Fraud
By Moronke Boboye
Ikeja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The police in Lagos on Friday arraigned a 47-year-old aluminum fabricator, Aderemi Olanrewaju, before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly obtaining N1.2 million from his customer under false pretence.
The defendant, who resides at Ayobo area of Lagos, is being tried for obtaining money under false pretence, stealing and causing breach of peace.
The Prosecutor, DSP Clara Olagbayi, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on Dec. 23, 2023 at No. 3, Wole Balogun St., Ayobo, Lagos.
Olagbayi said that the defendant obtained N1.2 million from Mr Uchendu Onwutuebe, the complainant, on the pretence that he would fabricate aluminum doors and windows for him.
He, however, said that the defendant neither delivered on his promise nor refunded the money collected from the complainant.
The offences, according to the prosecutor, contravene Sections 168, 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs O.A. Odubayo, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000, with two sureties in like sum.
Odubayo adjourned the case till June 28 for mention. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
MTO/KOO/WAS
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and ‘Wale Sadeeq
Blog
Man in court for allegedly obtaining N1.2m under false pretence
High fares: FCT residents groan, seek govt intervention
Transport
By Safia Abdulrahman
Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Many residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have continued to decry the increasing hike in transport fares.
According to the residents, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja, the hike in transport fares has also led to the high cost of commodities and services.
The residents said that as a result of this development, their finances could no longer cater for their other needs such as electricity and water bills, health and especially feeding among others.
NAN recalls that since the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal government on May 29, 2023, transport fares were increased astronomically.
This had also led to fewer commercial vehicles plying the roads.
They urged the Federal Government to intervene by providing buses that were highly subsidised, saying this would go a long way in cushioning the effect of the high transport fares.
Miss Aisha Bajini, a corps member, said it had become difficult for her to get to her place of primary assignment due to the high transport fare.
“It has not been easy for me to go to work since we started experiencing high transport fares.
“To worsen the situation, anytime I come out, I spend most of my time on the road looking for vehicles, because before the vehicle gets to where I am it is already filled with passengers.
She said the situation had affected her so much that she paid twice the transport fare to get to work when she eventually found a vehicle.
“This has now made me to be trekking halfway from home to reduce the transport fare, and I end up being exhausted by the time I get to my place of work,’’ she said.
Miss Princess Uye, a private sector worker said that with the high transportation fare, it was costing her more to get to the office.
According to her, I used to pay N300 to N400 from Nyanya to Julius Berger Junction but now I am paying N700 in a day. Where are we going in this country?
Miss Treasure Umar, a civil servant and many others also corroborated what Bajini and Uye said.
“If it is not that it is boring to stay at home, I would have stopped going to work because I am not gaining anything at the end of the month.
“I am just making money to spend on transport and not for anything else that can help me move forward in life.”
Umar, who appealed to the government to intervene, said the situation was becoming unbearable for the younger generation who had finished their education without tangible means of livelihood.
“Last Tuesday, I had to trek home after I came down at my bus stop which is far away from my house because the money I had on me was spent on just transport and I had nothing left.
“Is this how we are going to survive in Nigeria, is this how we are going to fight poverty in the country if the little we have cannot sustain us?”
Similarly, Mr Petter Edache, said he now pays N900 from Dei-Dei to Berger as against N200 he used to pay.
Edache said commercial motorcyclists operating within his area were now charging between N200 and N300 to different destinations as against N100.
He pleaded that the situation be addressed as it was not easy for both government and private sector workers let alone Nigerians who were not working.
Mr Shuaybu Bulama, a commercial driver, attributed the high cost of transport to the removal of subsidy.
“Fuel is now very expensive, we have no other choice but to increase transport fares,’’ he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FIA/OKE/EEE
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Edited by Okeoghene Akubuike/Ese E. Eniola Williams
Super Falcons ranked 38 in the world,1st in Africa
Super Falcons ranked 38 in the world,1st in Africa
Rankings
By Ijeoma Okigbo
Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria’s Super Falcons are currently ranked 38 in the world and first in Africa, according to the latest FIFA/Coca Cola Women’s World rankings released on Friday.
Nearly three months have gone by since the rankings was last published, and no fewer than 154 international football matches have been played during that timeframe.
According to FIFA, the qualifying fixtures for the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, Paris 2024 held in Africa, and the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 qualifiers in Europe impacted on the rankings.
“These intense encounters in addition to a large number of friendly fixtures, resulted in several changes to the standings, including an adjustment to the top three”, the statement said.
Spain is top, reigning supreme for another edition, but the pressure is mounting. France surges into second place, overtaking a slipping England who now sits at third.
Big movers also include Montenegro (up 4 to 85th) and El Salvador (up 7 to 90th) making impressive strides within the top 100.
Belarus (up 2 to 55th) claims the biggest points gain (a whopping 31.91!), while North Macedonia (up a staggering 12 to 123rd) celebrates the most significant ranking jump after dominant wins.
Other than the Macedonians, five other national teams hit their highest-ever points totals: Spain, Zambia, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, and Congo DR.
In fact, Zambia (64th, up 1) has two reasons to celebrate, as they have also attained their best-ever placing in a table that is likely to change further in the next few months.
Meanwhile, other African representatives, South Africa and Morocco are ranked 51 and 59 in the world, placing second and third in Africa respectively.
The next FIFA rankings will be published on Aug. 16. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
IHA/JPE
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Edited by Joseph Edeh
Expert advises regular exercise to prevent diseases
Exercise
By Ehigimetor Igbaugba
Calabar, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Mr Sunday Ifiok, a Calabar-based fitness coach, has reiterated the need for regular physical activities in order to prevent some diseases.
Ifiok made the statement in Calabar on Friday at an annual aerobic fitness session organised by the City Walker Group, tagged: “Fit and Fat”
He said that regular exercise could help to prevent heart attacks, obesity, high blood pressure, depression and anxiety among others.
The fitness coach stated that indulging in physical activities to keep healthy was far cheaper than visiting health facilities.
“Physical activities stimulate many brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier, more relaxed and less anxious.
“It may also make you feel better about your appearance. This feeling can boost your confidence and self-esteem,” he said.
Ifiok expressed concern at the regular cases of death through slumping, saying: “regular exercise is a way to reduce or prevent this”
“We must spend less to take care of our health through regular exercise, else we spend more in hospitals,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Mr Lyord Ndoma, said the event, the third in series, had continued to attract participants from different leanings.
“It has been an eye opener for us, we have continued to see improvement in activities regarding the annual event.
“We have introduced some new dimensions to the event such as sugar level tests and blood pressure checks,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ESI/AZU
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Edited by Azubuike Okeh
2024 Olympics: We are confident of winning multiple gold medals, Onikeku says
2024 Olympics: We are confident of winning multiple gold medals, Onikeku says
Medals
By Georgina Adegbie
Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Samuel Onikeku, the technical director of the Athletics Federation Nigeria(AFN),said the federation was confident of winning multiple gold medals at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Onikeku who stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday, said he is optimistic the athletes will win gold medals for the country.
“Our athletes are in a good frame of mind and we know that with the recent performances at the African games and world championships.
“We have that confidence that our team will perform well and they are determined to win medals.
“We want our national anthem to be played at the Paris Olympics stadium, that is what we are working hard to ensure that it comes to reality,” he said.
The technical director said 36 athletes are already on the road to the Olympics.
“We’ve qualified for four relays and 14 individual events and there are about 8 athletes too that will stick on the rankings by ranking.
“Between 36 to 40 and more athletes will represent Nigeria in athletics at the Olympics.
“My target is for the athletes to have a personal base for us to be able to win medals.
“We’ve been working towards this for four years and we believe that it will come to pass,”he said.
NAN reports that Nigeria will feature in 11 sports in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics Games.
The president said that the federation`s target is to be on the podium and hear the country`s national anthem being played.
He congratulated the Nigerian team for their wonderful performance at the just concluded championship in Ghana.
NAN reports that Team Nigeria emerged champions at the 2024 Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), Zone II Senior Athletics Championships, which has just ended in Accra, Ghana.
Team Nigeria won 13 gold medals, four silver and one bronze to place first at the championships.
The Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Region II seniors’ athletics championship was held from June 3 to June 6 in Accra, Ghana.
According to him, the athletes are determined to make the country proud in their various competitions.
He said the competition also serves as a means of training ahead of the Olympic Games.
NAN reports a total of 88 Athletes have qualified for the Olympics, as many others are still in the qualification process
NAN reports that the 2024 summer Olympics is scheduled to start from July 26 to Aug. 11 in Paris, France.
Paris is the main host city with 16 other cities spread across Metropolitan France and one sub site in Tahiti.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
BOG/JPE
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Edited by Joseph Edeh
Eid-el Kabir: NSCDC mobilises 1,210 personnel in Edo
Security
By Usman Aliyu
Benin, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Edo Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 1,210 personnel to ensure maximum security during the forthcoming Eid-el Kabir celebrations.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Efosa Ogbebor, in a statement on Friday in Benin, said that NSCDC would provide maximum security at various Eid praying grounds, palaces, monuments and recreational centres across the state during the festivities.
Ogbebor stated that the NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mr Gbenga Agun, assured residents of security of their lives and property before, during and after the festival.
“I have directed all commanders, heads of tactical units, area commanders and divisional officers to ensure smooth, crime-free and secure celebration before, during and after the Eid-el Kabir festival.
“The personnel deployed have been tasked with critical responsibilities of safeguarding national assets and infrastructure, a core mandate of the corps, protection of lives and property and crowd control, amongst others.
“NSCDC personnel will work in collaboration with other sister-agencies,” he said.
The NSCDC boss appealed to members of the public to give maximum cooperation to the personnel and support them with useful information about criminal elements.
The commandant felicitated all Muslims and wished them joyous Eid-el Kabir celebrations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AUO/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale SadeeqRep. empowers 250 constituents
Rep. empowers 250 constituents
Empowerment
By Sunday John
Wamba, (Nasarawa State), June 14, 2024 (NAN) A member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Jeremiah Umaru, on Friday empowered no fewer than 250 members of his constituency.
Umaru, who represents Akwanga/Nasarawa-Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency of Nasarawa, distributing the items at the Wamba Local Government Council, said the beneficiaries were drawn from the 35 electoral wards of the constituency.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the items included refrigerators, sewing machines and grinding machines.
NAN also reports that Akwanga has 11 electoral wards, Nasarawa-Eggon has 14, while Wamba has 10 respectively, bringing the total to 35.
Umaru said that five persons were carefully selected from each of the electoral wards and the remaining 75 slots were allocated to stakeholders and community leaders.
“This is to appreciate them for their votes, support and prayers in the last one year, ” he said.
The lawmaker explained that similar gestures were done in the past to support his constituents in farming, as well as trading in order to make their lives worthwhile.
According to the lawmaker, the beneficiaries cut across party lines.
“Though, I am a member of APC, but as it stands I am representing everyone in my constituency.
“My major interest is to better the living conditions of my constituents irrespective of political party affiliations,” he said.
Umaru further said that he had sponsored 10 bills and moved eight motions in the last one year in the House, in addition to the empowerment items being distributed to the people.
“Some of the bills have passed first reading and if they are finally passed and signed by the President, commercial activities and life generally will be better for our people.
“My focus is to change the narrative and give my constituents the best representation they deserved to justify their choice at the polls,” Umaru said.
The lawmaker had also distributed over 1000 bags of 50kg rice to the 35 electoral wards to enable them celebrate the forthcoming sallah.
Some beneficiaries, who spoke to newsmen appreciated the lawmaker for the gesture and prayed God to continue to guide and protect him.
Hussaini Alaku and Hanatu Sunday, members of APGA PDP from Nassarawa-Eggon LGA, said that the member had distinguished himself and demonstrated that indeed the people are the reason for democracy.
“He is carrying everybody in the constituency along without discriminating on the basis of political parties as such, we will reward him at the appropriate time,” the duo added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).
SDJ/BEN/AMM
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Edited by Benson Ezugwu and Abiemwense Moru
Trader in court over alleged theft of plumbing materials worth N1.3m
Stealing
By Moronke Boboye
Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) A 29-year-old trader, Ayomide Abraham, was on Friday arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing plumbing materials worth N1.3 million.
Abraham, who resides at Aboru area of Ipaja, Lagos, is facing a charge of stealing, to which he, however, pleaded not guilty.
The Prosecutor, DSP Clara Olagbayi, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on April 9 at Baba Ijesha area of Aboru-Ipaja, Lagos.
Olagbayi said that the defendant collected the plumbing materials from the complainant, Mr Adedele Adeoye, to sell, but failed to remit the money.
She said that the defendant converted the money to his personal use.
“All efforts made by the complainant to retrieve his money proved abortive,” the prosecutor said.
According to her, the offence contravenes Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the section provides three years jail term for stealing.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs O.A. Odubayo, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000, with two sureties in like sum.
Odubayo adjourned the case till June 28 for mention. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
MTO/EOB/WAS
Edited by Edith Bolokor and ‘Wale SadeeqFood security: NANTS, AGRA inaugurate rice processing centre in Niger
Food security: NANTS, AGRA inaugurate rice processing centre in Niger
Inauguration
By Rita Iliya
Minna, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) in conjunction with Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), has inaugurated a rice processing centre in Niger state.The project was inaugurated at Gidan Mangoro, Gbamanda community of Bosso Local Government Area of the state on Friday under the AGRA/Niger state consortium.
Dr Ken Ukaoha, President of NANTS said at the inauguration and distribution of Point of Sale (POS) to corporative groups, that the centre would add value to food security and improve productivity.
He added that the centre would provide means of livelihood as more people will go into farming due to the proximity of the centre.
“Rice and maize are major commodities produced in large quality in the community, farmers will not have to travel long distance again to process their crops,” he said.
He lauded Gov. Umaru Bago for the massive investment in agriculture and advised women and youths to form cooperative groups to benefit more from the agriculture revolution.
In his remarks, Mr Godswill Agwuyi, representative of AGRA disclosed that AGRA was working in 16 local government in rice, maize, soyabean value chain.
He said the focus was to support smallholder farmers to transform from small to large farmers, adding that the centre will help farmers process their products without traveling to another location.
In his speech, Gov. Bago commended AGRA for its intervention as it had become a household name in the state.
Bago, represented by Dr Matthew Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of Niger Ministry for Agriculture, advised various cooperative groups to take advantage of the centre to improve on their production.
“Aside processing crops, the centre will also create job opportunity and women groups are the major beneficiaries, you use the facility to create wealth,” he said.
While appreciating the donor for the facility Alhaji Sani Adamu, the Village Head of Gidan Mangoro, promised that the facility would be used to improve production and adequately maintained. (NAN)
RIS/EAL=======
Edited Ekemini Ladejobi