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  • Man jailed 2 years for possession of illicit drugs

    Jail

    By Patience Yakubu

    Kaduna, June 13, 2024 (NAN) A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna, on Friday sentenced a 27-year old man, Williams David, to two years imprisonment for being in possession of illicit drugs.

    David was arraigned by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over alleged possession of illicit drugs.

    David pleaded guilty to the charge, begged for leniency and pledged to turn a new leaf.

    In his judgment, Justice Hadiza Shagari, sentenced David to a two-year jail term without an option of fine.

    “This is to serve as a deterrent to others, it is done in consideration of your age and indulgence in notorious crimes,” he said.

    Shagari ordered that the illicit drugs tendered as exhibits should be burnt by the NDLEA after 30 days of the judgment.

    Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Mr T. J. Atserhegh, told the court that the convicts was arrested by officials of NDLEA at about 8.00p.m on June 2, at Kinkinau, Kaduna.

    He said that 4kg of marijuana, 49.3g of tramadol and 8g of Exol-5 were found in his possession.

    Atserhegh said that the offence contravened the NDLEA Act, Cap 30, Laws of the Federation, 2004.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    PMY/AZU
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    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • Court adjourns Yahaya Bello’s arraignment until June 27

     

    Court adjourns Yahaya Bello’s arraignment until June 27

    Arraignment

    By Taiye Agbaje

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, adjourned the arraignment of former Kogi Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, until June 27.

    Justice Emeka Nwite, SAN, fixed the date after counsel for the ex-governor, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, informed the court that the EFCC’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinhero, SAN, earlier informed the defence team that today’s proceeding would not be convenient.

    When the matter was called, Adedipe, who was in court for another matter, expressed surprise that Oyedepo was actually in court after an agreement between the two parties that junior lawyers would be sent to pick a new date, at the instance of the EFCC lead counsel, Mr Pinhero.

    He said it seemed there was misalignment between the anti-graft’s lead counsel, Pinhero and Oyedepo.

    He said Pinhero approached the defence lead lawyer, Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, in his office, through a junior lawyer who also appeared in court alongside Oyedepo, that today’s hearing would not be convenient for them to proceed.

    He said: “And as senior counsel, it was best agreed by way of convenient for another date.

    “It was agreed administratively that junior lawyers be sent to court today to formally take a date as agreed by parties for June 27.

    “I personally also approached the registry to confirm this information and it was confirmed to me. That was why I told the court that my appearance today is for another matter.

    “What the prosecution has done this morning is an ambush to bring the defendant once again to the realms of social media.”

    He insisted that it was at Pehinro’s behest that the matter be adjourned until June 27 for arraignment.

    He said but for the decision of the EFCC to seek an adjournment to a future date for his arraignment, the ex-governor was ready to appear in court today.

    “Under 266 of ACJA, there are instances when defendants don’t need to come and this is one of them.

    “We came here to pick a date. Of what use will the defendant coming here be? It is the prosecuting counsel that approached us, we did not approach them. We have nothing to hide,” Adedipe said.

    Responding, Oyedepo disagreed with Adedipe.

    He said he was not aware of any meeting that happened between their lead counsel and the defence.

    However, a senior lawyer, Simon Lough, who came for another matter, stood up to intervene.

    He said it was unnecessary for senior counsel.to be attacking each other in court on a simple matter.

    He said since Adedipe had explained why the defendant was not in court, a new date should be agreed on.

    Lough said at the new date, the court could inquire from the prosecution lead counsel on what transpired.

    He advised the lawyers to stop the argument in order not to waste the time of the court on other matters.

    Justice Nwite thereafter adjourned the case to June 27 on agreement of counsel after an undertaking that the defendant would appear on the next adjourned day.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TOA/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Nigeria cycling team finishes third at Tour International du Togo

    Cycling

    By Aderonke Ojo

    Abuja , June 13, 2024 (NAN) Bashiru Mohammed, the Technical Director of Nigeria Cycling Federation (CFN), says the Nigeria cycling team finished third at the just concluded tour International du Togo.

    Mohammed told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja that the Team came back with three trophies.

    “Nigeria team took first position in  individual by points for Under 23 Elite and Individual by points for Under 23 and third in team classification points.

    “In the general team final classification, we came third. I appreciate the effort of the Team performance and the Federation will continue to support them.

    “I was optimistic that Nigeria will put up an excellent performance at the competition  and which we did,” he said.

    He said that, Abdulmalik Yusuf wore the yellow jersey on the fourth stage in line with this new edition of the Tour international du Togo.

    “Other honorary jerseys were also distributed throughout the competition, including the jersey of the longest competitive breakaway and the Ducreux jersey.

    “This  aims to pay tribute to the late Francis Ducreux, one of the promoters of the Tour International du Togo,” he said.

    Mohammed said that the just concluded 29th edition of the Tour Cycliste of Togo in Lomé, for a week of racing tour covered a distance of more than 700 kilometers in the heats.

    “The Cyclists went through some principal towns and cities including the route of peloton to Kpalimé, Mango, Kara, Pagouda, Sokodé, Sotouboua, Atakpamé with a closed circuit Vogan-Aného-Lomé.

    “Nigeria was represented by a nine-man contingent made up of six cyclists and three officials.

    “The six cyclists are; John Odumu, Abdulmalik Yusuf, Isah Momoh, Mansud Garuba, Precious Etim and Emmanuel Udohudoh.

    “The officials were; Moses Omozusi and Kamole Amoo for coaches and the Mechanic,Timothy Anagolu. The Team has since returned home on Tuesday,” he said.

    The Mali squad finished in second place, behind the Burkina Faso team. The Nigerian squad, however, finished third.

    The following teams placed fourth through ninth, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo team A, France, Ghana, Benin, and Cedeao.

    NAN reports that for the first time, the Togo Cycling Tour is being organised by a local partner, including “UK and PARTNERS”, a communications and marketing consultancy, in collaboration with the Togolese Cycling Federation (FTC).

    The 2024 International Cycling Tour of Togo took place in six stages with teams from nine countries: Benin, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, France, Togo A,Cedeao  and Mali. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    STJ/OIF/JPE

    ==========

    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Joseph Edeh

     

     

  • Hardship: Fashola urges Lagos Assembly to review tenancy law

    Hardship: Fashola urges Lagos Assembly to review tenancy law

     

    Review

    By Adekunle Williams

    Lagos, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The former governor of Lagos State has urged the state House of Assembly to review the state’s tenancy law to compel landlords in the state to collect six months rents.

    Mr Babatunde Fashola made this known to newsmen at a Gala Night in commemoration of 25 years of unbroken democratic governance in Nigeria organised by the Lagos State House of Assembly in Lagos Wednesday night.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Tenancy Law was signed by Fashola in August 2011 to enable landlords in the state to collect one year rent from new tenants.

     

    Fashola, however, said that due to the present economic challenges, the assembly should review the tenancy law to protect tenants from shylock landlords.

     

    “We are using this law to protect landlords and citizens from shylock landlords.

     

    “I remembered that this House once started by reducing the tenancy agreement from three years to one year which had its impact.

     

    “At this time of economic challenges and cost of living issue, I think we can go back to the tenancy agreement where landlords should be compelled to collect three months to six months’ rent. This will help in no small way,” he said.

     

    Fashion noted that skits and videos abound where landlords knock at people’s doors and parents would hide and tell their children to tell the landlord that they are not at home.

     

    He urged the legislators to look into the tenancy rate issue.

     

    On the issue of Federation, Fashola, the former minister of works, said Nigeria has levels of government exercising different forms of responsibilities.

     

    “The National Assembly cannot make laws for landlords and tenants and on rent control because it is the jurisdiction of each state,” he said.(NAN)

    WAC/CEO/EAL

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    Edited by Chidi Opara/Ekemini Ladejobi

  • UNICEF urges Taliban to allow girls return to school

    UNICEF urges Taliban to allow girls return to school

    Girls

    Islamabad, June 13, 2024 (dpa/NAN) Marking 1,000 days since girls in Afghanistan were banned from secondary school, the United Nations children’s agency UNICEF has urged the Taliban to allow girls to go back to school.

    “For 1.5 million girls, this systematic exclusion is not only a blatant violation of their right to education, but also results in dwindling opportunities and deteriorating mental health,” UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a statement on Thursday.

    The statement emphasised the far-reaching consequences of the ban, extending beyond the immediate loss of education.

    “It exacerbates the ongoing humanitarian crisis and has serious ramifications for Afghanistan’s economy and development trajectory,” the statement added.

    Russell appealed for the return of girls to schools, pointing to the fact that no country could move forward when half its population was left behind.

    “I urge the de facto authorities to allow all children to resume learning immediately. And I urge the international community to remain engaged and support these girls, who need us more than ever.”

    Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban has banned girls and women from studying beyond primary school.

    However, in some parts of the country, women and girls still attend religious schools, as well as midwifery and nursing schools.

    The Taliban government is not recognised internationally.  (dpa/NAN)(www.nannes.ng)

    UMD/AMM

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    Edited by Ummul Idris and Abiemwense Moru

     

     

  • Heads of State, Ministers discuss economic prosperity

     

    Meetings
    By Okeoghene Akubike

    Abuja, June 13, 2024(NAN) Heads of State, Ministers, government officials, and renowned captains of industry have gathered at the 31st African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) Annual Meetings (AAM) in Nassau, The Bahamas.

    The meetings, holding simultaneously from June 12 to June 15, would be hosting no fewer than 2,000 delegates, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    The theme of the Annual Meetings is “Owning our Destiny: Economic Prosperity on the Platform of Global Africa.”

    The three-day event is taking place jointly with the 3rd AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF).

    “This is in recognition of the increasingly closer linkages between Africa and the Caribbean and the movement towards a Global Africa uniting Africans, their diaspora, and descendants worldwide.

    “The first day of the Meetings called to strengthen the linkages between Africa and the Caribbean, the sixth region of the African Union.

    “These meetings are considered crucial for economic decision-makers in Africa and the Caribbean and are covered by the African, Caribbean, and international media,”  Vincent Musumba, Afreximbank’s Manager, Communications and Events (Media Relations), said in a statement.

    Mr John Rolle, Governor, Central Bank of The Bahamas, in his welcome remarks, encouraged the attendees to capitalise on the opportunities to learn, share, and network.

    Rolle mentioned that the Caribbean could benefit from learning more about the Pan African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) from Africa.

    He said that with support from Afreximbank, the Central Banks across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) could work towards replicating that system.

    “A successful project in the Caribbean could keep us on pace to deliver on targets that are already being set for an international payment system.

    “A system that even at the retail level, is more integrated, faster, and significantly cheaper for the average consumer.

    “If we perfect the multilateral cross-border payments and settlements arrangement, it could also help us to conserve the use of precious international reserves, especially if we expand intra-regional trade.”

    Also, Mr Denys Denya, Senior Executive Vice-President, Afreximbank, said the AAM and ACTIF2024 were a reunion of all Africans in the context of Global Africa.

    Denyal said the meetings would also help shape the shared vision and aspirations of the Caribbean region and Africa.

    “For a continent that is endowed with such an abundance of natural resources, the quest for sustainable development has been a perennial struggle.

    “It is in this context of sustained deprivation and marginalisation, that we seek to unify our forces in the context of Global Africa for a better future.

    “ In our unity, we have the numbers, we have the voice to sit at the table when decisions are made. We are a viable force to influence global decisions.”

    Similarly, Asa Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director, International Trade Centre, emphasised the significant trade potential between Africa and the Caribbean, projecting trade to reach 1.8 million dollars annually by 2028.

    Coke-Hamilton suggested it was time to explore establishing a free trade area between Africa and the Caribbean.

    “Trade agreements are one way to help bring down barriers and open new opportunities.”

    During a session on “Building Resilience in an Era of Globalisation,” Dr Roger Ferguson, Former Vice Chair, Federal Reserve, emphasised the importance of developing diverse and flexible systems to respond to challenges.

    Dr Donald Kaberuka Chairman/ Managing Partner of SouthBridge Group emphasised the importance of countries learning to manage crises rather than treating them as unique situations.

    Kaberuka, Former President, African Development Bank Group said this during the first plenary session, on “Navigating Economic Transformation in a Poly-Crisis World.”

    Also, Prof. Jeffery Sachs, Senior Lecturer in Economics, International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), Erasmus University of Rotterdam, said that in the face of stiff competition internationally, Africa must unite.

    “You cannot operate in this world as a small country. Even the small countries that are successful are part of somebody’s world.

    “ Africa is too big to be part of somebody’s world. It’s got to be Africa as a fundamental pillar of the world scene.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OKE/VIV

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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • EU court orders Hungary to pay €200M fine over asylum policies

    EU court orders Hungary to pay €200M fine over asylum policies

    Order
    Luxembourg, June 13, 2024 (dpa/NAN) Hungary has been ordered by the European Court of Justice to pay a fine of 200 million euros (216 million dollars) and a further one million euros per day for failing to comply with the bloc’s asylum rules.

    The ruling followed a previous court judgement in December 2020 concerning procedures for granting international protection and returning third-country nationals.

    According to a court statement released on Thursday, the failure to implement that judgement “constitutes an unprecedented and extremely serious infringement of EU law’’.

    The judges ruled that Hungary has not taken the measures necessary to comply with the 2020 judgment as regards access to the international protection procedure.

    “The right of applicants for international protection to remain in Hungary pending a final decision on their appeal against the rejection of their application and the removal of illegally staying third-country nationals.’’ (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    COO/IKU
    ======
    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Tayo Ikujuni

  • Nigeria on path to greatness- APC Chieftain

    Nigeria on path to greatness- APC Chieftain

    Greatness

    By Emmanuel Oloniruha

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Uche Nwosu, says Nigeria is on the path to manifest her greatness in all spheres of development.

    Nwosu, Chief of Staff to former Imo Governor, Sen. Rochas Okorocha, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja said Nigeria’s journey to greatness was demonstrated in the 25 years of sustained democratic rule.

    He said this had ultimately returned political power to the people, redefined leadership, restored hope and set the country on the path of rapid growth and development.

    Nwosu, while acknowledging some challenges facing the country, called for a united action by stakeholders in the Nigerian project, to realise the dreams of the founding fathers.

    He congratulated President Bola Tinubu and the entire nation on the 25 years of unbroken democratic rule, expressing optimism of a brighter future for all and sundry.

    He urged Nigerians to have confidence in the present administration to deliver the expected dividends of democracy.

    Nwosu said that Nigeria’s 25 years of unbroken democratic rule was a testament to the resilience, dedication and unwavering commitment of the Nigerian people to the principles of democracy and freedom.

    “I call on Nigerians to embrace unity, love and respect for one another and to deepen their engagement in participatory democracy.

    “We should guard against antidemocratic tendencies and ensure that our democratic values and culture are firmly entrenched at all levels of society.

    “As we celebrate this historic day, let us remember the sacrifices of those who fought valiantly for the democracy we are enjoying,” Nwosu said.

    Nwosu, also the President Ugwumba Leadership Centre for Africa, said June 12 was not just a date but symbolised Nigerians’ collective struggle for justice, equity and the rule of law.

    “It is also a symbol of Nigerians’ aspirations for unity, hope, better standard of living, and true democratic practices, which the country is working toward.

    “It is a reminder of the power of the people’s voice and the strength of our democratic institutions,” he said.

    He urged Nigerians to renew their commitment to building a Nigeria where democracy thrived, where the citizens enjoyed their fundamental rights and the future brighter for generations to come.

    “All hands must be on deck in sustaining democracy to ensure the struggle of our founding fathers and heroes’ of democracy, including late Chief MKO Abiola, was not in vain,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OBE/CEO/AMM

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

    Edited by Chidi Opara and Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC Ogun begins special patrol June 14

    Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC Ogun begins special patrol June 14

    Patrol

    By Ige Adekunle

    Sango-Ota (Ogun), June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun Command, will commence a special patrol between June 14 and 21 to ensure accident free celebration during the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir festival.

    Mr Anthony Uga, the Sector Commander of FRSC in Ogun, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Ota, Ogun.

    Uga said the Corps would deploy over 900 personnel for the exercise to ensure sanity on the highway during the festive period.

    The sector commander said both the Regular and Special Marshals had been mobilised to make the exercise a successful one and ensure safety of lives and property during the period.

    He added that logistics like patrol vehicles, ambulances and towing vehicles, among others, had been deployed to respond to emergency cases in the state.

    “We are appealing to motorists to cooperate with FRSC personnel and other sister agencies to control traffic gridlocks so that they can get to their various destinations safely.

    “In addition, they should obey extant traffic rules and regulations to prevent avoidable crashes during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration,” he said.

    Uga said the presence of the personnel would be felt on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Benin-Ore Expressway, Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode Road, Abeokuta-Ibadan Expressway, Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway and Ota-Idiroko road, among others.

    He reiterated the commitment of the FRSC to collaborate with other sister agencies to make all the majors roads safer during, before and after the Eid-el-Kabir celebration. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    IGE/MZM/

    Edited by Okon Okon/Salif Atojoko

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

  • ECA strengthening financial systems for devt in Africa, says officia;

    ECA strengthening financial systems for devt in Africa, says official

    Development

    By Lucy Ogalue

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN): The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is taking significant steps to strengthen public finance systems in Africa to ensure sustainable development.

    The ECA said in a statement that it organised a workshop on Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs) for experts and stakeholders from across Africa in Addis Ababa to ensure this.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day workshop aims to strategise on mobilising and utilising financial resources to achieve Africa’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    The INFFs are designed to strengthen public and private financing for sustainable development.

    They align financing policies with national development plans, fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors. Africa is at the forefront of this initiative, with over 40 governments embracing the approach.

    The Director of Macroeconomics and Governance Division at the ECA, Zuzana Schwidsowski, called for immediate action on the initiative.

    “We are entering an era of poly-crises, characterised by multiple shocks, including pandemics, climate change, and economic and financial stresses.

    “These challenges jeopardise our progress in sustainable development.

    The need to raise financial resources to accelerate SDG implementation is more urgent now, given that we are less than seven years from attaining Agenda 2030,” she said.

    Schwidsowski said the severe financing gap is estimated to range from 200 billion dollars to 1.3 trillion dollars annually, as detailed in the ECA’s Economic Report on Africa 2020.

    She said the importance of domestic resource mobilisation and the role of INFFs in integrating national plans with available resources could not be overemphasised.

    “The workshop aims to strengthen the capacities of officials and stakeholders to develop effective financing strategies, promote knowledge-sharing, and generate regional dialogue on public finance trends and issues affecting INFF implementation.

    “Serving as a crucial platform for sharing experiences and planning future actions, the insights gained will be essential for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Spain in 2025.

    “This workshop will be a rewarding experience for each participant, creating a space for knowledge sharing and learning.

    “We are keen to deepen our partnerships to tap into the full potential of domestic resource mobilisation to achieve Agenda 2030 and the AU’s Agenda 2063,” Schwidsowski said.

    In a video message, Shari Spiegel, the Director of Financing for Sustainable Development Office at United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) underscored the critical role of domestic public finance.

    Spiegel said: “Robust and resilient fiscal systems can contribute to alleviating poverty, reducing inequalities, and supporting economic growth.

    “However, significant challenges remain, including unmet tax potential and the impacts of globalisation and digitalisation.

    “The recent establishment of a UN Ad Hoc Committee to develop a draft framework for international tax cooperation is a historic step towards a fair and effective international tax system,’’ she said.

    Also speaking, Maxwell Gomera, the Director of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Africa Sustainable Finance Hub provided a compelling perspective on the role of INFFs in transforming African economies.

    Gomera said: “with limited resources for necessary growth in many African countries, INFFs ensure that all available resources are effectively mobilised, allocated, and used where they are most needed.

    “INFFs help align public finance with national development priorities, enhance revenue collection, and improve spending efficiency.”

    Meanwhile, Rumbidzai Manhando, Programme Coordinator for the African Union Financial Institutions, restated the AUC’s dedication to strengthening public and private financing for sustainable development.

    She said: “INFFs offer a comprehensive approach to mobilising and utilising financial resources. By integrating public and private financing, we can develop cohesive strategies that align with our development goals.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    LCN/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza