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  • Organisation advocates adequate investment in knowledge exchange among Africans

    Organisation advocates adequate investment in knowledge exchange among Africans

    Education

    By Fortune Abang

    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The African School of Diplomacy and International Relations (ASDIR) has underscored the need for cooperation and knowledge exchange among Africans through peer-to-peer education.

    The Vice-Chairman/CEO of ASDIR, Tunji Asaolu, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja, while briefing reporters on the African peer-to-peer education conference and tour, scheduled to be held from July 28 to 31, 2024 in Kigali.

    The event with the theme: “Promoting the Spirit of Pan-Africanism Through Education, Experiences and Interactions”, was organised by the school in collaboration with Rwanda Cooperation and the Queens University Belfast, UK.

    According to him, the educational tour in Kigali will help advance the African Union (AU’s) agenda and ensure a brighter future for the African youth, who are forerunners of transformative change in the 21st century.

    Asaolu said, “Our tour has three primary objectives. Firstly, to facilitate knowledge exchanges by engaging participants in dynamic dialogues on diplomatic practices and international relations within Africa.

    “Secondly, to offer a deeper understanding of post-conflict reconciliation through Rwanda’s remarkable journey, serving as a model for positive transformation.

    “Lastly, to foster collaboration and networking among participants, creating a platform for impactful change and innovation in diplomacy and international relations.”

    Asaolu, who is also Deputy Secretary-General of African Affairs and Special envoy to the AU, said not less than 1000 students across various fields globally have so far affiliated with the ASDIR school founded in 2018.

    He said that the peer-to-peer education conference opened for Nigerians to participate, and would feature the award of an honorary doctorate and interaction on Rwanda’s foreign policy.

    He added that it would also provide a platform for diaspora engagement and regional integration within the East African Community (EAC) while urging relevant stakeholders to work closely with the organisation to achieve the targets.

    “I invite all stakeholders, policymakers, educators, and advocates for education to join hands in realising the transformative potential of education, as the catalyst for sustainable development and inclusive growth in Africa.

    “Let us heed the call to promote education and skill in Africa in the 21st Century; join us on this extraordinary journey to Kigali, Rwanda, as we embrace the spirit of Pan-Africa towards a brighter future,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FEA/AMM

    ==========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Sallah: FRSC deploys 1080 personnel, 17 patrol vehicles in Ondo

    Sallah: FRSC deploys 1080 personnel, 17 patrol vehicles in Ondo

    Deployment
    By Muftau Ogunyemi
    Akure, June 14, 2024(NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ondo State Command, has deployed 1,080 personnel, 17 patrol vehicles and four ambulances to ensure free flow of traffic during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration in the state.

    Mr Ezekiel SonAllah, State Sector Commander, FRSC, made this known during a stakeholders’ meeting on Friday in Akure.

    SonAllah, who explained that the personnel deployment comprises 596 regular marshal, 484 special marshal, said that the motive was to record zero crashes during and after the celebration.

    The sector commander said that it was imperative for all stakeholders to join hands with the command to eradicate road crashes in the state.

    SonAllah, while calling on leaders of driver’s union to counsel their members on the need to maintain appropriate speed limit, said that motorists must ensure that their vehicles were in good condition before embarking on any journey.

    “In spite of FRSC efforts, we are still hearing crashes and it cannot continue; we need to come together as a team to fight the menace on our roads especially highways.

    “So, it is compulsory for all commercial drivers to install speed limit devices on their vehicle, have standard tyres, functional wipers and vehicle lighting system must be working especially as we are in raining season,” he said.

    He, therefore, vowed that the command would impound any vehicle without a valid driver’s licence.

    “Please, if you don’t have valid driver’s licence, you don’t need to drive during this Sallah because we will impound your vehicle here in Ondo State.

    “Go and renew your licence because driver’s licence is the only document that permits you to be on steering, and those who don’t have it have no business being on the wheel.

    “We are going to be very aggressive about driver’s licence, and underage drivers will not be allowed in Ondo State.

    “If you are 17 years, you are not suppose to be on the wheel because any person that we caught here in Ondo state, his or her vehicle will also be impounded.

    He called on members of the public to inform the command of any obstruction or accident for quick intervention.(NAN) (www.nannnews.ng)

    OMA/IKU

    Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

  • Prophecy: NHRC wades into human rights abuse in Ebonyi community

    Prophecy: NHRC wades into human rights abuse in Ebonyi community

    Prophecy
    By Christian Ogbonna
    Abakaliki, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Ebonyi has waded into the crisis of gross human rights abuse in Agharoza, Iboko Community in Izzi Local Government Area.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that trouble erupted in the community on Thursday, when the youths allegedly set ablaze the house of their kinsman, Mr John Ekpono.

    The action followed a spiritual revelation by a clergyman, commonly known in the area as “Ubadimma”, who was in the community for a three-day crusade.

    The cleric had made a revelation during the crusade that Ekpono was responsible for the community’s backwardness and other calamities befalling the area.

    Convinced by the revelation, the youths went on rampage and burned down Okpono’s house and other valuables, accusing him of being evil.

    Reacting to the development in an interview with NAN, the state Coordinator of NHRC, Mr Christopher Okorie, expressed concern that people could be so barbaric because of superstition.

    Okorie frowned at the practice where people relied on unfounded revelations and superstitions to witch hunt innocent citizens in society.

    He described such acts as unlawful and urged members of the society to desist from them.

    He said that it was wrong for the youths to take the law into their hands by burning down Ekpono’s house.

    “The people should stop taking the law into their hands.

    “They should always report any issues of serious concern to the police, who are trained to handle such issues, professionally.

    “We have met with the victim’s family and NHRC, in collaboration with some human rights-based civil society organisations in the state, have swung into action to investigate the case,” Okorie said.

    He said that the commission was committed to ensuring that justice was done in the matter. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OOC/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

  • Aruna picks Olympics ticket for Nigeria in Table Tennis

    Tennis

    By Vivian Ibobo

    Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has formally confirmed the eventual qualification of Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna and Algeria’s Lynda Loghraibi from Africa, for the singles event of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in France.

    The confirmation was made in a statement issued on Friday by the ITTF with representation from Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe.

    “As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games intensifies, ITTF is thrilled to announce significant progress in the qualification process for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.”

    With less than 50 days to the games, this week’s world ranking update saw eight athletes secure their participation based on the selection of continental quotas allocated by World Ranking.

    According to the statement, the Men’s Singles draw welcomes African powerhouse, Quadri Aruna from Nigeria, alongside the Americas’ rising talent Nicolas Burgos from Chile.

    The list also had Asia’s Kirill Gerassimenko of Kazakhstan and Europe’s Alvaro Robles of Spain, who previously qualified in Mixed Doubles.

    The ITTF also said that the Women’s Singles competition would showcase a similar level of global talent with the qualification of Lynda Loghraibi from Algeria (Africa), Adriana Diaz of Puerto Rico (Americas) and Singapore’s Zhou Jingyi (Asia).

    Also Yang Xiaoxin of Monaco (Europe) can now officially begin their preparations for their Olympic dreams in Paris.”

    ITTF stated that the qualification process would reach its penultimate stage with only one more world ranking update scheduled before the final roster for Paris is confirmed.

    “Next week’s world rankings will be crucial in determining the final competitors for the highly anticipated Paris 2024 Games, 86 men and 86 women are expected to compete in the singles events of the Olympic Games,” ITTF added in the statement.

    Meanwhile, ITTF has named three Africans – Akram Ben Attia (Tunisia), Es-Sayed Elrawdy (Egypt) and Ronald Mugwanya (Uganda) among the umpires for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IZU/BEN/EMAF
    ===========
    Edited by Benson Ezugwu and Emmanuel Afonne

  • Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC deploys 2,517 personnel, 83 patrol vehicles in FCT

    The Sector commander , Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) FCT Command, Mr Muta’a Chorrie addressing the officers and men

     

    Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC deploys 2,517 personnel, 83 patrol vehicles in FCT
    Operations
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), FCT Command, has deployed 2,517 officers and men, 83 patrol vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks and bikes for the Eid-El-Kabir special patrol operations in the territory.
    The Sector Commander, Mr Muta’a Chorrie said this on Friday in Abuja during a news briefing on the 2024 Sallah operations in the FCT.
    Chorrie said that the celebration involved mass movement of vehicles and people across the FCT, which might lead to traffic congestions like gridlock points, obstructions, and Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs), among others.
    He said that the command was carrying out Eid-el-Kabir special patrol operations with the aim of ensuring motorists and other road users had a safe and memorable celebration, amidst security challenges in FCT.
    “The operation will also ensure mass movement of both vehicles and people in and out of the FCT, while ensuring vigorous public enlightenment to motorists on safe road use.
    “This, as well as rescue operation, clearing of obstructions and enforcement to traffic regulation,” he said.
    According to him, the focus of the operation is to portray the corps’ visibility and capability on the FCT road corridors through early deployment of personnel and logistics.
    “It will ensure reduction in Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) Road Traffic Fatalities (RTFs) and Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs).
    “This will also prompt response to road traffic crash victims, engagement in robust public education and enlightenment, so speedy removal of obstructions from the highways, among others.
    “Also, high visibility of the corps on the highways, Intensify enforcement on critical offences, adequate supervision , surveillance and monitoring and harvesting feed backs from motorists
    “To this end, the corps has deployed 549 officers and 1,243 marshals which brings to the total of 2,517 personnel.
    “The command also deployed 54 patrol cars, 15 Ambulances, four Standby tow trucks and 10 patrol bikes and brings to the total of 83 vehicles in all.
    “These vehicles are for visibilities, patrol activities, clearing obstruction, emergency services and rapid response to any traffic matters in FCT and its environs, “he said.
    Chorrie explained that the corps would be collaborating with other sister agencies like the Nigeria Army, Nigeria Navy, Nigeria Air force, Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS).
    He said others include Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Federal Fire Service (FFS), and FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Service (DRTS).
    The sector commander added that the command would cover all the 21 critical corridors during the period to ensure free vehicular movement in and out of FCT.
    Chorrie assured that the rescue team would be on standby throughout the night, adding that there would be night rescue team in all commands. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
    ICA/AYO/SH
    ==========
    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Sadiya Hamza

  • Eid-el Kabir: NSCDC deploys 3,168 personnel in Kano

    Eid-el Kabir: NSCDC deploys 3,168 personnel in Kano
    Personnel
    By Ramatu Garba
    Kano, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano State Command, has deployed 3,168 personnel to ensure hitch-free Eid-el Kabir celebrations in the state.
    Its Commandant, Mr Mohammed Lawal-Falala, said in a statement issued to newsmen by the Public Relations Officer of the corps, Ibrahim Idris-Abdullahi, on Friday in Kano that the personnel would monitor sensitive places to prevent criminal activities or disorders during the celebration.
    He said the personnel would work with the Nigerian Police, DSS, Federal Road Safety Corps, and KAROTA to maintain law and order, as well as free flow of traffic.
    According to him, the personnel will provide maximum security at various Mosques, recreational centres, nooks and crannies throughout the festive period and after.
    He urged officers and men to ensure protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, as enshrined in the Act establishing the corps.
    He enjoined the public to cooperate with security agents, obey laid down laws for peaceful Eid-el Kabir celebrations in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    All is now set for Muslims across the world to celebrate eid el-kabir (the festival of sacrifice) on Sunday, after Hajj pilgrims stand on Mount Arafat on Saturday.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RG/AYO/HA
    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Alleged N1.85bn fraud: Another REA’s staff docked

    Alleged N1.85bn fraud: Another REA’s staff docked

    Arraignment

    By Taiye Agbaje

    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Hanrrietta Okojie, a staff of the Account and Finance Department of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), was, on Friday, arraigned at a Federal High acourt, Abuja over her alleged involvement in a N1.85 billion fraud.

    Okojie was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) before Justice Emeka Nwite on four-count charge.

    When the matter was called, ICPC’s lawyer, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for Okojie to take her plea.

    The anti-corruption commission lawyer applied that the June 6 bench warrant be vacated against he since the defendant was in court and Justice Nwite granted the request.

    After the four-count charge was read to her, Okojie pleaded not guilty and Akponimisingha applied for a trial date.

    But Okojie’s lawyer, Ishiaku Garba, told the court that a bail application has been filed and served on the prosecution on June 11.

    Akponimisingha said though the application was served on his office on Tuesday, he only saw it on Thursday and would need time to respond.

    “My lord, on June 12 was a public holiday and I couldn’t have come to office,” he said.

    He said he should be allowed to respond in the interest of fair hearing,

    The judge agreed that the prosecution should be afforded the opportunity to respond to the bail plea.

    Justice Nwite, who ordered Okojie to be remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre, adjourned the hearing of the bail application until June 20 and fixed July 10 for trial.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Nwite had, on June 6, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Okojie, Musa Karaye and Emmanuel Pada for failure to appear in court for their arraignment.

    The judge gave the order after Akponimisingha moved an oral application to the effect.

    He then fixed Okojie’s matter until today for ICPC to produce her in court, while Karaye and Panda’s cases were fixed for June 13 (Thursday).

    The ICPC had preferred separate four-count charges against the affected officials, including Usman Ahmed Kwakwa, over allegations of misappropriation of public funds meant for the provision of electricity to rural communities across the country.

    In the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/203/24, Okojie was alleged to have in count one, sometime in March 2023 or thereabout, with intent to defraud the REA, received the sum of N342 million in different tranches through her Access Bank Account: 0009022275 under the false pretence of project supervision.

    The offence is said to be contrary to Section 1(1)(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

    NAN reports that the sum total of the proceeds of fraud shared by all the accused officials was to the tune of N1.85 billion.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TOA/SH

    =======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Group launches project empowering youths to address climate change in rural communities

    Group launches project empowering youths to address climate change in rural communities

    Youths

    By Alex Enebeli

    Enugu, June, 2024 (NAN) The Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative (NGYouthSDGs), has launched Project empowering youths organisations to build stronger communities by addressing climate issues in communities.

    The project titled “Empowering Youth Civil Society to Build Stronger Communities in Nigeria” also seek
    youth leadership in climate action policies and implementation to safeguard rural communities.

    Speaking during the project launch in Enugu on Friday, Joshua Alade, Founder of NGYouthSDGs, emphasised that youths had to play critical role in shaping Nigeria’s future.

    He said the project was to raise awareness among young people, their peers and the broader community
    about climate issues and the importance of taking action and support youth innovations that enhance climate change adaptation and mitigation.

    Alade added that the idea would help to create a Local Climate Action Network of youth organisations and actors to
    mobilise local support and implementation of community-based climate solutions.

    He said the organisation would work with at least 15 youth organisations from Delta, Enugu, Kaduna, Ondo and Nasarawa states to actualise the initiative.

    According to him, the project represents a significant step towards inclusive climate action and sustainable development to tackle looming threat of climate change challenges in Nigeria and Africa that require urgent attention.

    “If young people are aware of their rights, and they can communicate and mobilise other young people as servant leaders in their communities, they can build alliances and sit with decision-makers to create programs and policies that will help youth to lead and thrive.

    “This project perfectly aligns with our mission to resource youth leaders and youth-led organisations to influence policies that enable young Nigerians to lead and thrive,” Alade said.

    He explained that with support from the Germany Missions in Nigeria, the initiative aimed to equip youth-led civil society organisations (CSOs) in partnership with young people in their local communities to initiate, drive and transform policies.

    This, he said, would lead to the implementation of Nigeria’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

    “Through carefully designed capacity development sessions, these youth organisations will learn how to support NAP and NDCs.

    “The trained CSOs will work together to mobilise young people and youth stakeholders in their states to facilitate the meaningful engagement of youth in the implementation of the NAP and NDCs.

    “This include a National Sustainable Futures Dialogue with at least two hundred young people, therefore, raising awareness about the NAPs and the NDCs across the country,” Alade explained.

    He added that the youth CSOs would be equipped with tools to work with their communities to create a Local Adaptation Plan of Action (LAPA) which would be shared with their state government ensuring young people were in the driver’s seat on policies that affect them.

    According to him, the project will also provide technical support to not just the state government but other government agencies and ministries like the Federal Ministry of Environment on effective dialogue and meaningful youth engagement in the implementation of the NAP and NDCs.

    The Founder stressed that Germany Government recognised that the youths were key stakeholders in the national adaptation process to climate change.

    “They are providing essential funding for this project, showing their commitment to walk the talk when it comes to climate action and resourcing young Nigerians to be at the forefront of action.

    This support will help NGYouthSDGs strengthen its youth leadership initiative and equip youth with the tools they need to take social action in communities across Nigeria,” he added.

    He, however, urged youth organisations leading climate action in Delta, Enugu, Ondo, Kaduna and Nasarawa States, to use https://climatevoices.nigerianyouthsdgs.org/ to apply and participate in the project.

    “They should also reach out to Opeyemi Ogundeji Programmes Manager, NGYouthSDGs Email: opeyemi@nigerianyouthsdgs.org About NGYouthSDGs,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AAE/

    07033606899

  • Police, military foil bank robbery attempt in FCT

    Police, military foil bank robbery attempt in FCT

    Robbery

    By Monday Ijeh

    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in a combined operation with the Nigerian Military has foiled a bank robbery attempt in Abaji Area Council of the FCT.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    She said the Commissioner of Police in charge of the FCT, Mr Benneth Igweh led the operation that foiled the robbery attempt that happened on June 13.

    Adeh said security forces had engaged the 15-man robbery gang in an intense gun duel after the robbers had attacked the bank with dynamite in an attempt to rob.

    She said the gun duel forced the armed robbers to scamper to safety with various degrees of bullet wounds, while the security forces succeeded in apprehending three of the gang members.

    The FCT police spokesperson said the suspects were arrested with various degrees of bullet injuries.

    According to her, a yet-to-be-identified suspect was set ablaze by an irate mob at the scene after being neutralised by the security forces.

    “A police operative and the gang leader, with bullet injuries were rushed to the hospital, but later confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, while others are still receiving treatment,” she said.

    She said search operation was still ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of the gang with bullet injuries.

    Adeh said the commissioner commended the effectiveness of the combined operation, and reaffirms the command’s commitment to continue to make FCT unsafe for criminals. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IMC/JPE

    ======

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

     

     

     

  • Cholera: Visit hospital early to prevent death, Health Professional urges Nigerians

     

     

    Health
    By Kemi Akintokun

    Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Temitayo Olotu, the Apex Nurse/ Deputy Director of Nursing Services at the Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos, on Friday called for early presentation of cholera patients in hospitals to prevent death.

    Olotu made the call at a three-day programme and medical outreach organised by the Nursing Department of the hospital to mark the 2024 International Nurses Week.

    She noted that there had been increased cases of cholera at Oworu, in Kosofe LCDA, and urged residents of the area to maintain good hygiene and keep their environment clean.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Lagos State Ministry of Health on June 12, in a statement,  called for vigilance and precaution to prevent potential spread of cholera in the state.

    Prof. Akin Abayomi, the state’s Commissioner for Health, in the statement disclosed that Lagos recorded five deaths from 60 cholera cases within 48 hours.

    Olotu said said that there was a high rate of cholera, especially in Oworu which is under Kosofe.

    “We’re creating awareness by telling the people to be conscious of it, to avoid self medication, maintain personal hygiene and desist from buying public food from unclean environment, ” she said.

    She advised them to desist from drinking contaminated water by ensuring that water from where they defecate did not mix with the water they’re drinking or using to cook.

    “If a person is vomiting or stooling frequently, you should not hesitate to refer the person to hospital on time because people are dying as a result of cholera, ” she said.

    Olotu said that the medical outreach was part of activities to celebrate the International Nurses Week by giving back to the community through health and sensitise them on the cholera outbreak.

     

    Nurses of Gbagada General Hospital checking Sugar level and blood pressure of beneficiaries at a Medical Outreach organised by the hospital Nursing Department in Lagos.

     

    She said no fewer than 200 people that benefited from the outreach were tested for free blood sugar level, blood pressure and were given various drugs relating to their ailments.

    The Apex Nurse advised the Lagos State residents to take advantage of the State Health Insurance scheme tagged “Ilera Eko” to access healthcare at a very subsidised rate.

    “We observed that a lot of people don’t go for medical check up and treatment and that is why we are here to check their BP and Sugar level as well as providing drugs for them.

    “We appreciate the effort of Lagos State Government to the health sector, but we also implore government to subsidize more for the aged and retirees on the Ilera Eko health scheme”, she said.

    Also, Mrs Jibike Olasheni, Deputy Director of Nursing Services, Operating Theatre Department of the hospital, said the International Nurses Week was an avenue to celebrate nurses for their contribution to health.

    “ We commenced this programme in the hospital ground with physical fitness and exercise to create awareness.

    “This was followed by a scientific workshop which focused on ‘report writing’ and ‘ethical principles in nursing’ to educate the younger nurses,” she said. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

    KOA/BEN/VIV

    ===

    Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Vivian Ihechu