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  • Food Security: Sen. Mustapha advocates multi-dimensional approach

    Food
    By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

    Ilorin, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Sen. Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central/APC) on Friday in Ilorin called for a multi-dimensional approach and integration of technological innovation to enhance food security in Nigeria.

    Mustapha made the call while delivering a keynote address at the Maiden International Conference (Hybrid) of the Faculty of Physical Science of the University of Ilorin.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference was “Renewable Energy and the Clean Environment: Panacea for Sustainable Development”.

    The senator, who underscored the need for government reforms and stakeholders’ engagement, noted that Nigeria could chart a path towards more resilient, equitable and prosperous food stability.

    “Renewable energy can enhance agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and promote inclusive growth,” he said.

    Also, Dr Bankim Tripathy of CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology at Bhubaneswar in India stated that industrial waste recycling was also a critical component of sustainable development.

    She spoke, in her keynote address, on the sub-theme “Utilisation of Lean Grade Ores and Recycling of Industrial Waste Integrated with Circular Economy — Key to Sustainable Development”.

    Tripathy disclosed that attempts had been made to utilise lean grade ores of manganese carbonate and manganese metal organic framework as catalyst and electrolytic manganese dioxide for electric vehicles.

    According to her, aluminum dross from aluminum industry and fly ash from power plants have been recycled to make high value materials or chemicals.

    Also, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, University of Ilorin’s Vice-Chancellor, who emphasised on energy’s importance to man’s survival, however noted that it was in the centre of discourse because of the astronomical costs.

    Represented by Prof. Omotesho Abayomi, the institution’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Egbewole said everything was tied to sustainable development to meet the needs of the present without compromising those of the future.

    He stated that the United Nations (UN) adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which touched various aspects of human development.

    The Vice-Chancellor then emphasised on the need to ameliorate issues of sustainable development across the globe.

    Earlier in his welcome address, Prof. Alafara Baba, the Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, spoke on the need to address the challenges of the need for energy.

    He added that this was linked to the imperativeness of maintaining a clean and sustainable environment.

    “The theme of the conference underscores the significant roles renewable energy and a clean environment can play in driving sustainable development,” Baba said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FATY/KOO/OLAL
    =============
    (Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Olawale Alabi)

  • Group takes tree planting campaign to students in Adamawa

    Campaign

    By Ibrahim Kado

    Yola, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Adamawa Activities for Climate Justice, an NGO has taken tree planting campaign to secondary school students in commemoration of 2024 World Environmental Day.

    Speaking at the commemoration on Friday in Yola, the team leader, Amina Tukur, said the celebration is in collaboration with African Activists for Climate Justice and Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP).

    She advised the students to embrace three planting to save the environment from the challenges of climate change.

    She called on them to understand that environment is a platform for life including plants and animals.

    Tukur also urged the students to be patient in taking care of the trees to grow up to maturity.

    Alh. Aliyu Jada, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment represented by Musa Usman, said issues of climate change is the responsibility of everyone.

    According to him, government is doing everything possible to protect the environment by signing executive order to stop felling of trees for charcoal production.

    “It is our own responsibility to also complement government efforts by planting more trees and stopping all negative activities against the environment,’’ he said.

    He further commended the organisers for the campaign.

    Ahmed Dada, the Executive Director, Dada Education Foundation said that climate change was negatively impacting life and encouraged the students to plant more trees.

    He said the state government had planted trees worth millions of naira over the years but they could not survive due to poor management, hence the need for the students to plant trees and nature them to maturity.

    Mohammed Musa, the Principal, General Murtala Mohammed Collage (GMMC) Yola,  who spoke on behalf of selected schools thanked the organisers and gave assurance that they would take care of the seedlings up to maturity.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the selected schools were GMMC, Government Secondary School Bekaji, Karewa, Capital School, and Government Girls Secondary School Yola (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    IMK/OIF/IU

    ===========
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/ Isaac Ukpoju

     

     

  • Ogun APC mourns chieftain, Sola Lawal

    Ogun APC mourns chieftain, Sola Lawal

     

    Death

     

    By Abiodun Lawal

     

    Abeokuta, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun has mourned its former Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Sola Lawal, describing his demise as sad and unfortunate.

     

    The party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Tunde Oladunjoye, in a statement in Abeokuta on Friday, said Lawal’s death was a sad one for the party, as he  served diligently in various capacities while alive.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lawal died on Thursday in Lagos, aged 61.

     

    Oladunjoye said that the late APC chieftain was a dedicated party man who diligently carried out his assigned tasks effectively and efficiently to the best of his ability.

     

    “Anyone who came across Sola Lawal while alive will attest to the fact that he was a burst of energy, amiable and jovial.

     

    “On behalf of the All Progressives Congress, Ogun State, we mourn the departed party chieftain, who has since been buried according to Islamic rites.

     

    “We sympathise with the families, relatives, associates and friends of the deceased and pray that God will grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

     

    “We pray that the late politician will be granted Aljanah Fridaus,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    LKA/FON/FAA

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

    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Folasade Adeniran

  • Gov. Abiodun’s wife charges female farmers to use grants judiciously

    Grant

    By Joy Akinsanya
    Abeokuta, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, the wife of Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, on Friday in Abeokuta urged beneficiaries of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) grants to judiciously utilise them.

    Abiodun, who is also the state coordinator of RHI, gave the charge during the disbursement and interactive session with 20 beneficiaries drawn from all the state’s Local Government Areas (LGAs).

    The governor’s wife said they must use the grants in boosting food sufficiency and security.

    She noted that the exercise was in fulfilment of the promise of N10 million to boost food production in each of the states, with each of the beneficiaries receiving N500,000.

    “The disbursement is in accordance with the directive of the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, to support 20 female farmers from each state with N500,000 each.

    ”It is to encourage more women to be involved in the agricultural sector,” Abiodun added.

    Earlier, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Bolu Owotomo, had said the event was in furtherance of government’s commitment to promoting and empowering women in the sector.

    Owotomo added that the grant was given to ensure adequate food production in the state in particular and the country at large.

    “Achieving sustainable development in agriculture plays a critical role in ensuring food sufficiency. The RHI is to assist female farmers to help strengthen the sector.

    “So, you must maximally make use of this gesture to meet the purpose it is meant for,” he said.

    Owotomo urged the beneficiaries to form groups and register with the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project to further benefit from other government interventions.

    He said this would increase food production and improve their livelihood.

    In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr. Angel Adelaja, noted that the role of women in agriculture could not be over emphasised.

    He promised to give all necessary support to women farmers and ensure they were not left out in various intervention programmes to help them improve.

    Responding on the farmers’ behalf, Mrs Elizabeth Kalejaye, a fish farmer, and Mrs Temitope, a poultry farmer, applauded the initiative, saying the money would be used to expand their businesses.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on April 16 First Lady Oluremi Tinubu had flagged off the RHI Women Agricultural Support Programme for the South-West in Abeokuta.

    She has so far empowered 120 women farmers in the south-west geo-political zone with N60 million, with 20 of them from Ogun.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IOJ/EOB/OLAL

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

    (Edited by Edith Bolokor and Olawale Alabi)

  • Stop using harmful chemicals for food storage – Soludo’s wife

    Chemicals

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
    Nnewi (Anambra) June 7, 2024 (NAN) The wife of Anambra Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has urged traders to desist from using harmful chemicals for food storage.
    Soludo made the call while addressing traders at Nkwo Nnewi Market, where she continued her ongoing Healthy Living Market outreach.
    She said that using such chemicals could have damaging implications on human health.
    “Many traders use chemicals to store or preserve their food products to avoid spoilage and they are not even aware of the health implications of the chemicals.
    “Many life-threatening diseases that we see today are as a result of the chemicals used to store food items. Some of the chemicals causing slow-killing sicknesses come from foods grown or stored with chemicals.
    “We have to desist from using poisonous chemicals on food items meant for human consumption, to safeguard our health,” she said.
    Soludo also encouraged the traders to imbibe environmental and personal hygiene for a healthier market and state.
    Earlier, Mr Humphery Anuna, the President-General of Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Association, said the Healthy Living campaign was impacting positively on the lives of residents.
    Anuna appreciated the governor’s for taking out time to bring Healthy Living crusade to the markets and for devoting her time to the welfare of humanity.
    “The Healthy Living crusade is being felt across the state and has corrected so many negative habits that affect people’s health and well-being.
    “We the traders are encouraged to adopt the message and make it an everyday practice in the markets and in our homes,” he said.
    The governor’s wife donated hand washing buckets, refuse bags, aprons, and disinfectants to help build hygiene in the markets. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
    LCO/OIF/JNC
    ===========
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • WED: Institute advocates tree planting culture to mitigate climate change effects

    WED: Institute advocates tree planting culture to mitigate climate change effects

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Benin, June 7,2024(NAN) The Institute of Environment Practitioners of Nigeria(IEPN) has urged all to engage in building projects, such as tree planting, to mitigate the effects of climate change.

    Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, President and Chairman, Governing Council of the institute, made the call at an event it organized to commemorate 2024 World Environment Day on Friday in Benin.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, the event was organized in partnership with Benin City Window on America(BCWOA) with the theme: Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience.

    Ezemonye said that the United Nations (UN) had warned that over 40 percent of planet land had been degraded and had affected half of the world’s population.

    He noted that the theme of the event was to remind stakeholders on the need to collectively heal the planet.

    “Since WED was celebrated in 1973, the anniversary has become a platform to raise awareness about critical environmental issues and proffer lasting and sustainable solutions, ” he said.

    Ezemonye, who is also the Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Okada, Benin added that 2024 WED came at a critical time when the world had triple planetary crisis such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

    According to him, by focusing on land restoration, we can mitigate these crises, enhance carbon storage, protect species from extinction and ensure a healthier planet for future generations.

    “According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),restoring degraded land can significantly improve livelihoods, reduce poverty, and build resilience to extreme weather.

    ” Every dollar invested in restoration can make up to$30 in ecosystem services, making it a vital strategy for sustainable development,” he said.

    A Director in BCWOA, Dr Georgina Erifetal urged participants to take responsibility for the survival of their immediate environment to bring positive effects to the global habitat.

    The event also hosted stakeholders, who participated virtually across the globe, to proffer lasting solutions to issues affecting the planet. (NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)
    NY/JI

    Edited by Joe Idika

     

     

  • Council crisis: Court summons UniAbuja VC

    Council crisis: Court summons UniAbuja VC

    Suit
    By Taiye Agbaje

    Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, ordered the Vice Chancellor (VC) of University of Abuja, Prof. Rasheed Na’Allah, to appear before it on June 13 to show cause why the planned inauguration of the newly elected Internal Governing Council Members of the institution should not be stopped.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the order, in a ruling, shortly after the plaintiffs’ counsel, Maxwell Opara, moved an ex-parte motion to the effect.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the plaintiffs; Prof. Saint Gbilekaa, Prof. Edmund Nwanna, Prof. Sunday Ejaro, Prof. Kasim Umar, Prof. Wesley Nafarnda and Dr Uju Patrick, had filed the motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/683/2024.

    The six aggrieved senior lecturers had sued the VC; President, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and National Universities Commission (NUC) as 1st to 4th defendants respectively.

    In the motion dated and filed June 5 through their lawyer, Opara, they sought seven reliefs, which include an order of interim injunction directing all parties to maintain status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the motion on notice.

    They also sought an order of interim injunction restraining the 1st defendant (VC) and others from conducting any inauguration of the newly elected internal council members of the university pending the determination of the motion on notice.

    They equally sought an interim injunction restraining the 2nd to 4th defendants from recognising, accepting or otherwise having anything to do with any person or persons purportedly elected as Internal Council Members of the university’s Governing Council by Na’Allah pending the determination of the substantive suit.

    The plaintiffs sought an interim injunction stopping any person or group of persons newly elected as members of Internal Governing Council by the VC in an election conducted on May 28 from parading themselves as of the council pending the determination of the motion on notice.

    They prayed the court to make an interim order restraining Na’Allah from setting up any administrative panel of inquiry or disciplinary committee for the purpose of sanctioning, discipline or questioning the six of them who are the substantive parties in this suit, as any of such as will be prejudicial to the unfettered powers of the honourable court.

    Giving six grounds why the motion should be granted, they argued that the case was duly filed on May 22 and copies of all the processes duly served on Na’Allah by the bailiff

    They said despite the pendency of the suit in court, Na’Allah conducted “the purported election of new Governing Council on May 28, 2024.”

    “The inauguration of the Council of Federal Universities may take place at any moment and presenting the purportedly elected persons as internal Council members of the University of Abuja would have the effect of destroying the res in this case.

    “That the 1st defendant/respondent is intimidating the claimants for approaching court,” they said, among others.

    Justice Ekwo then ordered the plaintiffs to put the defendants on notice of the motion ex-parte within three days of the order.

    “Defendants/Respondents to show cause on the next date of hearing the prayers of the plaintiffs/applicants on the motion ex-parte ought not be granted,” he said.

    The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until June 13 for defendants to show cause.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TOA/SH

    =======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • FG commends Tetracore Energy on 10 MMscfd LNG facility investment

    By Yunus Yusuf

    Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), has commended Tetracore Energy for its investment in a 10-million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) LNG facility.

     

    Ekpo made the commendation at the inauguration of Tetracore Energy Group’s 6.1 MMscfd Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) facility and the groundbreaking ceremony for the 10 MMscfd LNG plant at Atakobo, along Benin-Sagamu Expressway.

    The minister stated that the CNG and LNG facilities, aimed at promoting energy security in Nigeria, also promote cleaner energy and ensure energy security for the country.

    He praised Tetracore Energy Group for its vision and dedication to advancing Nigeria’s gas infrastructure.

    “The commissioning of your 6.1 MMscfd CNG facility and the groundbreaking ceremony for your 10 MMscfd LNG facility are significant steps towards enhancing our nation’s energy security.

    “These developments are critical components of our strategy to diversify energy sources, promote cleaner energy, and ensure energy security for our people.

    “Natural gas is a pivotal element in the global energy transition towards a more sustainable energy system,” said Ekpo.

    The minister highlighted that natural gas provides a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels and supports the integration of renewable energy sources.

    He noted that the LNG facility would play a crucial role in expanding in-country processing capabilities and delivering feedstock to gas-based industries nationwide.

    “This project will drive economic growth, create jobs and improve the quality of life for our citizens.

    “The use of CNG in transportation will reduce reliance on imported fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with our commitment to the Paris Agreement and our national climate goals,” he added.

    Representing the Ogun Government, Dr Ola Aikulola,the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, expressed gratitude to Tetracore Energy Group for their milestone achievement.

    He stated that Tetracore’s efforts in gas penetration and utilisation aligned perfectly with Gov. Dapo Abiodun’s goals for sustainable energy solutions in the state and the country.

    “This initiative is a testament to the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu to deepen the penetration of natural gas for our utilisation.

    “This project will create more jobs for the people of Ogun state, stimulate economic growth, and contribute significantly to the development of our industrial base,” Aikulola said.

    Mr Sesan Odukoya, Head of the Oil and Gas Department at the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, congratulated Tetracore Energy Group on its achievement.

    Representing Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Odukoya emphasised the strategic partnership between Lagos and Ogun states in developing CNG and LNG facilities to enhance energy security and promote clean energy.

    In his remarks, Mr Olalekan Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Tetracore Energy Group,
    said that the group could deliver up to 70 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to multiple customers.

    He highlighted the state-of-the-art CNG satellite complex, which includes a 10 MMscfd gas delivery facility, a 6.1 MMscfd CNG delivery and loading facility, and a 2.1-megawatt power generation plant.

    Williams thanked both the federal and state governments for their support, policies and initiatives that made the project a reality.

    He emphasised Tetracore’s dedication to ensuring that their operations benefit all stakeholders, from employees to the communities where they operate. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    YO/AWA
    =========

    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

  • Nasarawa Govt offers free hepatitis testing, treatment to 78,000 persons

    Hepatitis

    By Sunday John

    Doma, (Nasarawa State), June 7, 2024 (NAN) Nasarawa State government has begun free screening and treatment for hepatitis for no fewer than 78,000 indigent persons in the state.

    Dr Emmanuel Akabe, the state’s Deputy Governor,  inaugurated the exercise on Friday in Doma Local Government Area of the state.

    He said that free medical outreach was organised by the State government in collaboration with Doctors from the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Keffi.

    According to the deputy governor, the gesture is targeted at people in rural communities in keeping with the  determination of Gov. Abdullahi Sule-led administration to provide affordable healthcare services to the people, especially the poor and vulnerable.

    He explained that the choice of Doma for the inauguration of the exercise was as a result of the high prevalence rate of hepatitis in the area in recent time.

     

    “Records have shown that the prevalence rate of hepatitis in the state and particularly Doma LGA was above the national prevalence rate.

    “The national prevalence rate indicated  two out of every 100 persons, but for Nasarawa is 11 out of 100 persons, while in Doma LGA it’s  15 out of 100 persons.

    “The burden in our state is very high and worrisome, hence the governor directed that it should be tackled using every government machinery.

    “Already, as a state,  we have a robust programme on the elimination of hepatitis before 2030 in line with the target of World Health Organisation (WHO),” Akabe added.

    The deputy governor also disclosed that the state government had entered into agreement with FMC Keffi to deploy its medical experts and equipments for outreach services in three LGAs.

    “We have been pursuing this agreement for the past 15 years and thank God it has come to reality today.

    “As from today, General Hospital Doma and ofcourse other facilities in the selected LGAs are appendages of FMC.

    “You can now access all medical services you could get at FMC Keffi now in Doma  because experts will be deployed on rotational basis to work here and the other two facilities.

    On his part, Dr Gaza Gwamna, the  Commissioner for Health, said that the outreach would be replicated in all local government areas of the state.

    The commissioner said that based on the facilities available, the medical team would be targeting 6,000 persons in each of the 13 LGAs, making a total of  78,000 persons.

     

    He further explained that individuals  that test negative during the screening would be administered vaccine while those found positive would be placed on treatment.

    In his remarks, Alh. Ahmadu Aliyu-Ogah,  the Andoma of Doma and Chairman Traditional Council of the area thanked the government for gesture aimed at bringing succour to the people.

    The traditional ruler called on his people to avail themselves for the exercise saying “it’s safe and aimed at improving your health.”

    Also speaking, Dr Yahaya Baba-Adamu, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of FMC Keffi, appreciated Nasarawa government for the partnership aimed at addressing the menace of hepatitis.

    The CMD represented by Dr Ahmed Kana, Head of Clinical Services at the hospital, gave assurance that consultants and other medical personnel would be deployed for the outreaches to ensure its success. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

    SDJ/IU

    ========
    Edited by Isaac Ukpoju

  • Over 200 intending pilgrims protest in Ilorin over faulty aircraft

    Protest
    By AbdulFatai Beki
    Illorin, June 7, 2024 (NAN) No fewer than 200 intending pilgrims from Kwara on Friday protested at llorin international Airport over the inability of an aircraft to transport them to Saudi Arabia.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the pilgrims, officials of the State Pilgrims Welfare Board and the 2024 state Amirul Hajj had boarded the aircraft since Thursday.

    The aircraft was, however, said to have developed a technical fault.

    NAN also reports that some engineers with the Federal Airport Authority had been making frantic efforts to repair the faulty aircraft since Thursday without success.

    Consequently, some of the intending pilgrims staged a protest over the development.

    The intending pilgrims, alongside their relations, took the protest to the highway linking the airport with other communities to express their displeasure over the situation.

    Some of the protesters were seen singing solidarity songs condemning the situation, especially since they are the tenth and last batch from the state.

    Sen. lbrahim Oloriegbe, the state’s 2024 Amirul Hajj, while speaking with NAN, attributed the failure to transport the last batch of the pilgrims to faulty aircraft.

    Oloriegbe said the intending pilgrims had boarded the aircraft since Thursday but were unable to be transported following the development.

    The Amirul hajj said that they are expecting another aircraft from Medinnah to transport the intending pilgrims and the officials.

    He appealed to them to exercise patience, as the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria was on top of the situation.

    He said that the board would continue to cater for the feeding of the intending pilgrims pending when they would be transported to the holy land. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    BEKl/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq