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  • Makinde pledges to sustain cordial relationship with Oyo’s legislature, judiciary

    Relationship
    By David Adeoye
    Ibadan, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Thursday in Ibadan pledged to sustain the cordial relationship with the legislative and judicial arms of the state government.

    Makinde made the pledge while addressing the state lawmakers during the first anniversary of the 10th Assembly of the State House of Assembly.

    He said the smooth working relationship with the legislature had enhanced his unprecedented achievements in the last one year of his administration.

    The governor noted that his administration had been having the support of the lawmakers “as we made people-first decisions.

    “In all this time, we have prioritised our economy and taken steps that put us ahead of all other states in times of crisis.

    “You have shown us that you believe in us, and that is why our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has continued on the path of growth from an average of about N4.2 billion monthly in 2023 to an average of N4.95 billion in the first quarter of 2024.”

    Makinde further explained that his government prioritised road infrastructure development in rural areas because it believed that such would reduce poverty in the areas significantly.

    “And so, from Omituntun 1.0, we focused on linking all our zones. We completed the 65 kilometres (km) Moniya-Ijaiye-Iseyin Road, and started the 34.85 km Oyo-Iseyin Road and the 76.67 km Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso Road.

    “We have delivered the Oyo-Iseyin Road and the Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso Road, now renamed Adebayo Alao-Akala Memorial Highway.

    “We have also delivered the 12.5 km Challenge-Odo Ona-Elewe-Elebu-Apata Road dualisation, now renamed Theophilus Akinyele Way and the dualisation of the 8.2 km Agodi Gate-Old Ife Road-Adegbayi Road, including an underpass at Onipepeye area.

    “In total, we completed 152.92 km of road projects in the first year of Omituntun 2.0. We are currently reconstructing the 48-km Ido-Eruwa Road to link Ibadan and Ibarapa zones, among other road projects.

    “The real impact of these road constructions is that Oyo State is fast becoming a regional agribusiness industrial hub,” he stated.

    The governor also made it known that his government in the last one year had delivered across all sectors, be it in the area of education, health, agriculture and tourism, among others.

    He said the state would continue to play a huge role in the sale and development of solid minerals in Nigeria.

    Makinde recalled that the Executive Order number one he signed into law in October, on the protection of mining communities against insecurity and exploitation in the state, was very useful.

    He said it would go a long way to make his administration’s plan realisable.

    On tourism, Makinde said the sector was the fourth focus area for the economic development of the state.

    “In April, we hosted the world at an International Tourism Summit, signalling our administration’s readiness to foster partnerships with the private sector.

    “Our plan is to continue working to make Oyo State the destination for heritage, pleasure and agri-tourism through direct and indirect investments in the sector,” he said.

    The governor said his government would continue to build strong institutions in the state, saying the institutions would play pivotal roles in the engineering of a modern Oyo State.

    He said this would be by working with existing ministries, departments and agencies.

    Among the institutions already established by the Makinde’s administration are the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development (OYMASED) and the Oyo State Project Monitoring Agency.

    Others are the Oyo State Rule of Law Authority, the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA) and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

    In his address, the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Debo Ogundoyin, disclosed that the assembly within one year had been able to pass 16 bills into law.

    He added that four other bills were presently at various stages of legislative processes.

    “Nine out of these bills had been assented to by the Governor. I am pleased to also announce that 68 motions had been sponsored and moved by us, and the committees had presented 35 reports on oversight functions and matters referred to them at plenary sittings of the House.

    “So far, the House had passed 170 resolutions to the executive arm of government and others for appropriate actions.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    DAK/OLAL
    ==========
    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)

  • EU consultant says AI, art can play significant roles in food security

    EU consultant says AI, art can play significant roles in food security

    Technology

    By Patricia Amogu

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Patricia Carvalho, a Policy Support Consultant of the European Union (EU) said science, technology in the form of Artificial Intelligence (AI), arts, and culture have significant roles to play in ensuring food security in Africa.

    Carvalho said this via webinar in the course of a media briefing organised to unveil the S-T-ARTS4AFRICA Programme, an art-driven initiative aimed at creating opportunities for African artists to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to proffer solutions.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the S-T-ARTS4AFRICA Programme is an initiative driven in Nigeria by the Gallery of Code, a research, development, and consulting agency.

    The EU consultant said it would be intriguing to get to the core of what artists could achieve in promoting food security and access to clean water using science and technology tools such as AI.

    “We believe that science, technology, arts, and culture can play a significant role in tackling socio-economic and ecological challenges that are science-related.

    “Through host institutions like the Gallery of Code, using an already existing approach from the European continent, we are connecting local and international artists with regional stakeholders to boost synergy among continents.

    “Currently, there are eight residencies going on in Africa under the S-T-ARTS4AFRICA programme.

    “One of the residencies is in Nigeria. The second one is in Tanzania. The third one is in Senegal, and there are two in Ghana, among others.

    “At the end of the projects, there will be a final event in Senegal to bring all the residency hosts together at a meeting point to connect.

    “It is a short project but not a one-off collaboration, and I believe that lessons will be taken away from it and will be applied across continents,” she said.

    She reaffirmed EU’s commitment to supporting the programme and praised the visual artist that the Gallery of Code is working with to design a yam barn.

    Speaking at the briefing, Mr Oscar Ekponimo, the Managing Director of Gallery of Code, stated that the initiative is a dedicated version of STARTS for Africa, an EU-led intervention in Nigeria.

    “STARTS was initiated in 2016 but now there is a dedicated version for Africa.

    “This is the first phase and the first time this is coming up in Africa and a Nigerian has been selected from among 300 applicants.

    “Jibril Baba, a visual artist, has just been awarded a grant to support his project – a smart technology (model) that will address food storage challenges, boost food production, and curb rising food insecurity gaps in Nigeria,” he said.

    Ekponimo stated that the EU is pushing for innovations, with an artistic perspective because innovation is more practical and impactful when it is artistically driven.

    “Our visual artist that has been selected is to implement a model yam barn that will use artificial intelligence to monitor the change in climate conditions and also check the air quality around the yams, as well as monitor the possibility of spoilage.

    “This will automatically control food wastage and address food insecurity.

    “This will be the first of its kind but the project is still at the take-off stage,

    “We have just finished the reflection stage and going further to the actualisation stage.

    “I am happy to say that there will be a final exhibition in Nigeria and our artist has also been selected to exhibit at a festival that will be held in Austria early in September,” he added.

    Dr Femi Adeluyi, the National Co-ordinator, National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), a new initiative of the Federal Government, said the project “is in full alignment with what the President Bola Tinubu administration seeks to achieve by investing in the creative industry.

    “This is a good model that could be enhanced and made elaborate.

    “Today it’s yams we are focusing on. Tomorrow it could be another agricultural product, and we can leverage this one.

    “We want opportunities where our artists can showcase their skills and our products abroad and then benefit from such investments.

    “This can enhance our socio-economic strength, and it shows we have a lot of value that we can bring to the table,” he said.

    Speaking on the initiative, Baba said the core of the project “is a prototype yam barn; a modular storage system where yams will be slotted into storage spaces and use sensors that can check the climate conditions, and air quality and equally shield the yams from too much sunlight.

    “During our preliminary research we visited different states in the Northeastern part of the country and discovered that out of 1,500 yam tubers harvested, 600 are lost due to lack of a good storage system.”

    According to him, the production of the yam barn can help reduce wastage due to spoilage while increasing productivity and strengthening the chances of ensuring food security in Nigeria. (NAN)

    PAO/YEE

    =======

    (Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

  • Nigeria, EU strengthen bilateral agreement on STI

    Nnaji, Isopi and the permanent secretary

     

    Agreement

    By Sylvester Thompson

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have strengthened bilateral agreement on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), to harness transformative power of technology for mutual growth.

    Ms Samuela Isopi, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said this on Thursday when she led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, in Abuja.

    Isopi said the purpose of the visit was to strengthen the EU bilateral agreement with Nigeria on STI.

    “We are very pleased because science, technology and innovation in today’s world are crucial to development and to all sectors, be it energy, climate change, food security among others.

    “Research is really at the centre and very important to all sectors,’’ she said

    Nnaji said the meeting was a crucial step in harnessing the transformative power of technology for mutual growth and development.

    The minister, who said innovation and research were key to progress, said that the ministry was committed to fostering joint research centres in areas of renewable and climate-smart agriculture.

    “By leveraging the expertise and resources of our European partners, we aim to drive technological advancements and address shared regional challenges.

    “Additionally, we are keen to collaborate on establishing innovation hubs to support start-ups and SMEs in fields like artificial intelligence,’’ Nnaji said.

    According to him, investment in scientific research and development is vital for economic growth and Nigeria is committed to creating conducive environment for such investments.

    He said the EU Erasmus and Horizon programmes enhanced educational and research exchange between Nigeria and Europe.

    He added that Nigeria’s participation in the programme would be increased by streamlining the application process and providing dedicated support.

    The minister said that the upcoming EU Innovation Forum, slated for July in Lagos, would be a significant milestone through the collaboration.

    (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    SET/ADA

    Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
    ======

  • FG to upgrade correctional centres – Interior Minister

    FG pledges to upgrade correctional centres – Interior Minister
    Centres
    By Ramatu Garba
    Kano, June 13, 2024 (NAN)  The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment towards upgrading the nation’s correctional Centres.
    Tunji-Ojo made the disclosure shortly after an assessment tour of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre Janguza in Kano, Kano.
    He said that President Bola Ahmed was keen on improving the quality of the correctional centres.
    “From what we have seen, it is a good work in progress. We will upgrade the system in line with the agenda of the renewed hope of Mr President.”
    According to him, the federal government will also create a world-class correctional system that is reformatory and transformational in nature.
    “The correctional centres will be a place where people learn, their lives will be transformed in the national interest and the rate of recidivism will be zero, and the national security architecture can be better enhanced,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng
    RG/EAL
    =====
    Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

  • Food safety practices, critical to public health — Experts

    Food safety practices, critical to public health — Experts
    Safety
    By Hussaina Yakubu
    Kaduna, June 13, 2024 (NAN)  Experts have called for increased awareness on food safety practices to promote public health.
    One of them, Mr John Tehinse, CEO of Funta Service Nigeria Ltd. spoke in an interview shortly after a training session he facilitated in Kaduna, which was organised by Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)
     He encouraged the people to avoid unhealthy and contaminated foods due to their dangers to health.
    The training on safety and food security was organized for women and youth-led businesses across Chikun, Kauru, Lere, and Jere LGAs.
     The event was supported by GAIN under the Strengthening Nutrition in Priority Staples (SNIPS) project.
    Tehinse emphasized the importance of stakeholders across the food chain understanding food safety, which is critical to public health.
    He highlighted that food produced without following proper safety practices posed significant risks to consumers.
    “Contaminated food can cause food poisoning. Food left for too long in an unprotected environment gets contaminated, leading to stomach pains and long-term health issues,” Tehnise said.
    He stressed that nutritious food must also be safe and urged Nigerians to adopt food safety as a culture.
    Tehinse praised GAIN for involving communities that lacked basic facilities in food processing.
    “GAIN has significantly impacted by educating people who handle a major portion of food from rural to urban areas on food safety,” he said.
    In a separate interview, Mrs Patricia Monwuba, a retired Deputy Director of NAFDAC, also facilitated a session on food processing regulations.
     She guided the participants on adhering to food safety standards and regulations to ensure that the food sold was safe and nutritious.
    Monwuba emphasized the need for proper food processing practices, including good manufacturing and hygienic practices.
     She advised parents to check labels, expiry dates, health information, and NAFDAC registration numbers when buying processed food.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that GAIN is implementing the SNIPS project in partnership with GIZ and the Green Innovation Centre for the Agricultural and Food Sector in Nigeria.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    HUM/BRM
    =============
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • 21,000 flood victims to benefits from ECOWAS Humanitarian aid – NRCS

    Victims

    By Ahmed Ubandoma

    Abuja, June. 13, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) says, no fewer than 21,000 persons will benefit from the ECOWAS stabilisation funds for victims of flood disaster across six most affected states.

    Mr Abubakar Kende, the Secretary General of NRCS disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during an inception meeting of the ECOWAS humanitarian support for people affected by floods in Adamawa, Anambra, Oyo, Kebbi, Kogi and Rivers states.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the meeting themed,  “Building Stronger and Resilient Families in Nigeria’ was organised in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

    NAN also reports that,  during the meeting,  ECOWAS presented a cheque of 906, 200 Dollar to the Red Cross towards effective implementation of its stabilisation programme.

    Kende represented by the NRCS Director of Disaster Management Mr Benson Agbo, said the stabilisation funds would be used to cater for the victims of flooding

    “In our effort to alleviate the sufferings of the vulnerable in Nigeria, we have signed a tripartite agreement with the ECOWAS and the Humanitarian Ministry.

    “The agreement aimed at supporting communities affected by flood disasters in Adamawa, Anambra, Oyo, Kebbi, Kogi and Rivers states.

    “We are ready to go to these selected communities to deliver essential humanitarian aid to 21,000 individuals in 3,500 Households across these six states that are worst hit.

    “This gesture will ensure that the Flood survivors return to their normal lives’’ he said.

    Kende appealed to stakeholders to provide the necessary support to the victims to boost their socio-economic wellbeing.

    “We encourage relevant stakeholders to act and provide the necessary infrastructure needed to control and mitigate the effects of flooding thereby improving peoples’ lives.

    “As implementing partner, the Nigerian Red Cross Society will execute the project in the six states, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of assistance and maintaining transparent process’’ Kende said.

    On his part, the Deputy Country Director of WFP in Nigeria, Mr Guy Adoua, said the Programme had built an enduring structure, critical to delivering food and nutrition to vulnerable people.

    “We have not only addressed immediate food and nutrition needs of these vulnerable communities but we made significant strides in strengthening the resilience of these communities.

    “Our work in Nigeria during 2021-2022 has demonstrated the profound difference that coordinated efforts and strategic partnerships can make.

    “ WFP will provide a multi-dimensional assistance to 14,394 persons in Katsina and Sokoto states using the ECOWAS funds,’’ Adoua said.

    According to him, this will include food and nutrition support, building capacity for state systems, psycho-social support to promote social cohesion and peace for a period of six months.

    Earlier, the ECOWAS Commissioner, Human Development and Social Affairs Prof. Fatou Sarr, said, ECOWAS will continue to support member-states towards improving the livelihood of their citizens.

    “Our focus will continue to be people-centred; therefore, projects such as this will continue to be the focus of the Management of ECOWAS programming.

    “We invite you all to continue to accompany us to change the lives and livelihoods of our peoples for good, especially those at the grass roots.

    Sarr therefore used the event to present a cheque of one million dollar to the WFP to ensure effective implementation of ECOWAS stabilisation programme to persons of concern by providing food and nutrition especially to victims of violence in Nigeria.

    Also speaking, Mr Valentine Ezulu, the Director, Humanitarian Affairs in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation assured stakeholders of federal government`s determination to provide mechanism towards mitigating the impact of flood and consequences.

    While appreciating the ECOWAS’ intervention in Nigeria, Ezulu said, the project will help to improve the food insecurity and malnutrition of the vulnerable groups in the affected states.

    He recalled that the 2021 phase one beneficiaries of the ECOWAS Food and Nutrition support were Borno, Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto states.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

    AMU/ROT

    ========

    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

     

  • Sanwo-Olu urges more collaborations to combat climate change effects

     

    L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab; Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; Project Director of Arctic Infrastructure, Mr Lookman Oshodi; and Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Service and Water Resources, Mr Mahamood Adegbite; at the closing of the 10th Lagos International Climate Change Summit

     

     

    Climate
    By Oluwatope Lawanson
    Lagos, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has
    emphasised the need for increased and sustained climate financing and capacity building in tackling  effects of climate change.

    Sanwo-Olu laid the emphasis  at the closing of a three-day 10th Lagos International Climate Change Summit held on Thursday on Victoria Island.

    The summit had the theme: “Accelerating Climate Finance and Championing Local Adaptation Initiatives”.

    The governor was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.

     

    He called for a collaborative approach to bridge climate  financing gaps and empower local communities to develop and implement adaptation strategies.

    He reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusivity and equity as well as strengthening of policy frameworks and regulatory environments to support climate action.

    According to him, it will pave the way for a more resilient, sustainable and just future for all.

    Sanwo-Olu  urged governments, financial institutions and international organisations to join forces in the fight against climate change.

    “Climate action must be inclusive, ensuring that marginalised and vulnerable groups are not left behind.

    “Women, youths, indigenous people and other under-represented communities must have a voice in the decision-making processes that affect their lives and livelihoods,” he said.

    The governor also said that capacity building and knowledge sharing was imperative so as to empower local communities with skills needed to develop and implement adaptation strategies.

    He said that the skills involved not only technical training, but also fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.

    According to him, adaptation strategies must be tailored and implemented at the local level where climate change effects are felt most acutely.

    “Let us accelerate climate financing, champion local adaptation initiatives and create a world that is more resilient, sustainable and just,” he said.

    Earlier in his address of welcome, the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said that the summit served as a call to action for all to take proactive measures in protecting  lives and property of Lagos residents.

    Highlighting some challenges of climate change in the state, the commissioner said that the unique geography of the state surrounded by water, waste management, among others, presented both opportunities and challenges.

    “Lagos, as a state, has its challenges.  It is a coastal city surrounded by water, such as the Atlantic Ocean, which means we have to be proactive in taking steps to protect it.

    “We must use water to our advantage, same with the waste around us,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    LAW/OIF/IGO

    =========≈===
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Ijeoma Popoola

    08033965737

     

  • Tinubu hails Otunba Adekunle Ojora at 92

    Congratulation
    By Salif Atojoko
    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu on Thursday congratulated Otunba Adekunle Ojora on his 92nd birthday.
    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement that President Tinubu joined family and friends to celebrate the renowned businessman on this special occasion.
    “The President salutes the elder statesman, recalling his contributions to advancing the economic wellbeing of the nation through enterprise development, as well as by encouraging indigenous participation in critical sectors of the economy.
    “President Tinubu extols Otunba Ojora for his statesmanship, life of service, and wisdom.
    “The President prays for many more years in excellent health for the elder statesman and his family,” said the statement. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    SA/JNC
    =======
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • FERMA inaugurates operation desilt water channels in Kogi

    FERMA inaugurates operation desilt water channels in Kogi

    Inauguration

    By Thompson Yamput

    Itobe (Kogi) June 13, 2024 (NAN) Dr Chukwuemeka Agbasi, Managing Director (MD), Federal Emergency Road Management Agency (FERMA), on Thursday inaugurated “Operation Desilt Water Channels” to checkmate erosion in Kogi.

    Speaking during the inauguration at Ajegu, along the Itobe-Ayangba road in Ajaokuta Local Government of Kogi, Agbasi cautioned against indiscriminate dumping of refuge in drainages along the highways.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Agency’s boss was in Kogi for a one-day working visit.

    The MD had visited the ongoing project “Reinstatement of critical washout and failed section” along the Okene-Ajaokuta-Itobe Road, assessing progress and expressing satisfaction with the work done.

    The visit, according to him, was aimed at engaging the state in meaningful discussion with staff, inspect ongoing projects, and inaugurate the new initiative, operation desilt water channels in the state

    “We can’t have the drainages blocked with refuge and expect the roads not to be exposed to erosion and potholes.

    “It’s the duty of communities to ensure that the drainages are free for water passage and safety of our roads in order to avoid road traffic crashes.

    “This is a vital initiative designed to mitigate the impact of flooding on federal roads in Kogi.

    “The overall objective is to reduce flood risk and enhance road safety by clearing hydraulic structures and improving drainage systems across critical sections of Federal Roads in Kogi.

    “This innovative programme will engage youths from the host community to remove silt and sediment from drainage channels and bridges across federal roads in the state.

    “By doing so, it will not only empower them to contribute to the development and safety of their own community but also foster community participation and inclusiveness in the programme’s success,” he said

    The FERMA Chief Executive Officer, added: “Also, safety is the top priority when working on site more so that vehicles do pass by on the roads under repairs.”

    Agbasi, who disclosed that he planned to digitise and improve the agency’s workflow, assured the workers of his commitment to provide inclusive training to address their needs.

    NAN reports that the MD was accompanied in the inauguration and supervision by Director West Operation, Mr Agboade Adewunmi and the Kogi Federal Road Maintenance Engineer, Mr Muktar Abdulrahim amongst other officials. (NAN)(we.nannews.ng)

    TYC/AMM

    =========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • India to re-conduct medical entrance exam over scam

    India to re-conduct medical entrance exam over scam
    Exam
    New Delhi, June 13, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN)  The Supreme Court of India on Thursday directed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to re-conduct the medical entrance examination (undergraduate) for as many as 1,563 students on doubts about a “scam.”
    The re-examination would be conducted on June 23, and the result would be declared within a week.
    Over 2.3 million students had appeared for the medical entrance examination (undergraduate), or the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG), held on May 5.
    The direction came after a petition was filed before the apex court alleging irregularities in the way “grace marks” were given to a section of students.
    NEET-UG result was declared on June 4.
    A total of 67 students had scored 100 per cent marks, out of whom as many as seven students had attempted the test at the same examination-center in the northern state of Haryana.
    Students raised doubts immediately after the result was announced, particularly when it was discovered that some students had scored 719 and 718 marks out of 720.
    According to the protesting students, such scores were not practically possible, as four marks are given for every correct answer and one mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
    Protests by students were witnessed across the country after the result.
    Following the protests, the NTA had stated that “grace marks” were given to some students whose time was wasted because of some technical errors while distributing the question paper.
    The country’s Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday denied the possibility of paper-leak.
     “There is no evidence of a paper leak in NEET-UG. The allegations of corruption in NTA are not found, it is a very credible body,” he said.
    On the other hand, the main opposition party the Indian National Congress demanded a probe in the matter.
    INC President Mallikarjun Kharge posted on X that “Grace-marks was not the only problem in NEET exam. There was rigging, question paper was leaked, corruption took place.”
    Alleging a “nexus” between the examination centers and coaching centers, he said, “The Congress party demands a Supreme Court-led independent probe in the NEET scam, and those guilty should be punished.” (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannes.ng)
    UMD/EAL
    =======
    Edited by Ummul Idris/Ekemini Ladejobi