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  • 3 killed, 1 injured in mining pit collapse in Niger

    Mining
    By Rita Iliya
    Minna, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Three persons were killed while one sustained injuries when a mining pit collapsed at Bazakwoi, a village in Adnun community of Niger.

    The incident was confirmed by Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director-General of Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA).

    “The agency received report of a mining pit collapse at Bazakwoi of Adnun community.

    “The incident occurred on Thursday. It involved local miners who were said to be carrying out mining activities illegally.

    “Three persons were confirmed dead while one person was rescued alive with injuries.”

    He added, however, that no one was trapped in the pit.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the incident is coming barely one week after a mining pit collapsed in Galkogo community, killing one person and trapping 14 persons who are still in the pit. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
    RIS/ETS

    ======

  • ARSO 30th General Assembly to advance Africa’s standardisation – SON

    Standardisation
    By Rukayat Moisemhe
    Lagos, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The 30th General Assembly of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO)  would converge on Abuja to advance the cause of standardisation across the continent.
    Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), said this at a news conference on Thursday in Lagos to give details of the forthcoming ARSO trade exhibition.
    Okeke said that manufacturers, producers and vendors across  the commanding heights of the economy across the continent would go through the rudiments of standardisation excellence.
    The SON director-general said that the exhibition and general assembly would catalyse transformation, propelling Nigeria and the entire Africa toward a future of sustainable growth and prosperity.
    He said that the trade exhibition would strategically present innovations to a diverse audience of industry experts, policymakers and potential investors by highlighting the quality, diversity and competitiveness of Nigerian goods and services.
    According to him,  top tier manufacturers, including the Dangote Group, Innoson Motors, AIG Rite Foods Ltd., Nasco Foods, Ajinomoto and others in the fast-moving consumer goods segments, allied sectors, and small businesses, have keyed into the programme.
    He said that the events would take place from June 17 to June 22,  at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
    “Besides, it will offer a firsthand experience of the vibrant Nigerian market, with an array of local manufacturers and producers slated to participate.
    “The exhibition promises to be a catalyst for economic growth, both for domestic stakeholders and international visitors.
    “From traditional crafts to cutting-edge technologies, the exhibition will showcase the breadth and depth of Nigeria’s economic landscape, providing valuable insights into emerging trends and investment opportunities.
    “Of course, it offers a chance to gain exposure to international markets, as the general assembly attracts delegates from across Africa and beyond, opening doors for export opportunities.
    “By showcasing the best of Nigerian innovations and enterprises, the exhibition will underscore the importance of standardisation in driving economic development and fostering regional integration,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    ARM/CHOM/IGO
    ==============
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ijeoma Popoola

  • Imo Assembly calls for establishment of new College of Nursing

    Imo Assembly calls for establishment of new College of Nursing

    Nursing
    By Ugonne Uzoma
    Owerri, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Imo House of Assembly has called on Gov. Hope Uzodimma to approve the establishment of a College of Nursing at Inyishi in Ikeduru Local Government Area.

    The call was contained in a resolution passed by the house on Thursday.

    The resolution was the outcome of a motion sponsored by the member representing Ikeduru State Constituency, Mr Johnleoba Iheoha.

    Presenting the motion, Iheoma said that the present administration’s insurance policies and essential medical equipment had led to an  improvement in the quality of health services in the state.

    He also said that the 305 primary health centers and providing health services at the rural level would require a lot of manpower to function effectively.

    The lawmaker, therefore, said that there was an urgent need to train more nurses and health professionals to augment those already in training at existing nursing and health colleges in the state.

    He said that some Imo citizens travel to neighbouring states to acquire nursing and health training to the benefit of those states.

    Iheoha, therefore, prayed the house to recommend to the governor the need to establish a College of Nursing Sciences at Community Hospital, Inyishi Ikeduru.

    He also prayed the house to recommend to the governor to direct the state Ministry of Health to carry out an inspection tour of the community for the proposed college.

    Supporting the motion, the Mbaitoli representative, Mr Innocent Ikpamezie (APC ), said that establishing a new college of nursing would reduce the pressure on the existing ones.

    The Majority Leader, Mr Kanayo Onyemaechi (APC-Owerri West), further said that a new nursing college would also help to create more job opportunities in the state.

    Contributing, the Ehime Mbano representative, Mr Ben Ozoemelam (APC), said that the training of more nurses in the state would help improve the current patients to nurses ratio.

    Ozoemelam said it would also reduce the workload of health professionals who, he said, were currently being overworked as a result of the dearth of trained healthcare workers.

    The Speaker, Mr Chike Olemgbe (APC-Ihitte Uboma), thereafter, ruled in favour of the prayers, following the unanimous voice vote in favour of the motion. (NAN)(wwwnannews.ng)

    UOI/CEO/USO
    Edited by Chidi Opara/Sam Oditah

  • INEC publishes final list of candidates for Ondo governorship election

    INEC publishes final list of candidates for Ondo governorship election

    Candidates

    By Emmanuel Oloniruha

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of candidates and their running mates for Nov. 16 Ondo State governorship election.

    Mr Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee,disclosed this in a statement issued  in Abuja on Thursday.

     

    According to him ,personal particulars of the candidates and their running mates have been published at INEC state and local government offices in Ondo State.

    Olumekun said that in line with the provision of Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, two political parties, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) conducted fresh primaries to replace their earlier nominated candidates and their running mates by the deadline of June 10.

    He also disclosed that five parties; the African Action Congress (AAC), the Action Democratic Party (ADP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), replaced their running mates only.

    “Overall, 17 political parties are fielding candidates for the election. No political party has nominated a female candidate while one candidate nominated by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a person with disability (a paraplegic).

    “The final list also gives the breakdown of the candidates by age and academic qualifications.

    “The list has been published at our office in Akure and also uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information,” he said.

    Olumekun said that with the conclusion of the nomination process, political parties were now permitted to start public  campaigns from Wednesday (June 19) till the midnight of  Nov. 14.

    “As parties commence this critical phase of the election, the commission once again reminds candidates, agents and their supporters of the provision of the law and the Commission’s guidelines governing such activity.

    “For emphasis, parties shall conduct their campaigns with civility and decorum devoid of inciting language, violence, voter inducement and other infractions in accordance with the provisions of Section 92-97 of the Electoral Act 2022,” Olumekun said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OBE/BHB

    ===

    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

     

     

     

     

     

  • Development of renewable energy resources can diversify Africa’s economy – Executive

    Energy
    By Okeoghene Akubuike

    Abuja, June 13, 2024(NAN) Mr Osi Okonkwo, General Manager, FranzEnergy Ltd, says the development of renewable energy resources can significantly contribute to economic diversification in Africa, with specific policies needed for that transition.

    Okonkwo spoke at a Panel Discussion on “Driving Economic Transformation in Global Africa: The Role of Emerging AfriCaribbean Giants’’, at the ongoing 31st Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2024) in Nassau, The Bahamas on Thursday.

    The meetings are being monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    According to him, with regards to the renewable energy storyline, if done properly, it should mean a cleaner, healthier, more financially prosperous Africa with lots of jobs.

    Okonkwo said it would require going further down into the value chain, and not just pushing energy and commodities off the continent.

    “This is because there are opportunities therein,’’ he said.

    He said some strategies could be put in place to enable renewable energy to go much further down the value chain.

    “There is a need to delve into the actual production of solar panels, inverters and batteries, on the continent.

    “There is so much more that can be done. But to do this, when you talk about strategy, a few things need to be done.

    Okonkwo cited the instance of China that just launched a five GigaWatts (GW) solar farm, saying that the five GW capacity was about all of the power connected at the moment in Nigeria.

    “So, when you think about the Chinese story, and try to use that as a template, there are a few things we have to do.”

    He said there was a need to lean into the transition fuels first and foremost, such as gas, then facility; and use that as a transition fuel, for a cleaner future.

    According to him, coming into the renewable space, there is also a need to go a little bit deeper and depend more on the more consistent replenishable versions of renewables.

    “So, we have to think of hydro dams, geothermal where it is applicable.

    “ Lean into that first and foremost, because the run off the mill solar farms and wind are more inconsistent,” he said.

    With regards to policy, Okonkwo said there should be fewer but clear policies which allow for meritocracy of access to resources, and funding, among others.

    He also said that the platter of policies should not get to a point where they would interfere and impede private sector ventures.

    Okonkwo said the private sector had a key role to play when it came to strengthening African Caribbean economies.

    He, however, said there needs to be significant development, increased access to capital, steering up industrial capacity and reducing the overdependence of commodities.

    Mr Jean Louis-Ekra, former President, of Afreximbank, said that it was necessary to change the structures of African economies’, shifting away from relying solely on exports.

    He said basic infrastructure needed to be in place as many countries still lacked power adding that nothing much could be done on transformation without power.

    “We need to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA), and the issues of moving money, among others.

    “Once we have dealt with some of the basics, then we can move forward and very quickly, to exporting among ourselves and take advantage of opportunities in the Caribbean’’

    Louis-Ekra said that Africans had not done enough to use their financial resources.

    “ We need to generate resources before we talk about financing.

    “ I believe we have not harnessed enough of our own resources in our continent, to make it available to financial institutions so they can finance the change,” he said.

    Dr Kingsley Mordi, Director, Bono Energy, restated the importance of putting basic infrastructure in place, with particular emphasis on energy.

    NAN reports that the 31st AAM2024 is being held in Nassau, The Bahamas from June 12 to June 15.

    It has the theme: “Owning our Destiny: Economic Prosperity on the Platform of Global Africa’’.
    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

  • Naira depreciates by 0.17% against dollar at official market

    Naira

    By Grace Alegba

    Lagos, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Naira on Thursday slightly depreciated at the official market trading at N1476.24 to the dollar.

    Data from the official trading platform of the FMDQ Exchange, revealed that the Naira lost N2.58.

    This represents a 0.17 per cent loss when compared to the previous trading date on Tuesday when it traded at N1,473.66 to the dollar.

    Also, the volume of currency traded reduced to $92.68 million on Thursday down from $385.91 million recorded on Tuesday.

    Meanwhile, at the Investor’s and Exporter’s (I&E) window, the Naira traded between 1,500
    and N1,400 against the dollar. (NAN)

    GA/AWA

    =========

    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

  • Stock market rebounds with N114bn gain

    Stock
    By Rukayat Adeyemi

    Lagos, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian equity market capitalisation rebounded by 0.20 per cent as investors’ appetite for Tier-one banking stocks increased.

     

    Notably, investors gained N114 billion or 0.20 per cent, with market capitalisation rising from N56.359 trillion to N56.473 trillion.

     

    The All-Share Index also closed 0.20 per cent or 202 points higher, settling at 99,832.25, compared to 99,630.51 recorded on Tuesday.

     

    As a result, the Year-To-Date (YTD) return rose to 33.51 per cent.

     

    Gains in Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), Zenith Bank, and United Bank of Africa (UBA) were the primary drivers of the market recovery.

     

    Meanwhile, market breadth closed positive with 30 gainers and 17 losers on the floor of the Exchange.

     

    On the gainers’ chart, Nigerian Breweries led by 10 per cent to close at N31.90, Unity Bank trailed closely by 9.91 per cent to close at N1.22 and NEM Insurance gained 9.77 per cent to close at N9.55 per share.
    Thomas Wyatt appreciated by 9.43 per cent to close at N1.74 and UACN advanced by 8.65 per cent to close at N14.45 per share.
    Conversely, Eco Bank Transnational(ETI) led the losers’ chart by 9.92 per cent to close at N21.35, Daar Communications followed by 8.77 per cent to close at 52k per share.
    C&I Leasing also shed 7.14 per cent to close at N2.60, RT Briscoe and Custodian Insurance lost 5.08 per cent each to close at 56k and N9.35 per share respectively.
    However, analysis of the market activities showed trade turnover settled lower relative to the previous session, with the value of transactions down by 47.72 per cent.
    A total of 502.60 million shares valued at N8.65 billion were exchanged in 9,686 deals, as against 848.97 million shares valued at N16.55 billion traded in 8,064 deals posted on Tuesday.
    Zenith Bank led the volume and value chart with 71.22 million shares worth N2.52 billion, followed by AIICO Insurance with 67.30 million shares valued at N65.94 million.
    Access Corporation sold 58.53 million shares valued at N1.13 billion while GTCO transacted 46.86 million shares worth N1.96 million.
    Also, UBA traded 23.17 million shares worth N520.57 million. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RUKY/AWA
    ===========
    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

  • Senate passes 25 bills in 1 year

     

    Bill

    By Naomi Sharang

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Senate has passed 25 out of the 447 bills introduced on its floor  since the  inauguration of the 10th Senate in 2023.

     

    Senate Leader ,Mr Opeyemi Bamidele, who disclosed in Abuja on Thursday, also said that the upper chamber adopted 115 resolutions .

    He said  the 25 bills fully passed into law, comparatively, accounted for 5.24 per cent of the entire bills introduced within the timeframe.

    According to him, aside the 25 fully enacted pieces of legislation, no fewer than 275 bills (57.65 per cent) were read for the  first time within the timeframe.

    “About 135 (28.32 per cent) awaiting first reading; 45 (9.43 per cent) awaiting the second reading; 43 (9.02 per cent) currently at the committee stage and three bills (0.63 per cent) were refused on different grounds.

    He added that while only 13 (2.73 per cent) of the total bills originated from the executive arm, 464 (97.27 per cent) were private member bills.

    “Apart from the bills, the Senate arrived at 115 resolutions, which are far-reaching in consequence; profound in their significance to our economic development and strategic to the cohesion, growth and stability of our nation.

    “Each of these resolutions arose from motions of national importance, which different distinguished senators sponsored after due diligence was conducted.” he said.

    According to him ,Senate also received and treated petitions from members of the public on diverse matters of grave concern within the timeframe.

    “In spite of time constraint, 50 of the public petitions were successfully and satisfactorily resolved.

    ” The Senate equally screened and confirmed 215 nominees for different political offices at the request of President Bola Tinubu and in accordance with Section 147 (2-6) of the 1999 Constitution and other Acts of the National Assembly.

    “Among others, the confirmations include key appointments into the Federal Executive Council, Board of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the leadership of the Nigeria Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force.

    “Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission”, he said .

    He explained that the confirmations were key to national development and speeded up the process of forming or constituting the national government at a very critical time when the economy was struggling to stay afloat.

    “National security under threat and internal cohesion was seriously gasping for fresh breath.

    “Already, the first year has passed by and we have decisively addressed issues of strategic national interest with utmost priority,” he said.(NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)
    NNL/CHOM/BHB

    ==========

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Buhari Bolaji

     

     

  • Delta Assembly recalls suspended lawmaker

    Suspension

     

    By Mercy Neme

     

    Asaba, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Delta House of Assembly on Thursday in Asaba recalled its member, Mr Matthew Omonade (APC-Ughelli North I), after 29 days of suspension.

     

    The recall was announced during plenary by the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor, following an adoption of the report by the ad-hoc committee set up to investigate Omonade.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the assembly had on May 14 suspended the lawmaker over alleged gross misconduct.

     

    “The house has, therefore, lifted the suspension following the adoption of the recommendations of the committee.

     

    “He is expected to resume plenary and other legislative duties on the next sitting day,” Guwor said.

     

    Earlier, the Majority Leader, Emeka Nwaobi (PDP-Aniocha North), who chaired the committee, said after a thorough investigation, it recommended that Omonade be sounded a note of warning against future occurrence.

     

    He said the committee also recommended that the recalled lawmaker be made to study the rules of the house.

     

    According to the committee’s recommendations, Omonade should know that laws are universal and can be domesticated in any state or country without anyone being accused of plagiarism.

     

    Nwaobi said since he had remorsefully apologised to the governor, speaker and the entire house, the committee recommended that the suspension be lifted.

     

    In their various submissions, Mr Oboro Preyor (PDP-Bomadi) and Mr Austine Uroye (PDP-Warri South I) supported the committee’s recommendations.

     

    The recommendations, unanimously adopted by members via a voice vote, were seconded by the minority leader, Mr Edafe Emakpor.

     

    The house also approved Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori’s request to review and implement a new tariff regime for the 8.5 Megawatts Asaba Independent Power Plant (IPP), operated by Messrs Bastanchury Power Solutions.

     

    The governor’s request was contained in a letter read during plenary by the speaker.

     

    In the letter, Oborevwori explained that the upward review of the electricity tariff from N31.74 per Kilowatt to N75 per Kilowatt became necessary due to the current economic realities.

     

    He said this would enable the company to sustain its services to the state.

     

    Oborevwori, however, noted that the state government, through the Ministry of Energy, recommended a reviewed amount of N63 per Kilowatt, inclusive of VAT, hence the need for the house’s approval.

     

    The majority leader moved a motion for the assembly to receive the governor’s letter for consideration.

     

    Leading the debate, Nwaobi said it was no longer news that the economic situation informed the governor’s request and, therefore, urged the house to give it speedy approval.

     

    The motion, which was unanimously adopted by the assembly, when put to a voice vote by the speaker, was seconded by Mr Oboro Preyor (PDP-Bomadi). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    MOA/CHOM/MAS

    ===========

     

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma and Moses Solanke

     

  • Mrs Soludo partners NDLEA to eliminate drug abuse in Anambra

    Dr Nonye Soludo inaugurating Operation Clean Anambra of Substance Abuse

     

     

    Drugs

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

     

    Awka, June 13, 2024(NAN) The wife of Anambra Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has urged youths in the state to shun drug use for the sake of their personal health, future and the society at large.

    She gave the advice while flagging off Operation Clean Anambra of Substance Abuse Campaign, in Awka on Thursday.

    According to her, drug abuse has resulted in increased violence and crimes, higher prevalence in Hepatitis B and C virus, HIV/AIDS, and collapse in the social structure.

    “Our homes are losing the sacredness of culture and moral traditions.

    “Our communities have become havens for drug peddlers and manufacturers who use the element of fear and intimidation to silence the people who are willing to assist local authorities with valid information.

    “Healthy Living initiative is championing this fight in schools and communities to break the wall of illicit drugs economy which is booming at the detriment of our society.

    “We have constituted Healthy Living Overwatch in the 179 communities to monitor illicit drug dealers and report same to security agencies.

    “The target is to make everyone a driver of solution to rid Anambra state of this deadly disease called drug abuse and save the lives and future of our children,” Soludo said.

    Mr Daniel Onyishi, Anambra Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), said that the agency was working with the Governor’s wife to address the growing drug abuse cases in Anambra.

    According to him, one out of every four user of illicit drugs is a woman.

    “According to recent statistics, Nigeria alone has 14.4 per cent drug abuse prevalence rate and it is projected that by 2030, it will rise to 40 per cent if nothing is done.

    “The major concern is that women, especially young girl are embracing substance abuse. One out of every four drug abuser is a woman and one out of five will suffer substance abuse disorder.

    “Women are key nurturers, moulders and caregivers in the society and should not be involved in illicit drug abuse,” he said.

    The NDLEA Commandant urged community leaders to support the agency with information about drug dealers in their environment.

    In his remarks, Mr Titus Akpudo, President-General, Anambra State Association of Town Union, promised to take the message against substance abuse to the nooks and crannies of the state.

    “As community leaders, we must support the governor’s wife in the fight to eliminate substance abuse in our communities because if we do not act now, it will hunt us in future,” he said.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

     

    LCO/VIV

    ====

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu