabir prayer in Maiduguri, the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports.

    Shettima, who spoke briefly after the prayers, prayed for peace and bumper harvest this cropping season. 

    “We urge Nigerians to pray for peace and prosperity in the land. 

    “We have to cultivate peace; there can never be development without peace.

    “This is the farming season, we also need to pray for bumper harvest, ” Kashim said.

    In his message, the Borno Acting Governor, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, also prayed for peaceful coexistence and the need to pray for the nation.

    “May Allah accept our prayers and that of our people in the Holy land,” he said. 

    He thanked the people of Borno for their sustained support to the government, and assured them of quality leadership.

    Kadafur also thanked the Vice President  for coming home to identify with his people in Borno, and wished him a safe trip back to Abuja. (NAN)

    YMU/ETS 

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  • Eid-el Kabir: Nigeria needs sacrificing citizens to progress – Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Principal Private Secretary and other dignitaries, praying at the Obalende Eid ground on Sunday

     

    Sacrifice

    By Adeyemi Adeleye/Oluwatope Lawanson
    Lagos, June 16, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu on Sunday said Nigeria needed sacrificing citizens to fulfill the dreams of its founding fathers.

    Tinubu made the remark while addressing newsmen after observing the 2024 Eid-el Adha prayers at Dodan Barracks, Lagos.

    The President emphasised the need for the people to follow the path of sacrifice to make the nation great.

    “Being a very good citizen comes with responsibility, As citizens, what do you do to be a very committed member of our society? Go and sacrifice. Love your country, love your neighbours, share what you have with one another and be thankful to Almighty God. That’s all,” said the President.

    Earlier, while addressing the worshippers, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, harped on perseverance and patience.

    Hamzat enjoined the Muslim faithful to understand the reason for Eid, which he described as sacrifice and endurance.

    He appealed to Nigerians to sustain the peace in the country and do what is right for themselves and their neighbours.

    “I urge you all to live in peace and harmony. Be patient and persevere in order to enjoy the good of the land.

    “Also, let us be good Muslims and good citizens of Nigeria. This is what almighty Allah expects of us.

    “I pray that we continue to celebrate in one peace and that Nigeria continues to progress,” he said.

    Delivering the Eid-el-Adha message, Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Suleiman Abou-Nolla, who made reference to the Qur’an chapter 3 verse 102, said all believers should fear God as He should be feared.

    He said all believers must not die except as a Muslim in total submission to Allah.

    Abou-Nolla said all the prophets of God sent to mankind with their messages from Adam to Noah, to Ibrahim, Issah and Mohammed (S.A.W.) came with the message of sacrifice.

    According to him, it is all about service to their God and humanity.

    He recalled that former Nigerian leaders from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Ahmadu Bello, Nnamdi Azikwe, Obafemi Awolowo, MKO Abiola, Madam Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti and others sacrificed their knowledge, wealth, sweat that led to the growth and development of the country.

    “All their activities and actions were passionate and geared toward nation-building; we must, therefore, ensure that their labour and struggles are not in vain.

    “It is, therefore, incumbent on us to follow their footsteps in ensuring that this nation, Nigeria, continues to grow in leaps and bounds.

    “We are also to note that Allah forbids any act of tribalism, terrorism, and hatred among his servants but loves cooperation, unity, compassion, stability, justice and righteousness.

    “As we celebrate Eid-el-Adha, let us shun all acts of indiscipline, hate speech, and violence to ensure peaceful co-existence and progress of our nation Nigeria,” the Imam said.

    He prayed to God to forgive Nigeria’s sins, asking God to send peace to every part of the country.

    “We seek your blessings and economic prosperity of our land, open the doors of opportunities and success to all sectors of our economy,” he said.

    Praying for the President, Imam, who noted that Tinubu had the heart and passion for the people, asked God to grant him wisdom, strength and good health to govern the country well.

    “Surround him (Tinubu) with sound and wise counsel to navigate our country through all the challenges we are currently facing,” he prayed.

    He also offered prayers to God for Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his deputy, Hamzat, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu and all those in authority for guidance and wisdom to lead Nigeria to a great future.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that several other dignitaries observed their Eid el-adha prayers at the venue.

    Others are: Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Principal Private Secretary Hakeem Muri-Okunola, former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, Sen. Gbenga Ashafa. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AYO/LAW/SA

    Edited by Salif Atojoko

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

  • Excitement in Kogi as Ododo pays June salaries

     

    Salaries

    By Thompson Yamput

    Lokoja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Palpable excitement enveloped Kogi at the weekend as Gov. Usman Ododo surprised the state workers by paying their June salaries in the middle of the month.

    A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that most of the workers were pleasantly surprised as it was the first time they were getting such gesture.

    A top government official told NAN that the gesture was to enable the people celebrate the Eid-el Kabir festival with joy.

    NAN reports that the governor also distributed food items and other palliatives to the workers and other residents of the North-Central state.

    Some of the civil servants, who spoke to NAN, expressed appreciation to the governor for the gesture which, they said, would help them to enjoy the Muslim festival.

    “The governor’s early payment of June salaries, alongside the distribution of food palliatives to workers, is a huge blessing to us,” Hajiya Fatima Baba, a civil servant, told NAN.

    Alhaji Bala Adejoh, another civil servant, who was full of praises for the governor, said that the arrival of the June salary was a “huge relief”.

    “It’s a great relief getting June salary to celebrate this Sallah.

    “My prayer for the governor is for him to enjoy God’s grace, guidance and blessings as he rules Kogi in this trying  time,” Adejoh said.

    Ododo had, in a statement by Mr Onogwu Muhammed, his
    Special Adviser on Public Relations, said that the peoples’ vote for ‘consolidation and continuity’ in Kogi, was not a mistake.

    According to him, before 2016, Kogi was burdened with a bogus and ineffective civil service system with salaries always irregular.

    “Unfortunately, efforts to sanitise the system and ensure timely wage payments for genuine workers were hindered by lack of political will and various obstacles.

    “It was the bold initiative of ex-Gov. Yahaya Bello’s administration that tackled this cumbersome system.

    “The civil service reform initiated by Bello’s administration was arduous and demanding for both the civil servants and the government.

    “Since 2017, the government policy has ensured that workers’ salaries are paid between the 25th and 27th of every month, a policy that the current administration is sustaining.

    “The civil service reform was one of the five key thematic areas of the ‘New Direction Administration’ of the previous government, focusing on education, jealth, agriculture and infrastructure.

    “Part of the fulfillment of the promise of sustainable welfare is  paying the June salaries and pensions of workers and retirees in Kogi ahead of the Sallah celebration,” the statement said.

    The statement quoted the governor as saying that prompt payment of salaries and the distribution of the second quarterly food palliative to vulnerable populations was part of efforts to ensure people enjoyed the festivities with their families.

    He was also quoted as reassuring the people that his administration would continue to prioritise welfare of workers, pensioners and all residents.

    The statement said that the reforms in the public and civil service sectors had made Kogi one of the most attractive public employers in Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TYC/CHOM/ETS

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  • X-mob dancers thrill music lovers in Abuja

     

    X-mob dancers thrill music lovers in Abuja

    Concert

    Priscilla Osaje

    Abuja, June 16, 2024(NAN) The winner of 2024 ‘K-pop Festival’  ‘X-mob dancers’, on Saturday in Abuja thrilled fans and music lovers  with their splendid dancing performance at the K-pop Hurray Concert Reloaded.

    The K-pop Hurray Concert Reloaded, titled:  ‘The Stars’ Edition’, featured performances of various dancing group winners of 2023 and 2024 K-pop festival in Lagos Nigeria.

    K-pop Hurray Concert Reloaded, organised by Korea cultural Center in Nigeria (KCCN), is a talent show created to give young talented Nigerians the opportunity to showcase their talents and promote Korean K-pop music.

    The X-mob crew which comprised of six talented dancers, defeated other dancing groups like `Femmeforce’, ‘B-Stars’ , ‘Tryumphant X’, among others‘ to cart home a cash prize of N100,000, at ‘The Stars’ Edition’.

    Mr Raphael Madufor, ecstatic leader of X-mob, said words were not sufficient to express his joy for emerging as winners at the  K-pop festival competition, and also winning with such a cash in the concert of ‘Stars’ Edition’.

    Madufor said his group was united by passion for the Korea culture, which was why they danced to all kinds of dance such as K-pop, Afrobeat among others.

    “We are happy to fit into the Korea general dance, when we decided to give it a go and then emerged as winners at the K-pop festival.

    ” I feel happy, I feel great, doing the song that made us to emerge as winners in this ‘Stars’ Edition’,” he said.

    He urged upcoming dancers to sink into Korea culture, noting that K-pop is a different dance style where you have a  blend with dance expression and feeling.

    “Sincerely speaking, other general dance can hardly give you such combination of dance as the  K-pop.

    “With K-pop you should be ready to dance , express and sing at the same time.

    “I want to use this opportunity to appreciate my crew for the tireless efforts they put in for us to always be winners,” Madufor said.

     

    Mr Kim Changki, Director KCCN, said the aim of the event was to promote Korean culture, as well as everything regarding Korea in Nigeria.

    According to him, KCCN want to introduce K-pop festival every year in Abuja and Lagos  to select one team among other teams.

    ” The K-pop fans in Abuja want to see the K-pop dance team in Abuja for the promotion of K-pop community.

    ” The K-pop music lovers should try their best in studying Korea culture and belonging to the K-pop community,” he said.

    He urged young prospective talented Nigerian singers and dancers to be ambitious in the pursuit of their dreams.

    Ms Jennifer Ezeonyeasi, the Cultural Events and  Communications Officer of the  KCCN, said the event was a reloaded K-pop concert.

    According to her, the aim of the reloaded event was to bring together the winners of the K-pop festival competition in Lagos back to Abuja  to preform.

    “Bringing them together will enable us to be sure of having a close knit community of K-pop performers.

    “We do not want a situation where or after they won, then it just end there without bringing the K-pop community together,” she said .

    NAN areports that the 2024 singing winner of K-pop performance, Victory Mbagwu won  N100,000 after her amazing performance.

    Miss Precious Ayeni and two others won cash prizes of N10, 000 each after winning the dance challenge.

     

    The K-pop is known as Korea popular music, which comes in form of popular music originating in South Korea as part of South Korean culture.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    PO/CHOM/JPE

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Joseph Edeh

     

     

     

     

     

  • Eid-El-Kabir: Foundation distributes cash, foodstuffs to 300 less privileged

    Distribution of the foodstuffs and cash gifts

     

    foodstuffs
    By Ibironke Ariyo

    Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Dr Yusuf John-Suberu Foundation has distributed food items to over 300 poor and less privileged in Iruvochinomi, Adavi Local Government Area of  Kogi.

    The Founder of the organisation, Dr Yusuf Suberu while distributing the foodstuffs and cash gifts , said the initiative is committed to reaching out to the less-privileged people in the community during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    Suberu said the gesture was borne out of  goodwill for many of the people who found themselves living in abject poverty and lacked the right and necessary assistance.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the items were distributed on Saturday to the rural community as palliatives to mark the Eid-el-Kabir Sallah celebrations.

    NAN reports that the foundation, which came into existence in August  2020, has helped thousands of the poor, needy, widows, less-privileged among others,  donating food items, money, scholarships among others.

    Suberu said the group is also committed to empowering communities in Nigeria in the areas of health, education, advocacy and livelihood, among others.

    He said the mission and vision of the foundation is to alleviate poverty and address food insecurity among others in Nigeria.

    “All we are doing is to conduct a heartwarming initiative to combat food insecurity and provide relief to the less privileged, “he said.

    According to him, today, we are here to celebrate sallah with people in the slum who feel they do not have anybody and this is what we have been doing for six years.

    “The gesture is to celebrate the sallah festival with the less- privileged and we are here today to give out what we have to people and tell them that when there is life, there is hope.

    “Hundreds of families have already received food packages containing rice. This effort has been a lifeline for many individuals who have been struggling to put food on their tables.

    Suberu called on other wealthy Nigerians to join hands by supporting the government to adequately help the needy,  especially the poor and less- privileged.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/CHOM/SH

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Sadiya Hamza

     

     

     

  • Insecurity: Community urges Mbah to install mobile telecoms station

    Insecurity: Community urges Mbah to install mobile telecoms station

     

    Telecommunication

     

    By Doris Esa

    Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN)  Ugbene Ajima community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu, has called on Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu to facilitate the  setting  up of a mobile telecommunication base station in the community.

     

    Mr Tony Eze, Chairman, Concerned People of Ugbene Ajima community who made the call in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, said this would check insecurity and boost development.

     

    Eze said that the installation of a telecom station in the community would save the rural dwellers from dearth of mobile network, and address the challenge of insecurity in the area.

     

    He said that the lack of mobile network in the community has made it difficult to communicate with security agencies to respond to emerging security threats in the area.

     

    According to Eze, the governor had promised to set up a mobile telecommunication base station in the community.

     

    He said Mbah made the promise during an interaction with the people of the state to mark his one year in office.

     

    Eze said that the governor had raised the hopes of the community  with his promise to install a mobile telecommunication base station in the area.

     

    He described the governor’s  intervention as timely, saying that in spite of the huge agricultural produce of Ugbene community, the area had been robbed of development by absence of  mobile network.

     

    Eze said d the installation of the base station by Mbah would open up the community for development, jump-start small businesses and as well enhance swift response to emerging local security challenges.

     

    He said that the present efforts of the state government to improve agriculture and security, would be futile if rural communities were left with no access to mobile network.

     

    Eze said that with the recent attack in Nimbo community by suspected herdsmen, border communities like Ugbene were at risk.

    He said that the situation is worst by lack of mobile network to coordinate local security efforts.

     

    The chairman said in spite of the huge agricultural potential of the community and business prospects as a transit town, lack of mobile network has left the community undeveloped.

     

    Ugbene  Ajima, an agrarian community located 15 kilometers from Nsukka township shared  borders with Eziani, Nkpologu, Abbi, Nrobo and Nimbo communities of the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    ORD /JPE

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    Edited by Joseph Edeh