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  • Kwara Sports Commission chairman says his critics misinterpreted facts

    Commission

    By Olayinka Owolewa

    Ilorin, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Bola Mogaji, the Executive Chairman of Kwara Sports Commission (KSC), on Tuesday advised those accusing him of various wrongdoings to familiarise themselves with the regulations governing stadium facility management.

    Mogaji told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin that the Commission was open to providing clarifications where necessary.

    He had been accused of mismanagement and embezzlement of funds, related to the use of the main stadium by teams and football clubs.

    “I believe the authors of that report have a narrow understanding of stadium facility management. While I could have taken legal action against them for attacking my reputation, I choose to advocate for peace and enlighten them,” Mogaji stated.

    He was accused of collecting money directly from football teams and organisations for using the football pitch and bypassing the official government channel, the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS).

    There was also claims that funds from stadium usage by clubs such as Osun United, Ekiti United and 10 Nationwide League One (NLO) clubs were paid into Mogaji’s private account.

    They said the money involved was not used for stadium maintenance.

    However, in his defence against these allegations, Mogaji said the facts involved were misinterpreted.

    Mogaji said a total of N3 million was remitted to the Football Association’s account, out of which N1 million was allocated to the KSC, the entity responsible for managing the stadium.

    “We faced delays in receiving this money as it required constant follow-ups with the officers. The entire process demonstrates the importance of adhering to statutory procedures, especially those concerning revenue remittances,” he stated.

    The KSC Executive Chairman further said established protocols needed to be followed, while transparency in financial transactions was required, and any review of processes should align with statutory requirements.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OOH/OLAL

    ==========

    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)

  • FCTA urges FG to criminalise sending children to buy tobacco

     

    Tobacco

    By Aderogba George

    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has called on the Federal Government to initiate a law that will prosecute  parents who send children on errands to buy tobacco related products.

    Dr Doris John, Director, Public Health Department, FCTA, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at a news conference to commemorate the 2024 World No Tobacco Day.

    World No Tobacco Day is celebrated annually on May 31.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the news conference was held after a road walk by officials of the department and students of Government Science Technical College (GSTC), Area 3, Garki, Abuja.

    The director said that the department decided to carry the students along in the road walk in tandem with the theme of the 2024 World No Tobacco Day “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference.”

    She warned parents who smoked before their children to stop.

    John condemned the attitude of sending children to buy tobacco related products and called for strict prosecution of such categories of parents.

    She also advocated that schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) should form “No Tobacco Club”, adding that it would help to reduce the menace of tobacco intake in the country.

    “Today marks a pivotal moment in our collective journey towards the control of tobacco use in our society especially among adolescents and youths both in and out of school.

    “There are 1.3 billion tobacco users worldwide and tobacco use in whatever form or level is harmful and kills more than half of the users if taken as intended by the tobacco manufacturers.

    “Tobacco kills around 8 million people every year (more than 7 million active smokers and over 1 million non-smokers exposed to second hand smoke); the life expectancy of smokers is at least ten years less than that of non-smokers.

    “The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced; killing over 8 million people a year around the world.

    “More than 7 million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while around 1.3 million are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke.

    “In Nigeria, more than 25, 000 children between 10 and 14 years are daily tobacco users, while the age of tobacco use initiation is between 13 and 15 years; secondary school and university studies show ‘shisha’ smoking rates between 3 to 7 per cent,” she said.

    The director regretted that the tobacco industry was actively focusing on children and youth to cultivate a new generation of customers, adding that studies had revealed that most smokers started before age of 18.

    In her remark, Dr Kumshida Balami, the FCT Coordinator for World Health Organisation (WHO), urged the children to join the movement to help in driving the campaign against tobacco intake; to get a world that was free of tobacco.

    Balami urged the students to shun tobacco even whenever they were approached with it.

    She added that such product could shorten their lives as a healthy life style was always the best. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AG/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Sallah: Badagry ram sellers lament low sales amid high prices

    A ram seller displaying ram in Agbalata ram market in Badagry

    Sallah
    By Raji Rasak
    Badagry (Lagos State), June 11, 2024 (NAN) Barely five days to Eid-El-Kabir festival, some ram sellers on Tuesday in Badagry, Lagos State, lamented  low sales, attributing it to the prevailing economic situation.
    A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who visited Alaba, Ajibade and Agbalata ram markets in Badagry reports that the cost of rams varies.
    NAN reports that at Alaba ram market a big ram is sold for N750,000, a medium-sized ram costs between N350,000 and N400,000 while a small ram is sold between N150,000 and N200,000.
    At Agbalata ram market, a big ram is sold for between N400,000 and N450,000, fairly big ram goes for between N300,000 and N250,000, while a small ram goes for N120,000 and N150,000.
    Alhaji Abdul-Salam Hassan, a ram seller in Alaba market, said he spent N1.5 million as cost of transporting his rams from Sokoto State.
    “I have to add the money to the price of the rams before selling them to make profit.
    “I came to Alaba market with 300 rams since  June 5, as at today I have not sold up to ten rams.
    “Buyers have been coming to ask for the price of  a ram, promising  that they will come, but I have not seen them.
    “In 2023, I thought that the prices of rams were expensive, but that of this year is just too much.
    “The prices wouldn’t have been this high if not for the removal of fuel subsidy that led to the high cost of transport,” he said.
    In Ajibade ram market, Aradagun, Mr Belawu Ajadi, said that the cost of feeding and transporting the rams to the market all added up to the high price.
    “Customers come here in trickles to buy their rams  for the Sallah, but compared to 2023, the sales is very dull.
    “In 2023, as at this time, I had sold over 50 rams, but now I have just sold 10.

    “The economic hardships in the country have affected the sales this year, but I still have hope that customers will still come to buy,” he said.

    Meanwhile, buyers lamented the increase in cost of the rams.

    Mr Yusuf Ajadi, a buyer at Alaba market, said the  prices of rams had doubled compared to how it was  sold last year.
    “In 2023, I bought two rams here for N280,000, one for N130,000, another for N150,000, but unfortunately today I brought one medium size for N400,000. I can’t afford to buy two this year.
    “If I have to buy two rams, I have to add another N100,000, making N500,000 to buy two this year, this is more than twice the amount I bought in 2023,” he said.
    Another buyer, Alhaji Taoreed Ajape, said that he came from Ikoga, Badagry, to buy, but was shocked to hear the prices of rams had doubled.
    “I have gone to Okoko, Alaba and and now I am in Agbalata, I thought it will be cheaper to buy here.
    “Surprisingly, the size of ram I bought for N100,000 in 2023, I’m begging to get it for N220,000 this year.
    “I cannot even afford to buy a ram for my mother now, maybe I will look for money and come back  before Sunday,” he said.  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    ROR/EOB/FAA
    =========
    Edited by Edith Bolokor/Folasade Adeniran

  • Educationist advocates curriculum adjustment to promote inclusive learning 

    Educationist advocates curriculum adjustment to promote inclusive learning

    Inclusion

    By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

    Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) A diversity and inclusion advocate,  Ms Akhere Aghedo-Akran, has called for review of education curriculum to recognise inclusive classrooms.

    “The inclusion is about teaching students with disabilities in the same classroom as their non-disabled peers, offering a full range of services to meet all students’ needs within the general education classroom.

     

    “It is important for special education and general education to work together in order to improve teaching and learning, Aghedo-Akran told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday.

    Aghedo-Akran, also the Education Manager of Lagos-based St. Agatha Inclusive Learning Centre, said that such  a practice would improve teaching and learning.

    According to the educator, the step will go a long way to create a more enriching learning environment and build effective support systems for the children to acquire knowledge in their natural settings irrespective of any physical challenges.

    “General education should not neglect students with mild disability but should instead strive for effective teaching for all.

    “General education students receive better-tailored instructions and learn valuable skills of collaboration and helpfulness, which can benefit their lives and make a positive impact on the world.

    “Inclusive education is essential for successful learning, especially for students with disability who have unique individual needs; hence, the need to review/adjust curriculum and teaching methods,” she said.

    According to the educator, inclusive education aims to ensure that all students, regardless of their backgrounds, have access to an appropriate and effective education, ultimately building support systems.

    “It is also important to recognise that inclusive education is a right for all children who are capable of effective learning and should be included in the teaching and learning process.

    “This has become necessary as it will create an enabling environment for the individuals to demonstrate their potential,” she added.

    She solicited more awareness campaign on inclusive education, adding that  there was need to train teachers on it.

    “Experts should create a structured in-service course to improve understanding of diversity.

    “In order to improve education experience for students with disabilities in Nigeria, it is essential to prioritise collaboration, monitoring, curriculum review and inclusive practices in the classroom.

    “Adopting the curriculum and instructional practices will help every student to enhance his or her strength and address any perceived weakness.

    “It is important for educational institutions to create a culture of understanding and acceptance towards students with disabilities,” she added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MIL/KOO/IGO
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    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Ijeoma Popoola

  • Plateau Assembly passes 7 bills amidst challenges – speaker

    Bills
    By Peter Amine
    Jos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Plateau State House of Assembly Speaker Gabriel Dewan says the house has passed seven bills irrespective of some challenges facing the 10th assembly.
    Dewan stated this while briefing newsmen on the activities of the assembly in the last 12 months, explaining that two of the seven bills had been assented to by the governor, while the others were waiting for his assent.
    He listed some bills passed to include the Plateau State Electricity Bill and the Plateau State Minimum Wage, among others.
    Dewan also said that apart from the bills, the lawmakers were able to move and pass some motions such as a motion for the welfare and resettlement of internally displaced persons and a motion to increase the scholarship of Plateau indigenes students.
    “The 10th Plateau Assembly is one of the most challenging assemblies that the state has ever had.
    “As you are all aware, when we came in, I wasn’t the speaker, I was the Minority Chief Whip and the first five months were terrible for us.
    “It was a challenging year because some of the colleagues that we were inaugurated together are no longer members of the assembly.
    “In November, when I became speaker, it was the beginning of another round of political challenges concerning the inauguration and integration of old and new members of the assembly.
    “However, in spite of the political interests and clashes outside the complex, we never had issues that warranted ending the plenary abruptly,” he stated.
    Dewan appreciated God for sparing the lives of members, as no death or severe sickness was recorded among members of the 10th assembly.
    He commended members for always leaving their political views outside the legislative chambers for the good of the Plateau people.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    PAT/KAY
    =======
    Edited by Kayode Olaitan

  • Group canvasses revival of value system for egalitarian society

    Values
    By AbdulFatai Beki
    Ilorin, June 11 2024 (NAN) A socio-cultural organisation, llorin Emirate Descendants Progressives Union (lEDPU), Central zone, has called for revival of value system in order to have an egalitarian society.

    Chairman of the group, Alhaji Hameed-Amode Ajao, made the call when he led the executive members of the zone on a courtesy visit to the Kwara office of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in llorin on Tuesday.

    According to him, the revival of value system will minimise moral decadence among Nigerians, especially the youth.

    Amode stated that no nation could become great without paying special attention to the activities of its youths.

    The chairman said the annual Sallah programme embarked upon by the central zone of the union was aimed at reminding youths of the need for them to contribute their own quota toward the growth of the society.

    He said that the central zone of the union, with 56 branches, would continue to embark on activities that would keep youths away from social vices.

    Amode commended NAN for its informative and enlightenment roles in Nigeria and beyond.

    Responding, the NAN State Correspondent in Kwara, Alhaji Abdulfatai Beki, thanked the union for the visit.

    NAN reports that the visit was in continuation of the union’s activities to further strengthen its relationship with media organisations in the state. (NAN) (www nannews ng)
    BEKl/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Tinubu to address nation on Democracy Day

    Tinubu to address nation on Democracy Day

    Democracy

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu will address the nation in a broadcast on the occasion of Democracy Day at 7.00 a.m. on June 12.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, in a statement, urged television, radio, and other electronic media outlets to join the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Blinken says Netanyahu backs U.S. proposal for ceasefire in Gaza

    Blinken says Netanyahu backs U.S. proposal for ceasefire in Gaza
    Netanyahu
    Tel Aviv, June 11, 2024 (dpa/NAN) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports the plan presented by the U.S. for a ceasefire in the Gaza war, according to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
    “I met with Prime Minister Netanyahu last night, and he reaffirmed his commitment to the proposal,” Blinken told journalists in Tel Aviv on Tuesday.
    When asked whether Netanyahu would pledge his continued commitment in the event that the Palestinian militant Hamas movement agreed to the plan, Blinken replied in the affirmative.
    At the end of May, U.S. President Joe Biden surprisingly presented a three-stage plan for a ceasefire in the Gaza war.
    The plan envisages the release of a certain group of Israeli hostages during the complete ceasefire.
    In return, Palestinians imprisoned in Israel would be released.
    In the next phase, the fighting would then cease permanently and the remaining hostages would be released.
    According to the draft, the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip would begin in a final phase.
    Blinken also held talks with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and other high-ranking Israeli government representatives.
    “And I think there is a strong consensus, again, behind moving forward with the proposal,” he continued.
    According to the U.S., only Hamas has not yet agreed to the plan.
    However, the Netanyahu government has not yet given its clear and public approval to the plan either.
    The UN Security Council has now backed the plan.
    On Monday, it adopted a resolution to this effect.  (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    UMD/AMM
    =========
    Edited by Ummul Idris and Abiemwense Moru

  • Court remands man for allegedly stealing kitchen utensils, others

    Stealing

    By Dorcas Elusogbon

    Ile-Ife (Osun), June 11, 2024 (NAN) A 21-year-old man, Peter Olayera, was on Tuesday remanded on the order of an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing kitchen utensils and other items worth N200,000.

    The Prosecutor, ASP Abdullahi Emmanuel, had told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offence sometime in April at Oja-Ife, beside Sam‘D’ filling station, Ile-Ife.

    Emmanuel alleged that the defendant conspired with others now at large to commit felony to wit shop breaking and stealing.

    He added that the defendant broke into the shop of one Anike Adebayo and stole kitchen utensils namely, 15 pieces of cooking pots; one big iron pot, iron spoons, and stainless plates.

    Other alleged stolen items include window nets, motorcycle spare parts, 50 pieces of yam tubers, electric iron and one DVD player, all with a total value of N200,000.

    The prosecutor explained that the defendant purportedly conducted himself in a manner that led to pandemonium around the area.

    He expressed that the offences contravened Sections 249(d), 390(9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.

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

    The Magistrate, Abosede Sarumi, did not grant bail to the defendant but asked for a formal bail consideration application for the defendant.

    Subsequently, Sarumi ordered his remand in Ile-Ife Correctional Service and adjourned the case until July 17, for mention. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    EDA/FAT/MAS
    ========

    Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi and Moses Solanke

     

     

  • COAS orders immediate investigation into incident at Command School

    COAS orders immediate investigation into incident at Command School

    Investigation

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has ordered immediate investigation into the alleged neutralisation of a civilian staff  by some private soldiers in Command Secondary School, Iyana Ipaja.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said that the directive was in response to the concerns raised by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) regarding the treatment of civilian workers at the school.

    He said the COAS, in his unwavering commitment to upholding the rights of all personnel, including the civilian staff, had directed the Provost Marshal (Army) to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the unfortunate incident.

    He also said that the investigation would comprehensively address all allegations raised by the ASCSN, with a focus on ensuring accountability and justice for all parties involved.

    According to him, the Nigerian army recognises the vital role that civilian staffs play in supporting its operations and day to day administration.

    “The NA is therefore dedicated to fostering a positive and respectful working environment for all personnel.

    “While acknowledging that misunderstandings or miscommunication may occur, the ongoing investigation aims to provide clarity and implement necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

    “The army is committed to upholding the rule of law and respect for the rights of all its employees, including the fundamental rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.

    “Currently, the Nigerian Army is actively engaging with the Ministry of Defence and the ASCSN to address any outstanding issues and promote a cordial working relationship and industrial harmony.

    “The army strongly believes that open communication and collaboration are key to resolving challenges, and is fully committed to maintaining these principles.”

    Nwachukwu further said that the Nigerian Army had urged all parties to refrain from making premature judgments or spreading misinformation as the investigation progresses.

    According to him, trust in the process is essential, and the army is confident that the investigation will provide a clear and accurate understanding of the situation to facilitate appropriate and fair actions.

    “We appreciate the patience and understanding of all stakeholders, as we diligently work to address these concerns.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/DCO/AMM

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

    Edited by Deborah Coker and Abiemwense Moru