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  • Emirship tussle: Court affirms jurisdiction to hear Bayero’s rights suit

    Emirship tussle: Court affirms jurisdiction to hear Bayero’s rights suit

    Jurisdiction
    By Ramatu Garba
    Kano, June 13, 2024(NAN) A Federal High Court on Thursday, ruled that it has jurisdiction to hear the human rights violation case filed by the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and senior councillor, Aminu Dan’agundi.
    Justice A M Liman, of a Federal High Court in Kano, said the court has jurisdiction to hear and determine the case instituted by  Dan’agundi, against the implementation of Kano Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024.
     Dan’agundi,(Sarkin Dawaki Babba), through his counsel, Ibrahim Aliyu-Nasarawa, filed a motion exparte dated May 23.
    The applicant is seeking the court to restrain the respondents from enforcing, implementing and operationalizing the Kano State Emirate repeal law and reinstating Emir Muhammad Sanusi II.
    The respondents in the suit are the  Kano State Government, Kano State House of Assembly, Speaker Kano State House of Assembly, Attorney-General of Kano State and  Commissioner of Police Kano.
    Others are the Inspector-General of Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Department of State Security Service.
    Justice Liman, in a ruling held that the court has jurisdiction to entertain the matter bothering on the applicant’s fundamental rights relying on section 42  (1) and Section 315 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
    He adjourned the matter until June 14, for hearing of all pending application.
    Earlier, Counsel to the applicant, Mr M S Waziri, argued that the court has jurisdiction to entertain and hear the fundamental right suit to fair hearing.
    “The applicant ought to have been involved as a member of the Kano State Kingmakers in reinstating the new emir of Kano”
    Counsel to the Kano State Government and Attorney-General of Kano, Mahmoud Abubakar-Magaji, SAN, urged the court to decline jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
    NAN reports that the court had on May 23, granted an Interim Injunction order directing parties to maintain status quo ante,the passage and assent of the bill pending the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.
    The court also restrained the 5th to 8th respondents from enforcing, executing, implementing and operationalizing the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024.
    NAN reports that Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf, on May 23, dethroned Emir Aminu Ado-Bayero, and reappointed Sanusi II, as the Emir of Kano, four years after he was dethroned by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RG/SH
    =======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Osun enrols 280,472 in health insurance scheme, Official

    Osun enrols 280,472 in health insurance scheme, Official

    Health

    By Victor Adeoti

    Osun, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Dr Razak Akindele, the Executive Secretary, Osun Health Insurance Scheme (O’HIS), has said that 280,472 people have registered in the scheme.

    Akindele disclosed this to newsmen  on Thursday in Osogbo.

    He said that from the record of enrollees, 244,000 were from the formal sector, 13,472 were from informal sector while 23,000 were pensioners.

    Akindele said that for civil servants, who belong to the formal sector, 1.5 per cent was being deducted from their basic salary every month, while government contributed 4.5 per cent.

    He said that people in the informal sector would pay N12,066 annually under the premium package, while pensioners were enrolled for free by the state government.

    Akindele also said that Gov. Ademola Adeleke had also approved the enrollment of pregnant women in the state for free under the scheme.

    He also said that the scheme was no longer dealing with Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) in rendering services to its clients.

    Akindele explained that this was due to the challenges patients encounter in getting code from HMO for treatment.

    According to him, the agency was now providing services directly to its enrollees and no longer through HMOs.

    “Although, we are not yet there, but we are moving to where we plan to be.

    “With the support of the governor, we are rendering quality services to all our clients.

    “And in the next one year, we are planning to enroll three million people,” he said.

    Akindele also said the agency had what it called “Catastrophic fund” meant to give concession to patients needing serious surgical operations.

    He said that as a way of encouraging hospitals under the scheme, the agency had increased the payment for cesarean section for its patients from the initial N30,000 to N85,000.

    Akindele said the agency would continue to sensitise residents in the state of the importance as well as benefits of the scheme.(NAN)

    VE/DE/AOS

    ===========

    Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Bayo Sekoni

  • Diaspora investment crucial for national development – Expert

    Chief Amina Labinjo-Ajayi

    Diaspora investment crucial for national development – Expert

    Development

    By Angela Atabo

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Chairman of Silicon Valley Nigeria Economic Developments, Chief Amina Labinjo-Ajayi, has called on the Federal Government to leverage diaspora investment and entrepreneurship for national development.

    Labinjo-Ajayi, who is also a U.S.-based humanitarian expert, made the call during an online meeting with journalists to mark Nigeria`s 25th Democracy Anniversary.

    She said that it was high time the Nigerian government shifted attention from petroleum to other sectors, such as Compressed Natural Gas, entrepreneurship development, youths’ empowerment among others to develop the country.

    “Nigeria is richly blessed in natural and human resources, we need to channel our focus and invest more in other sectors.

    “Nobody talks about petrol again these days; attentions are being shifted from it because of the effects of climate change.

    “The plan B now is compressed natural gas and as one of the CEOs of Silicon Valley, I can tell this for a fact.

    “Let us capitalise on our natural and human resources, we have smart youths and first class brains that can drive this process,” she said.

    Labinjo-Ajayi said that she had brokered over 19 billion dollars investment to Nigeria and had also signed partnership with some companies on compressed natural gas, mechanised farming among others as part of efforts to contribute to the nation`s development.

    Labinjo-Ajayi said she had also approached the management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), to work with corps members on some of the projects in Nigeria.

    She, however, used the medium to call on the government to create market and promote entrepreneurship spirit among Nigerians, youths in particular to compete favourably with their counterparts in the global markets.

    “I am currently working with the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, the Federal Housing Authority and the Federal Mortgage Bank to leverage diaspora investment for housing delivery. ”

    Labinjo-Ajayi called on Nigerians all over the world to give support to the nation`s democracy, so as to achieve a better future Nigeria desired.

    “Democracy is about the people, so citizens should continue to exercise their power through active participation and engagement.

    “On this 25th anniversary of democracy; I urge you to have hope and be resilience as we are making progress in spite of the challenges. So let us continue to work together towards a brighter future.

    “Democracy is a collective effort, it is a shared responsibility, so let us embrace active citizenship and hold leaders accountable,” she said.

    Labinjo-Ajayi also stressed the need for inclusive growth and development across the country, adding that Nigeria is a country where everyone should have access to opportunities regardless of background or location. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ATAB/MZM/AMM

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    Edited by Okon Okon and Abiemwense Moru

     

     

     

     

  • Police confirm killing of Plateau Rider manager

     

     

    Bayelsa Commissioner of Police, Mr Francis Alonyenu

     

     

    Killing

    By Shedrack Frank

    Yenagoa, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Bayelsa Commissioner of Police, Mr Francis Alonyenu  has confirmed  killing of the Manager of Plateau Rider bus station in Yenagoa.

    The deceased has been identified as Alhaji Auwalu Aliyu.

    Idu said that  Aliyu was shot and killed by suspected armed robbers.

    He made the confirmation  on Thursday in Yenagoa during an interactive session  with newsmen.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the robbery occurred on Tuesday about 9:00 p.m. near Bayelsa State House of Assembly Complex on Imgbi Road, Amarata, Yenagoa.

    NAN gathered that the deceased was going home, after closing from work when he was shot and killed by suspected armed  robbers, who made away his money.

    Idu said that investigation was ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the crime.

    He gave the assurance  that the family of the deceased would get justice soon.

    He said: “The manner he was  killed is alien to Bayelsa.

    “We have the suspicion that the deceased was trailed from Plateau to Bayelsa and killed, or his death is related to group of criminal elements currently assembling at Ogbia Local Government Area.

    “Our drone was able to capture the signatures of the vehicle that was used to carry out the operation.

    “As I am speaking with you, the location of the vehicle is yet to be known, but we are sure we will get it soon because we have every detail of the car.

    “We sympathise with the family of the deceased, we are sure they will get justice  and that will happen very soon,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FS/IGO

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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • Women farmers task govt. farmers’ safety, security

    Women farmers task govt. farmers’ safety, security

    Safety
    By Perpetua Onuegbu
    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progressive and Development Initiative (NWAPDI) on Thursday urged governments and relevant stakeholders to pay more attention to safety and security of farmers.

    Mrs Omolara Svensson, President, Nigeria Women for Agricultural Progressive and Development Initiative (NWAPDI) said this in Abuja at the Free Safety Awareness course on Agro Safety Procedures for Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progress.

    The theme of the training which was organised in collaboration with Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHAssociation), UK, is “Identify Hazards Risks in Vegetable Farming in Nigeria“.

    Svensson said a lot of  attention was paid to empowerment and provision of farming aids while the safety and security of farmers were neglected.

    “It is high time we started paying more attention to training our farmers, food processors everyone in the agriculture sector on the importance of security and safety on our farms and at processing plants.

    “We focus a lot on empowerment, giving out subsidies and farm input but there is a lot of gap when it comes to safety at work place.

    “I know how much out of pocket I give to farmers because they didn’t have the right sort of farm booths on or they didn’t wear their gloves.

    “It’s high time we have to look into the type of training that have to do with security and safety at our place of work”, he said.

    She commended OSHAssociation for collaborating with the group to educate the women in agriculture on proper safety measures in their operations.

    “In this training we have 150 women. The whole idea is that the zonal and state coordinators would take this training back to their ward coordinators and spread it so that we keep improving our selves’’, she said.

    Speaking on the association’s collaboration with All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) she said they would work with the farmers` body to improve the fortunes of female farmers.

    Mr Harrison Ehimikhuai, Chief of Staff to the Nigerian Regional Administrator, OSHAssociation said though hazards and risks are part of every occupation, it was important to have the necessary skills to mitigate them.

    “For the agric women we know that there are many hazards which pose threat to their existence and the crop or the produce they are expected to get after the farming season.

    “So during this training they are expected to go home with various knowledge on how to control hazards, be it physical, chemical from fertilisers, biological hazards or even psychological,” Ehimikhuai said.

    The President, AFAN, Mr Kabiru Ibrahim, commended NWAPDI for the training, saying that safety was important in agriculture.

    “People in Europe reject what we produce because they say it is not safe. If women who are very important farmers prepare with that in mind then we will be able to export and earn foreign exchange for Nigeria.

    “So it is very important that our women are trained properly so that they can prepare safe agricultural products for Nigeria and also be safe’’, he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that NWAPDI at a news conference dissociated itself from AFAN over what it described as poor inclusion of women in AFAN activities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    PUO/KUA
    ========

    Edited by Uche Anunne

  • Commission appeals to religious, women leaders to fight GBV in Plateau

    Commission appeals to religious, women leaders to fight GBV in Plateau
    By Zainab Oyekan
    Jos, June 13, 2024  (NAN) Mrs Olivia Dazyem,  Chairperson, Plateau Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, has appealed to religious and women leaders to fight Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the state.
    Dazyem made the appeal during a stakeholders meeting with wives of heads of denominations, women leaders, and Muslim women organisations in Jos on Thursday .
    The chairperson said that the interface with the women was to make them know that they were critical and strategic stakeholders in changing the narrative of GBV in the state.
    She said people have the right to report when their rights were infringed upon and also get justice for it.
    “We want to say that perpetrators would be prosecuted and made to face the full wrath of the law,” Dazyem said.
    The chairperson said women must be prepared to stand against the culture of silence that would make them shield perpetrators of GBV.
    Speaking during the meeting, Mrs Sarah Dalut, Women leader of all Christian denominations, said the meeting was apt and timely.
    “To hear that parents are selling their children for money is strange and even give out their girls for prostitution is bad, “ said Dalut.
    Dalut said that clearly poverty was the root cause of this problem and the solution was to empower as many women as possible.
    Representative of Amirah, Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Plateau chapter, Mrs Simbiatu Sallawu, said that the association would sensitise women against GBV. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    OIZ/AOS
    =========
    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

  • CIG board chairman vows to showcase Nigerian talent

     

    Group

    By Babajide Awoyinfa

     

    Lagos, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Emeka Ike, the newly appointed Chairman of the Creative Industry Group Advisory Board, has pledged to leverage his position to boost Nigerian content worldwide through global partnerships, festivals, and exhibitions.

    Ike gave the pledge during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

    He said the group was committed to showcasing the best of Nigerian creativity to the world.

    “Our vision is to create a vibrant, sustainable, and globally competitive entertainment industry in Nigeria.

    “We will achieve this by fostering strategic collaborations between CIG, sister guilds associations, unions, and industry stakeholders to promote opportunities for growth and development,” Ike said.

    According to him, CIG is committed to establishing training programmes and capacity-building initiatives to enhance skills and knowledge of industry professionals.

    “We are committed to developing modern film production facilities, studios, and equipment to support high-quality content creation, and strengthening legal frameworks.

    “Also enforcement mechanisms to protect intellectual property rights and combat piracy and copyright infringement.

    “We believe that the entertainment industry has the power to inspire, educate, and unite us, and we are dedicated to making it a source of national pride.”

    Emeka Ike is a renowned actor, producer, and director who has made significant contributions to the Nollywood industry.

    He has starred in numerous blockbuster movies and received several awards as well as nominations for his outstanding performances.

    President of CIG, Felix Duke, said that the group was thrilled to have Ike on board.

    ”The CIG team is excited to work with industry stakeholders to achieve these plans and create a brighter future for the entertainment industry in Nigeria.

    “Ike’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the group’s efforts in promoting the creative industry in Nigeria.

    “His passion and dedication to the industry are contagious, and we are confident that he will inspire others to work together toward a common goal of lifting mankind, “he said. (NAN)
    BAG/FAA
    ===

    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Kano: ICRC trains 25 journalists in effective first aiding

    Training

    By Bosede Olufunmi

    Kano, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Thursday, trained 25 journalists in Kano State in effective first aid treatment techniques.

    Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Kano branch, said at the opening of the training on Thursday that journalists should possess the skills to administer first aid treatments.

    He said that as first line responders to emergency situations, journalists ought to be equipped to save lives.

    “So this training will teach the participants how to administer first aid treatments effectively. I see the training as timely and well-intended.

    “Emergencies happen almost every day. That is why it is necessary to assist and show compassion to the injured person.

    “Wherever emergency happens, media people are usually the first to break the news, so having the skills to save life is very important,”  he said.

    Also speaking, Aliyu Dawobe, ICRC’s Public Relations Officer, described the media as a cornerstone institution for public service and nation building.

    He said that journalists are regularly exposed to accidents and emergency situations, saying: ” it is only critical to equip them with life-saving techniques”

    Dawobe urged the media to support the activities of the Red Cross by indulging in more humanitarian services in support of the society.

    He said that in 2023, the ICRC trained no fewer than 150 journalists across the northern region in first aiding.

    “Our mandate is to assist and protect the dignity of people that are affected by armed conflicts, most especially in the North-East region.

    “We support them with relief materials and other ways to improve their living conditions,” he said.

    Mr Abba Salisu, a journalist from Radio Kano, who spoke on behalf of the participants, described the training as a good omen.

    “It will enable us to support humanity, with this training, we are equipped to do our little parts to save lives while on duty,” he said.

    NAN reports that the participants were given first aid kits after the training. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    BO/DE/AZU

    ========

    Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Azubuike Okeh

  • Clerics sensitise Kebbi pilgrims on successful Hajj

    Clerics sensitise Kebbi pilgrims on successful Hajj
    Clerics

    By Muhammad Lawal
    Makkah, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Kebbi state pilgrims have been urged to engage in the practices that would enable them enjoy a successful Hajj this year.
    Sheik Kabiru Umar-Wasagu, the Deputy Imam of Central Mosque, Birnin Kebbi, said this in Makkah during a sensitisation programme for the pilgrims on Thursday.
    He said that the state government had arranged for adequate clerics to guide the pilgrims so as to have full rewards from Allah for the exercise.
    ”The state government has emplaced no fewer that 100 clerics to take care of the religious aspects of the rituals of the Hajj. The essence of the Hajj is to be accepted by Allah.
    “We want to ensure that a cleric is attached to every vehicle to always remind the pilgrims of their obligations,” he said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the essence of the enlightenment session is to educate the pilgrims on rituals of the Hajj.
    Umar-Wasagu urged the pilgrims to be orderly and exhibit high sense of decorum while boarding buses to Mina, assuring them that nobody would be left out.
    According to him, at Mina, the state has made provisions for each pilgrim, as they are entitled to a mattress, blanket, hand fan and umbrella.
    The cleric advised the pilgrims to be very vigilant with some criminally-minded people that deceive pilgrims in the name of assisting them to change money.
    “Some will collect your 500 sillars6 basic travelling allowance and replace it with equivalent of 5 dollars. They come purposely to deceive and cheat the pilgrims,” he said.
    Umar-Wasagu noted with satisfaction that all committees established by the state pilgrims board were working to achieve the mandate for which they were established.
    He urged the pilgrims to use the Hajj period to pray for their leaders to succeed, saying that prayers for leaders should form part of their routine.
    “Pray for yourself, your family, your relations, your friends, your town, your state, your country and the entire Muslim Ummah.
    ”Pray for prevailing peace across Nigeria, because peace is the foundation of any meaningful development in a nation,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    KLM/IS
    =======
    Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

  • Man, 21, to spend 2 years in jail for housebreaking, theft

    Man, 21, to spend 2 years in jail for housebreaking, theft

    Sentence

    By Funmilayo Okunade

    Ado-Ekiti, June 13, 2024 (NAN) An Ado-Ekiti Magistrate’s Court, on Thursday, sentenced a 21-year-old man, Saidu Abass, to two years imprisonment for housebreaking and stealing.

    The convict was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, housebreaking, stealing and unlawful escape from custody.

    Delivering judgment, Magistrate Olatomiwa Daramola found the convict guilty following his guilty plea to the four count charge.

     

    Daramola sentenced Abass on count one to three months imprisonment or  N2,000 fine, and on count two, one-year imprisonment or N3,000 fine.

     

    The magistrate pronounced one-year imprisonment for count three or N5,000 fine while for count four, three months imprisonment or N2,000 fine.

    She said that the sentences were to run concurrently.

    Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp Raymond Osas, had told the court that Abass and two others, who are still at large, committed the offences on May 16.

    Osas said that the convict and his accomplices allegedly committed the offences at 5:00 p.m. behind Christ Life Gospel Church, Agric Olope Area in Ado-Ekiti.

    The prosecutor said that the men broke into the dwelling house of one Ademurele Bamidele.

    He added that they stole a 26-inch OX standing fan, fridge engine, MPS player, extension socket and 30 litres of palm oil all valued at N350,000 belonging to the complainant.

    He said that the convict was arrested, but escaped from lawful custody on May 18 at 6:34p.m., at Agric Olope police station in Ado-Ekiti.

    According to him, the offences contravened Sections 421, 328, 302 and 120(b) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FOA/NNO/AOS

    ==============

    Edited by Nick Nicholas/Bayo Sekoni