Arfat (Saudi Arabia), June 15, 2024 (NAN) A female pilgrim from Kaduna State, Hajiya Asma’u Muhammad-Ladan, died at the King Fahad Hospital in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Friday after a brief illness.
This is contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Malam Yunusa Muhammad-Abdullahi, issued to newsmen in Arfat on Saturday.
The PRO, who did not indicate her Local Government of origin, however, said that the deceased was registered at the headquarters of the agency.
The statement said the family of the late pilgrim had been notified, adding that the management and staff of the agency commiserated with them over the incident. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Ado-Ekiti, June 15, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ekiti chapter, says the appointment of Dr Olufolake Olomojobi, as the state’s Head of Civil Service is a laudable step towards achieving gender equality.
The Chairperson, Mrs Adewumi Ademiju, who stated this is a statement in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday, commended Gov. Abiodun Oyebanji for the confidence in Olomojobi’s capacity to head the state’s civil service.
Gov. Oyebanji had on June 13 announced the appointment of Olomojobi as the new Head of Civil Service in Ekiti.
Ademiji described the development as a positive tone towards gender balance in the state’s civil service.
She expressed confidence that Olomojobi’s expertise and leadership quality would undoubtedly enhance the performance of civil servants in the state.
“NAWOJ expressed gratitude to Gov. Oyebanji for his gender-friendly stand.
“This appointment is a testament to your administration’s commitment to gender equality and women empowerment and continued support for women’s advancement in Ekiti.
“This is a step in the right direction, and we look forward to more inclusive decisions from your administration,” she said.
She urged Olomojobi to utilise the opportunity to demonstrate women’s capacity in leadership positions by enhancing the productivity of the civil servants in the state.
The NAWOJ chairperson also urged the new head of service to mentor young women and girls and inspire them to strive for excellence in their respective careers. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
NYSC DG tasks scheme’s PR officers on efficient service
Improvement
By Folasade Akpan
Abuja, June 15, 2024 (NAN) The Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, has urged Information and Public Relations (PR) Officers of the scheme to improve on their public relations skills for better service.
Ahmed gave the advice in Abuja, during the opening ceremony of the 2024 NYSC Information and PR Officers’ Training Workshop.
According to him, the scheme places a high premium on ensuring a sustainable positive corporate image at all times.
He said that given the demands of their schedule and the fast pace of the digitalised world, there is need for continuous upgrade of their knowledge and skills to keep up with evolving trends in corporate image management.
“While management will continue to expand the coast of PR officers, it expects that you fulfill the statutory requirement for practice of PR, by enrolling into the relevant professional bodies as members.
“In the same vein, PR officers will be sent to relevant institutions for requisite training and retraining programmes to hone your skills in media management and other elements of your job profile.”
Ahmed urged them to continue to leverage on both the traditional and new media to scale-up effective publication of the critical role of NYSC in the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
The Director, Information and Public Relations Department, Mr Eddy Megwa, said that the annual workshop has, over the years, become a veritable platform for officers of the cadre to acquire requisite knowledge on contemporary issues influencing the practice of the profession.
According to him, it is intended to keep the officers on top of their game with a view to equip them adequately for effective management of the corporate image of the scheme.
“It is in this regard that the theme of this year’s workshop ‘”Re-tooling NYSC PR Officers for Modern Corporate Image Management of the Scheme,” was adopted.
“No doubt it will enable participants brainstorm on the new techniques of handling emerging PR issues as they affect NYSC.
“It is incontrovertible that the scheme needs well trained PR officers to continually engage its publics and constantly fill them in on the operations of the scheme and also take charge of other ancillary duties which support and enhance our corporate image.”
Megwa, who will be retiring in August after 34 years of service, said that the department had recorded several milestones.
“We have established the NYSC Radio and Television Stations to enhance publication of the programmes of the scheme and improve its visibility in the media space.
“We have also inaugurated a new state-of-the-art studio recently for the NYSC TV.”
Megwa said that the scheme had also activated the NYSC Printing Press in Kaduna with procurement of modern printing machines.
He, however, urged all Nigerians especially the media to continue to accord the NYSC the necessary support to pursue its mandate. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Kaduna,June. 15, 2024(NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kaduna State Command said it has deployed 1,850 personnel across the state during and after the sallah celebration.
The state Commandant NSCDC , Mrs Lucy Fakoya, disclosed this in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Habeeb Badamasi, on Saturday in Kaduna.
Fakoya said the deployment, which was immediate, was to safeguard lives and property of residents and visitors to the state before, during, and after the sallah.
The commandant warned the personnel against indolence, warning that any personnel found wanting would be seriously dealt with.
She further reiterated the corps’ unwavering support to the protection of critical national assets and warned that officers deployed to various nooks and cranny of the state must ensure full compliance
Fakoya enjoined law-abiding citizens to go about their normal businesses, without fear as the personnel were on guard to protect them and their families.
She advised the residents to stay away from trouble and report any strange faces around their environments to the nearest law enforcement agency for urgent action.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Dutse, June 15, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Jigawa Command, has deployed 430 personnel and nine vehicles, including four ambulances to ensure crash-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration in the state.
The FRCS Sector Commander in Jigawa, Mr Usman Ibrahim, made this known while announcing the commencement of a Special Salah Operations in Dutse on Saturday.
Ibrahim told newsmen that deployment of both personnel and vehicles was part of the command’s proactive measures to reduce road crashes across the state throughout the Salah celebration.
He explained that the objective of the special operations was to ensure significant reduction in the number of traffic crashes, fatalities, and injuries.
“It is also to ensure prompt response to accident scenes to evacuate victims and provide the needed help among other things.
“The command will also carry out aggressive enforcement of traffic laws and regulations, including Mobile Courts to prosecute violators of traffic laws.
Ibrahim said that the FRSC would prosecute motorists for over-speeding, dangerous driving, wrongful overtaking, lane indiscipline, route violation, and road obstruction.
Other offences, he said, would include loading of trailers with passengers and illegal use of spy number plates.
He, therefore, called on drivers and other road users across the state to cooperate with the command towards a successful Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
While wishing residents an accident-free celebration, Ibrahim assured motorists of FRSC’s commitment to entrenching sanity on all major roads and highways in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
NDLEA intercepts 230,600 Tramadol tablets, arrests 106 suspects in Kano
Arrest
By Ramatu Garba
Kano, June 15, 2024(NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Kano State Command, said it has intercepted 230,600 tablets of Tramadol and arrested 106 suspects in the state.
Its Commander, Mr Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) on Saturday in Kano.
Idris-Ahmad said, “The command between June 10 and June 13, in its operation ahead of Eid-el Kabir celebration, intercepted 230,600 Tramadol tablets along Zaria-Kano road.
“The operations, mandated by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Buba-Marwa, in curbing the menace of drug abuse in Nigeria, resulted to the arrest”
He disclosed that the agency also arrested 106 male suspects, among which 11 were identified as major drug dealers.
“The suspects were arrested at various drug joints in Sani Abacha Stadium, Karkasara, Sani Abacha Youth Center, Dorayi, Dan-Agundi graveyard, Brigade Mini Stadium and the infamous Filin Idi drug den”
The exhibits recovered include: Cannabis sativa, rubber solution, suck and die, exol tablets, codeine syrup and some other illicit substances.
“These illicit substances were intended for distribution and use during the Eid -el Kabir celebrations.
“NDLEA Kano Command is committed to eradicating the scourge of drug abuse and trafficking,” Idris-Ahmad said
The commander also wished the good people of Kano State a drug-free Sallah celebration and urged the public to report any drug-related activity to the nearest NDLEA office.
” Together, we can work towards creating a safer and healthier community for all,” Idris-Ahmad said(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Abuja, June 15, 2024 (NAN) National Vanguard for Rule of Law (NVRL), an NGO, has described the Appeal Court’s refusal to reverse the removal of Mr Martins Amaewhule and 26 others as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly as a triumph for judicial integrity.
The Coordinator of NVRL Comr. Johnson Babatunde, said in a statement on Saturday in Abuja that the ruling had resurrected hope in the judiciary.
He called on Nigerians to support judges who gave sound judgments and to continue to deliver sound judgments to make Nigeria a better place.
“It is our belief that our judges will deliver sound judgments in the other cases on the political crisis in Rivers State and other cases across the country.”
He urged judges to continue to deliver judgments that would give Nigerians hope in the judiciary.
He added that justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done, as the court remained the last hope of the common man.
It would be recalled that Amaewhule, the factional speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and others, had approached the Appellate Court seeking to vacate the interlocutory injunction of a high court sitting in Port Harcourt.
The interlocutory injunction empowered Oko-Jumbo to keep on with the leadership of the state assembly.
Justice Charles Wali of the State High Court had ordered Amaewhule and 24 others to stop parading themselves as speakers and lawmakers in the legislative arm of the state.
In a ruling that was delivered virtually on June 14, the Appellate Court said giving a verdict reversing the decision of a Federal High Court that declared their seats vacant would amount to pre-judging the appeal currently before it.
Johnson, however said that, if the prayer to reverse the restraining order on the 26 members was granted, they would have used it perpetrate work against the government and people of Rivers State.
“With justices like those of the Port Harcourt Division of the Court of Appeal still in the temple of justice, it is our conviction that hope is not lost in the Nigerian judiciary.(NAN)www.nannews.ng
Abuja, June 15, 2024 (NAN) A Pan African organisation on deepening democracy, Global Initiative for Africa Development, has called on governments at all levels to take proactive measures to address youth unemployment and human trafficking in Nigeria.
The Director-General of the initiative, Dr Onwubuya Breakforth, made the call at the 4th Anniversary and Awards ceremony of Gospel Music Ally (GMALLY) in Abuja on Friday.
Breakforth, a former presidential candidate and a public analyst also stressed the need for a robust support system to nurture and empower Nigerian youth.
According to him, addressing unemployment is key to curbing human trafficking in the country.
“Nigeria is endowed with immense talent, especially among our children.
“This platform is designed to galvanize these gifted individuals by providing them with the support needed to reach international stages and fulfil their God’s-given potential.
“Unemployment leads to desperation, which fuels human trafficking. Young Nigerians are often lured abroad with promises of better opportunities, only to face exploitation.
“By creating more job opportunities and supporting local talents, we can reduce the risks they face.”
He urged the governments to collaborate closely with organisations like GMALLY and the private sector to promote the music industry and create sustainable employment opportunities for youths.
He said: “We need substantial investments to boost the music industry. Supporting ventures that harness local talent can help mitigate unemployment and discourage youths from seeking opportunities abroad under risky conditions.
“We call on the government and non-governmental organisations to be more proactive. The current administration is making efforts, but much more is needed.
“By working together, we can support our youth, reduce unemployment, and combat human trafficking,” he said.
Pst. Ruby Chinenye, Chief Executive Officer and Convener of GMALLY
On her part, Pst. Ruby Chinenye the Chief Executive Officer and Convener of GMALLY, emphasised the need for proper direction and guidance for the Nigerian youths.
While highlighting the critical role of nurturing young talents to combat social vices, Chinenye said that the event marked the culmination of a month-long talent hunt across Delta, Lagos, Oyo, and the FCT.
She said that the 15 finalists were competing for the top prize of one million Naira, while the first and second runners-up would go home with N500,000 and N250,000 respectively.
She expressed concern over the challenges facing Nigerian youths, noting that their immense energy and passion needed to be channelled positively.
She noted that: “Nigerians are among the most intelligent people on Earth. However, our youths need proper direction. With the right guidance, they can achieve great things.
“Many young people are trafficked for prostitution and other vices because they lack opportunities and direction.
“This talent hunt aims to show them that their talents can lead to a fulfilling and successful life.”
She called on philanthropists, organisations, and governments to support initiatives that harnessed the talent of young people to discourage them from leaving the country in search of greener pastures in foreign land.
She said that talent hunt was quite revealing, stressing that: “They are not just singers; we have seen incredible dancers, poets, and more.
“Redirecting their energy through such platforms can significantly impact their lives and society,” she added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Eid-el-Kabir: Muslim faithful lament high cost of rams in Kaduna
Eid
By Aisha Gambo
Kaduna, June 15,2024(NAN) Some Muslim faithful in Kaduna State have lamented the high cost of rams used as sacrifice for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration around the globe.
The ram sacrifice is an act of worship practiced by the Muslims to emulate Prophet Abraham (AS) who dreamt that God ordered him to sacrifice his only son Ishmael.
Abraham agreed to obey God and perform the sacrifice but a ram was sent to him for the sacrifice in place of Ishmael .
However, due to the economic realities of the country, some residents of the state told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the prices of the rams and other animals had gone high against what obtained in 2023.
Yahya Zakari, who was seen at the livestockl market in Zango said he came to check the prices of the rams before buying, adding that he can only afford to buy one ram.
“I usually buy two rams , one for me and the other for my father; but this time around, I can only buy for my father. The rams I bought last year at N75,000 is now N130,000,” he said.
Similarly, a civil servant, Usman Muhammad, said he won’t be able to buy a ram this year as he has other bills to take care of , adding that he hoped to be able to afford it next year.
On his part, Mohammad Tijjani, said he bought his ram from his village in Adamawa as it was cheaper over there.
Meanwhile, rams and other livestock vendors said the prices of the rams were fair depending on the customers’ needs.
Sulaiman Umar , a animal vendor said that the prices of rams at his stand starts from N70,000 and above, adding that the customers were getting rams within their budgets.
“Most people are assuming the price or getting information from heresay but when you come to buy, you will find a ram within your budget.
“I urge the people with the means to come to the market themselves and stop believing in what other people are saying “,he
NAN reports that in Zango animal market, Tudun Wada area of Kaduna ,a ram costing N1.5 million was displayed for sale.
Malam Haruna Adams said a customer bargained the ram at N1.2 million but it wasn’t sold to him.(NAN) 9www.nannews.ng)
CAS inaugurates runway lights, airfield facilities, other projects in Kaduna
Projects
By Muhammad Tijjani
Kaduna,June . 15, 2024(NAN) The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, on Friday inaugurated runway lights, airfield facilities and other projects at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base, Kaduna.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the other projects inaugurated included: Base Defence Coordination Centre, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Workshop.
Others were renovated airmen accommodation blocks and installation of an Instrument Landing System ILS) at the Kaduna Military Airfield.
NAN reports that the Air Chief also inspected ongoing projects at the base.
Abubakar said the projects marked the culmination of relentless dedication, unwavering commitment, and tireless efforts in the journey of the NAF to meet the defence and security needs of the beloved country.
He said,”Never in the history of our careers in the Nigerian Air Force have we witnessed this airfield radiate with such brilliance, in spite of several attempts in the past.
“Indeed, for most aircrew and aircraft operators, this day represents a dream fulfilled and a vision realized.
”The significance of the Kaduna military airfield cannot be over emphasised , We all know that the NAF Base Kaduna is the premier base, and its airfield has been a stronghold of the Nigerian Air Force since the time of the Nigerian Civil War.
” This airfield serves major operational units, which include the 401 Flying Training School, the 233 Wing of the 203 ISRG, and the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch.
” It also hosts the Nigerian Army UAV Group and civil operators like Dornier Aviation Nigeria AIEP (DANA).”
“This airspace is a beehive of flying activities, hosting various NAF platforms and welcoming visiting aircraft like the C-130, which graces the tarmac regularly for paradropping exercises and troop rotations.
According to Abubakar, the airfield is a linchpin in NAF’s operations and its strategic importance cannot be overemphasised.
He explained that in spite of the high rate of flying activities at the base, pilots faced challenges operating during nighttime and low-visibility conditions.
He said, ”These limitations thus hindered our sortie rates and ability to fully achieve our objectives.”
Abubakare said the tide has now turned in NAF’s favour with the installation of the world- class airport rotating beacon, approach lights and runway lights.
He said the AVLITE airfield light system was a state-of-the-art equipment that complied with both ICAO and FAA Photo-metrics.
“It is completely autonomous of any electric power from the grid or generators.
”
The lights could be activated wirelessly from a hand-held radio controller anywhere on the airfield.
” It also has zero carbon dioxide emissions with very low operating costs and is thus very ideal for the NAF.
” Indeed, this game changer will enhance our safety standards and enhance our fighting capabilities, “he said.
Abubakar said the upgraded facilities would improve NAF’sagility in terms of increased sortie rates and the ability to launch operations both day and night against bandits and insurgents.
He said, ”’It will enhance our resilience because of our ability to bounce back under adverse weather conditions.
”Thus enabling us to effectively meet the air power demands of national security in all operational environments.”
Abubakar said this transformation symboliised the coming to life of his command philosophy.
“I, therefore, make bold to promise all the good citizens of Nigeria, that there will be a marked difference in our fight against banditry and all forms of criminality in the Northwest and other parts of the country, “Abubakar said.
The Air chief appreciated Messrs SID and PAM Nigeria Limited for their professional excellence in bringing NAF up to speed in terms of global best practices.
Abubakar extolled the unflinching support of President Bola Tinubu, whose visionary leadership has inspired transformative advancements not only in the Nigerian Air Force but also in all aspects of national development.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
