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  • Army sensitises personnel on drug abuse, PTSD

    Drug

    By Polycarp Auta

    Jos, June 13, 2024(NAN) The Nigerian Army has organised a sensitisation workshop for officers and men of its 3 Division, Rukuba, near Jos, on effect of drug abuse, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) management and Lesson Learned Process.

    Declaring the event open on Thursday in Jos, Lt.-Gen. Toareed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), described the exercise was apt.

    Represented by Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding 3 division, the COAS said that the sensitisation was in line with his command’s philosophy.

    He explained that the exercise,  organised by its Department of Transformation and Innovation, aimed at enhancing performance among personnel.

    ”This sensitisation programme is one of the many measures emplaced to raise the necessary awareness in troops on the myriads of complex security challenges in Nigeria.

    ”The challenges impose enormous responsibility on the Nigerian army as well as the officers and men.

    ”In line with these expectations, the Nigerian army has continued to review its tactics, techniques and procedures in order to come up with both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to defeat these challenges.

    ”This programme is, therefore, premised on the need to improve the capacity of our personnel toward understanding the Nigerian army Lessons Leaned Process,” he said.

    Lagbaja said that exercise also sought to rekindle the critical thinking skill in all commanders through creativity as well as the responsibility of the men, in line with his command philosophy.

    He said it was aimed at transforming the Nigerian army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force toward achieving its constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.

    ”Also, to look at the prevailing incidents of drug and substance abuse, as well as PTSD, among troops deployed in theatres of operation is quite worrisome.

    ‘It will also look at troops’ awareness on the effects and management of drug/ substance abuse and PTSD- all in a bid to enhance combat effectiveness.

    ”Accordingly, commanders at all levels must continue to come up with innovative measures to upscale their approaches toward reducing battle fatigue, improve man-management and battle readiness.

    ”Lessons must continually be identified and included in our day to day planning processes; these lessons can be derived from both mistakes and successes and thus, must be properly analysed and applied in order to reduce operational cost,’’ the COAS said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AZA/CJ/

    =======

    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • Police detains inspector for allegedly killing man in Kebbi 

    Killing
    By Ibrahim Bello
    Birnin Kebbi, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Police in Kebbi Command, has arrested and detained an Inspector, Nura Ahmad, for allegedly killing a 20- year old man along Zamare- Yauri road in Yauri Local Government Area of the state.
    The Spokesperson of the command, SP, Nafi’u Abubakar made this known in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.
    He said on that the inspector attached to Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU), Base 18 Zamfara State, but on stop and search duty along Zamare/Yauri road was arrested after he shot the man.
    “While on duty, he was confronted by one Ahmad Ibrahim ’20’ of Yauri town.
    “As a result, the said Police Inspector shot Ahmad Ibrahim on his chest and he was immediately rushed to General Hospital Yauri, for treatment, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead,” he said.
    In view of the ugly incident, Abubakar said that the Inspector had been arrested and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Birnin Kebbi, for discreet investigation.
    This, he said, with a view to unravel the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the unprofessional conduct of the police inspector.
    “The command is using this medium to condole the immediate family, friends and well wishers of late Ahmad Ibrahim and prayed for his soul to have an eternal rest and give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” Abubakar prayed.
    The PRO assured members of the public that justice would be done in the investigation of the ugly incident adding that its outcome would be made available in due course. (NAN).
    IBI/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Tokyo stocks fall on caution before BOJ meeting outcome

    Tokyo stocks fall on caution before BOJ meeting outcome

    Meeting

    Tokyo, June 13, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) Tokyo stocks closed lower Thursday, as a cautious mood prevailed ahead of the conclusion of the Bank of Japan’s policy meeting the following day.

    Japan’s benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended down 156.24 points, or 0.40 per cent, from Wednesday at 38,720.47.

    The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 24.66 points, or 0.89 per cent, lower at 2,731.78.

    Stocks started the day higher, led by semiconductor and technology stocks that tracked record-high close of the U.S. Nasdaq index overnight.

    But the market soon lost steam as investors refrained from buying ahead of the outcome of the central bank’s two-day monetary policy meeting through Friday, analysts said.

    On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by electric power and gas, insurance, and iron and steel shares. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/AMM
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    Edited by Cecilia Odey and Abiemwense Moru

     

  • NYSC urges outgoing corps members to effectively utilise acquired skills

    NYSC urges outgoing corps members to effectively utilise acquired skills

    2nd Left- Kogi NYSC Coordinator Mr Femi Osungbohun, in a group photograph with 2023 Batch ‘B’ Stream l Corps members who received letter of Commendation for distinguishing themselves in their assignments

    PoP

    By Stephen Adeleye

    Lokoja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Kogi Coordinator of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Femi Osungbohun, has urged outgoing corps members to effectively utilise the acquired skills during their one year mandatory national service.

    Osungbohun gave the advice at the Passing-Out-Parade (POP) ceremony for 2023 Batch ‘B’ Stream l Corps members on Thursday in Lokoja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that POP marks the end of a year-long journey of serving the nation, which is a mandatory requirement for Nigerian graduates.

    A cross section of 2023 Batch ‘B’ Stream l Corps members during their POP On Wednesday in Lokoja

    According to Osungbohun, a total of 825 deserving corps members of 2023 Batch B Stream l, have successfully completed and met the necessary requirements for the one year national service to their fatherland.

    Osungbohun urged the corps members to effectively utilised all the acquired skills under the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Department (SAED), to be self-reliant and employers of labour.

    “I am sure with the kind of positive impacts the NYSC has made on you during your service year, don’t just sit back and expect government to do everything for you.

    “Opportunities abound everywhere with your education and the various skills you have acquired.

    “The hour has come when the advantages of all the NYSC SAED programmes, should live with you, because there is no white collar job anywhere.

    “The skills should be able to empower you to be self employed and be employers of labour,” he said.

    Osungbohun stressed that the NYSC operatives were always very happy that yet again they had been able to tutor and mentored a very critical segment of the society for nation building.

    He added: “The 825 corps members that are leaving service today, we are proud to say that individually and collectively they are going out into the society to make positive impacts”.

    NAN reports that three worthy corps members who distinguished themselves in their various assignments during their service year, received Letters of Commendation from NYSC.

    They were: Serah Ogundeji – Oyo; Dr Adeniyi Ayomide – Ondo; and Hamza Babatunde from Ogun State. They all expressed their gratitude to NYSC for the opportunity to serve the nation in that capacity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    ASA/IAA

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    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

  • Jibrin`s appointment will inject new life into legislative process-Agbese

    Jibrin`s appointment will inject new life into legislative process-Agbese

    Appointment

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Rep. Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, says the appointment  of Rep. Abdulmumin Jibrin as  Chairman, House Committee on Housing and Habitat will  inject new life into the legislative process.

    Agbese, said this while reacting to the minor reshuffling of committees at the House of Representatives during plenary in Abuja.

    He said that the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas had demonstrated his capacity as the leader of the lower chamber for his “strategic” choice of Jibrin.

    Abgese  who  represents Ado/ Okpokwu/ Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, said  the by reshuffling of the committees,  had shown his commitment to optimising the legislative process.

    He said Abbas had also helped in harnessing the skills of members for the benefit of the nation.

    The lawmaker described Jibrin as a square peg in a square hole with an impressive track record and a wealth of experience.

    “I am happy because members were assigned to committees that aligned with their strengths, expertise, and passions, enhancing productivity and effectiveness.

    “This demonstrates commitment to optimising the legislative processes and harnessing the skills of members for the benefit of the nation.

    “As a fourth-term member of the House, Jibrin has previously chaired various committees, including Finance, Appropriation, Transport, and Foreign Affairs.

    He said that his expertise in housing and habitat is further enhanced by his experience as Executive Director of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA)(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ODF/FEO/JPE

    ===========

    Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Joseph Edeh

  • Police nab suspected self-kidnapper, accomplice in Delta

    Arrest
    By Edeki Igafe
    Warri(Delta), June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Delta has apprehended one Nelson Eserada, a 400-level student of the Delta State University, involved in suspected self- kidnapping and his accomplice, Jerry Lawrence in the state.
    Spokesman of the command, SP Bright Edafe told newsmen on Thursday in Warri that the suspects were nabbed on Monday in Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state.
    Edafe said that the duo were arrested following an intelligence-led investigation by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Abraka division, SP Fabian Ayameh.
    He said that the father of the suspected self-kidnapper had lodged a complaint at the Abraka division regarding the kidnap of his son.
    According to him, the complainant also said that the abductors were demanding for a ransom of N50 million in Bitcoin.
    He said that the complainant also sent to the police, a video of his son tied and being tortured.
    “Following complaints received from the father of one Nelson Eserada at Abraka Division, that his son was kidnapped and that the kidnappers were demanding for a ransom of N50 million in Bitcoin, the DPO Ayameh swiftly embarked on a technical intelligence-led investigation.
    “On June 10, 2024, one Jerry Lawrence was arrested in connection with the crime,” he said.
    Edafe said that preliminary investigation revealed that Lawrence allegedly conspired with the suspected self-kidnapper to commit the crime.
    He said that the supposed kidnap victim was a 400 level student of the Delta University (DELSU), Abraka.
    The police spokesman said that the father of the suspected self-kidnapper had already paid a sum of N5.2 million ransom through a Bitcoin account belonging to Lawrence.
    He said that the suspects were in the police custody adding that investigation in the matter was ongoing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    EDI/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Police arraign man, 32, over alleged stealing of phones

    Stealing
    By Funmilayo Okunade
    Ado-Ekiti, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The police on Thursday arraigned a 32-year-old man, Babatunde Olaoluwa, before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing cell phones.
    The defendant, of no fixed address, is facing a four-count charge bordering on stealing.
    The Police Prosecutor, Insp Olasunkanmi Bamikole, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on April 12 at about 10:15 a.m. at C.A.C., Oke-Isegun in Oye-Ekiti.
    Bamikole said that the defendant stole one Tecno Spark 10c phone, valued at N100,000, belonging to one Akinwunmi Joshua.
    He said that on April 7, at about 12 noon at the same church, the defendant also stole one Tecno POP 8, valued at N100,000, belonging to one Ajiboye Eniola.
    The prosecutor further stated that on March 24, at about 11 a.m. at the same church, Olaoluwa equally stole an iPhone 11 phone, valued at N300,000, property of one Adewunmi Emmanuel.
    He also said that on April 7, at about 9 a.m. at the same church, the defendant stole an Infinix Smart 7 phone, valued at 120,000, belonging to one Abegunde Rachael.
    According to him, the offences contravened Section 302(1)(a) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
    Bamikole asked the court for adjournment to enable him to study the case file and present his witnesses.
    The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him.
    Counsel to the defendant, Mr Tunmise Akinwumi, urged the court to grant the defendant bail, with a promise that he would not jump bail.
    The Chief Magistrate, Mr Saka Afunso, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N100,000, with two sureties in like sum.
    Saka said that one of the sureties must be a relation to the defendant.
    He, thereafter, adjourned the case till July 11 for hearing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    FOA/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • 30 killed by ADF rebels in eastern DR Congo

    30 killed by ADF rebels in eastern DR Congo

    Attack

    Kinshasa, June 13, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) No fewer than 30 people were killed late Wednesday in an overnight attack blamed on Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels.

    The deaths occurred due to the recently launched series of deadly incursions into the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a military spokesman confirmed on Thursday.

    ADF rebels launched an attack in the village of Mayikengo, Lubero Territory, North Kivu Province, Mak Hazukay, the DRC military spokesman for Beni Territory, told Xinhua, confirming the ADF’s first presence in Lubero Territory.

    According to local sources, most of the victims, were women and children, were killed by machetes.

    This attack came days after several deadly incursions by ADF rebels into the neighbouring Beni Territory and killed 57 on June 3-8.

    This is according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

    The ADF, an affiliate of the Islamic State in Central Africa, has been notorious for its violent activities in North Kivu and Ituri province.

    The place has been under a state of siege since May 2021, with military and police authorities replacing the civilian administration.

    Hazukay said the resurgence of ADF rebel attacks against civilians was the result of heavy operational pressure exerted jointly by the Congolese and Ugandan militaries. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/EAL
    ======

    Edited b y Cecilia Odey/Ekemini Ladejobi

  • Abiru supports constituents with food packs ahead Sallah

    Abiru supports constituents with food packs ahead Sallah

    Packs

    By Adepote Arowojobe

    Ikorodu (Lagos State), June 13, 2024 (NAN) Sen. Mukhail Abiru (Lagos-East) on Thursday distributed food packs to numerous households in his senatorial district, ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    The News Agency of Nigeria( NAN) reports that beneficiaries were selected online by nomination or directly processed in all the 16  local government and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) that make up the district.

    The packs, containing rice, beans, wheat, macaroni, semovita and garri, were projected to reach some 9000 households in the senatorial district.

    Abiru, Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, said the gesture was aimed at putting smiles on faces in the constituency during the coming celebration.

     

    ” I deem it fit to find a way to cushion impact of the hardship we have in the land, so today, 9000 people are to benefit from the division.

    “Same is going on across the entire district, with no discrimination, irrespective of your affiliation or language.

    “Some people are nominated by other persons, as far as you have a valid identification as resident of Lagos, you will get your pack,” he said.

    Abiru, who was represented by his media aide, Mr Enitan Olukotun, advised residents to support the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.

    The senator, who chairs the Southern Senators’ Forum,  said that the hardship was just for a little time

    He said most of the policies were inevitable tough decisions which, though came with some pain and discomfort, would actually take the country to the promised land.

    Abiru expressed optimism that his food packs programme would further cushion the impact of the hardship on Lagos East residents.

    He said it complements other interventions of the federal  government in ensuring food security, commodity prices stability and various others by Gov, Babajide  Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.

    “If you look at Nigeria, democracy is growing, although we have our challenges, no doubt, we are hopeful that things will get better.

    “I urge everybody to get involved in nation building and perform their civic duties as citizens to support the government.

    “It is very important to have strong leadership to deepen our democratic ethos that will take us to the promised land.

    “We are hopeful that the country will be better under the leadership of President Tinubu,” he said.

    Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to Abiru for his continual support and benevolence during challenging times, promising to support him during election periods.

    Mrs Ayodele Souzan, one of them, appreciated the Senator and urged others to continue to pray for him to have a successful tenure and good health.

    Mr Ayobami Shakiru, another beneficiary, warned members not to resell the items as earmarked on it — Not for sale.

    He urged them to share among those who were not privileged but in need, in celebration of Sallah.

    Abiru had, in June 2023, initiated a quarterly Food Packs Programme, as a direct response to the economic challenges faced by grassroots communities following the removal of the petroleum subsidy.(NAN)www.nannews.ng

    ADEX/SOA
    ==========

    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

     

  • UK-based Nigerians sponsor 125 Imo students for Junior WAEC

    Sponsorship

    By Emmanuel Afonne

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Arondizuogu Patriotic Union, an Imo  State socio-cultural group based in the United Kingdom and the Ireland, has sponsored 125 students for the 2024 Junior West Africa Examination Council (WAEC).

    Mazi Vincent Akamnonu, President of APU, made the disclosure in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.

    The examination is known as a certificate examination written by the third class students of junior secondary schools to usher them into the Senior Secondary School.

    Akamnonu said that the gesture was part of the union’s commitment to alleviate the financial burden of parents of students from the three major schools in Arondizuogu in Imo.

    “By investing in education today, we are building a brighter future for tomorrow.

    “The initiative aims to support underprivileged students and marks a significant milestone in our dedication to fostering education and empowering our community,” he said.

    Akamnonu noted that education being a fundamental right of every child, must be made available, not as a privilege but a right.

    “By removing financial barriers, we are empowering students to excel academically and pursue their dreams.

    “Many talented students face financial barriers that hinder their academic progress.

    “Recognising this challenge, APU UK stepped forward to bridge the gap to ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to pursue their educational aspirations.

    “Through the generous contributions of our members and the dedication of our volunteers, we provided financial assistance to 125 deserving students, enabling them to focus on their studies without the burden of exam fees,” Akamnonu said.

    According to him, the union will host a global conference to educate young people on various training opportunities available in the Information Technology (IT) sector.

    The APU president explained that the training scheduled to hold at the end of June in Imo, would provide many youths with onshore and offshore IT training and employment opportunities.

    “Together, we can create a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

    “APU UK is also expected to join thousands of Igbo communities in celebrating the 10th Igbo Festival of Arts and Culture in London in July 2024.

    “The organisation will be joined by patriotic Arondizuogu women to make this global event a success,” he added.

    Meanwhile, the Imo State government, through its Commissioner for Education, Prof. Johncliff Nwadike, has commended the UK-based group for the gesture.

    In a letter to APU UK, the commissioner, who highlighted the positive impact of the sponsorship on the students’ educational career said that the commitment was commendable.

    “Following your initial offer, you generously pledged to cover the BECE examination fees for all third-year Junior Secondary School students.

    “This kind of action sets an inspiring example, and we are thrilled to have APU UK/Ireland as a partner.

    “Together, we can achieve significant positive outcomes for the Arondizuogu community,” Nwadike said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    EMAF/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
    ====