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  • Take over political scene, APC chieftain charges youths 

     

    Dr Tola Kasali, former Lagos State Commissioner and friends at his 72nd birthday celebration on Friday in Lagos.

     

    Take over political scene, APC chieftain charges youths

    Youths
    By Adeyemi Adeleye
    Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Dr Tola Kasali, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has charged Nigerian youths to take over the political scene for the future of the country.

    Kasali, a former Commissioner for Rural Development in Lagos State, gave the charge on Friday during his 72nd birthday celebration in Lagos.

    The birthday party was organised for the APC Chieftain by the Joint National Transport Safety Committee of Nigeria, Lagos State Taskforce, led by Alhaji Mukaila Moruf (aka Sanwo-Ayalu).

    He commended President Bola Tinubu for spotlighting and injecting some youths into his cabinet, adding that the current Nigeria’s challenges were for the youths to resolve.

    Kasali, a former Commissioner for Special Duties in Lagos State, urged Nigerian young politicians to be focused and prioritise service to their people, state and the country.

    “They say the youth are the leaders of tomorrow, it is no more true again. The youth should take over now.

    “When you consider the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s cabinet and look at some youths like the Interior Minister, he is a young person and he is doing fantastically well.

    “These are the kind of people that we need to continue to serve this nation. Our youths have a lot of experience, knowledge, strength and intelligence.

    “As a result, we need to direct them to be focus. So, it is no more the future, present situation is for the youth. We should make use of them for the future of this country.

    “I am praying that our youths will continue to play well in the political scene of this country and God will always be with them, direct and make use of them for the betterment of this country,” he said.

    The APC chieftain urged young politicians to always do the right thing and remain contented.

    “When you serve the people, your state and the country, do not do it because you are looking for something, but for the sake of the people, the state and the country.

    “The country belongs to all of us, the youth should take over now,” he said.

    The politician said that he was happy and felt fulfilled having served the people and the state with all his youthful vigour and strength.

    “I am 72 today and I thank God for it. I don’t put anything in my mind, I have paid my dues in Lagos State.

    “I have served Lagos State with all my conscience, capacity and strength and I am thankful to God that I am where I am today, very happy and satisfied,” Kasali said.

    Speaking, Alhaji Mukaila Moruf, the Lagos State Chairman of the Joint National Transport Safety Committee, described Kasali as a role model and a lover of the people.

    “We are celebrating our leader at his 72 birthday. He is the apex leader of APC in Ibeju-Lekki,” Moruf said.

    He said that Kasali had done so many things in promoting and lifting Ibeju-Lekki Local Government.
    Also applauding Kasali, Mr Oluwole Omikunle, an entrepreneur and a chieftain of APC in Ward E in Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), said that Kasali would remain a guide to many young politicians.

    He prayed God to grant Kasali more years in good health and peace of mind.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by politicians, friends and family of the former commissioner. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AYO/FON/IKU
    =============
    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Tayo Ikujuni

  • Otti advocates for increased fight against oil theft, illegal refinery operation 

    Advocacy
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Nvosi(Abia), June 7, 2024(NAN) Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has emphasised the importance of cracking down on oil theft and illegal refinery operations in the state.
    Otti said this on Friday when he received  the Joint Taskforce Southsouth Operation Delta on a  familiarisation  visit in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the state.
    The governor also urged the Taskforce to intensify efforts in the fight against oil theft and illegal operation of refineries.
    He said that enforcing such measures would help protect the state’s resources and foster economic stability.
    He expressed displeasure over the  activities of illegal refineries in the state, and warned that perpetrators of such activities would be made to face legal repercussions.
    Otti urged the taskforce to treat operators of illegal refineries as enemies of the state.
    “Those that operate illegal refineries and other activities, those are the enemies of the state and should be treated as such.
    “Whether they are in Aba or in Ukwa or Port Harcourt or Bayelsa or any of the other 10 states where you operate, the long arms of the government must be made to catch up with them.
    “For us, we do not support any illegality by anybody in any form.
    “You can take it for granted that we as a government will give you all the support to carry out your operation here,” Otti said.
    He also called on the Taskforce to also work to secure the Abia Innovation and Industrial Park (AIIP) at Owaza, in Ukwa West Local Government Area.
    Otti said that the state government would support the taskforce in the area of logistics and intelligence sharing to make its assignment easier.
    According to Otti,  security remains a top priority in  his administration because no meaningful development could take place in an atmosphere of insecurity.
    Earlier, the Commander of the Taskforce, Rear Admiral John Okeke, said the team was in Abia to familiarise with the state as one of their areas of operations in the fight against oil theft and illegal activities within the oil bearing states.
    Okeke  said that part of their mandate was  focused on curbing illegal activities in the oil and gas sector in Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Imo, Ondo, Anambra, Delta and Edo.
    “The Federal Government thought it wise to come up with Joint Taskforce South South Operation Delta Safe with a mandate to protect oil and gas infrastructure and stem security challenges in the Niger Delta.
    The Taskforce also has the mandate to stop militancy, sea robbery, crude oil theft and other forms of militancy that could impact negatively on the economic activities, with emphasis on the oil and gas sector,” he said.
    Okeke expressed the willingness of the Taskforce to collaborate with the government  to curb illicit activities within their areas of operation.
    He appealed to the government for logistics support  to enable the Taskforce to achieve its mandate.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    INA/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Mining: Makinde tasks LG chairmen on residents’ safety

    Mining

    By David Adeoye

    Ibadan, June 7, 2024(NAN) Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has urged local government chairmen in the state to protect residents in their respective areas from mining operation hazards.

    Makinde stated this on Friday, during a meeting with the chairmen in Ibadan.

    He reminded them that security of the people remained one of their responsibilities that they should live up to.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor was represented at the meeting by the Chairman of the state Mineral Development Company, Mr Abiodun Oni.

    He noted that the council chairmen should take responsibility for the challenges and opportunities in the mining sector in their respective areas.

    Makinde emphasised the importance of harnessing the state’s mineral resources for the benefit of citizens.

    He said that mining operations must not be allowed to have adverse effect on the security of lives and property in the state.

    The governor noted that the mining sector was under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government.

    He, however, said that states and local governments had a critical role to play in ensuring that operations were conducted securely and with the consent of host communities.

    Makinde tasked the local government chairmen in the state to ensure that miners obtain the necessary consent letters and community development agreements before commencing operations.

    The governor said that mining operations could sometimes have attendant security risks.

    He urged the chairmen to collaborate with the state government to protect the state in this regard.

    Speaking on behalf of the chairmen, the Chairman, Oluyole Local Government, Mr Akeem Olatunji, acknowledged the security challenges associated with mining operations.

    Olatunji pledged that all the chairmen would work with the state government to tighten security, to enhance the protection of life and property in their respective areas.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DAK/MAM/SOA

    Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Oluwole Sogunle

     

  • NILDS: Nigerians no longer require foreign legislative training says Akpabio

    Institute

    By EricJames Ochigbo

    Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio says Nigerians no longer require legislative trainings abroad given the standard of facilities and professionals at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

    Akpabio who said this when he visited the institute on Friday in Abuja, described the institute as “Nigeria’s Cambridge and Harvard Universities.”

    “With this infrastructure, Nigerians no longer need to travel overseas for legislative training; this is our own Cambridge and Harvard,” Akpabio said.

    Accompanied by the Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele and Sen. Osita Ngwu, Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong, and Sen. Abiru Adetokunbo, Akpabio commended the efforts of the management of the institution.

    The Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, unveiled NILDS’ latest publication titled ,”25 Years of Democracy and Development in Nigeria.”

    The publication which features a foreword by Akpabio, chronicles Nigeria’s democratic journey and development since 1999.

    In a similar development, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Mr Maimounatou Ibrahima sought NILDS’ assistance in the area of capacity development of parliamentarians and their support staff.

    Sulaiman assured the Institute’s readiness to provide its services to the ECOWAS Parliament, emphasising the institute’s commitment to advancing the overall well-being of the sub-region. (NAN)

    EOO/MNA 

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

    ——

  • Youths urged to place national identity over ethnicity, religion

    Youths

    By Philomina Attah
    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Mr Obinna Nwaka, Director-General, Committee of Youth on Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS), has called on Nigerian youth to place their national identity far above their ethnic and religious affiliations.

    He also urged them to hold their representatives accountable and unite against opponents of good governance.

    He spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the 2024 CYMS National Conference which had the theme: “Promotion of Peaceful Co-existence, Ethnic and Religious Cohesion in Our Nation”.

    He highlighted CYMS’ role in promoting government policies, good governance and youth inclusion since its establishment in 2018.

    Nwaka urged youths to consider the values of self-reliance, youth inclusiveness in governance,  local government autonomy and the importance of ethnic and religious tolerance.

    The director-general stressed the need for patriotism to curb the destruction of national assets.

    He also cautioned against civil unrest and underscored the role of stakeholders in conflict resolution and peaceful coexistence.

    He warned against vote-buying and financial crimes, urging leaders to pay attention to the youth by initiating programmes that would make them assets to the society.

    He urged youth to unite against those preaching disunity and disintegration, calling for more engagement with youths at the grassroots.

    Nwaka expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s achievements and support to the Nigerian youths through some laudable initiatives.

    He appealed for constructive criticism of the government and urged Nigerians to put the country above political and personal interests.

    He declared the conference an annual event, reaffirming CYMS’s commitment to championing  causes that would boost national growth.

    Prof. Musa Olaofe, the Chief Imam, Ansar-ud-deen Mosque, Abuja, in a remark, encouraged Nigerian youths to show interest and participate in the country’s politics to protect their interests.

    He said that there would not be meaningful development if the youth were left out of governance.

    “Do not allow yourself to be used as thugs by the politicians.

    “If any politician wants to engage you in war or give you cutlasses to fight, such person should first of all invite his children to take the lead,” he said.

    On his part, Rev. Duke Akamisoko, the Anglican Bishop of Kubwa Diocese, Abuja, said that religious bodies had a lot to do in order to promote peace in the country.

    “As religious leaders, we are asked to emulate our Master Jesus, and the teachings of the scriptures, with peace as a cardinal principle.

    “I urge the youth to imbibe the teachings of the Holy Books. They should accept the teachings and  practice them in their lives,” he said  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    APA/BEKl/ETS

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    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki and Ephraims Sheyin
    =====

  • Enugu Govt partners Varsity to establish DNA centre

     

    DNA

    By Alex Enebeli

    Enugu, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Enugu State Government says it is partnering with the Godfrey Okoye University and other private institutions to establish Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), Centre in the state.

    Prof. Emmanuel Obi, the State Commissioner for Health, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the outcome the State Executive Council meeting, held at the Enugu Government House on Friday.

    He said the council approved that Enugu government would partner with private institutions that were going into advancement in technology and biomolecular test.

    According to him, the state agreed to partner with Godfrey Okoye University Centre for DNA forensics, criminal investigation and education.

    The commissioner revealed that the partnership was targeted at improving advanced diagnostics, criminal investigations, research and learning beyond what had been available before.

    He said: “That facility is the type that will provide these advance DNA analysis and investigations which was not readily available in the country and even within West Africa.

    “The tendency that we found before was that when DNA analysis is sort out, samples are taken in Nigeria and shipped abroad and the nearest facility is in South Africa.

    “Enugu State Government is now promoting that this institute should exist in Enugu and be able to carry out investigations that will help to solve a lot of medical problems and enhance criminal investigation

    “It will also help people to have solutions like paternity and maternity issues,” he stressed.

    Obi added that the establishment of the DNA facilities would touch a lot of sectors in Enugu State and make the technology available to other nearby countries in West Africa as well as improve education.

    “With this, biotechnology will be exposed to students in Enugu,” assured. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AAE/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Enugu Smart Schools, first of its kind in Africa – IHRC

    School

    By Alex Enebeli

    Enugu, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Director- General, International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), Dr Tivlumun Ahure, has expressed satisfaction with the Smart Green Schools, introduced by Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State.

    Ahure, who is the IHRC, International Relief Fund in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations, made the remark when he led 43 diplomats to visit pilot Smart Green School in Owo, Enugu East Council Area on Friday.

    Addressing newsmen, the director-general who recalled that over time, he had read about the school, said the visit was more of practical for the team coming to see things themselves and looked at the facilities available.

    He said: “Going round the school, I saw a marvelous concept, true educational revolution, first of its kind in Africa.

    “It is my job to see that this type of school is replicated in other places in Africa. I will take the trumpet from Enugu and blow it around Nigeria and other African countries.

    “Everyone should be proud of what is happening in education sector in Enugu,” he said.

    Ahure, also the President of the ongoing NgEducators International Model United Nations (NGIMUN), Conference, in Enugu, disclosed that the concept of out of school children, drop outs and children not having quality education were infringement on the rights of children.

    According to him, they need to do something about it beyond just advocacy but engaging those in leadership to understand that there is a man doing a model school with increased budget for education.

    Speaking, Dr Ebenezer Leo, Head of Education at the Secretariat of the Nigeria Governors Forum, while extolling Mbah for the excellent job, said he would let other governors know about it and replicate in their various states.

    “I will tell other governors that this is what we want in Nigeria, an access to quality education.

    “This year we made analysis of the 35 governors in respect to their budget for education and it has been impressive as the advocacy is that every state should have 10 to 15 per cent of their budget to education and Enugu has surpassed it with 33 per cent.

    “With the conference we are having in October, Enugu State will be showcasing the smart schools, so that other states will key into it and replicate it in their states,” Leo said.

    Responding, the Enugu State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, explained that the 43 diplomats from around the world came to Enugu Smart School in Owo to see things for themselves.

    He said they could not believe that something like that was happening in Africa and promised they would take the gesture to their countries and insist that their leaders should give their people something similar.

    “They are saying they are going to produce a document, a United Nations Platform of Action that will carry their signatures as well as sponsoring them in every African countries and global until, it becomes a UN declaration.

    “What they are telling us after they saw pilot Smart Green School is that Mbah has developed a model, built and equipped it with teachers delivering experiential learning in a way they taught it was not possible.

    “This is the type of education that Africa needs and also an African solution to their challenge, a homegrown innovation and development,” he stressed. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AAE/OIF/MNA
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Maureen Atuonwu

     

  • Naira depreciates by 0.16% against dollar at official market

    Naira

    By Grace Alegba

    Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Naira on Friday recorded loss at the official market, trading at N1,483.99 to the dollar.

    Data from the official trading platform of the FMDQ Exchange, a platform that oversees the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM), revealed that the Naira lost N2.50.

    This represents a 0.16 per cent loss when compared to the previous trading date on Thursday, trading  at N1,481.49 to the dollar.

    However, the volume of currency traded increased to $269.27 million on Friday up from $213.31 million recorded on Thursday.

    Meanwhile, at the Investor’s and Exporter’s (I&E) window, the Naira traded between N1,507.00 and N1,399.00 against the dollar. (NAN)

    GA/AWA

    =========

    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

  • Butcher jailed 14 years for attempted sexual assault

    Jail
    By Adenike Ayodele
    Ikeja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Friday sentenced a butcher, Jelili Moshood, to 14 years imprisonment for attempting to rape a vulnerable 78-year-old woman suffering from dementia.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Moshood was sentenced  to 14 years imprisonment by Justice Rahman Oshodi, following his plea bargain agreement to attempted sexual assault by penetration.
    Oshodi held that he considered the facts of the case, the plea bargain agreement reached between the prosecution and the defence.
    He added that he considered the convict’s guilty plea to the amended charge of attempt to commit sexual assault by penetration.
    Consequently, the court convicted Moshood and sentenced him to 14  years imprisonment as agreed in the plea bargain to commence on Jan. 2,  2019, the date of his remand.
    The judge said the facts established in the case were that the convict, under the guise of helping, isolated the vulnerable 78-year-old woman suffering from dementia and proceeded to assault her, causing her physical injury and trauma sexually.
    He said: “This predatory and depraved conduct shocks the conscience and warrants strong condemnation and a lengthy custodial sentence.
    “The victim impact has been severe though the victim has since passed away, one can only imagine the fear, anguish and suffering inflicted upon her in the final months of her life by the convict’s heinous actions.
    “Her family will have to live with that painful reality and this sentence considers the convict’s guilty plea and the sparing of the victim’s family from the ordeal of testifying in court.
    “However, it must also send a clear deterrent message that sexual violence against society’s most vulnerable will be met with severe consequences.
    Oshodi said the agreed 14 years sentence reflected the egregious breach of trust, the physical and emotional harm caused and the need to protect the public from the convict, who would be registered as a sex offender.
    “Jelili Moshood, this court hopes that during your lengthy imprisonment, you will have occasion to reflect deeply on your actions and emerge with genuine remorse and rehabilitation,” the judge said.
    NAN reports that the Lagos State Government had initially charged  the convict with  rape in which the medical report and the result of the medical examination were received in evidence as Exhibit F.
    It revealed documented physical trauma and forceful penetration of the victim’s vagina.
    The court had held that the preceding factual matrix was distilled from the testimonies of one ASP Babatunde Asifat, Prosecution Witness One (PW1) and one Insp. Olakunle Orebe, Prosecution Witness Two (PW2), and the defendant’s’s confessional statement (Exhibit B1).
    The court had also held that the extensive cross-examination by the learned defence counsel did not unearth any contradiction of PW1’s evidence.
    The judge said that instead, it strengthened it.
    “Seeing the strong evidence against him and after PW2 had given his evidence-in-chief, the defendant applied to the Hon. Attorney-General of Lagos State for a plea bargain through his counsel, Mr Yusuf  Oyebanji,” the court  held.
    The state counsel, Ms Bukola Okeowo, had on May 31 informed the court that the parties had entered a plea and sentence agreement dated and filed on May 30.
    The convict’s charge was, thereafter, changed from rape to attempt to commit sexual assault by penetration, which contravened Section 262of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015. (NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng
    OAR/JNC
    ========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • NTF committed to promoting gender equality in tennis participation, officiating ——President

    NTF committed to promoting gender equality in tennis participation, officiating –President

    Tennis

    By Aderonke  Ojo

    Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) President of Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Ifedayo Akindoju, says the federation is committed to promoting gender equality with regards to the participation and officiating of tennis events in the country.

    He made the remarks while declaring a maiden International Tennis Federation’s Advantage All workshop open on Friday in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigeria Tennis Umpires Association (NTUA) made history on Friday in Abuja.

    This followed the successful hosting of its maiden International Tennis Federation’s Advantage All programme, thus setting the pace for other African countries.

    The workshop was organised by the NTF, in conjunction with the International Tennis Federation ( ITF), with no fewer than 20 female tennis officials from across the country in participation.

    It aims to further deepen the domestication of the initiative which the country formally signed into in 2021 at the Annual General Meeting of ITF in Glasgow, Scotland.

    Akindoju extolled the milestones being recorded by the Officiating Department of the Federation, noting that officiating in Nigeria had advanced beyond  imagination “as ladies in tennis officiating have done so well.

    “What we are witnessing here today is another landmark to show that ladies are very interested in sports and in tennis in particular.

    “As a Federation, we are promoting gender fairness, gender equality in terms of opportunities and participation, and have put in place a well monitored and guided mechanism to ensure that no body is treated unfairly”, Akindoju said.

    Acting Chairman of NTUA, Rose Abu, encouraged the participants to make adequate use of the opportunity to develop and sharpen their officiating knowledge and skills.

    Abu thanked the ITF for endorsing the event, and commended the effort and commitment of the President of NTF and the country’s Officiating Manager, Kehinde Ijaola, for making the day a reality.

    Gold Badge Chair Umpire and an Advantage All Global Ambassador, Eva Asderaki-Moore led a plethora of virtual international goodwill messages from female tennis Umpires across the world to the participants.

    With the theme, Tennis Officiating: Place, Value Of Women In Officiating And Empowerment, the workshop had series of paper presentations on topical issues.

    NAN also reports that a minute silence was earlier observed in honour of the immediate past Nigeria’s Advantage All Ambassador and one of the country’s finest tennis officials, late Arinola Isa-Banire who died in July 2023.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    STJ/HA

    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu