WordPress

Blog

  • Ododo: Nigerians must remain steadfast, committed to democratic ideals

    [contact-form][contact-field label=”Name” type=”name” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Email” type=”email” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Website” type=”url” /][contact-field label=”Message” type=”textarea” /][/contact-form]

     

    Democracy

    By Thompson Yamput

    Lokoja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi has urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their commitment to the democratic ideals of unity, peace and development.

    The governor made the call in his democracy day message to the people of Kogi on Wednesday in Lokoja.

    Ododo said that there was need for resilience in Nigeria’s journey to ensure justice for all her citizens as the country marks 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.

    He stressed the importance of dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect among the people.

    “This is why my administration is committed to building a state where every voice is heard, every person is valued, and every community thrives as beneficiaries of the dividends of democracy.

    “Luckily, we have made significant strides in strengthening democratic institutions, promoting good governance and ensuring active participation of all in the democratic process.

    “Our administration remains committed to transparency, accountability and the continuous improvement of the welfare of our people,” he said.

    He said that the Democracy Day was an auspicious opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on the resilience, strength and unwavering spirit of heroes who made sacrifices to install and sustain democracy in the country.

    “As we celebrate Democracy Day and 25 years of uninterrupted civil rule in Nigeria, we salute the courage and determination of those who paved the way for the democratic governance we enjoy today.

    “We must continue to honour their memory and uphold the principles for which they stood by ensuring that citizens continue to enjoy the freedom of choices and access to justice and rule of law as enshrined in democratic principles.

    “Our people must be empowered to have decent lives by making our resources work in their interest and giving them opportunities to participate in economic activities at all levels,” Ododo said.

    According to him, democracy is a continuous journey that requires the participation, vigilance and dedication of every citizen.

    Ododo promised to continue to sustain his consultation with all stakeholders to ensure an all- inclusive governance in Kogi. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TYC/ETS

    =======

  • Niger Govt. inaugurates c’ttee to investigate communal crisis

  • NSCDC’s Defenders win maiden CDS basketball championship

    NSCDC’s Defenders win maiden CDS basketball championship

    Championship

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) men’s Basketball Club, the Defenders, on Wednesday, emerged winners of the maiden edition of the Chief of Defence Staff Democracy Day Basketball Championship in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that NSCDC team defeated  Hotcoal Basketball  Club 66-47 in the final game  at the  Old parade ground court.

    The championship, which started on Sunday, had a total of 14 teams comprising 10 male and four female teams.

    While the Hotcoal team won silver medal, Maktown Flyers won bronze medal in the third place for male category.

    In the female category, Kada Angels Basketball Team of Kaduna won the gold medal by beating Gilali Team, while the Nasarawa State University female team won bronze.

    NAN recalls that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, during the opening ceremony on Sunday, said the event marked an important milestone in celebrating the spirit of athleticism and camaraderie within the armed forces, security services and civil organisations.

    Musa said that the championship would also showcase vibrant youth from 10 male and four female teams while featuring 40 veteran basketballers from across the country.

    He said the objective was to promote Civil-Military cooperation and Inter Agency collaboration, and also aimed at engaging the Nigerian Youth positively in furtherance to military’s non-kinetic approach to improving security throughout the country.

    “By organising the competition, it is my hope that Basketballers from the military, paramilitary and the civil society, including our veterans, will continue to maintain a high level of mental alertness and physical fitness,” he had stated.

    Speaking on the performance of the NSCDC Team on Wednesday, the Commandant-General, Dr Ahmed Audi, expressed delight that the service emerged victorious.

    Audi said the victory of the team was a product of investment that the corps had made in sports, adding that the outstanding performance of his team was the dividend of such investment.

    He congratulated the members of the team and commended the defence chief for Organising the tournament.

    “So, congratulations to members of the team and to the corps.

    “It is a day of joy for us,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/ETS

    ========

  • June12: Democracy standing strong amidst fires of adversity – CAN

    CAN

    By Philomina Attah
    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), says the country’s democracy has been tested by the fires of adversity but had remained steadfast because it is the best form of governance.

    Its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a message to mark this year’s democracy day, emphasised the need for government to lead the country with integrity and put its citizens first.

    “As we celebrate 25 years of uninterrupted democracy and the 31st anniversary of the widely acclaimed ‘freest and fairest’ presidential election of June 12, 1993, CAN congratulates the government and people of Nigeria.

    “Our democracy has been tested by the fires of adversity, from the struggles of its early years to the present-day trials of insecurity, economic hardship and social injustice.

    “Nevertheless, we remain steadfast in our belief that democracy is the best form of government for our nation.

    “We urge the government to prioritise the common good, address pressing issues and ensure that our democracy serves the people, not just the interests of a few,” he said.

    Okoh emphasised the importance of integrity, transparency and accountability in governance, saying that leaders must recognise that power is a sacred trust and that they would be held accountable for their actions.

    He also stressed the need for unity and inclusivity, recognising the value of Nigeria’s ethnic, religious and cultural differences.

    “Let us work together to build a stronger, more just Nigeria, where everyone has a voice and equal opportunity.

    “As people of faith, we believe that democracy is a gift from God, and we must steward it wisely.

    “We pray for divine guidance and wisdom for our leaders, and we urge all Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process.

    “Let us work together to build a brighter future for ourselves, our children and generations yet unborn,” Okoh stated. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    APA/OIF/ETS

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

     

     

     

  • NCPC boss salutes Tinubu on Democracy Day

    Democracy
    By Philomina Attah
    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN)As Nigerians mark 25 years of unbroken democracy, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), has congratulated President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians on the feat.
    Mr Celestine Toruka, a Deputy Director and Head Media, NCPC, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, quoted Adegbite as declaring that Nigerians had reasons to celebrate the country’s 25 years of unfettered democracy
    Adegbite was further quoted as expressing optimism that there was hope for a better Nigera, “in spite of current economic challenges”.
    Toruka stated further: “The NCPC boss praised democracy as the best form of government that guarantees citizens’ fundamental human rights.
    “He also urged President Tinubu to continue working toward transforming Nigeria and commended his administration’s initiatives in the effort to address economic challenges.
    “Adegbite also described President Tinubu as a true democrat who has fought for democracy throughout his life.
    “He encouraged Nigerians to have faith in their leaders and uphold them in prayer, urging the Church to continue praying for the President’s success and good health.
    “The NCPC boss thanked Nigerians for being part of history as the nation is basking in Renewed Hope and Satisfaction.” (NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)
    APA/CHOM/ETS
    ==============

  • Slow growth rate of Nigeria’s democracy, worrisome- Yerima

    Leaders of The Patriots at late MKO Abiola ‘s tomb at his residence in Ikeja, Lagos on Wednesday

     

    Slow growth rate of Nigeria’s democracy, worrisome- Yerima

    Democracy

    By Adeyemi Adeleye
    Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Alhaji Shettima Yerima, National President, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, says the snail speed at which Nigeria’s democracy is growing is “worrisome”.

    Yerima, a Human Rights Activist, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

    The youth leader and member of The Patriots, an eminent group of leaders of thought, spoke when the group visited the residence of late Chief MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 Presidential Election.

    The group, led by the former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, went to Abiola’s tomb to pray and to lay wreaths on the occasion of the 2024 anniversary of June 12.

    Speaking on 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria, Yerima said: “We are still far away from the dreams of our founding fathers.

    “We still have a long way to go. That is my worry now,” he said.

    Yerima said that Nigeria, at almost 64 years after independence, still needed more work before it could be said to be a country everyone would be proud of. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AYO/COF

    ==========

    Edited by Christiana Fadare

     

     

     

  • Lamuwa, foreign affairs ministry’s perm-sec, queried over alleged sexual harassment

    Lamuwa, foreign affairs ministry’s perm-sec, queried over alleged sexual harassment

    Query

    By Fortune Abang

    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), has queried Mr Ibrahim Lamuwa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, over alleged sexual harassment.

    Lamuwa, who served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Senegal with concurrent accreditation to Mauritania before his appointment as Permanent Secretary, is accused of sexually harassing Mrs Simisola Ajayi, who works in the ministry.

    Mr Muhammed Ahmed, Deputy-Director of Communication in the OHCSF, confirmed Lamuwa’s query on Wednesday in Abuja.

    “Lamuwa was queried in accordance with the Civil Service rules and regulations,” he told the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN).

    According to him, the query is to give the accused a fair hearing.

    “His response will set the path for further necessary action.”

    He also hinted that there would be “unhindered investigation into the alleged case of sexual harassment”.

    “We are following the procedure in the Civil Service. The case shall be fully investigated,” he said.

    NAN reports that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Yusuf Tuggar had, based on a petition by Ajayi, through her Legal Counsel, Femi Falana, officially asked Mrs Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, to wade-in on the matter.

    His letter asking her to step in on the matter went viral on Tuesday.

    Tuggar stated in the letter: “Bearing in mind the gravity of the matter, it has become necessary to draw your attention to it, while requesting the OHCSF to handle the matter”.

    The deadline for Lamuwa’s response could not be confirmed, but an unconfirmed source said that he had been asked to step aside to avoid interference that could taint investigation into the matter. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FEA/ETS

    =======

  • NSCDC arrests 2 suspected streetlight cable vandals in Kano

    NSCDC arrests 2 suspected streetlight cable vandals in Kano
    Arrest
    By Ramatu Garba
    Kano, June 12, 2024(NAN) The Kano State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC), has arrested two persons suspected to be streetlight cable vandals.
    Its spokesman, Ibrahim Idris-Abdullahi, in a statement on Wednesday in Kano, said the suspects were arrested by operatives on a surveillance of critical infrastructure and assets.
    “Operatives of the Fagge Divisional Office, while on a night patrol in Fagge- Layin-Kampala on Tuesday night at about 2:00 a.m., apprehended the two suspects, Mansur Haruna, 29, and Kabiru Abdullahi, 27, all of Fagge Quarters, Kano.
    “The suspects were found in possession of streetlight cables valued at hundreds of thousand of naira.
    “They will be charged to court for suspected conspiracy and possession of stolen property, after completion of investigation,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RG/EBI/ETS
    ===========
    Edited by Benson Iziama and Ephraims Sheyin

  • Democracy: Group wants Tinubu give succour to workers

    Workers
    By Raji Rasak
    Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) A group known as The Collective, has congratulated Nigerians on Democracy Day, urging  President Bola Tinubu to ensure a living wage for the country’s workforce to improve their welfare.
    In a statement on Wednesday to mark Nigeria’s 25 years of unbroken democracy, the group said that Nigerian workers were suffering at present due to inflation.
    The statement was issued by the group’s Director of Media, Mr Ndubuisi Nwachukwu, in Lagos.
    The Collective said that a living wage would prevent labour unions from going on strike.
    The group added that a living  wage would prevent brain drain.
    It  urged the Federal Government to use the democracy day celebration to reflect on many issues affecting the nation,  especially high cost of foodstuffs and insecurity.
    According to the group, rising cost of food items and transport have made  life difficult for many Nigerians.
    ” With the Renewed Hope Agenda  of President Bola Tinubu’s administratoon, Nigerians expect their lives to be better,” it said.
    The group said that  the citizens  expected much from the government as Nigeria marked  25 years of democracy.
    It listed the expections to include  economic stability and growth with attendant job creation, poverty reduction  and infrastructure development.
    It also said that Nigerians  desired  an end  to terrorism, banditry and other forms of violence.
    “Nigerians look forward to more transparency, accountability and effective fight against corruption in government.
    “They also expect improved  healthcare services and education standards,” it said.
    The group added that Nigerians desired electoral reforms and strengthening of democratic institutions that would promote a more prosperous and peaceful nation. (NAN)
    ROR/CHOM/IGO
    ==============
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ijeoma Popoola

  • Gov Bago salutes Abdulsalam at 82

    Felicitation

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    Niger, June 12, 2024, (NAN) Gov. Umar Bago of Niger has congratulated Nigeria’s former Head of State, and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar on his 82nd birthday.

    This is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim and made available to newsmen in Minna on Wednesday.

    The governor joined family members, friends, and associates of the retired Gen. Abubakar in celebrating the milestone.

    He described the former Head of State as an epitome of unity, and a patriotic elder statesman, who has made significant contributions to the growth and stability of the nation and the West African sub-region at large .

    Bago noted with delight that the celebrant has exuded great patriotism and historic roles by ensuring smooth transition from Military to Civilian rule in 1999, thereby laying the solid foundation of democracy in Nigeria.

    He commended Abubakar for being consistent in placing national interest far above his personal ambition for the greater good of the nation.

    He said that the reputation the celebrant had earned as a peacemaker and nation builder would remain invaluable in the democratic history of not only Nigeria but Africa as a continent.

    The governor noted that the leadership and statesmanship of the retired Nigerian Army General had left an indelible mark on Nigeria, and commended him for his service to the country and commitment to peace and unity, which he said, has been an inspiration to many .

    Bago then prayed to God to grant the celebrant robust health, increase his wisdom and strength to continue to serve humanity.(NAN)(www.nannewsngr.com)

    BAB/IU

    ========

    Edited  by Isaac Ukpoju