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  • Gov. Otu dissolves council of chiefs leadership 

    Dissolution

    By Christian Njoku

    Calabar, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River, has approved the immediate dissolution of the leadership of the state Council of Chiefs

    Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, the Secretary to the State Government, announced this in a statement in Calabar on Friday.

    Owan-Enoh said that the governor’s action was in line with Section 4(1) of the Cross River Council of Chiefs Law, 2004.

    “The governor appreciates the chairman and members of the dissolved council for their meritorious service to the state.

    “He wishes them the best in their roles as traditional rulers in their respective domains,” the statement read in parts.

    NAN recalls that the State House of Assembly recently passed a resolution for the change of the leadership of the council on the ground that it had overstayed its term in office.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    CBN/EBI/AZU

    ==========

    Edited by Benson Iziama and Azubuike Okeh

  • Veritas Kapital workers voluntarily donate blood to save lives

    Staff of Veritas Kapital donating blood to commemorate the World Blood Donor Day of Friday in Lagos
    Blood
    By Rukayat Adeyemi
    Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) In commemoration of the World Blood Donor Day, staff of Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc, on Friday donated blood to the nation’s blood bank to save lives, and as service to humanity.
    The blood donation drive was through a partnership with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service(LSBTS) and the National Blood Service Commission(NBSC) in Abuja.
    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the World Blood Donor Day is held annually on June 14  to appreciate voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood and to raise awareness of the need.
    The 2024 World Blood Donor Day, which marks the 20th year anniversary of celebrating blood donors,  is with the theme: “20 years of celebrating giving: Thank you, blood donors!”.
    Commenting, Mr Sunkanmi Adekeye, Executive Director, Operations of Veritas Kapital Plc, said that the blood donation was done simultaneously in the insurance company’s Lagos and Abuja offices.
    Adekeye said this was part of the insurance company’s Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) to the public and to also support the government’s campaign on voluntary donation into the country’s blood bank.
    Adekeye explained that Veritas Kapital had keyed into the blood donation programmes since year 2022 when it partnered the NBSC in Abuja for its staff to donate blood.
    The Executive Director noted that the insurance company extended the mandate to staff of its Lagos office through the LSBTS this year, as a commitment to reach more Nigerians who need blood.
    “As a corporate entity, we are committed to saving lives and giving more people opportunities to live; service to humanity is the best gift of life.
    “We are fully aware of the importance of blood for survival, and as a dutiful insurance firm, we are committed to support government’s campaign and effort to ensure sufficient blood supply in the nation’s blood bank.
    “We need all Nigerians to live in good health and sound mind, as it is a living being that can be insured; hence our effort to also contribute and champion the course of blood donation.
    Reacting, Mrs Temitope Balogun, Lead Team, LSBTS Voluntary Blood Donation Drive at Veritas Kapital, lauded the underwriting firm for partnering with LSBTS and championing the mission for sufficient blood supply in the country.
    Balogun said that Veritas Kapital through its partnership with the blood donating services has joined the league of companies with life saving culture in the country.
    “Veritas Kapital is now on the list of partnering companies with the LSBTS and saving lives of Nigerians,”she said.
    According to Balogun,voluntary blood donation increases the availability of blood in blood bank for those who need blood urgently to survive.
    She listed patients in need of blood to include: sickle cell and cancer patients, children that are anemic and need blood transfusion, accident victims, a woman who delivered of a baby with complications or bleeding, among others.
    According to her, blood donation is beneficial to donors, as it helps them to shed excess iron in the heart, ascertain their blood pressure and hemoglobin level, as well as check their prostrates and weights.
    Balogun advised male Nigerians to donate blood every three months and for women, every four months.
    This, she said, would help in maintaining appropriate well-being  as well as contribute to saving the life of others.
    NAN also reports that Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc is a leading insurance company in Nigeria licensed to cover all classes of non-life insurance products and services.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RUKY/VIV
    =======
    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Trade Modernisation Project to empower 2500 customs personnel with technical skills

     

    Training
    By Martha Agas
    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) Ltd, will empower 2,500 personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) with technical skills.

    According to Mr Ahmed Ogunshola, the  General Manager of the project, this is in line with the project’s capacity building framework.

    Ogunshola said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

    NAN reports that TMP Ltd is the concessionaire of the NCS trade project.

    It is a 20-year concession agreement which has three phases, with phase one covering year one to six; phae two, seven to 13, and phase three from 14 to 20 years .

    The agreement was signed on May 27, 2023 between the Federal Government of Nigeria represented by NCS Board, and Trade Modernisation Project Ltd.

    TMP is the automation of the business processses of the NCS to simplify , and enhance the experience of stakeholders in the trade value chain.

    According to the manager, the training aims to empower the personnel with the requisite skills to operate state-of-the art technology that will be deployed to automate trade processes.

    “More than 2,500 NCS personnel will be trained by the first quarter of 2025,
    in line with the project’s capacity building framework.

    “ This will cover strategy, management and technical training, as well as direct skills and knowledge transfer.

    “TMP has jointly designed, developed and deployed all technology systems and platforms for the project. This ensures that NCS has complete knowledge of all technology software, hardware and services from inception,” he said.

    He said that the company was developing a software known as the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), to be deployed to monitor all stages of transactions by traders and other processes.

    According to him, the revenue cluster of the new system has been released and is currently undergoing user acceptance tests to facilitate the smooth integration of other stakolders in to the system.

    “TMP has signed and is implementing nine technical agreements with its technical and financial partners.

    “TMP invested 2.5 million dollars to retrofit the NCS Project Management Office, a one-story building donated by NCS to the project.

    “TMP, upon handover of the Project Management Office (PMO) by NCS, renovated the space to world class standard, with latest-in-class technology, including a Modernisation Hub and teleconference facilities.

    “The PMO is now host to about 100 professionals daily, drawn from NCS and TMP and its partners, working on the delivery of Phase 1 of the project,” he said.

    NAN reports that the project is expected to generate in excess of 250 billion dollars for the Federal Government during the life of the concession.

    The concessionaire is expected to invest 3.2 billion dollars to deliver the project over the 20-year period. (NAN)(www.nannew.ng)
    MAA/EEE

    ========

    Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

  • Eid-el Kabir: FRSC deploys 750 personnel, 16 patrol vehicles in Benue

     

     

    Eid-el Kabir: FRSC deploys 750 personnel, 16 patrol vehicles in Benue

    Deployment

    By Emmanuel Antswen
    Makurdi, June 14, 2024(NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Benue Sector Command, says it has deployed 750 officers, 16 patrol vehicles, a towing van, ambulances and motorcycles ahead of the Eid-el Kabir celebration.
    The State Sector Commander, Mr Steve Ayodele, disclosed this on Friday in Makurdi, adding that the command had also  deployed a standby rescue team.
    Ayodele said that the 750 officers were deployed to all the 23 Local Government Areas of the State and specific areas of concern.
    He said the command also deployed 16 vehicles, two ambulances, one towing van and two motorcycles for the exercise.
    He further explained that the Eid-el Kabir operation, which would last for one week, would have  officers regularly visiting  parks and other public places for enlightenment of citizens.
    He said they also have two functional clinics in Aliade and Katsina-Ala to attend to road crash victims where necessary.
    According to him, the Command also has a functional situation room and free lines to monitor happenings across the State..
    The Sector Commander warned that trailers or trucks caught conveying goods, animals and human beings would be arrested and the drivers sanctioned accordingly.
    He urged the public to support the Corps to have a crash-free celebration by reporting erring drivers.
    “When drivers drive recklessly, it is your right as commuters to report to the FRSC or any other security outposts on the highways,” he said (NAN) www.nannews.ng
    AEB/BEN/YGA
    ===========
    Edited by Benson Ezugwu/ Gabriel Yough

  • Dominican Republic: Flamingos beat Liberia 2-0 to  secure World Cup ticket  

    Dominican Republic: Flamingos beat Liberia 2-0 to  secure World Cup ticket

     

    Victory

     

    By Georgina Adegbie

     

    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria’s U17 girls, the Flamingos, have secured their ticket to the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals after defeating their  Liberian counterparts  2-0  at the Moshood  Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Friday.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria had earlier defeated Liberia 4-1 in Monrovia in the final round, first leg encounter, bringing the aggregate to 6-1.

     

    Chidi Harmony opened scoring for Nigeria three minutes into the game, when she outplayed the Liberian defence to put the ball beyond the goalkeeper, Makula Konneh from a Shakirat Moshood crossing.

     

    Peace Effiong was close to scoring in the 17th minute while  Moshood hit  the crossbar  in the 18th from 20 yards and  also missed a goal from a close range 10 minutes towards the end of  first half.

     

    Chidi made it two in the 58th minute when she when she placed the ball beyond Konneh’s reach as Nigeria seized the ball from a defensive slip-up by the visitors.

     

    The 8th FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals will be staged in the cities of Santiago de los Caballeros and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic on Oct. 16 to  Nov 3.(NAN) (www. nannews.ng)

    BOG/JPE

    ======

    Edited Joseph Edeh

  • Eid-el-Kabir: NSCDC deploys 2,150 personnel for security in Ogun

    Eid-el-Kabir: NSCDC deploys 2,150 personnel for security in Ogun

    NSCDC operatives apprehend five suspected pipeline vandals in Rivers for connecting pipes to NNPC pipeline to steal crude oil

    Security

    By Bukola Adetoye

    Abeokuta, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun Command, has deployed 2,150 defenders for effective security  during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in the state.

    A statement signed by the NSCDC Corps Commandant ( CC) , Mr  David Ojelabi and released by the command’s spokesperson, Mr Dyke Ogbonnaya, in Abeokuta, on Friday said the defenders would do their best in this direction.

    Ojelabi said the mandate given to the defenders include protection of lives and property, maintenance of law and surveillance on all government critical infrastructure.

    The Corps Commander said tactical teams like the Counter-Terrorism Unit, the Special Female Squad :Special Armed Squad; the Anti-Vandal Squad were already working on their various beats .

    ” Other tactical teams deployed include the Mines and Steel Monitoring Squad; the Disaster and Rescue Management Unit amongst others, for a peaceful celebration in the state,” he said.

    He said the command would deploy sophisticated surveillance and intelligence network to oversee operational officers and men.

    “All public places such as praying grounds, market places, recreation centres, electricity cables and assets, black spots and other places with high human population and activities would be guarded ,” he said

    The NSCDC boss said the corps would not hesitate to arrest anyone suspected to be undermining the peaceful coexistence in Ogun.

    He said the operational order had also been extended to the Ojude-Oba festival in Ijebu-Ode and its environs.

    ” The festival  is a global and annual gathering of all sons and daughters of Ijebuland which comes two days immediately after the Eid-el Kabir celebrations in the state.,” he said .

    He implored residents to provide necessary and required intelligence for the arrest of anyone found to be breaching public peace. (NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)
    OBA/EBI/SOA

    Edited by Benson Iziama/Oluwole Sogunle

  • FG deploys 350 additional Mine Marshals to secure mining environment

    Mine Marshals drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC) during their inauguration at NSCDC Headquarters Abuja on Friday.
    From L: Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Mary Ogbe and the Commandan -General of NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi, during the inauguration of 350 additional Mine Marshals.

    Mining

    By Martha Agas

    June 14, 2024(NAN) The Federal Government has inaugurated 350 additional Mine Marshals, as part of its efforts to address insecurity in mining environments across the country.

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake inaugurated operative at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Headquarters, on Friday in Abuja.

    Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Mary Ogbe, the minister said that the marshals were to checkmate the activities of illegal miners and defaulters of the nation’s mining laws.

    He noted that the move was a  demonstration of government’s determination to sanitise the mining sector.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the Federal Government on March 21, inaugurated 2,220 Mine Marshals, who were specially trained as a Rapid Response Squad and deployed across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory(FCT).

    This puts the total number of mine marshals in the country at 2,570.

    Alake said that the initiative was yielding the desired results, as more than 200 suspects have been arrested, 133 being prosecuted, and two foreigners convicted for illegal operations.

    He maintained that the mine marshals had recorded significant success, particularly in reducing illegal mineral haulage and the activities of unlicensed operators nationwide.

    “Today’s Passing Out Parade of the second batch will further increase our numbers, ensuring wider coverage and enhancing the operational effectiveness of the squad.

    “As we integrate and improve collaboration between mining marshals and Federal Mines Officers across the country, we aim to intensify sector sanitisation and boost investor confidence.

    “This will lead to increased investments and development in the mining industry,” he said.

    The minister appreciated his Interior Ministry counterpart, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the NSCDC for their collaboration towards combating illegal mining in the country.

    In his remarks, Dr Ahmed Audi, the  Commandant-General of NSCDC, said that the new operatives completed an intensive eight-week training aimed at intensifying efforts to neutralise the operations of illegal miners nationwide.

    On his part, the Minister of Interior, emphasised the need for continuous training and deployment of the marshals to ensure comprehensive coverage of Nigeria’s vast mining areas.

    He added that the move would also help the country to maximise the benefits derivable from the solid minerals sector to boost its economic profile.

    “This is the second batch, we have more personnel on the ground, we must continue training and deploying to protect our mining areas and ensure our nation reaps the full benefits of its solid minerals for economic development,” Tunji-Ojo said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    MAA/IU

    ===========

    Edited by Isaac Ukpoju

  • Afreximbank, First Bank sign $200m facility agreement to finance clients’ needs

    Afreximbank, First Bank sign $200m facility agreement to finance clients’ needs

    Agreement
    By Okeoghene Akubuike

    Abuja, June 14, 2024(NAN) Afreximbank and First Bank of Nigeria(FBN) have signed a 200 million dollar facility agreement for financing the needs of FBN’s numerous clients.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the signing took place at the ongoing 31st Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2024) in Nassau, The Bahamas, on Friday.

    The meetings are being monitored by the NAN.

    The facility will finance the needs of FBN’s numerous clients engaged in oil and gas and energy, manufacturing, telecommunications and associated infrastructure projects.

    The parties who signed the agreement included Olusegun Alebiosu, Acting CEO, FBN, Awani Kanayo, Executive Vice- President, Intra-African Trade Bank (IATB), Afreximbank, and Viswanathan Shankar, CEO, Gateway Partners on behalf of African Credit Opportunity Fund.

    The 31 AAM2024 is being held in Nassau, The Bahamas from June 12 to June 15, with the theme: “Owning our Destiny: Economic Prosperity on the Platform of Global Africa’’, NAN reports.

    The AAM is taking place alongside the 3rd edition of the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2024). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OKE/VIV

    ====

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Eid-el-kabir: FRSC deploys 670 personnel in A’Ibom

    Personnel

    By Isaiah Eka

    Uyo, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Akwa Ibom, says it has deployed 670 personnel to enhance road safety across the state during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    The Sector Commander, Mr Lasisi Ogundele, disclosed this in Uyo on Friday while speaking to newsmen on the agency’s preparation for the Islamic celebration.

    Ogundele said that out of the 670 personnel, 408 would be regular marshals while 226 would be special corp marshals.

    He said that the command had made adequate preparations for both personnel and equipment in order to cope with the increase in traffic during the period.

    The sector commander cautioned against overloading, speeding and other anti road safety activities during the celebration.

    “Road users should strictly obey traffic rules, mobile courts shall be stationed at strategic locations, and offenders shall face immediate trial.

    “It has become our practice to acquaint the public with our level of preparedness for festivities just like the Eid-el-kabir.

    “Reflective jackets, traffic cones, tyre pressure gauges, extricating machines and digital breathalyzers are part of the tools set aside for the special operations.

    “There are also a total of 23 help areas mobilised to ensure prompt removal of obstructions and to rescue operations during the period,” he said.

    Ogundele urged drivers to exude courtesy, civility and consideration while dealing with other road users.

    He said that with the corps’ level of preparation in terms of personnel deployment and logistics, the command was confident of a successful celebration in the state.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    IE/OIF/AZU

    ========
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Azubuike Okeh

     

  • Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC deploys 800 operatives for hitch-free celebration in Abia

    Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC deploys 800 operatives for hitch-free celebration in Abia

    FRSC
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Umuahia, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Abia Sector Command, says it has deployed 500 regular marshals and 300 special marshals to strategic locations in the state for a hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    The Sector Commander, Mr Fredrick Ogidan, said this at a news briefing on Friday in Umuahia, while speaking on the command’s level of preparedness for the celebration.

    Ogidan said, “Our patrol men are already on the road doing speed calming, cautioning drivers and ensuring that people drive safe to their destination.”

    He said that the major preoccupation of the corps during such festive periods was not to arrest but ensure that the road would be free of any obstructions and  gridlocks.

    Ogidan said that dangerous driving and overtaking, lane indiscipline as well as excessive speed often lead to road crashes.

    He, therefore, warned the motoring public against engaging in such acts.

    He also said that such road traffic infractions were common on the highways, adding that FRSC personnel were already on the roads to keep the situation under control.

    The sector commander further  said that the command had deployed vehicles for effective patrol and tow trucks for promp clearance of obstructions on the highway.

    He said that the corps was collaborating with Abia Emergency Medical Services, Fire Service, Homeland Security and other security agencies to ensure effective implementation of all directives for a safe celebration.

    He also said that the command  had set up a traffic control camp and rescue operation point, with a  health section that would offer first aid to accident victims before taking them to hospital.

    “Our ambulances would be visible, our tow trucks would be positioned where they could be easily called and our men will be on the road throughout the day.

    “In the office, we have a 24 hours rescue team on ground and we can be contacted on our 122 line, which is toll free,” Ogidan said.

    He said that the command had commenced effective enforcement of disallowing the use of trucks and articulated vehicles to convey passengers and goods simultaneously.

    “We have visited  the Lokpanta Cattle Market to further drive the message home that any articulated vehicle conveying goods and passengers would be stopped and sanctioned.

    “The  passengers on the trailer will be made to take appropriate alternative means of transport, while the trailer driver would be made to pay fines,” he added

    Ogidan said that the Abia Government had provided the command with special courts to facilitate timely prosecution of traffic offenders.

    “Our special operation starts from today to the 21st.

    “During the programme, we will be doing a lot of arrest of traffic offenders and arraigning them before a magistrate for prosecution.

    “There is yet another arrangement, which is the prosecution of drivers of vehicles involved in crashes, resulting in death of passengers.

    “The driver will be prosecuted not just for minor traffic offence but for driving a vehicle in a manner that led to the loss of life and property.

    “We would be organising a minimum of two mobile courts, doing one on the 19th and another on the 20th,” Ogidan said.

    He advised Abia residents to abstain from causing road obstructions, use of phones while driving and overloading of vehicles.

    He also urged motorists to wear seat belts and use child restraints because they have the ability to reduce the impact of any crash by at least 50 per cent.

    “All hands are on deck to ensure that the celebration period is hitch-free and accident-free,” Ogidan said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    INA/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah