WordPress

Blog

  • Man in court for allegedly stealing employer’s goods valued, N1.710million

     

    Stealing

    By Moronke Boboye

    Ikeja, June 11, 2024(NAN) The police in Lagos on Tuesday arraigned a 33- year-old man, Dauda Tijani, in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing employer’s property valued N1.7 million.

    The defendant, a plumber, who resides at Meiran, Lagos, is bieng  tried for conspiracy and stealing.

    The prosecutor, Insp Felicia Okwori told the court that the offences were committed on April 9,  at 9, Daddy Oniyide St., Orile Agege, Lagos.

    Okwori said that the complainant, Mr Alex Goodness, employed the defendant as a house man and gave him his house keys.

    The prosecutor said that the defendant and one another at large opened his employer ‘s door while he was not home.

    Okwori said that the defendant and his other accomplice stole a laptop, gold necklace and a cash of N370,000.

    ” All valued at N1. 710million, ” she said.

    The offences according to the prosecutor contravened Sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The Magistrate, Mrs O. O Fagbohun granted the defendant bail of N500,000 with two sureties in likesum.

    Fagbohun adjourned the case until July 2, for mention.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MTO/JPE

    ========

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

     

  • FG tasks stakeholders on cybersecurity management

    Cybersecurity

    By Olasunkanmi Onifade

    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has called on relevant stakeholders to be proactive in preventing cybersecurity threats in the country.

    Ribadu said this on Tuesday at the Cybersecurity Forum, organised by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) in Abuja.

    The theme of the forum titled ” Intelligence Initiatives and Strategies for National Cyber Security Management’.

    The NSA was represented by the Director of Communications, Office of the National Security Officer (ONSA), Maj.- Gen. Samad Akinsode,

    He said: “Effective cyber security management hinges on robust intelligence. Others have invested in advanced straight intelligence platforms that enable us to gather, analyse and share critical threats intelligence with the relevant stakeholders.

    “By leveraging on artificial intelligence, and machine learning, these platforms can predict potential cyber attacks and provide actionable insights.

    ” Cyber security is a collective responsibility that requires a whole of government and a whole of society approach. This simply tells us that cyber security is not one man’s business,” Ribadu said.

    He said there was need to continue to conduct sensitisation and awareness programmes by educating citizens and businesses on cyber security hygiene while engaging public private sector collaboration as well.

    Ribadu said NCS emergency response team known as the engine search which was the foundational component of the national cyber security coordination centre was the focal point for the national cyber incidents management.

    “The engine search facilitates real-time exchange of threats intelligence best threats practices on cyber security related incidences with various stakeholders in the public and private domain.

    “Furthermore, the engine search operates the national cyber emergency monitoring system for effective detection, identification and interception of cyber threats.

    ” It shares cyber threats intelligence with the sectoral computers security incident response team and other relevant private sector players for comprehensive responses as appropriate,” he said.

    The Director-General, State Security Security (SSS), Alhaji Yusuf Bichi, said the importance of cyber security could not be over-emphasised, adding that the world continue to face different dimension of cyber threats.

    Bichi, who was represented by the Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communication of DSS, Mr Peter Afunanya, said cyber security was meant for possible reasons but the criminally minded people had exploited the good purposes.

    He said NCS was a strategic partner to DSS, saying that there was need to mitigate the challenges emanating from the cyber space particularly in area of national security management, financial crime, fake news and other manipulations .

    Bichi called on NCS to look inward by carry out research to bring up solution to solve all activities of criminality, adding that the nation would be safer place.

    The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented, DSP Usman Iman, said cybercrimes being  committed had necessitated for countries, agencies, organisations to come together to deliberate on safety and security in the cyber space.

    The Director-General, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, advocated process improvement online as well as automation processes.

    ” Automation is double edge sword which presents the opportunity for service excellence and process improvement.

    ” The only mitigation we have is capacity training and building of our people both the end user and professionals and that is why this forum is of utmost importance because the human resources involved.

    ” It is not just investing naira on cyber security tools without building the capacity of the people,the investment will come to waste.”

    The director-general was represented by the Director, Intelligence Strategic Data Mining and Analysis Development of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Mr Kola Okunola.

    He said the forum would give stakeholders opportunity to brainstorm on strategies on insider control, tools, techniques used in cyber space.

    The President of NCS, Mr Muhammad Aliyu, said the purpose of the forum was to gather together to discuss national issues related to cybersecurity in the country.

    He said NCS is an umbrella of all ICT professionals which thrives over the decades in promoting different ICT advancement in the country.

    According to him, the cybersecurity forum and others are key flagship programmes of NCS. (NAN)

    OEO /ADA

    Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

     

     

  • Unity: Creative economy minister endorses Jagunlabi football tourney

    Creative Economy Minister endorses Jagunlabi football tourney
    Unveiling
    By Muhyideen Jimoh
    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Hajia Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, has endorsed the 4th edition of the Jagunlabi Football Tournament as a platform for youth development.
    The football competition is sponsored by the Special Adviser to the Minister on Sub-national Engagements, Mr Abiola AbdulKareem popularly known as Jagunlabi.
    The former House of Representatives aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the grassroots competition was put together to unite the people of his  constituency.
    Musawa while unveiling the football competition on Tuesday in Abuja, highlighted the importance of sports in promoting cultural exchange and youth development.
    She emphasised government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote culture, art, and sports within the nation’s communities.
    The minister expressed delight that the tournament has become a beacon of unity and friendly competition, bringing together youth from diverse backgrounds.
    “Sports have the power to unite us, and events like the Jagunlabi Football Tournament are essential in promoting cultural exchange, youth development, and community engagement.
    “I commend Abdulkareem for his dedication to grassroots football development and empowering the youth.” the minister said.
    The tournament is aimed at fostering unity, talent discovery, and community engagement in the four local governments of Ekiti/Oke Ero/Isin/Irepodun federal constituency.
    Abdulkareem in his remarks thanked the minister for her support for the competition, and reiterated his commitment to supporting grassroots football development and empowering the youth through sports.
    According to him, the tournament will feature 10 teams competing for the top prize, with 20 matches scheduled to take place at Osi central school football pitch, Osi Ekiti local government area of Kwara State.
    “We are thrilled to host the 4th edition of the Jagunlabi Football Tournament, and we look forward to an exciting competition that will showcase the talents of our youth.
    “This event is a testament to our commitment to supporting grassroots football development and empowering our communities.” Abdulkareem said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    MUYI/JPE
    ========
    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • FG committed to provision of water, sanitation, hygiene

    FG committed to provision of water

    Water
    By Muhammad Nur Tijani
    Kano, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has expressed its commitment to the provision of adequate Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in the country.

    Mrs Elizabeth Ugo, the Director, Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, said this during a one-day state-inception event on WASH Systems on Tuesday in Kano.

    According to her, investment in water and sanitation yields enormous benefits to individuals and the nation at large.

    She said that access to clean water, adequate sanitation and proper hygiene practices were fundamental to human health and dignity.

    Represented by Chief Scientific Officer of the ministry, Hajiya Amina Musa, Ugo said that many communities continued to face challenges in these areas, impacting their health, economic stability and overall quality of life.

    “Our aim is to address these challenges by working together with local communities, governmental and non-governmental agencies, and international partners.

    “We aim to build resilient WASH systems that are sustainable, inclusive and capable of meeting the needs of all individuals, particularly the vulnerables,” she said.

    Ugoh further said that water quality was fundamental to human health, environmental sustainability and economic development.

    She said that the Federal Government had a state-of-the-art water quality laboratory in Kano.

    She described the facility as a milestone in their effort to ensure safe and clean water for all.

    “Carrying out regular water quality testing helps to identify contaminants, ensure compliance, monitor systems and protect public health, among others.

    “Our laboratory is equipped with advanced technology and staffed with skilled professionals dedicated to providing accurate and reliable water quality assessments.

    “We encourage stakeholders to utilise this facility to help maintain the highest standards of water safety,” Ugo further said.

    She commended the efforts of development partners and stakeholders, whose support and collaboration, she said, were instrumental to the success of the programme.

    Earlier, the Programme Manager, WASH Systems Strengthening, Mr John Wali, said that the programme aimed to significantly enhance access to and utilisation of inclusive, reliable and resilient WASH services in Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

    He said that WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) was funded by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to the tune of 5 million pounds and the programme duration was four years (2024-2028).

    He said that WS4H focuses particularly on empowering women and girls.

    Wali further said that the programme geared towards fortifying the foundational pillars, such as institutions, policies and regulations.

    He also said that Self Help Africa (SHA), an international development organisation headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, was committed to the vision of “sustainable livelihoods and healthy lives for all in a changing climate.

    “With nearly 50 years of experience working across 17 countries, including Nigeria since 1999, our organisation has achieved significant milestone, such as facilitating Nigeria’s first open defecation free LGA in 2016.

    “In Nigeria, as implementing partners, SHA will forge strategic alliances with the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, alongside State Government and relavant institutions, in conjunction with a consortium of partners,” Wali said.(NAN)(www. nannews.ng)

    MNT/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

  • Bill to punish electoral officers for result cancellation passes 2nd reading in Reps

    Bill to prosecute electoral officers for result cancellation passes 2nd reading in Reps
    Results
    By Femi Ogunshola
    Abuja, June 11, 2024(NAN) A bill seeking to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to prohibit cancellation of election results due to over voting by electoral officers has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.
    Rep. Abubakar Fulata, who sponsored the bill while leading debate on the general principle of the bill on the floor of the House in Abuja, called fur punishment of erring electoral officers.
    He said, “equally important is the need to punish the presiding officer who allowed himself or herself to be used to perpetrate fraud and injustice.”
    According to him, this bill seeks to amend sections 51 (2) and deletion of sections 51(3) and 51(4) as well as sections 84 (8).
    “As it stands, the provisions of sections 51(2) (3) and (4) seems to deliberately target legitimate winners of elections instead of the criminally minded individuals who connive with custodians of electoral materials to cancel their votes.”
    He said that as the custodians of electoral materials, the clause was needed for the purpose of deterrence.
    He said that even if it was presumed that the individual who added the votes were not known, the winner of the election in a particular unit could not be party to a deliberate act that would invalidate their votes.
    “Most of the times, candidates target the strong holes of their opponents leveraging on the provisions of this section to add one or two votes to discredit the outcomes of the elections in those polling units
    This, he said, was to create advantage for the losers.
    Some of the lawmakers who spoke also agreed with the bill, adding that it was time to punish officers for aiding cancellation of results.
    When the Deputy Speaker, Rep Benjamin Kalu who presided over plenary, put it to vote, the Bill was unanimously agreed on and passed for second reading.
    The bill was referred to House Committee on Electoral Matters for further legislative actions. (NAN)www.nannews.ng
    ODF/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
    ====

  • Buni approves N695.9m as Sallah bonus for workers, pensioners

    Buni approves N695.9m as Sallah bonus for workers, pensioners

    Bonus
    By Nabilu Balarabe
    Damaturu, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Gov Mai Mala Buni of Yobe has approved the payment of N695.9 million as Eid-el-kabir bonus to civil servants and pensioners in the state.

    Alhaji Bukar Kilo, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service of the state, disclosed this to journalists in Damaturu on Tuesday.

    He said that N375.9 million of the amount would be paid to local government staff and pensioners, while N320 million was for state government staff and pensioners.

    According to him, each staff member and pensioner will receive N10,000 and N5,000 respectively.

    Kilo said the gesture was intended to cushion hardship suffered by people in the state.

    The permanent secretary charged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture by being dedicated to duty and pray for the success of the Buni-led administration in the state.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    NB/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Foundation decries poor health facilities in Ebonyi

     

    Facilities

    By Douglas Okoro

    Abakaliki, June 11, 2024 (NAN) A Non -governmental organisation in Ebonyi, Development Integrity Goal (DIG) Foundation has expressed worry over the poor condition of primary health centres in the state.

    called for renovation of Primary Healthcare Facilities in the state to meet the health care needs of the citizens.

    The foundation made the observation during the Health Sector Advocacy Alliance Roundtable for media and Civil Society Organisations organised by ‘Green-The-Red-Health Sector Cluster’ in collaboration with DIG.

    The workshop was implemented with support from the United Agency for International Development (USAID).

    Mr Oliver Ajah , Executive Director of DIG, said that out of the N9 billion budgeted for the health sector in the 2024 fiscal year, only N9 million had so far been released to the sector by the state government for the first quarter covering January, February and March.

    the result of USAID State2State 2020 report conducted in 171 Primary Healthcare Facilities by the state Ministry of Health indicated a poor state of public health facilities in the state.

    According to him, the report done in collaboration with Health Policy Plus showed that 96 per cent of the Primary Healthcare facilities needed various degrees of renovations.

    The report further noted that 46 per cent of the facilities had no fence, while 35 per cent has no forms of power supply with 47 per cent of them without alternative power supply.

    According to the group, only 40 per cent of the facilities has functional toilet, but no good waste management while 55 per cent has no sources of water supply in the facilities and described it as worrisome.

    The foundation explained that Ebonyi was yet to fulfill the 2001 Abuja declaration of allocating 15 per cent of its annual budget to health sector adding that only the Ebonyi Health Insurance Authority (EBSHIA) accessed a little percentage of its budget releases.

    “Ebonyi has never fulfilled the 2001 Abuja declaration of allocating 15 per cent budget to health, and budget releases for the sector.

    “For instance, ministry of health has less than one per cent annual capital budget release in 2022.

    “Ebonyi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EBSPHCDA) and other sister agencies/Institutions had zero per cent capital budget performances in 2022, and 2024 first quarter.

    “The healthcare facilities in the state also had challenges of inadequate manpower, some dilapidated and non-existence of some infrastructures among others.

    This results to high out-of-pocket expenditure for vulnerable groups coupled with poor healthcare services.

    “The result of USAID State2State baseline of 2020 also confirmed the 2019 baseline survey conducted in 171 Primary Healthcare Facilities by Ebonyi State Ministry of Health in collaboration with HP Plus.

    “However, it is worthy to note that the health sector budget performance in the last quarter of 2023 under this administration was very promising, but the drop in first quarter of 2024 is worrisome,” Ajah said.

    Participants at the workshop including; Mr Samson Nwafor, chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) among others in their separate speeches called on the state government to prioritise the health sector. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ODO/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

     

  • 6 Vessels to berth at Lagos ports

     

    Vessels

    By Aisha Cole

    Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), on Friday, said six ships were waiting to berth at the Lagos ports.

    NPA, in its ”Daily Shipping Position”, said two of the expected vessels would berth with diesel.

    It said that the remaining expected vessel would berth with container, fuel oil, aviation fuel and crude oil.

    “A ship presently eating to berth with cargo. Two other ships waiting to discharge petrol and crude oil,” NPA said.

    It also said that four ships waiting to berth at Lekki Deep Sea Port with bulk clinker, fuel oil, container and aviation fuel.(NAN)

    AIC/OIF/AWA

    =============
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Olawunmi Ashafa

     

  • Illicit arms control:  Centre seeks army’s support

    Illicit arms control:  Centre seeks army’s support

    Arms

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The  National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has solicited the support of the Nigerian Army in tackling the menace of illicit arms proliferation in the country.

    The National Coordinator of the centre, retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, made the call when he led his management team on courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Kokumo also called on the Nigerian army to help the centre in apprehending the criminals that had been parading themselves and usurping the functions of NCCSALW in different parts of the country.

    He said that a leader of one of such illegal bodies known as NatCom had been apprehended and remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre for undertaking illegal activities.

    He also called on the army high command to make available quality personnel to assist in ensuring that key positions at the centre were adequately manned.

    “We need to collaborate on our efforts with the arms bearing agencies to  fulfill the mandate of the centre.

    “We need the support of the army, particularly in tackling activities of some illegal outfits claiming to be fighting proliferation of illicit arms in the country.

    “The centre has been privileged to have some competent army officers serving in different capacities and we are requesting for more of such hands,” he said.

    Kokumo appreciated the Nigerian army for making its facilities available for the centre to serve as its storage facilities across the country, adding that the army had assisted NCCSALW to be effective since its establishment.

    Responding, the Chief of Army Staff commended the centre for its efforts in combating the menace of illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country.

    Lagbaja assured the centre of army’s commitment to partnering and supporting their efforts towards achieving the objective of ridding the nation of illicit arms, adding that illicit arms were major drivers of violent extremism.

    He promised to provide the needed support to the centre and ensure that army formations were available for NCCSALW for its effective functioning.

    According to him, army will continue to put in place measures to ensure that weapons in possession of the army personnel don’t get into wrong hands.

    The COAS said that the Nigerian army only recognised NCCSALW as the only legal body charged with such responsibility.

    He added that army troops had been directed to dismantle all illegal checkpoint set up by the illegal bodies wherever they exist. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/OIF/IAA

    ==============
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Isaac Aregbesola

     

  • Commission urges Nigerians to trust national identification systems

    Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of NDPC, some dignitaries and media representatives at the one year implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act

     

    Identity

    By Ijeoma Olorunfemi
    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has called on Nigerians to trust the data collection and digital identification systems by the government.
    The commission said that the call became necessary as the national identification systems served as foundational identification means to protect their information.
    Its National Commissioner, Dr Vincent Olatunji,  said this on Tuesday at a news conference to mark the one year implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) in Abuja.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that NDPA bill was signed as an Act of parliament by President Bola Tinubu on June 12, 2023.
    Olatunji said this was a major achievement and requirement for the country to participate in the comity of nations in the area of digital identification.
    He said that issue of privacy was still vague to a lot of citizens which was not peculiar to Nigeria, adding that people needed to repose confidence in the process of digital identification.
    “On June 12, 2023, President Bola Tinubu signed the bill as an act of Parliament and that was a testament that this ecosystem is beyond anybody. It is a global phenomenon that no forward looking country can afford to neglect.
    “We are grateful that President Tinubu understands the power of technology which is at the bedrock of anything you do, digital technology is the foundational identity.
    “An average transitional Nigerian needs the National Identification Number which is the foundational identity.
    “It is that foundational identity that institutions that collect data reference when the need arises and which is why we need to support the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for it to work.
    “If people don’t believe in digital identity, there is no way they will understand your message on data privacy,” he said.
    He said the government was working on having a proper data interface for easy interoperability.
    Olatunji said that the rights of Nigerians was important to the government, hence signing of the Act which had brought positive impacts.
    “Signing the law gave us more credibility in the new administration and that is why we have attracted lots of attention within Nigeria and across the globe.
    “The remarkable thing about the law is that we applied for the Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) in 2022 as a bureau and our application was rejected because we did not have a National legislation on data protection.
    “Having been accredited less than one year now, Nigeria is on the front page of the GPA’s news letter for this quarter which is a big deal for us.
    “The law legitimised the NDPC and we have gained global recognition, and in terms of economic value, we have an ecosystem that is worth over N10 billion now. The law has positioned Nigeria for digital presence,” he said.
    Speaking on the benefits of the law to Nigeria, he said the commission gained the opportunity to host Data Protection Officers (DPOs) across Africa on a conference in May 2025.
    Olatunji said the conference would impact the economic value of the country in the areas of tourism and culture, perception of the  country at the global level and foreign direct investment.
    “In terms of job creation and training, we have done a lot to ensure we deepen data protection in Nigeria.
    “Part of what we are doing in the ministry is to train 10,000 public servants on responsible data management which the portal is already open.
    “We have also licensed a national certification body that has been designed in a way that there is something for everyone no matter your career.
    “We are going to launch the free training of 1000 DPOs that will be certified trainers which the process is ongoing and the portal will soon be open and that is part of the job creation initiative of the President,” Olatunji said.
    According to him, there are so many things coming to this ecosystem and this is one good thing coming out of Nigeria and we all should support the process.
    Mr Solomon Odole, Project Coordinator for Nigerian Digital Identification for Development (ID4D), said the news conference was an opportunity to create more awareness on data privacy.
    “There are a lot of people that hear about this but they don’t understand the content of the law and its provisions.
    “This is an opportunity to pass the message that we are interested in their personal information as citizens of Nigeria,” he said.
    Odole said that the ID4D project was ready to support the commission to discharge its mandate and ensure that citizens’ personal information were safeguarded.(NAN)www.nannews.ng
    NIU/ADA
    Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
    ====