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  • Man in court for allegedly stealing mattress

    Man in court for allegedly stealing mattress

    Mattress
    By Dorcas Elusogbon
    Ile-Ife (Osun), June 10, 2024(NAN) An 18-year-old man, Akinloye Ajala, on Monday appeared before an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing mattress worth N120,000.

    Ajala of no fixed address, was charged with unlawful entering, house breaking and stealing.

    The prosecutor, Insp Adesina Elijah told the court that the defendant committed the offences on June 8, around 5.00p.m at Sabo Area, Ile-Ife, Osun.

    Elijah said that the defendant unlawfully entered the house of the complainant, Segun Olagbaju, and stole a mattress valued at N120,000.

    According to him, the offence contravene Sections 383, 390(9) and 411 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.

    The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty.

    Magistrate Abosede Sarumi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like amount.

    Sarumi said the sureties must swear to affidavit of means, resides within the court jurisdiction and their addresses to be verified with recent passport photograph attached.

    She stated further that one of the sureties must a landowner within the court jurisdiction, while second should be his blood relation.

    She said the sureties must present three years tax clearance certificate.

    The case was adjourned until July 3, for hearing. (NAN) (www.nannnews.ng)

    EDA/IKU
    Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

  • NSCDC FCT Commandant seeks regulation of pantaker markets

    NSCDC FCT Commandant seeks regulation of pantaker markets

    Regulation
    ByKelchi Ogunleye
    Abuja, June 10,2024 (NAN) Dr Olusola Odumosu, Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command has called for the regulation of Pantaker markets in the territory.

    He said this while addressing personnel on Monday  at the NSCDC FCT Command Headquarters.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that pantaker is an open market where scrap and used items of any type are sold or exchanged for monetary purposes.

    Odumosu said that, it was imperative for the FCT administration to regulate pantaker markets in the territory as intelligence gathered revealed that most vandalised items end up in pantaker markets for sale.

    “With the proliferation of pantaker markets all over the city, and the suburbs, criminals have ready markets to sell vandalised metals, iron, aluminium, armoured cables, scraps and other stolen items which has increased the spate of vandalism of public properties in the FCT.

    “There is a need to address pressing concerns related to the sale and purchase of second hand goods in pantaker markets which currently lacks comprehensive and diligent oversight.

    “Regulation, monitoring and enforcement of compliance with government policy will help curb to a reasonable extent the cases of vandalism of infrastructure in the territory,” he said.

    According to him, proper regulation will not only help to curb the excesses of criminally minded dealers who receive items from vandals of public facilities, it will also foster economic stability by ensuring that only legitimate activities and authentic products are bought or sold in the market.

    “Unregulated markets for used items poses inherent risks to consumers and undermined the integrity of it’s commercial operations.

    “It is imperative that we establish clear rules and guidelines to protect properties of individuals and that of the government. ”

    “Proper regulation has the potential to enhance marketplace accountability, and will help security agencies in identifying and bringing criminals who engage in acts of vandalism and theft to book,” Odumosu said.

    Odumosu said that the recent completion of projects and the successful commissioning of various infrastructure by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike calls for improved service and a renewal of strategy against destruction of government property.

    “It is therefore our collective responsibility as a Command to ensure the protection of these infrastructure which is a fulfilment of the ‘renewed hope’ promise of this current administration,” he said.

    He also said that there was a need for his officers and men to redouble their efforts in the protection of critical infrastructure in the territory.

    The Commandant further said that he had charged the Command’s Intelligence Department to increase its searchlight on the activities of the pantaker markets with a view to arresting identified accomplices of vandals and violators of the market standards.

    He however warned that anyone caught attempting to sell vandalized or stolen  items in these markets would face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.

    The Command’s helmsman called on members of the public to assist the Corps by reporting any suspicious activities or persons attempting to vandalise any public infrastructure.

    “This infrastructure provided is meant for the good of all, therefore, every member of the public has a duty to protect them from vandals,” he reiterated.

    Odumosu congratulates the FCT Minister for the laudable projects he has completed and commissioned in the FCT.

    “I want to congratulate the Minister for his doggedness and commitment to infrastructural growth.

    “He has indeed lived up to his reputation of being Mr Project, as he has given FCT a new look,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    KAYC/SH

    ========
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Hunters’ body begs Tinubu to give assent to NHFSS bill

    Hunters’ body begs Tinubu to give assent to NHFSS bill

    Bill

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Hunter and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Bill before him for assent to give it legal backing.

    The Commander General (CG) of NHFSS, Dr Joshua Osatimehin, made the call during the training of over 375 officers of the service by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in Abuja.

    Osatimehin said the signing of the bill would boost and empower the service to do more and contribute to the fight against criminality in Nigeria.

    According to him, in the South-South, men of NHFSS are doing fantastically well in the fight against oil bunkering, oil theft and saving money for the Federal Government.

    He called for the financing of the activities of hunters and forest security services, adding that the personnel had been working voluntarily.

    ”We are attacking the bandits because nobody knows the forest more than the hunters.

    ”We have been saying this over and over, that Nigerian hunters and forest security is the missing link in Nigeria’s security architecture,’’ he said.

    Osatimehin, said the training workshop was designed to enhance the capacity of its operatives in their quest to actively fight criminals in the forests.

    He added that the training would go a long way in enhancing the productivity of NHFSS personnel towards strengthening the security of lives and property in forests across the country.

    The CG said that the capacity workshop was also to enable the hunters to contribute to the realisation of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the area of security.

    He thanked the Commandant-General of the NSCDC for giving them the platform to have well trained personnel and to boost their capacity to deliver on their mandates.

    “NSCDC has over the years being rendering necessary security training to NHFSS to enable the service be abreast with current strategies on intelligence gathering, security tips, code of conduct among others in line with the best international security standard.

    ”This is geared towards safeguarding the country from crimes and criminality, especially in the ungoverned space which is the forests nationwide.

    ”The training has been impactful and we have learnt a lot in the last couple of days and it is a good effort in the right direction.

    ”This is one way to boost the confidence of the citizens that the Nigerian hunters and forest security personnel are well trained and are ready to take up the assignment of protecting the forest,’’ he said.

    The NHFSS CG commended Tinubu for the successes so far recorded in the fight against insecurity in the last one year.

    The Deputy Commander General (DCG), Technical Services, Dr John Metchie, said the training was a train the trainer initiative to enable the senior officers passes same down to the local level.

    Metchie said the organisation was determined to bring everybody up to standard, to the same level as the NSCDC, Police, Army and other security services.

    He said the organisation had over the years, been collaborating with all the security agencies to get its personnel adequately trained.

    ”We have also collaborated with the Police Department of Training and Development on managing security and security challenges within the forested region.

    ”We have also effectively collaborated with the Department of State Security Service on intelligent gathering within forested region.

    ”And now with the NSCDC being one of the lead agencies in Nigeria in terms of internal security awareness campaign and the mandate of securing the critical infrastructure.

    ”So, part of their job is what we are also doing within the forest because pipelines pass through the forest and mineral resources are also embedded within the forest.

    ”So we are here to learn from them being one of the parenting bodies of security,’’ he said.

    Metchie further said that the NHFSS had been clamouring for presidential assent to its bill to be able to prove to the public and the federal government that they were up to the task.

    ”We want Mr President to give official assent to empower our officers the command structures to work with the constituted authority to curb crimes and criminality within the forest.

    ”You will agree with me that forest is the treasure base of any country, and 80 per cent of our mineral resources are located within the forested region and bandits and other criminal elements have taken over this forest”, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/DCO/

    ========

    Edited by Deborah Coker

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • NNPC Ltd disowns report on alleged inflated subsidy claims

    By Emmanuella Anokam

    Claims

    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) on Monday disowned reports in some sections of the media alleging that it inflated subsidy claims by N3.3trillion.

    A statement issued by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., stated that the company had always conducted its businesses accountably and transparently, with international best practices.

    Soneye said NNPC Ltd. had at no time inflated its subsidy claims with the Federal Government, noting that all previous subsidy claims by the company were verifiable, as relevant records and documents had been sent to relevant authorities and agencies.

    He said that NNPC Ltd. was neither aware of any audit of its subsidy claims nor probe, noting that the ridiculous reports were the products of the imagination of the reporters and their respective media houses.

    “NNPC Ltd. will resist any attempt to drag the company into the apparent politics of fuel subsidy as it currently operates on commercial basis and on the express provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

    “It is on record that in line with its Transparency, Accountability & Performance Excellence (TAPE) mantra, NNPC Ltd. has, on several occasions, independently invited external auditors to review its books.

    “NNPC Ltd. calls on media practitioners and media houses to exercise restraint and verify information before publication in keeping with the ethics of the noble profession of journalism to avoid misleading the public,” Soneye added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ELLA/EMAF
    =========
    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

  • Livestock transporters union commits to phase-out rickety vehicles

     

    Vehicles

    By Sunday John

    Lafia, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Livestock and Other Transporters Organisation of Nigeria, says it will no longer allow the use of rickety articulated vehicles by member to transport livestock.

    This, according to organisation will go a long way to reduce road crashes associated with the transportation of animals.

    Mr Simeon Iliyasu, National Chairman of the organisation made the commitment during a courtesy visit to Corps Commander Lucia Samuel-Mhii, Nasarawa State Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Monday in Lafia.

    The Chairman who was accompanied by the National Secretary, Mr Clement Ameh, said that they would ensure that articulated vehicles under their union were certified road-worthy before operating.

    He explained that the action became imperative as a result of many crashes involving articulated vehicles leading to loss of lives and property.

    He also said that the union would ensure that their drivers adhered strictly to traffic rules, possess valid drivers’ license and vehicle papers.

    Iliya said that the visit was aimed at seeking collaboration with the FRSC to ensure smooth operations for members.

    Responding, Samuel-Mhii, appreciated the union for the visit and said that FRSC would partner with them and all other stakeholders interested in making the highways safe for all road users.

    She urged the union to subscribe to the Road Transport Safety Standardisation Scheme (RTSSS) in line with the National Road Traffic Regulations 2012 (As amended in 2016).

    She said that the laws mandates  operators with five or more vehicles to register under the scheme and appoint a competent Safety Manager.

    “Given your organisation’s nationwide presence of over 2000 vehicles, you should appoint multiple safety managers.

    “Registration is Free, but non-compliance carries a fine of N200,000. So, register to avoid sanction,” she added.

    The sector commander explained that vehicles were designed for special purposes and that users should use them accordingly to avoid increasing crashes.

    She pointed out that the rate of road crashes on the highways was unacceptable and efforts must be made to reduce it to the minimum.

    The sector commander also warned against loading passengers in articulated vehicles.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SDJ/NNO/IU

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

    Edited by Nick Nicholas/ Isaac Ukpoju

  • NCPC boss calls for understanding on minimum wage negotiation

    Wage

    By Philomina Attah

    Abuja, June. 10, 2024 (NAN) The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite has called for understanding in the ongoing negotiations on national minimum wage.

    He stated this on Monday, at the NCPC headquarters in Abuja, during a courtesy visit by the Magdala Unity Foundation, a Christian women organisation,

    Adegbite expressed optimism on the country’s progress under President Bola Tinubu’s tenure.

    He stressed that the tripartite committee of Federal and State governments, the private sector and the organised labour must be ready to shift ground in the minimum wage’s negotiation.

    The Clergy commended the Foundation’s President, Mrs Bola Ihesiulor, for her impeccable character adding that the organisation’s objectives aligned with NCPC’s goals.

    He explained that NCPC had declared 2024 as the “Year of Renewed Hope and Satisfaction’’, and adopted a new corporate slogan, “Service and Satisfaction.’’

    Adegbite reiterated the commission’s commitment to providing excellent services to pilgrims.

    He encouraged youths and women to leverage on Israel’s agricultural technology and skills’ acquisition for the country’s growth.

    On her part, Ihesiulor congratulated the Bishop on his appointment and commended his leadership style.

    She sought collaboration between the two organisations in areas, such as, agriculture, skill acquisition, and pilgrimage awareness. (NAN)

    (www.nannews.ng)

    APA/ROT

    ========

    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • Agriculture contributes about 21% to Nigeria’s GDP – Group

    Agriculture contributes about 21% to Nigeria’s GDP – Group

     

    GDP

     

    By Doris Esa

     

    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Youth for Agricultural Revolution Initiative (YOFAGRI), an NGO, says the agriculture sector contributes about 21 per cent to the Nigerian Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

     

    The National Chairman, YOFAGRI, Mr Jerry Ngene, stated this at the inauguration of the youth empowerment initiative in Abuja.

     

    Ngene said that with 70 per cent of the population engaged in the agricultural sector, agriculture had the potential to solve the youth unemployment crisis as well as to be transformed.

     

    “Understandably, agriculture is the fastest and most stable industry in Nigeria contributing about 21 per cent to the Nigerian GDP.

     

    “With 70 per cent of the population engaged in the sector, it has the potential to solve the youth unemployment crisis as well as to be transformed.

     

    “It is in view of this that YOFAGRI, a non-governmental Oganisation has the vision of empowering 1,000,000 Youths annually with quality seeds of crops that have comparative cultivation advantage in their domain.”

     

    He said that youths were very important resources for sustaining agricultural productivity and for national development in every nation.

     

    Ngene said that it was in view of the need to engage the youths, that the Nigerian government in collaboration with private sectors, had established programmes that engaged youths.

     

    He said that the youth could also present a significant threat to social cohesion and political stability if sufficient economic and employment opportunities were unavailable.

     

    “We therefore call on Government and other NGOs to partner with us in order to take our youths out of the street while providing food for the common Nigerian,” Ngene said.

     

    In a Goodwill message, Dr Deola Lordbanjour, Director, Extension Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said that the department was proud to associate with the laudable objectives of the organisation.

     

    He said that the growing demand for food meant that there was scope for the forces of supply, to take advantage of a growing market.

     

    “Global food prices are at their highest point in several decades and are expected to remain high for the foreseeable future and Nigeria is not exempted.

     

    “Youths as the life wire of any nation when empowered, can take advantage of the food crises for national food security and sustainability,”he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    ORD/AMM

    ==========

     

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • FG presents 42,000 metric tonnes of food items to Kano 

    FG presents 42,000 metric tonnes of food items to Kano

    Food

    By Ramatu Garba

    Kano, June 10, 2024(NAN) The Federal Government on Monday, presented 42,000 metric tonnes of assorted food commodities to the Kano Government for distribution to vulnerable persons in the state.

    The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Hajiya Zubaida Umar, presented the items to Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf in Kano.

    Umar, represented by Dr Ishaya Isah-Chonoko, NEMA Acting Zonal Director of the Northwest, said the gesture was part of the federal government’s efforts to cushioning the effect of high cost of food in the country

    “President Bola Ahmed, approved the release of 42,000 metric tonnes of assorted food commodities from the National Strategic Reserve.

    “In fulfillment of his promise to reduce the impact of the current economic down-turn being experienced in the country in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “We are here to hand-over the food items to the state government for distribution to the identified deserving beneficiaries in the communities through the constituted Committees in each local government.

    “The food commodities include: 19,360 bags of 50kg of Maize, 26,400 bags of 50kg of Sorghum and 8,360 bags of 50kg bagsof Millet..

    Umar said following Mr President’s directives, 20 per cent of the food items due each LGA would be given to religious organisations while boarding schools in each LGA would receive 3 per cent of the food items.

    Meanwhile, the DG drew the attention of the state Governor to the 2024 Seasonal Climate and annual flood predictions that 25 states and 72 local government areas had been identified to be within flood high-risk areas, with heightened vulnerability to flooding during the months of April, May and June.

    “Tofa, RiminGado, Kabo, Madobi, Kura, Dawakin Kudu, Wudil, Ajingi, GarumMalam, Bebeji, Sumaila,Dala, Rano, and Warawa Local Government Areas of Kano State are highly probable flood risk areas in 2024” Umar said.

    She urged the state government to direct SEMA, frontline local government authorities and other response agencies to remain proactively prepared.

    “Carry out public enlightenment campaigns, Identifying high grounds for possible Internally Displaced Persons camps, to shelter evacuated communities and clearing of drainages among

    Responding, Gov. Kabir-Yusuf, commended the federal government for the kind gesture to support the needy and vulnerables in the state.

    He said the items would go along way to cushioning the economic hardship faced by vulnerables within the 44 local government areas in the state.

    Kabir-Yusuf also commended the DG NEMA, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, and Dr Nura Abdullahi, NEMA Kano/Jigawa Territorial Coordinator, for their support.

    He called on the local government constituted committes to comply with the federal government’s directives in sharing the food items to the vulnerables persons and urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RG/KOO/SH
    ========
    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Sadiya Hamza

    /

  • Stakeholders say collaboration key to boosting investment, Nigeria’s growth

     

    Investment
    By Lucy Ogalue
    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Stakeholders say collaboration is important in boosting investments and ensuring Nigeria’s growth.

    They spoke at a Stakeholders ‘Engagement with Investment Promotion Agencies (SIPAs), organised by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) in Abuja.

    The Executive Secretary of NIPC, Aisha Rimi, emphasised the Importance of strengthening relationship between the commission and the state investment agencies.

    “So the objectives today are to strengthen this relationship between NIPC and the State Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs).

    “To ensure a seamless coordination and alignment of efforts to attract investments across the country.

    “We want to strengthen and build the technical and institutional capacity of the IPAs to enable them to achieve set goals and objectives.

    “We want to be able to disseminate information about investment opportunities across the states, leveraging local knowledge to attract investors,’’ she said.

    Rimi expressed the commission’s desire to address challenges and bottlenecks that hinder investment activities and find practical solutions to enhance the investment climate.

    She said the meeting also aimed to foster strong relationships with stakeholders, including Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), some of which were represented at the event.

    To achieve these goals, Rimi said the commission designed the Nigerian Investment Certification Programme for States (NICPS) to ensure an efficient system in the states.

    The executive secretary reiterated the importance of working to ensure we retained the investors already in Nigeria, especially considering the harsh business environment in the country.

    Rimi urged the participants to use the opportunity to interact, network, listen to the various speakers, and find ways to drive investment in the country.

    Also speaking, the Director, Infrastructure and Public Private Partnership (PPP), Bureau of Public Procurement (BPE), Dr Micheal Magaji, reiterated the importance of collaboration to boost investment.

    According to Magaji, reform is also critical to ensuring investment promotion in the country.

    He said: “our engagement today underscores our commitment to fostering strong partnerships between the federal and state levels and between the public and private sectors.

    “We are here to listen, learn, and share our expertise, with the ultimate goal of driving sustainable development and economic growth across Nigeria.

    “Additionally, we use this opportunity to urge all states present at this engagement to take full advantage of this collaboration.”

    According to the director, the benefits outlined above represent a glimpse of what can be achieved through our joint efforts.

    “We encourage you to engage with the Bureau. Leverage our expertise and unlock the full potential of your state’s assets.

    “Our doors are always open, and we are committed to supporting you in every step of this journey.

    “I look forward to our discussions and the innovative solutions emerging from this engagement.

    “Together, we can continue to transform our states and, by extension, our nation into hubs of prosperity and progress,’’ he said.

    Similarly, the Director, Investment Promotion, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Gertrude Orji, said the ministry was committed to keeping up with the NIPC’s mandate.

    Orji, represented by an Assistant Director in the ministry, Amina Mohammed, said the event was critical to investment and pivotal to the country’s development.

    Also, a representative of GIZ-SEDIN Programme, Abuja, Mr Akinropo Omaware, commended NIPC’s efforts in attracting and retaining investment in the country.

    Omaware said collaboration was key to strengthening the country’s investment climate.

    He expressed the commitment of the organisation to support and drive investments in the country.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that key stakeholders, government officials, and experts in the subsector attended the event.
    (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    LCN/EEE

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    Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

     

  • Court remands 2 over alleged cultism

    Court remands 2 over alleged cultism

    Cultism

     

    By Dorcas Elusogbon

     

    Ile-Ife (Osun), June 10, 2024(NAN) An Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court on Monday, remanded a 26-year-old man, Olayinka Abiodun and Ajayi Tobiloba, 28, over alleged cultism.

     

    The Prosecutor, Insp Sunday Osanyintuyi, told the court that the defendants committed the offence sometime in Jan, at Aba-Iyagani Junction, Ile-Ife.

     

    Osanyintuyi said that the defendants conspired to commit felony to wit, cultism, unlawful possession and conduct likely and going armed.

     

    He said that the defendants paraded themselves to be members of a secret cult, the Eiye confraternity and disturbed the peace of the neighbourhood.

     

    According to him, the defendants had in their possession wraps of a substance suspected to be Indian hemp and other dangerous drugs which they were smoking.

     

    Osanyintuyi said that the defendants conducted themselves in a manner that can cause breach of the public peace, by smoking substance suspected to be weeds in the public area.

     

    The Prosecutor said that the defendants conspired to commit felony by attacking and dispersing workers at Ife City Grammar School, Ile-Ife.

     

    He stated that the defendants robbed people working on a project at Ife City Grammar School by dispossessing them  of their valuable items.

     

    Osanyintuyi explained that the offenced contravened sections: 62, 71,249(d), 401, 402, 430 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.

    The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the seven-count charge of conspiracy, cultism, unlawful possession, breach of peace, smoking and armed robbery.

     

    The Defence Counsel, Mrs Sidikat Salawu and Mr Paul Oyeboade, pleaded for the bail of the defendants respectfully in most Liberal terms.

     

    They pledged that they would not jump bail and would provide responsible sureties.

     

    Magistrate Abosede Sarumi asked their lawyers to come with a formal application.

    Sarumi ordered for the remand of the defendants in Ile-Ife Nigeria Correctional Service pending the presentation of the formal application for their bail.

     

    She adjourned the case until July 8, for mention.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    EDA/GOM/JPE

    ==========

    Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Joseph Edeh