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  • Sallah: Lawmaker donates 3000 rams, N250m to constituents in Zamfara 

    Sallah: Lawmaker donates 3000 rams, N250m to constituents in Zamfara
    Sallah
    By Ishaq Zaki
    Gusau, May 9, 2024 (NAN) Rep. Aminu Jaji (APC-Zamfara), has purchased 3000 rams for distribution to his constituents and the All Progressive Congress (APC) executives, members and vulnerable households in the state.
    This is contained in a statement signed by the State Chairman, Jaji’s Coordinating Committee, Aliyu Abubakar, issued in Gusau on Saturday.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Jaji represents Kaura-Namoda/Birnin-Magaji Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
    According to Abubakar, Jaji, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Ecological Funds has also earmarked N250 million for distribution to individuals, orphans and vulnerable groups across the state as Eid-el-Kabir welfare packages.
    He said that Jaji’s constituency, Kaura-Namoda and Birnin Magaji Local Government Areas are to receive  special packages of both  rams and cash.
    “This is an annual gesture aimed to assist Muslim faithful especially the APC members and less-privileged families to perform sacrifices and celebrate Eid-el-Kabir festival in a happy mood.
    “The beneficiaries also include state, local government and ward executives of the party, party elders and prominent persons in the state and former political office holders.
    “Other beneficiaries include former local government councils Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, former Councillors as well as APC associations, among others.
    “Also to benefit from the gesture are Islamic scholars, orphans, youths and women APC support groups, among others,” Abubakar explained.
    He quoted Jaji as calling on the Muslims to use the first 10 days of Zulhijjah and Eid-el-Kabir period to intensify prayers for sustainable peace and stability in the state as well as the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IZ/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Police nab 6 suspects, recover 5 vehicles in Kaduna

  • Cleric urges Muslim pilgrims to emulate Prophets

  • EFCC arrests 127 suspected internet fraudsters in Akure

    EFCC arrests 127 suspected internet fraudsters in Akure

    Arrest

    By Isaac Aregbesola

    Abuja June 9, 2024 (NAN) Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 127 suspected internet fraudsters in Akure, Ondo State.

    The Spokesman for EFCC, Mr Dele Oyewale, said in a statement on Sunday in Abuja

    According to him, the alleged internet fraudsters were arrested in an early morning sting operation  at a “ Yahoo Party” held simultaneously at Signature  and Abah Clubs  on  Saturday, in Akure, Ondo State.

    ”Credible intelligence showed that the alleged party was initially scheduled for Wednesday,  June 5,  2024 but was later moved to Saturday to beat security and intelligence networks of the EFCC.

    ”The suspects have given useful information to investigators of the Directorate.

    ”Items recovered from them include ten exotic cars, phones, laptops, motor-cycle, wristwatches and many incriminating documents,” EFCC spokesman said.

    According to him, they will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. (NAN)

    IAA/ADA
    Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

  • FG should prioritise stable power, low production cost – Rep.

    Electricity
    By Leonard Okachie
    Umuahia, June 8, 2024 (NAN) A lawmaker, Rep. Ibe Osonwa, representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia, has advised the Federal Government to prioritise stable electricity supply in the country.
    Osonwa gave the advice during an interactive session with newsmen in Umuahia on Saturday.
    He said that achieving stable power in the country would help to unlock the productive capacity of Nigerians, scale up exportation and reduce importation.
    “Once electricity is stable and affordable and production goes up, prices of goods will become cheaper and affordable,” he said.
    According to him, the only way Nigeria can migrate from consumption to production is for the Federal Government to prioritise electricity supply and reduce the cost of production.
    “When that is achieved, the country’s manufacturing sector will scale up their production capacity, this will create employment and poverty and hunger will ultimately reduce.
    “Nigeria is failing as a country to become productive and I’m hopeful that once the problem of power is solved, the country will become productive.
    “We are buying everything and producing nothing because of poor electricity supply.
    “This is not good for a country with a huge population as Nigeria,” he said.
    According to him, while the economies of India and China depend on the country’s huge population, Nigeria’s large population is not efficiently  deployed in enhancing production.
    The lawmaker advised that electricity distribution must be given to competent companies with the capacity to perform efficiently.
    He argued that such contracts must not necessarily be given to Nigerians.
    He contended that the existing contracts could be revoked and awarded to other companies to pave the way for efficiency in power distribution.
    He expressed concern over the alleged inability of the existing distribution companies to meet the electricity needs of the country.
    He also alleged sharp practices by the industry operators, citing the existence of crazy bills, arising from estimated billing method by the companies.
    He recalled an instance where his Ebem Ohafia community was given a N1.2 billion electricity bill, at a time it had no power supply for five years.
    Osonwa said that he had been able to show relevance and make impact in the House, having sponsored some bills and motions since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly (NASS).
    He listed some of the bills to include the one for the establishment of a second Federal Medical Centre in Abia to be cited in Ohafia to also service neighbouring communities in Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
    The others are the bills to increase and improve businesses as well as the one for freight forwarders.
    He said that he also sponsored motions to tackle ecological challenges in his constituency and establishment of a security post in Ohafia to help end the incessant fatal cross-community clashes.
    He cited the May 10 attack on Isu Community allegedly by Ukwa Community in Akwa Ibom in which a woman was killed.
    Osonwa expressed delight that the House had granted his request that the security post be established and manned by military personnel.
    He also said that he had attracted some road projects to his constituency, including the Oboro-Ohafia-Okagwe-Ndi-nku-Abiriba Road.
    He said that six of the projects had been awarded and awaiting the release of funds to take off, while 15 others already captured in the budget had yet to be awarded.
    Meanwhile, the legislator said that the contract for the rehabilitation of the Umuahia-Bende-Abam-Ohafia Road had been revoked by the Federal Government over alleged non-performance.
    He said that the Muri and Omenuko
    Bridges on the road were in deplorable condition and deserved urged government’s attention.
    Osonwa expressed happiness over the conviviality and spirit of oneness existing among the Abia caucus in the NASS.
    He attributed the healthy development to the enviable leadership style of Gov. Alex Otti, saying that the governor’s
    sterling performance in office had positively changed the ugly narratives about Abia.
    “My governor is the best performing governor in the country today and he is making us proud,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    LEO/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

  • Buni Gari water treatment plant ready June – Gov. Buni

    Buni Gari water treatment plant ready June – Gov. Buni

    By Ahmed Abba

    Buni Gari (Yobe), June 8, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe says the 16 million litres per day capacity Buni Gari Water Treatment Plant will be ready by the end of June.

    Buni stated this in Buni Gari on Saturday when he inspected the level of work at the project site.

    “We are assured that the plant will be ready by June this year, as stipulated in the contractual agreement,” he said.

    The governor expressed satisfaction with the depth of the plant’s reservoir, water confluence point, and the installation of solar-powered equipment.

    Buni also said the plant’s production capacity could be further upgraded to 20 million litres per day upon completion

    He said that the project would address water scarcity in the town and its environs when completed.

    The governor charged the contractor to deliver the project within the agreed timeframe for the state to have value for its money.

    Buni also expressed satisfaction with the backup generator that would be installed at the plant to ensure consistency in operation.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AIA/NB/YGA

    Edited by Nabilu Balarabe/ Gabriel

  • Kaduna agency trains 1, 416 community project managers

    Kaduna agency trains 1, 416 community project managers

    Training

    By Ezra Musa

    Kaduna, June. 8, 2024 (NAN) The Kaduna State Community and Social Development Agency (KADCSDA), says it is training 1,416 community project managers to ensure quality of basic infrastructural services.

    Muhammed Mukaddas, General Manager of the agency, made this known at a one-day training to build the capacities of Community Project Management Committees (CPMC), on Micro Projects (MPs) Implementation in Kaduna.

    Mukaddas said that the training was necessary to empower 177 communities across 23 Local Government Areas with basic knowledge of book keeping, community procurement, monitoring, evaluation and maintenance of the project.

    “Currently, the agency has concluded appraisal of 177 communities across 23 LGAs of the state in the areas of education, health, water and sanitation as identified by the various communities,’’ he said.

    He said that the project was part of the agency’s mandate to ensure the reduction in poverty levels within communities.

    He added that this would be achieved by bridging the gap of unreached groups through a Community-Driven Development approach (CDD), targeted at the provision of basic social and infrastructure services in rural and urban poor areas.

    On her part, Mrs Oyigwe Sunny, -monitoring and evaluation manager of the agency, explained that the CDD approach had empowered communities on project implementation as identified by the community.

    “As part of the agency’s responsibility, we are to bring government close to the people by guiding the people to carry on with the project implementation,” she said.

    She said that the programme was a World Bank-supported project tagged, ‘Uba Sani CARES.’

    Sunny, therefore, commended the participants for a high turn-out.

    Also, Mr Ibrahim Mato, Chairman, CPMC Kachia LGA, commended KADCSDA for the enlightenment toward maintaining infrastructural development in communities.

    He promised that each project would be guided by the community for sustainability.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was simultaneously held for Kaduna North, Kaduna central and Kaduna South Senatorial zones.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    EMZ/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

     

     

  • New FRSC boss pledges to end number plates, drivers licence delay

    New FRSC boss pledges to end number plates, drivers licence delay

    FRSC

    By Abdul Hassan

    Abuja, June 8, 2024 (NAN) The new Corps Marshal of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohmmed, says modalities have been put in place to eliminate delay in accessing drivers licence and number plates.

    Mohammed gave the assurance  in Abuja at a reception organised in his honour by the Alumnus of College of Advance Studies (CAS) Zaria on Saturday.

    The corps marshal said  he would address the incessant complaint of delay in accessing number plates and drivers licence, especially in the FCT.

    “ I went on a facility assessment in our FCT office today, the causes of the delay are numerous, some are internal, while others are technical and financial,’’ he said.

    The FRSC boss said that he had summoned the technical partners and supervisors to find immediate and lasting solutions to the problem.

    “ I want to assure you that the number plate’s problems will be over, and FCT is our priority,’’ Mohammed said.

    He also spoke on efforts being made by the FRSC to reduce the rate of traffic accidents and ensure strict compliance with traffic regulations.

    He, therefore, solicited the support of all Nigerians, particularly motorists to make Nigerian roads safer for all.

    “ I have more than 36,000 staff with 600 formations nationwide, but it is a herculean task, and I need your support,’’ he added.

    The new Corps Marshal expressed appreciation for the solidarity and recognition by the association.

    “ It is gratifying for me to interact with my school and classmates of whom I am meeting today after many years,’’ he said.

    He described his appointment as destined by God and pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him by President Bola Tinubu.

    In his address, the Chairman of the Alumni association, Comrade Kabiru Shehu, said the reception was organised to honor the corpse marshal for attaining the peak of his career.

    “ Shehu Mohmmed was known to be a brilliant, intelligent and humble student, this is what led to his success,’’ he said.

    He urged the new corps marshal to work hard towards improving the operations of the organisation.(NAN)

    AH/IAA

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    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

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  • Abia CP hails Otti’s commitment to fight against crime

    Abia CP hails Otti’s commitment to fight against crime
    Crime
    By Leonard Okachie
    Umuahia, June 8, 2024 (NAN) The
    Commissioner of Police in Abia, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, has attributed the success recorded in the fight against crime in the state to God and Gov. Alex Otti’s immense support to the security agencies.
    Onwuemelie said this when the officials of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Abia Council, paid him a courtesy visit at the command’s headquarters in Umuahia.
    He said: “Security is in the hand of God and so the glory should go to Him for whatever achievements the command has made.
    “The credit must also go to the governor of the state, who has assisted us tremendously with resources, ideas and suggestions.
    “It is true that there has been a reduction in crime and criminality in the state, especially around the Umunneochi axis, but we have yet to meet our target.”
    The state police boss said that the command would not rest on its oars until it had hit its target, adding that the people “still sleep with one eye open”.
    Earlier in a remark, the Chairman of the chapel, Chief Obinna Ibe, said that the visit was to consolidate the collaboration between the group and the command in the effort to ensure adequate security in the state.
    Ibe commended the exploits so far made by the commissioner in crime reduction within the short period of his assumption of duty in Abia.
    He said: “Your coming to Abia is not just strategic but divine.
    “You have shown dexterity and commitment in the fight against crime and security has drastically improved.
    “We no longer witness violent crimes as was the case before your deployment and residents now sleep with their two eyes closed.”
    He commended the police chief for the security presently enjoyed in the state, saying that it was coming at a time the governor was wooing investors to Abia.
    He further commended the massive structural renovation taking place at the command’s headquarters, adding that the police need a conducive workplace to function optimally.
    Ibe further said that “it is on record that commissioners of police in Abia are always lucky to get elevated to higher ranks” and prayed that Onwuemelie’s case “will not be an exception”.
    He decried the occasional frictions between policemen in the field and media professionals in their line of duty.
    He said that such disagreements should be discouraged, pointing out that both security and media personnel should see themselves as partners in the fight against crime.
    He recalled a recent incident in Umuahia, where the correspondent of a television station was allegedly manhandled by bank securitymen, while policemen on duty “became spectators”, rather than protect the correspondent. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    LEO/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

  • Lagos seeks proactive measures against land degradation

    Environment
    By Fabian Ekeruche
    Lagos, June 8, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government has urged residents to take proactive measures to address land degradation and enhance resilience to drought.
    The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said this at the grand finale of the 2024 World Environment Day Celebration on Saturday in Lagos.
    Wahab said the state was not immune to natural challenges of being a megacity with growing population and rapid urbanisation.
    He described the theme: “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience”, as a call to action to address the challenges of land degradation, desertification, and drought issues that threaten the existence and future of the planet.
    Wahab said that land degradation, driven by unsustainable agricultural practices, deforestation, and climate change, affects about 1.9 billion hectares of land globally.
    He explained that desertification is the process by which fertile land becomes desert and this happens in over 168 countries making it one of the most significant environmental challenges of our time.
    He stressed that droughts have become more frequent and severe, exacerbating the impacts of climate change and threatening the resilience of the ecosystems.
    “In our nation, these challenges are particularly pronounced as Nigeria, with its vast and diverse landscapes, faces significant threats from land degradation and desertification, especially in the northern region,” Wahab said.
    He said that desert encroachment and the loss of arable land were affecting agricultural productivity, water resources, and the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians
    He emphasised that the health nature of the land directly impacts food security, water availability, biodiversity, livelihoods and overall well-being.
    He added that these crises affect millions of people worldwide.
    “Sustainable Land Management initiative not only enhances soil fertility and productivity but also separates carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation,” Wahab said.
    Wahab stated that there is a Community Engagement and Education initiative meant for empowering communities with knowledge and crucial resources.
    He added that the state is conducting extensive outreach programmes to educate farmers, local leaders, and citizens on sustainable practices that promote land restoration and drought resilience.
    “The journey ahead may be daunting, but I am confident that with our collective determination, we can overcome these challenges.
    “Our efforts to restore our land, combat desertification, and enhance our resilience to drought will yield lasting benefits for our environment, economy, and future generations,” he said.
    The commissioner who also dwelt on enforcement efforts of the administration said there was no going back on the application of the law to all environmental infractions.
    Earlier in his welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, noted that the ecosystems are under immense pressure from urbanization, climate change, pollution, and unsustainable land use practices.
    He added that amidst these challenges lies an opportunity for all to come together, re-imagine the relationship with nature, recreate sustainable solutions, and restore the balance that is essential for the well-being of the planet and future generations.
    He said the state government has long been at the forefront of environmental conservation and sustainability efforts which include tree planting initiatives to waste management reforms.
    He said another example could be seen in the recent ban on styrofoam food containers amongst other saying, the government has demonstrated the unwavering commitment to environmental management.
    In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary Office of Environmental Services, Dr Gaji Tajudeen, reminded participants of the environmental challenges confronting the planet.
    Tajudeen noted that the World Environment Day celebration serves not only to raise awareness but also to inspire action towards sustainable practices that would safeguard the environment for generations to come.
    The Guest Speaker, Dr Soladoye Iwajomo, described land restoration as the process of arresting degradation or rehabilitating degraded land and restoring its productivity through reforestation, soil conservation and protecting natural processes.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Green Awards were presented to private sector operators in Environmental Sustainability, Environmental Reporting and Environmental Restoration Categories respectively. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FBO/JNC
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma