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  • Work will resume on Kano-Abuja road- Umahi

    Work will resume on Kano-Abuja road- Umahi
    By Angela Atabo
    Abuja, June 12, 2024(NAN) The Federal Government says work on the Abuja-Kano Road project will resume this week.

    The Minister of Works, David Umahi, made this known on Tuesday at a meeting with contractors in Abuja.

    He said that the work was paused due to disagreements over price variations, delays and funding challenges.

    He, however, said that the ministry has resolved the outstanding challenges with the contractors handling the project.

    On the Lagos-Calabar highway project, Umahi said that six lanes have been put down, especially from sections two, three and four.
    “Right now, over four kilometer of the concrete road has been completed on six lanes, so work is ongoing.
    “We paid a total compensation of close to N10 billion.We are not owing.
    “The project’s contractor is very reasonable; even when we changed alignments he did not ask us to increase cost.’’
    Umahi said that so far sections three and four of the project were being finalised.
    He said that the Federal Government was committed to delivering road projects across Nigeria, adding that President Bola Tinubu has given a matching order to begin the design of the Sokoto–Badagary road.
    He said the road would also  be a six-lane project and its economic values touches various facets.
    He said it includes irrigation opportunities, to agricultural, water for power, and also a corridor for trans-African trade.(NAN) (nannews.ng)
    ATAB/IS/
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    Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

  • Democracy Day: Radda seeks unity, tolerance, support for nation’s progress

    Democracy Day: Radda seeks unity, tolerance, support for nation’s progress
    Call
    By Zubairu Idris
    Katsina, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Gov Dikko Radda of Katsina State has urged Nigerians to intensify efforts in ensuring unity, tolerance, and unwavering support for the nation’s progress as it confronts some formidable challenges.
    Radda made the call in his message for the 2024 Democracy Day, issued by his Chief Press Secretary Mr Ibrahim Kaula, on Wednesday in Katsina.
    “Nigerians should join hands and transcend the boundaries of ethnicity, religion and political divide to build a Nigeria that embodies the true spirit of democracy.
    “A nation where justice, equality and opportunity are the cornerstones of our collective greatness, with reverence for the sacrifices of past heroes and heroines who paved the way for Nigeria’s democratic governance.
    “Their legacy inspires us to forge ahead with determination, purpose and unity in our quest for a better tomorrow,” he said.
    Radda further stressed that the period was a moment of reflection and commemoration, adding, ”we stand in solidarity with every Nigerian facing adversity.
    “We recognize the challenges that have brought our country to its knees, and we share in the aspirations for a brighter future.”
    The Governor further urged Nigerians to fervently pray for the country to enable it overcome the myriad of challenges confronting it.
    “As we confront the obstacles before us, let us cultivate a spirit of tolerance, prayer and support for effective governance.
    “Together, with resilience and determination, we will surmount the challenges that hinder our progress and forge a path towards a prosperous future,” he said.
    Radda reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of all the residents and vowed to overcome the prevailing challenges facing the state.
    On the national anthem, the governor said that he has directed the Ministry of Information to spearhead a comprehensive awareness campaign to educate the populace on it.
    “Familiarity with the national anthem is not only a sign of respect for the country, but also a symbol of unity that transcends ethnic, religious and regional divides.
    “I call upon all the people of Katsina State to participate actively in the initiative and encourage communities, schools and religious institutions to incorporate the learning of the national anthem into their activities,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    ZI/BRM
    ============
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Group seeks police support to combat GBV in Kaduna 

    Group seeks police support to combat GBV in Kaduna

    By Moses Kolo

    GBV

    Kaduna, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Gender-Based Violence (GBV) team of the Diocese of Kaduna Nazarene Rural Health Ministry of the Anglican Diocese has sought the partnership with the Kaduna State Police Command to tackle the menace.

    The faith-based group is seeking synergy on massive sensitisation against GBV offences to effectively curtail the ugly trend.

    Rev. Victor Eboh, Desk Officer of the group, led the team alongside members of the Anglican Compassion and Development initiative (ACADI) on a visit to the command.

    The advocacy visit specifically the Officer in Charge of Gender and Family Support Unit (O-C Gender), SP David Dominic

    Eboh said the visit was to seek collaborative support and networking of the police with the Church of Nigeria project.

    He said: “The Church of Nigeria Transformational response to gender-based violence seeks to address GBV using biblical teaching, sensitisation, community engagement, dialogue, focus group discussions among others.

    “We have had quite a number of consultative and advocacy visits to communities including traditional rulers on the same course.

    “Our aim is to ensure a heightened awareness of what GBV entails and create confidence amongst vulnerable members within our communities to voice out when the need arises.

    “It is our hope that the Gender and Family Support Unit of the NPF in Kaduna would give us the necessary backing to actualise this laudable initiative”..

    Responding, Dominic commended the team, describing the initiative as a bold step in the right direction.

    Dominic pledged the command’s support and commitment to the project upon the approval of the Commissioner of Police. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MGK/BRM

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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • House of Reps. appoints new committee chairs

    Committee
    By Femi Ogunshola
    Abuja, June 12, 2024(NAN) The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has made minor changes to the leadership of some standing committees of the house, to strengthen oversight and ensure efficiency.
    Abbas made the new leaserships known during plenary in Abuja on Tuesday.
    He said that Rep. Abdulmumin Jibrin (NNPP- Kano) is the new Chairman, House Committee on Housing and Habitat.
    Other new leaders are Rep. Oluwole Oke (PDP-Osun); chair Foreign Affairs, Rep. Aminu Balele (APC- Katsina); Army, and Rep Mamudu Abdullahi (APC- Niger); Judiciary.
    Jibrin, a fourth-term member of the House, had previously served as Chairman of the Committees on Finance, Appropriation, Transport and Foreign Affairs.
    NAN reports that, in the Executive Arm, Jibrin had also served as Executive Director of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
    The speaker said that the oversight and jurisdiction of the House Committee on Housing and Habitat covers the Federal Ministry of Housing and its departments and agencies.
    Oke had previously chaired the House Committees on Public Accounts and Judiciary, while Abdullahi and Balele chaired the House Committees on Army and Housing/Habitat.
    The House also announced the constitution of an ad-hoc committee to investigate closure of some businesses in the country.
    The committee is to investigate the eventual exit of Messrs Kimberly-Clark and several other business outfits from the country, which is to be chaired by Rep. Kayode Akiolu (APC-Lagos).(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ODF/OIF/IS

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    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Ismail Abdulaziz

  • Establishing Africa energy bank will foster energy security across Africa – Lokpobiri 

    Establishing Africa energy bank’ll foster energy security across Africa – Lokpobiri
    Bank
    By Emmanuella Anokam
    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government says establishing the Africa Energy Bank (AEB) represents a bold and strategic move towards ensuring energy security, fostering economic growth, and promoting sustainable development across Africa.
    Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri,  Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), made this known at a dinner with Heads of Mission of African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) Member Countries on Tuesday in Abuja.
    The meeting with the envoys was a step further in the Federal Government’s bid for Africa’s first energy bank, to convince them on why the facility should be located in Nigeria, the Africa’s biggest oil producer.
    The idea of the bank was floated to ensure long-term energy efficiency and security for Africa, following the hesitation of the West to continue to invest in fossil fuels on the continent.
    Lokpobiri explained that Nigeria’s bid to host the bank’s headquarters was a testament to its unwavering commitment to these goals, adding that over the past months, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources had worked tirelessly to prepare for the moment.
    “We have achieved significant milestones, including a comprehensive assessment by the APPO Afrexim-Bank inspection team. Their positive evaluation underscores Nigeria’s readiness and capability to host the AEB.
    “However, the journey does not end here. To secure the hosting rights, we need the collective support of all APPO Member Countries. Our competitors have intensified their efforts by appointing Special Envoys to lobby for their bids.
    “In response, we are appealing to each of you to recognise the advantages of situating the AEB headquarters in Nigeria. Nigeria offers a strategic geographical location, robust infrastructure and a dynamic energy sector,” he said.
    According to the minister who described the dinner as not just a gathering, but a call to action, Nigeria is committed to fostering a collaborative environment that will enable the AEB to thrive and achieve its mandate effectively, explaining.
    Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Amb. Nicholas Ella, said that Nigeria’s strategic location at the crossroads of West Africa rendered Abuja an unrivaled nexus of connectivity and accessibility.
    Ella said that with Abuja’s extensive network of transportation infrastructure and logistical capabilities, it offered a strategic gateway to the entire African continent, providing the bank with unparalleled access to key energy markets and decision-makers across Africa.
    He said that Nigeria’s proactive approach to regulatory reform had also positioned the country as a paragon of stability and transparency within the global energy landscape.
    “Nigeria’s rich endowment of oil, gas, and renewable energy resources present an unparalleled opportunity for the bank to harness the continent’s vast energy potential and drive sustainable development,” he said.
    He said that Nigeria’s burgeoning renewable energy sector, characterised by abundant solar and wind resources, held an immense promise for powering Africa’s future.
    According to him, with huge oil and gas reserves, Nigeria seeks to leverage its energy wealth to catalyse innovation, investment, and economic diversification across the continent, ensuring energy security and resilience for generations to come.
    In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adamu Lamuwa, represented by Ben Okorie, described the event as a matter of extraordinary significance, explaining that the gravity of the decision cannot be overstated.
    “It holds the power to shape the trajectory of energy cooperation and development across Africa for generations to come,” he said.
    Lamuwa expressed confidence at its collective ability to realise a future of prosperity and progress for all Africans, as Africa embarks on the transformative journey together, guided by the principles of cooperation, inclusivity, and sustainability.
    Nigeria holds Africa’s largest natural gas reserves and ranks ninth globally, boasting proven reserves of 200 trillion cubic feet and gas production capacity standing at 8.5 billion cubic feet per day.
    Hosting the bank in Nigeria ensures proximity to key energy technocrats and experts, which is essential for formulating and implementing effective solutions to Africa’s energy challenges.
    The bank’s share capital is expected to be five billion dollars to be subscribed over three years with an initial capital of1.5 billion dollars reserved for APPO member countries.
    Afrexim Bank has been supporting APPO to establish the Bank and has approved an investment of 1.75 billion dollars for the bank.
    The AEB will finance hydrocarbon, oil and gas infrastructure across the energy streams, with target shareholders as African governments, national oil companies, sovereign wealth funds, private and public sector institutional investors and international partners like the Middle East and Asia. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    ELLA/IAA
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    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

  • Attorney urges youths, women to acquire digital skills

    Attorney urges youths, women to acquire digital skills

    Youths

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    Suleja (Niger), June 12, 2024 (NAN) A legal luminary, Dr Ogwu Onoja (SAN), has urged youths, women and other Nigerians to acquire digital skills to boost national development.

    He listed the skills to include digital marketing, data analytics and cyber security.

    According to him, this is to enable them to contribute positively to the development of the society.

    Onoja made the call at the graduation ceremony/ inauguration of an Internship and Business Pitching event organized by Ubelle Neo Cloud Consortium in Suleja on Tuesday.

    He said that the knowledge and skills the graduates have acquired would open doors to new opportunities and challenges.

    “As they embark on their internships and present their business pitches, I am confident that they will make significant contributions to their respective fields,” he said.

    Onoja said that the skills the youths have learnt were not just for their personal growth, but for the betterment of the nation.

    ” You are the torchbearers of the digital revolution, and it is up to you to use your knowledge and skills to make a positive impact,” he said.

    Onoja said the event was to celebrate the achievements of the graduates who have successfully completed their digital skills training.

    ” The skills they have acquired in Digital Marketing, Data Analytics, and Cyber Security are not just relevant, but essential in today’s digital age,” he said

    The don commended the firm for its unwavering commitment to fostering digital skills in Niger and Nigeria in general.

    ” The initiation of this programme by Ubelle Nigeria Limited and Neo Cloud Technologies is a testament to their commitment to fostering digital skills.

    “Their efforts, supported by The World Bank, are indeed commendable.

    “This initiative is not just about imparting skills, but about creating a generation of digital leaders who will shape the future of our nation,” the eminent Lawyer said.

    Onoja congratulated all the graduates on their success, adding, ” May the skills you have learned guide you in your future endeavors.

    “Remember, the key to success is to keep learning and keep evolving. The world is full of opportunities and it is up to you to seize them.”  (NAN) (www.nannewsngr.com)

    BAB/BRM

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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Group cautions against NASS intervention in Plateau Assembly affairs

    Group cautions against NASS intervention in Plateau Assembly affairs
    Plateau
    By Monday Ijeh
    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) A socio-political group, the Plateau Patriotic Front, has cautioned against call for the intervention of the National Assembly in the affairs of the Plateau State House of Assembly.
    The group gave the warning on Tuesday, in Abuja in a statement by its Chairman,  Mr Mani Imman.
    He said the call for the leadership of the National Assembly to intervene in the affairs of the Plateau State House of Assembly was an invitation to stoke violence and disrupt governance in the sltate.
    According to him, describing the situation as “the crisis surrounding the swearing-in of new members of the Plateau State House of Assembly ”portrays those behind the request as lover of crisis.”
    He said that the development at the floor of the House of Representatives had come to the group notice as reported in the media that a motion was raised during Plenary.
    “The motion has called on the leadership of the National Assembly to intervene in the crisis surrounding the swearing-in of new members of the Plateau State House of Assembly.
    “We view this alarm as an attempt to stoke problems and disrupt governance and the peaceful atmosphere under the guise of crisis in the State House of Assembly,” he said.
    He said those behind the call had been quoted as saying, “The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly has refused to swear in all the new members.”
    Imman said those behind the call had accused the speaker of demanding that they submit letters of resignation with accompanying court affidavits as a condition for swearing-in.
    He said that instead of calling for the National Assembly’s intervention in the matter it should be resolved to avoid crisis in the state.
    ‘Failure to address the delays and biases in the swearing-in of the new members poses a threat to security in the state and undermines the principles of justice, fairness, and democracy.

    “The Court of Appeal, hearing appeals arising from judgments of the Plateau State Election Tribunal made decisions that resulted in the nullification of Certificates of Return of 16 sitting members of the State Assembly.

    “The court has ordered the issuance of new Certificates of Return to the new members by the Independent National Electoral Commission,” he said. (NAN)
    IMC/IAA

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    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

  • First Lady, others pay tribute to late Lau

    First Lady, others pay tribute to late Lau
    Tribute
    By Dorcas Jonah
    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Wife of the President, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, has advised women to enmolute the legacies of late Hajiya Lami Lau, the National President, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS).
    Tinubu, also the Grand Patron of NCWS said this in her letter of tribute at the seven-day Fidau prayer of the late NCWS president on Tuesday in Abuja.
    Represented by the wife of the Vice-President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, Tinubu said the death of the NCWS president was not only a great loss to her family and friends, but to the entire community of women.
    She said the late NCWS president had contributed her quota toward impacting, promoting, protecting and projecting the image of women across the nation.
     ”Late Lau had done her part, as a Muslim, I know that there is time for everything, and every living soul must taste   death.
    ”I would like to extend our sincere condolences to all the Nigerian women and to the immediate families,” she said.
    Earlier, the first National Vice-President of NCWS, Mrs Geraldine Etuk, described late Lau as  hope to women and a guardian for the voiceless
    Etuk said Lau would always be in her heart and consciousness, adding that her memories would remain forever.
    According to her, Lau was a leader whose presence was more than just commanding; it was transformative.
    ” She was a beacon of hope to women, a guardian for the voiceless, and a champion for all in need of her touch.
    ”Her unwavering dedication to the cause of women’s rights and social justice is likened to a steady flame in a darkened world,” she said.
    Etuk said Lau would always confront injustice fearlessly and stand as a shield for those who couldn’t fend for themselves.
    ”Lau led the Nigerian women with empathy and understanding. She listened to the unheard, lifted the downtrodden, and inspired countless souls to believe in a brighter tomorrow.
    ”To me, she wasn’t just the president of NCWS; she was a friend—a confidante in times of uncertainty, a mentor in moments of doubt.
    ” Together, we weathered storms and celebrated victories. The memories we shared, the laughter we echoed, and the tears we shed will forever be etched in my heart,” she added.
    Etuk, while  giving her farewell to her dear friend, mentor, and leader said Lau’s absence leaves a void that could never be filled.
    She said Lau’s legacy would endure, inspiring generations to come.
    ” Rest in peace, our rare gem, knowing that your light would forever illuminate our path,” she said.
    Also speaking, the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, said the late Lau was an excellent leader.
    She urged women to emulate the legacy of Lau to better the lives of Nigeria women.
    ”With a heavy heart, I am saying farewell to our mother and sister, I plead with everyone, let us emulate the good character of late Lau and  drop those you don’t like,” she said.
    Earlier,  the former Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, said the death of Lau was a painful moment for all Nigerian women.
    Tallen said this was a painful and trying moment for NCWS since this was the first time NCWS was losing a national president since its inception in 1958.
    ”Standing here to pay tribute to this great woman, Lau was a very committed president, full of zeal and committed to the betterment of the Nigeria women, we will surely miss her,” she said.
    Others at the event who paid tribute to the late Lau were the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, former NCWS National Presidents, NCWS national officers, NCWS State Presidents and a lot of affiliates.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    DE/BRM
    ==============
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • DSS urges Nigerians to resist persuasion to lawlessness

    Persuasion
    By Monday Ijeh
    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Department of State Services (DSS) has called on Nigerians to resist any persuasions to lawlessness, disorder and anarchy in the nation by unscrupulous persons or groups.

    Dr Peter Afunanya, DSS Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, made the call in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Afunanya said that the services was aware of plans by certain individuals and groups to stage physical protests in some parts of the country on Wednesday.

    The DSS spokesman explained that the protests were designed with sinister objectives to coincide with the Democracy Day celebration.

    ”While citizens may have the rights of assembly and expression, such freedoms should not be used to undermine public safety and national security.”

    He said that the services would not tolerate non-state actors to incite mass disaffection through demonstrations that could turn violent.

    “It is instructive to note that violent demonstrations are at variance with the peaceful disposition of the Federal Government to amicably address all contentions including the minimum wage.

    “Displeased persons are rather encouraged to appropriately channel their grievances through the right channels and procedures,” he said.

    Afunanya, however, pledged the commitment of the DSS to protect the country from inimical acts being orchestrated by some groups to cause a breakdown of law and order.

    He said that the service would sustain its collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, including sister security agencies, to maintain peace and protect lives and property across the nation.

    The DSS spokesman enjoined law abiding citizens to go about their businesses without fear.

    “While felicitating the government and citizens on this auspicious occasion of celebrating 25 years of unbroken democracy, the service calls for continued patriotism, unity and commitment in building a Nigeria of our collective dream.

    “The DSS website, dss.gov.ng; email address-dsspr@dss.gov.ng and telephone lines +2349153391309;+2349088373514 remain open to the public in the event where there is need to contact it,” he said.(NAN)
    IMC/MAM/IS
    ==========
    Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Ismail Abdulaziz

  • FG, USAID conduct 1,566 fistula repairs in 5 states

    Fistula

    By Justina Auta

    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the US Agency for International Development (USAID), has conducted more than 1,566 fistula repairs from 2021 to date.

    The repairs were carried out in Bauchi, Ebonyi, Kebbi, and Sokoto states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, disclosed this at the end of a project learning and dissemination workshop for USAID-MOMENTUM Safe Surgery in Family Planning and Obstetrics (MSSFPO) project, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Kachollom, who was represented by Dr Binyerem Ukaire, Director, Family Health, also said that a fistula pricing model has been developed to improve access to services for survivors through the National Health Insurance Scheme.

    She added that the partnership equally ensured access to safe and surgical obstetric care across the project implementing facilities.

    She identified some of the services as caesarean delivery and peripartum hysterectomy, obstetric and iatrogenic fistula prevention care, female genital cutting prevention and management, as well as gender-based violence.

    “These have contributed to 1,566 fistula repairs feat at the project-supported facilities, including the training of many healthcare workers in surgical obstetrics prevention, treatment of fistula and prevention of female genital cutting.

    “This partnership and interventions in these critical areas is saving the lives of women and young girls as well as ensuring their wellbeing,” she said.

    Dr Kabiru Atta, Country Project Manager, USAID-MSSFPO, said that apart from the fistula care for over 1,566 clients, the project also ensured that 81 per cent of the clients received rehabilitation and reintegration care.

    To this end, Atta said that over 350 health workers across 48 hospitals were trained on fistula care and management, 60 on the management of complications of female genital mutilation.

    She added that 1.2 million people were reached with social and behaviour change messages.

    “Before the project came on board, one of the things we identified was that only 17 per cent of fistula clients were actually having access to rehabilitation and restoration services.

    “We were able to put in place systems or mechanisms to ensure that after the end of the project today, 81 per cent of fistula clients who now walk into the government hospitals to access service are actually receiving holistic fistula care services.

    “They are not only receiving surgeries, they are also receiving family planning and psychosocial counseling, therapy services, nutritional services, and psychosocial services among others to restore their dignity of life,” he said.

    The Project Manager commended all the states, especially Bauchi and Ebonyi for implementing some of the recommendations targeted at reducing maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity.

    On her part, Ms Suegatha Rennie of USAID, noted that the project has contributed significantly in the reduction of maternal and new-born mortality and morbidity.

    Rennie commended the implementing partners and other stakeholders for the overall success of the project recorded so far.

    She, however, said that despite these successes, inflation has continued to affect the cost of inputs for fistula surgery.

    “This requires increased investments by the government and all partners to ensure we eliminate fistula by 2030.” (NAN) (www.nannwws.ng)

    JAD/FDY

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    Edited by Philip Yatai