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  • Nasarawa lawmaker donates vehicles, inaugurates projects to mark first anniversary

    Anniversary
    By Awayi Kuje
    Lafia, June 8, 2024 (NAN) Mr Solomon Akwashiki (SDP-Lafia Central), member, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, on Saturday in Lafia, donated 12 vehicles to his constituents and inaugurated some  borehole projects to mark his one year in office.
    The lawmaker also doled out N10,000 each to 500 indigent women at the event as part of efforts to cushion the hardship on them.
    Speaking at the event, Gov. Abdullahi Sule extolled the lawmaker for initiating various projects and programmes, which had direct bearing on the lives of the people.
    Represented by his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, the governor scored Akwashiki’s performance high and
    urged other elected representatives to emulate him.
    He also appreciated the lawmaker  for keying into the state government’s development programmes.
    ” Nasarawa State is our project, it is a project for everybody as we must come together to develop the state,” he said
    Sule lauded the Speaker and members of the 7th Assembly for operating as one united assembly irrespective of political party difference and giving the state government the needed support to succeed.
    He encouraged the people to continue to maintain peace being enjoyed in the State.
    Also Speaking, Mr Danladi Jatau, the Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly said that Akwashiki had  made him and the entire Assembly proud through his legislative duties and commitment to his constituency.
    ” Today is a great day in the history of the Assembly as Solomon Akwashiki is giving out dividends of democracy to his people
    ” Akwashiki is doing well and I am proud of his quality representation,” he said.
    He urged him not to relent in providing the much needed dividends of democracy to his constituents.
    The speaker also solicited for the prayers and support of all and sundry to enable the 7th Assembly and Gov. Sule to succeed.
    “Members of the 7th Assembly have the capacity to deliver and are giving back to their people what the people expected from them.
    ” What we want is prayers and support  of the people of the state in order to succeed,” he said
    Jatau appreciated Gov. Sule for the good working relationship between the legislative and executive arms in the state and called for its sustenance.
    In their separate remarks, Sen Aliyu Ahmed Wadada (SDP- Nasarawa West), Rep Abubakar Sarki-Dahiru (SDP-Lafia/Obi),  Mr Aliyu Bello, the State APC Chairman, Hajiya Silifat Sule, wife of the governor, and Mr Danlami Musa, SDP Chairman, Nasarawa State,  all appreciated the lawmaker for touching the lives of his constituents through meaningful programmes and projects.
    They urged Akwashiki not to relent in improving on the standard of living of his constituents.
    On his part, Akwashiki, who is also the Minority Whip of the House said that he  was committed to improving the standard of living of his constituents, hence the provision of infrastructure and other programmes.
    He promised to do more for his constituency and the state to justify the confidence reposed in him by their mandate.
    The lawmaker appreciated all dignitaries for honouring him with their presence at the event and wished them safe journey to their various destinations.( NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AKW/IU
    ========
    Edited by Isaac Ukpoju

  • Danish prime minister ‘safe but shaken’ after assault

    Danish prime minister ‘safe but shaken’ after assault
    Assault
    Copenhagen, June 8, 2024 (dpa/NAN) Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was taken to the hospital with a minor whiplash injury after a man hit her in central Copenhagen, her office said.
    Frederiksen is “safe but shaken” by the incident, the office said, adding that her scheduled engagements on Saturday were cancelled.
    Eyewitnesses told Danish media that the 46-year-old prime minister was assaulted on Kultorvet square in the capital’s historic centre on Friday but had been able to walk away from the scene.
    Police quickly arrested a 39-year-old man in connection with the incident.
    According to local media, the suspect later appeared in a pre-trial custody hearing in a Copenhagen district court.
    The man denied that he had anything against Frederiksen, saying she was “a really good prime minister” and that he had been surprised to run into her on the street.
    Police investigating the assault do not believe that the attack was politically motivated.
    Local media reported that the man was drunk and under the influence of other drugs at the time and that he was a Polish citizen who had been resident in Denmark for a long time.
    Condemnation poured in from across Europe.
    “Shocked to hear about the violence against my friend Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of our ally Denmark.
    “I strongly condemn all violence against our political leaders,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg wrote on the social media platform X.
    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called it a “despicable act which goes against everything we believe and fight for in Europe.”
    “French President Emmanuel Macron denounced it as “unacceptable” and wished the leader a quick recovery.
    German Chancellor Olaf Scholz posted a get-well message on X.
    “Dear Mette, I wish you a speedy recovery,” he said.
    British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak posted on X: “Democracies must be free from intimidation and threats.”
    “I strongly condemn any form of violence against democratically elected leaders in our free societies,” Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said.
    “An attack on a democratically elected leader is also an attack on our democracy,” wrote Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on X.
    The incident comes as the EU’s 27 countries elect more than 700 members of the European Parliament during four days of voting that began on Thursday.
    Voters in Denmark would go to the polls on Sunday.
    There have been at least two attacks on politicians in Germany in the immediate run-up to the elections.
    Earlier, on May 15, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot and seriously injured. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    UMD/ETS
    =========
    Edited by Ummul Idris

  • NCF, partners seek sustainable action, for ocean conservation

     

    Lagos June 8, 2024 (NAN)  The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and its partner, Lekan Bakare Foundation, have called for sustainable action, understanding and passion for the conservation of oceans.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the call was made at the clean-up of Elegushi Beach, Lekki, to mark the 2024 World Oceans Day with the theme: “Awaken New Depths.”
    Speaking at the event, Dr Joseph Onoja, the Director-General, said the World Oceans Day call for an action for the protection of the oceans.
    Onoja said that if the use of something is not known, abuse was inevitable, adding that the World Oceans Day call for action for the protection of the oceans.

    It is important for people to understand what the ocean habitat is and the role it plays in trying to create an ecosystem balance so that it will continue to protect the planet earth and humans,” he said.
    He noted that the ocean and planet would always take care of itself but humans cannot take care of themselves because they depend on the earth, the ocean and the environment.
    Onoja who described the theme for the 2024 as apt, said it called for shared understanding and passion and collaborations in protecting the oceans.
    According to him, individuals, corporate organisations and everyone has a role to play in protecting the ocean so that the ocean would in turn come to protect us.
    Onoja called for responsible management of wastes in order not to find their way into the ocean.
    He said that the NCF, the foremost environmental conservation organisation, would continue to urge individuals to take responsible action in the way they treat the earth and the ocean.
    Mr Desmond Majekodunmi, Council Member, NCF, said the World Oceans Day draws attention to the importance of the oceans noting that the oceans occupy 70 per cent of the earth.
    He said that as a result of human activities, the population of fishes in the oceans have reduced tremendously.
    According to him, climate change and global warming were impacting the oceans to a great extent and everyone should do everything possible to protect the ocean and marine life.
    Also speaking, Abiola Chembas, the Chief Operating Officer, Lekan Bakare Foundation, said that it was important to clean up the ocean for the sustainability of the oceans and the creatures that live in them.
    Chembas said the Lekan Bakare Foundation seeks to protect Nigeria’s ocean and coastline by leveraging SDG 14 – Life under Water .
    According to her, the ocean is a source of livelihood for many Nigerians, and it is threatened by the adverse effects of climate change.
    She added that it was important that we ensure the protection of the ocean and promote ecosystem growth.
    Also speaking, Jesusorefunmi Soneye, a 12-year- old volunteer, at the ocean clean-up told NAN that from the pre-clean up advocacy, he learnt that it was important to clean the ocean and keep it free of plastics.
    Soneye, a student of A & T school Agege, said that if fishes in the ocean consume plastics and are in turn eating by humans, it may become cancerous to the body.
    NAN reports that many volunteers and partners showed up for the clean-up at the Elegushi beach.
    At the end of the exercise, a total of 371. 3 kg wastes were gathered from the ocean side. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FBO/JNC
    ========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Minimum wage: Archbishop urges compromise

    Wage

    By Uchenna Eletuo

    Lagos, June 8, 2024 (NAN) Archbishop Joseph Ojo, General Overseer of the Calvary Kingdom Church, Okokomaiko, Lagos State, on Saturday urged labour leaders and the Federal Government to reach a compromise as regards a new minimum wage.

    Ojo made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)in Lagos.

    The archbishop described wage negotiation as a social contract that should be approached with empathy by parties.

    According to him compromise is needed in the matter to save the country from anxiety.

    “They should consider the fact that the unemployed are much more than the few that are in government employment.

    “The federal, states and local governments only employed some workers.

    “Others are in firms owned and operated by individuals that might not be able to pay higher wage.

    “The higher they push it, the higher the inability of the unemployed to survive, because firms, which struggle to pay staff, may not talk of hiring new ones,” he said.

    The cleric said that lack of employment might result in increase in crimes.

    “There are private sector employers, who cannot cope with what the federal or states will offer,” he added.

    The cleric said that high wage bill might compell private schools to increase school bills to meet up with overhead costs.

    “Some parents will not meet up, and their children would be forced to drop out of school,” he said.

    He also advised governments to consider subsisting social-economic variables, such as cost of food items, transport and medical bills, and offer a sustainable minimum wage.

    “The parties ought to put all these into consideration to achieve progress in their negotiation,” the cleric said.

    NAN reports that the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress are now demanding N250, 000 as a new minimum wage.

    The Federal Government has offered to pay N62,000.

    Negotiations are ongoing. (NAN)

    EUC/NCI/IGO

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

    Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Ijeoma Popoola

  • KNSG employs 5,000 teachers, declares state of Emergency on education

    KNSG employs 5,000 teachers, declares state of emergency on education
    By Aminu Garko
    Kano, June 8, 2024( NAN) The  Kano State Government says  it has employed 5,000 teachers into the state civil service to revitalise the education sector.
    Gov. Abba Yusuf stated this while declaring a state of emergency on  education on Saturday in Kano.
    He emphasised the need for quality  personnel to manage public schools in the state.
    Yusuf said the initiative is  aimed at providing the required manpower for  public schools in the state to provide quality education.
    The governor  said that the era of pupils receiving lectures under harsh conditions was  over.
    He  pledged to ensure a total rehabilitation and provision of furniture for public schools in the state.
    “The declaration of a state of emergency in education is a bold step towards addressing the challenges facing the sector.
    “The government’s commitment to providing basic learning materials and infrastructure will go a long way in improving the quality of education in the state,” he said.
    Yusuf said the  move was  to ensure that every child in the state  had access to a conducive learning environment.
    He used the opportunity to highlight the crisis facing the state’s education sector, painting a stark picture of a system in dire need of reform.
    “Over 4.7 million pupils are forced to sit on bare floors to learn, while 400 schools have only one teacher for all classes and subjects,” he said.
    Yusuf   alleged that the immediate past administration closed down schools while  those vandalised were converted to commercial premises.
    “Teachers struggle with outdated and insufficient  basic learnung equipment, while clean water and sanitation are lacking in many schools,” he said.
    The governor accused the past administration of profiting from school lands over investing in education, leaving a legacy of neglect.
    He promised to tackle the multi-faceted problems facing public  education in the state head on.
    These, he said, include  the  shortage of qualified teachers, inadequate training programmes and socio-economic challenges faced by students.
    “It’s time for  investment in public education and a commitment to providing quality learning environment for all,” Yusuf said.( NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AAG/ISHO/JPE
    ============
    Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Joseph Edeh

  • Runsewe hails Oboh, Nigeria’s female golf sensation, on U.S. invitational triumph

     

     

    Georgia Oboh, Nigeria’s female golf sensation

    Runsewe hails Oboh, Nigeria’s female golf sensation, on U.S. invitational triumph

    Commendation

    By Muhyideen Jimoh

    Abuja, June 8, 2024 (NAN) The President, Nigeria Golf Federation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has commended Nigeria’s Female golf sensation, Georgia Oboh, on her recent victory at the John Shippen Women’s Invitational in Michigan, U.S.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 23-year-old Oboh, on Wednesday, captured the 2024 John Shippen Women’s Invitational and earned exemptions to compete in two LPGA tournaments – the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give and the Dow Championship.

    Oboh will tee it up alongside the world’s best female golfers at the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give starting June 13, after shooting 69-70—139 on the same course Tuesday and Wednesday to earn a three-stroke victory at the SHIPPEN event.

    Runsewe, who gave the commendation in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said that Oboh’s victory was an inspiration to other children back home and a testament to the fact that hard work pays

    “Congratulations to our very own Georgia Oboh on your well-deserved victory at the John Shippen Women’s Invitational at Blythefield Country Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan

    “Your victory is indeed a fulcrum of great possibilities and renewed hope for Nigeria and Nigerians.

    “We believe in you to keep the Nigerian flag flying high and keep doing your very best, to ensure that you represent our dear country as a good ambassador of the game of golf,” he said.

    NAN also reports that another Nigerian female pro golfer, Anita Uwadia, tied for third position with Ashley Shaw of U.S. in the same tournament, making it the first time in an international professional ladies’ golf tournament where two Nigerians made the top three.

    The NGF president noted that the performance of the girls was a very rare one and not a mean feat.

    He added that they had both distinguished themselves as the very first Nigerians and one of the few black professional female golfers on the top stage.

    He said that the federation would continue to support the golfers, to ensure that they reach their full potential as they continue to make the country proud and showcase themselves to the world.

    He also advised parents to always support and encourage their children to start playing golf at an early age, adding that it was a sport they could be engaged in for the rest of their lives.

    “Hand your child a golf club, and you might be surprised what happens.

    “Your child might not be the next Tiger Woods, but golf can make a big impact in a young life.

    “Kids can benefit from the sport mentally, physically, and emotionally. The sport can set them up for success as they get older.

    “Many of the skills learned on the course translate to real life,” he said.

    NAN also reports that Oboh and her chosen partner will compete in the Dow Championship starting June 27 in Midland, Michigan.

    The John Shippen Women’s Invitational which Oboh and Uwadia were part of is a series of competitions created to provide playing opportunities on the LPGA Tour and PGA Tour for the top Black amateur and professional women and men golfers.

    The events are named after John Shippen, Jr., who was both the first American-born golf professional and the country’s first Black golf professional. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MUYI/AMM

    ==========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Indonesian woman swallowed by giant python

    Indonesian woman swallowed by giant python

    Woman

    Jakarta, June 8, 2024 (dpa/NAN) A 45-year-old woman was killed by a five-metre python while returning from her garden in Indonesia’s South Sulawesi province, local media reported on Saturday.

    The woman, a resident of Sidenreng Rappang district, had told her husband on Thursday she was going to sell chilies to a collector.

    When she failed to return, her husband and relatives initiated a search, village head Suardi Rosi said.

    The next morning, a python was discovered near the woman’s abandoned belongings, Rosi said.

    Villagers, accustomed to the presence of these formidable predators, killed the snake and cut it open, revealing the woman’s body inside, the village head said. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    UMD/AMM

    =========

    Edited by Ummul Idris and Abiemwense Moru

  • Tinubu restates mandate to deliver quality life for Nigerians

    Mandate

    By Salif Atojoko
    Abuja, June 8, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu says his administration is prioritising people-focused development by providing essential infrastructure and amenities that will improve the quality of life of citizens.
    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement on Saturday that Tinubu made the remarks at the inauguration of engineering infrastructure in Guzape District Lot II.
    “Minister Nyesom Wike has provided exceptional leadership at a trying time for the country. It has been a very challenging time for us in the country.
    “We are still retooling and rejigging our financial system to bring prosperity and relief to the people of this country.
    “You have demonstrated the capacity to build a team, lead a team, and deliver on promises. I commend you, well done.
    “To all of you here, to the District Head of Guzape, and the representatives, litigation is not the answer, Compensation is the answer.
    “Development that is focused on the people for economic prosperity and benefits is what we should pursue.
    “Of what value is a swathe of land that is blocked by hills and rocks, and that is inaccessible. Let us talk to our people and come together to help build Nigeria,” said Tinubu.
    The President, who commended the contractor handling the project, Gilmor Engineering Ltd., emphasised that his commitment to providing infrastructure across the country was not for personal enrichment or aggrandisement.
    “I stand here as President; I do not have a plot of land here (Guzape District). But I have the people’s support and the mandate to deliver good quality of life and a living environment.
    “That should be enough for all of us to share in the joy of commitment, dedication, perseverance, and the little gifts God has endowed us,” the President said.
    The Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, said the contract, initially awarded in 2003 at the cost of N14 billion, was divided into Lots 1 and 2 to Messrs Dantata & Sawoe Construction Company Nigeria Ltd. and Messrs Gilmor Engineering Ltd.
    “Dantata had left the site for long. We had to bring them back after the President approved a memorandum to that effect,” Wike said.
    The Minister said the development of the district, which covered 32km of road, had been fraught with litigations, which, however, did not deter the progress of the project.
    He said shortly before the present administration assumed office, the cost of the project was revised to N18.17 billion.
    Wike commended the President for not abandoning the project owing to his belief in government as a continuum.
    “Since I assumed office as the FCT Minister in August 2023, you have never interfered with our work. We are sincerely happy that you gave us the free hand to work,” he said.
    Wike, who appealed to the President to name major roads in Guzape District after literary giants, Chinua Achebe and JP Clark, hinted that the ‘diplomatic area’ in the district would be completed within one year.
    In a project overview, the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad said the area being developed, Guzape District Lot II, was an urban fringe area covering 620 hectares, with 129 hectares encumbered by village settlements.
    Ahmad said the entire district, Lot 1 and Lot 2, was designed to provide residential, commercial, and recreational facilities covering an entire area of 1,070 hectares of land.
    “The Lot 1 area covers an area of 450 hectares, whereas the Lot 2 covers 620 hectares,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    SA/JNC
    =======
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Al-Shabaab raids on army bases in Somalia kill 25 people

    Al-Shabaab raids on army bases in Somalia kill 25 people

    Army

    Mogadishu, June 8, 2024 (dpa/NAN) At least 25 people were killed during Islamist terrorist attacks on four army bases in central Somalia on Saturday, officials confirmed.

    Somali army spokesman Abukar Mohamed Hassan said that the Al-Shabaab group carried out “a massive assault” from different directions, in the Eldheer district, with suicide bombers and heavily armed militants.

    “Our national armed forces and local armed militias fought hard to deny the militants from taking over the district, killing more than 20 terrorists,” he said.

    Hassan said that the country’s international partners were supporting the army in the air.

    Although he did not name which foreign powers were involved in Saturday’s airstrikes, Turkey and the U.S. routinely provide military support to the Somali army.

    He added that at least two Somali soldiers and three local clan militias fighting alongside the army were killed in today’s attack.

    Al-Shabaab said on its Radio Andalus that its fighters had captured four army bases around Eldheer, killing dozens of soldiers.

    These claims could not be immediately verified.

    Muhyadiin Arabow, a local elder man said that the fighting lasted about four hours, forcing a number of residents to flee their homes.

    He said Al-Shabaab rammed explosive-laden vehicles into the army posts in the area, which had destroyed civilian homes.

    “I saw eight civilians with gun wounds. Both sides used heavy weapons and explosions which made the situation very stressful,” he added.

    Al-Shabaab, a terrorist militia linked to Al-Qaeda, has been carrying out repeated attacks in the country of 18 million inhabitants in the Horn of Africa for years. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    UMD/AMM

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    Edited by Ummul Idris and Abiemwense Moru

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • I have accepted recommendation of Olakulehin as Olubadan of Ibadanland – Gov. Makinde

    Recommendation
    By Suleiman Shehu
    Ibadan, June 8, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Saturday said that he had accepted the recommendation of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin by the Olubadan-In-Council as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    Makinde said this on Saturday during the celebration of life organised by the state government for late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Balogun, who died on March 14 after a brief illness.

    The governor said that he had seen the recommendation of the Olubadan-In-Council and had accepted it.

    “I have accepted it and as soon as the Olubadan Designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin is strong enough, he will be enthroned because due process has been followed,” Makinde said.

    The governor said that the late Olubadan lived a fulfilled life, saying that he and the late Olubadan did things many people thought would be impossible.

    “Myself and late Oba Balogun amended the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration which revolved the enthronement of Olubadan,” he said.

    Makinde said that the state House of Assembly on May 26, 2023, amended the Chieftaincy law of Oyo State and the governor no longer need to go to the Council of Chief for the declaration of Oba again.

    Speaking about Balogun, the Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Yusuf Buratai (rtd), described Balogun as a philanthropist and lover of the people.

    Buratai said that Balogun served Oyo State and Nigeria in general through various charitable efforts.

    Also speaking, the Olowu of Owukuta, Oba Adekunle Hammed, said late Olubadan promoted unity within Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

    Hammed said the reign of Balogun witnessed a lot of transformation and his contribution to the development of the state would never be forgotten.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by dignitaries within the state and Nigeria in general.
    (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    SYS/AJA
    ======
    Edited by Adeleye Ajayi