Blog

Minister to create local content law to boost indigenous manufacturing
Local content
By Rukayat Moisemhe
Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN)
The Minister of Power, Adedayo Adelabu, says the ministry is working on new local content legislation aimed at supporting indigenous manufacturers within the power sector ecosystem.
Adelabu made this known during a facility tour of Coleman Wires and Cables on Friday in Arepo area, Ogun.
He said the tour was for the Federal Government to better understand the capacities of stakeholders across the power value chain and support the patronage and sustainability of the sector.
The minister stated the government’s readiness to improve and develop local content manufacturing to drive import substitution, make them champions and engender global competitiveness.
“It is important to commend the resilience and capabilities of manufacturers in the country.
“The magnitude of import dependence is huge and those that have supported government’s efforts at import substitution must be acknowledged.
“Government’s ultimate target is 100 per cent import substitution to drive productive manufacturing, reduce pressure on foreign exchange and make Naira stronger.
“What coleman is doing is in line with the objectives of the Federal Government on manufacturing and ending the importation cycle and we are ready to support such activities,” he said.
In his remarks, Managing Director, Coleman Wires and Cables, Mr George Onafowokan, said that with the right support and incentives for local content utilisation, Nigeria would be well positioned as a processing country, creating more jobs and being sustainable.
Onafowokan noted that the company had proven that Made in Nigerian goods and services could cater to local and export needs and match up to international standards and global competition.

Coleman Technical Industries Ltd., manufacturers of Coleman Wires and Cables, largest cable company in sub-Saharan Africa.

He, however, stressed the need for the federal government to localise solutions to power transmission by developing the capacities of indigenous manufacturers and creating a more enabling incentivised business environment.
“In the drive for solutions to power transmission in the country, there must be a move that is seen from a local perspective, deliberately pushing for local industries to grow.
“Nigeria can be a processing country with the volumes of population we have, but it is important to have that much needed balance between fiscal and monetary policies to address foreign exchange volatility and create an enabling environment.
“Enablers for transition to a processing country must allow import of raw materials easily and export of finished products easily and focus on value addition for every sector to grow.
“We must also push domestic direct investment, incentivise them and address counterfeiting to drive Nigeria’s non-oil exports.
“At Coleman, we are working with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to drive the identification process on each product to address counterfeiting,” he said.
To address the skill gaps observed in technical manufacturing, Onafowokan called for a review of the tertiary institution curriculum to accommodate intense practicality on automation and machinery engineering to enhance production.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ARM/AWA
===========
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
June 7, 2024
Governor’s Cup football competition in Oyo enters semi-finals
Competition
Ibadan, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The shape of the semi-final stage of the ongoing 2024 Oyo State Governor’s Cup male football competition for secondary schools in the state emerged on Friday in Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition’s four quarter-final matches were played at two venues, where the semi-finalists emerged.
At the Ikolaba High School Centre, Bishop Philips Academy of Ibadan emerged after a 5-3 win over Bioku Grammar School of Lanlate following extra-time play.
Murtala Adigun’s brace, scored in the 6th and 14th minutes, gave the winners game dominance early in the first half, before Olusegun Gideon halved the deficit in the 24th minute.
Oladitan Joshua restored their two-goal lead 12 minutes into the second half, with goalkeeper Jelil Gbadero making a couple of saves to keep the scoreline at 3-1.
However, goals from Olagoke Mushin 11 minutes later and Babatunde Stephen with four minutes to go brought about a turnaround and pushed the game into extra-time.
Goals from Animashaun Basit two minutes into extra time and Babawale Abeeb just a minute before extra-time ended however ensured there was no upset.
In the other game played later at the same venue, Olanipekun Memorial College of Kishi advanced to the semi-finals after beating Awe High School 5-4 on penalty kicks.
This was following a 3-3 draw after extra-time, with the winners coming back twice to stay in the game.
Emuda Samson gave Awe High School the lead just after they returned from the break, with Muftau Tirimisiyu drawing the winners level about two minutes later from the penalty kick spot.
Salahudeen Mubarak restored the losers’ lead about 10 minutes later, only for Abubakar Idris to draw them level and go on to give them the lead with 13 minutes of play left.
But Oyetayo Ayomide rescued the game for the Awe High School side with about three minutes left through an equaliser, leading to extra-time which failed to produce any goal.
At the Urban Day Secondary School Centre, Bashorun High School beat St. John Catholic School of Isalu in Iseyin 3-1.
Babalola Francis had given St. John a seventh minute lead, but Segun Oyebode drew the winners level eight minutes into the second half.
Goals from Raji David (five minutes into extra-time) and Ayomide James (15 minutes into extra-time) then gave Bashorun High School the win.
In the centre’s other match, Government College of Ibadan beat Baptist Grammar School of Ogbomoso 1-0 through Babalola Abdulganiyu’s 33rd minute goal.
NAN reports that the semi-finals on Saturday will see Bishop Phillips Academy taking on Olanipekun Memorial College at 10 a.m at Urban Day Secondary School, Olaogun in Ibadan.
The other semi-final match will have Bashorun High School taking on Government College Ibadan at the same venue at noon.
The competition’s third-place and final matches have been scheduled for Tuesday at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
OLAL
======
(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

June 7, 2024
WFSD 2024: Institute tasks Nigerians on food safety measures
Food
By Joan Odafe
Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) has urged Nigerians, particularly sellers, buyers and handlers of food, to adopt safety measures to prevent contamination.
The Chairman of NIFST, Lagos Chapter, Dr Aina Olugbenga, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that food safety was everyone’s business.
He spoke on the sidelines of an event on Friday in Lagos.
NAN reports that the event was organised by the NIFST Street Food Safety Initiative as the part of activities marking the 2024 World Food Safety Day (WFSD), celebrated annually on June 7.
The event was held at Ile-Epo, Oke-Odo Market at Alimosho Local Government Area of the state.
Olugbenga, also a Deputy Director of Food Safety at the National Association of Food Drug Administration and Control, said the event was organised to sensitise and inculcate food safety standards into Nigerians.
“It is what you eat that determines your health and it starts from being safety conscious about the kind of food you eat,” he said.
Mrs Yetunde Popoola, Chairman, Street Food Safety, NIFST, Lagos Chapter, said the event was held at the market to create awareness on how wholesome foods should be sold and bought.
Popoola said during the road show held earlier that many sharp practices of the traders were observed by members of the NIFST.
“We went round the market to catch them in the act.
“Vegetables being placed on bare and dirty ground, pineapples that are rotten and being sold, those who use insecticides to keep pests away from beans and fish.
“Even meat sellers pour blood on it to make it look fresh.
“All those sharp practices we observed, we told them the consequences of their actions,” she told NAN.
Also, Mrs Kikelomo Amoraoluwa, the Vice-Chairman, NIFST, Lagos Chapter, urged buyers of food products to be responsible for their food products by looking out for signs of contamination.
“If you’re buying street foods like plantain, you look out for the hygiene of the vendor selling to you.
“Some may have blood clots on their hands and if you’re not careful they can transfer hepatitis B to you as a consumer,” she said.
Amoraoluwa urged traders selling fruits to use clean water and sponge instead of washing them in soapy water.
She cautioned against the use of insecticides to preserve foods, including beans, fish and crayfish.(NAN)
JOJO/FAT/JNC
=============
Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
June 7, 2024
Rising cases of human rights violations worrisome — NHRC
Rising cases of human rights violations worrisome — NHRC
Violations
By Edith Nwapi
Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed over the rising cases of human rights violations across the country.
The Executive Secretary of the commission, Dr Anthony Ojukwu, SAN expressed this concern on Friday when a report from the NHRC’s dashboard was presented.
According to Ojukwu the dashboard stands as a testament to the Commission ‘s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of human rights in Nigeria.
” Over the past months, our teams in Abuja and across the 36 states have worked tirelessly to compile and analyse data from complaints received at the Commission and unreported human rights violations monitored across the country.
” These analyses not only shed light on the state of human rights in our nation, but also serves as a record of our progress and a guide for future action.
” This month’s edition features 55,218 complaints received by the Commission with violations against state actors topping the chart ” he said.
He noted that the violations recorded in the month of May impacted on an estimated 157,368 persons across the country based on their Victim Impact Analysis.
This he said is a distressing indication that despite their efforts, there are still instances where those entrusted with upholding the law become violators of human rights.
” We must emphasize the importance of accountability and the reasonable use of force by law enforcement agencies. While it is essential to maintain law and order, it must be done in a manner that respects the dignity and rights of every individual.
” Any abuse of power or excessive force must be met with swift and impartial justice.Furthermore, we have observed a troubling increase in violations of economic, social, and cultural rights.
“These rights are the bedrock of human dignity and well-being, yet they continue to be disregarded in many parts of our country” he said.
“As the data is presented we analyse it. Let us not lose sight of the real people behind these statistics’
“It is incumbent upon the government to take concrete steps to address these violations and ensure that all citizens can enjoy their economic, social, and cultural rights without discrimination or impediment.
” This includes implementing policies that promote equitable access to education, healthcare, housing, and employment opportunities.
” The month under review also witnesses significant and troublesome escalation in the activities of non-state armed groups across the country” he said.
He noted that the Human Rights Observatory recorded 298 killings and 360 abductions largely attributed to terrorists and bandit groups.
Ojukwu added that, the north west continues to be a region of concern for the Commission in this regards.
” We continue to see the worrisome trends of killings of men of our armed forces and the Police.
” This for us constitute a threat to security and the defence of human rights and we continue to call on all relevant authorities at state and national levels to stem this tide
” One of the fundamental principles of democracy is the protection of human rights for all individuals, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, gender, or social status” he said.
Ojukwu said, it is incumbent upon them, as the guardians of human rights in Nigeria, to remain vigilant and proactive in their efforts to safeguard these rights.
He added that as a Commission, their work does not end with the publication of this dashboard.
He added that , It is merely a tool, a starting point for further action.
” We must continue to collaborate with government agencies, policy makers, civil society organizations, and international partners to address the root causes of human rights violations and promote a culture of respect for human dignity and equality.
” I also want to thank our partners, the United Nations Development Programme and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for their invaluable support,” he said.
He said: “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every individual in Nigeria can live a life of dignity, freedom, and equality.”
NAN reports that on Feb. 14, the commission inaugurated the maiden edition of human rights dashboard and observatory and presented the report of January.
In January, a total of 1,147 complaints were recorded against 1,484 recorded in February, March recorded a total of 1580 complaints , April recorded 19,470 while May recorded 55, 218.(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
NEO/SH
=======
edited by Sadiya Hamza
=========
June 7, 2024
FG committed to infrastructure development through PPP – ICRC boss
FG committed to infrastructure development through PPP – ICRC boss
PPP
By Okeoghene Akubuike
Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN)Mr Michael Ohiani, Director-General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), says the Federal Government remains committed to infrastructure development through Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
Ohiani said this at the Second Quarter 2024 Public-Private Partnership Units Consultative Forum(3PUCF) Meeting in Abuja on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum provides a platform for PPP departments in Ministries Departments and Agencies(MDAs) and stakeholders to share ideas, success stories, and challenges on their PPP projects to drive economic growth in Nigeria.
The meeting was hosted by the Federal Road and Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
Ohiani said that within the second quarter, the commission successfully issued Outline and Full Business Case Compliance Certificates in respect of key PPP projects from several MDAs.
He said between April and June 2024, the commission issued 14 Outline Business Case (OBC) Compliance Certificates and two Full Business Case (FBC) Compliance Certificates.
Ohiani said the commission would continue to issue OBC and FBC certificates as the need arises.
He said some projects which had been issued OBC Compliance Certificates in the second quarter included the Infrastructure Development of Residential Buildings at the Federal School of Forestry, Jos.
Ohiani said others were the Design and Development of eight Hostel accommodations at the University of Lagos, Campus, Akoko.
“Others are the development of 240 Housing Units of two and three Bedroom Bungalows at Nigerian Airspace Management Agency’s land located at Jaba, Kano State.
“The Operation and Management of Kashimbila Integrated Cargo/Agro-Allied Airport, Taraba, and Implementation of the Nigerian National Patronage Cash Reward Programme.
“Also, the Implementation of Metal and Mineral Operational Audit and Export Certification programme, and the Implementation and Development of the Electronic Enforcement and Penalty Management (eTraffika).”
Ohiani said FBC Compliance Certificates were issued for the following projects which included the Implementation and Development of the Electronic Enforcement and Penalty Management (eTraffika).
“Also the Renovation and Upgrading of School of Nursing Student Hostel, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State.”
He said the commission had also continued to monitor PPP projects which were at the implementation stage.
“Just last week, our staff and the relevant officers of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security visited 17 silo complexes across the Federation.”
Ohiani reiterated the commission’s commitment to continue to build PPP capacity across MDAs and PPP practitioners through its training arm- the Nigeria Institute of Infrastructure and Public-Private Partnership.
He urged the members of the forum to take advantage of the opportunities the training institute provided.
“We also invite you to take advantage of the MBA in PPP and PhD in Management (PPP option) programmes which are being run in collaboration with the Malaysia University of Science and Technology.”
Ohiani expressed his appreciation to members of the forum for their continued valued contributions to its sustenance and overall success.
“I, therefore, encourage us all to continue to advance with the various projects across our MDAs up to implementation and possible hand-back, as these will have a direct positive bearing on the wellbeing of Nigerians.
“ I encourage us to sustain the shared vision of a prosperous and infrastructure-sufficient country for the coming generations.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
OKE/VIV
=======
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
June 7, 2024
N60,000 minimum wage not sustainable – NGF
N60,000 minimum wage not sustainable – NGF
Wage
By Emmanuel Oloniruha
Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) says though a new minimum wage is due, the proposed N60,000 is not sustainable.
NGF’s Acting Director on Media and Public Affairs, Hajiya Halima Ahmed, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, sympathised with the labour unions in their push for higher wages.
Ahmed, however, urged all parties to consider the fact that the minimum wage negotiations also involved consequential adjustments across all cadres, including pensioners.
“The NGF cautions parties in this important discussion to look beyond just signing a document for the sake of it; any agreement to be signed should be sustainable and realistic.
“All things considered, the NGF holds that the N60,000 minimum wage proposal is not sustainable and cannot fly.
“It will simply mean that many states will spend all their Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations on just paying salaries, with nothing left for development purposes.
“In fact, a few states will end up borrowing to pay workers every month. We do not think this will be in the collective interest of the country, including workers,’’ she said.
Ahmed, on behalf of the governors appealed to all parties involved, especially the labour unions, to consider all the socio-economic variables.
She urged the stakeholders to settle for an agreement that was sustainable, durable, and fair to all other segments of the society, who had legitimate claim to public resources. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
OBE/FON/IKU
=============
Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Tayo Ikujuni
June 7, 2024
Has Renewed Hope brought lifeline to Niger Delta region?
Has Renewed Hope brought lifeline to Niger Delta region?

By Jacinta Nwachukwu, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Niger Delta region of Nigeria comprises nine states – Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers with about 31 million people.

Over the years, militancy has been synonymous with the region known for its vast oil and gas reserves with several militant groups and ethnic nationals agitating for the restoration of the environment degraded by exploration and seeking more developments in the region.

President Bola Tinubu, on assumption of office, has shown significant commitment to the region by pledging unwavering support and assistance to ensure successful execution of projects that would bring sustainable growth and improvement in Niger Delta.

While acknowledging the critical role Niger Delta plays in the nation’s economy, the president during a crucial meeting with the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, reassured the people of his administration’s commitment to a holistic plan for the overall development of the region.

This underscored the reason for the recent meeting of the National Council of Niger Delta (NCND), held in Asaba, to deliberate and proffer solutions to the social, economic, environmental and infrastructural decay bedeviling the people and the region.

Speaking at the meeting, Momoh highlighted the vital projects and initiatives of the Federal Government to uplift the socio economic landscape of the region.

He said the Ministry was working assiduously with other stakeholders to improve on infrastructure and human capital development in the region in line with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The Ministry is poised to leverage this commitment from president Tinubu to further advance its mission of fostering holistic development, infrastructure enhancement, and community empowerment in the Niger Delta region.

“It will work with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to complete all ongoing and abandoned projects across the region,” the minister stated.

He also presented a detailed overview of ongoing infrastructure projects, community development programmes, among other initiatives to address environmental concerns in the Niger Delta.

Affirming the Minister’s assertions, the Managing Director, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said that one of the cardinal policies of the Tinubu administration was stakeholders’ engagement.

Ogbuku said the Commission would soon be inaugurating 92 infrastructure projects executed at a cost of N84 billion across the nine states in the region.

He also said that the Commission carried out massive electrification of rural communities through the “Light up the Niger Delta’’ project.

He said this “Light up the Niger Delta” project had reduced criminality in the various communities and enhanced commercial activities in the areas.

He explained that the Commission decided to adopt the clean energy approach which not only provided light but helped in the fight to mitigate the effects of climate change on the environment.

Ogbuku further said that the Commission was making progress with its youth development and empowerment scheme, known as Holistic Opportunities, Projects and Engagement (HOPE), aimed at building a comprehensive database of the youth population of the Niger Delta.

He, then, called on the youths of Niger Delta region to ensure that they were registered on the website of Project HOPE, saying that the project would benefit all Niger Delta youths.

“We have also inaugurated the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture, (NDCCITMA), which along with the Bank of Industry will serve as a platform for supporting young entrepreneurs in the region on a sustainable basis,’’ he said.

Speaking further on other programmes of the Commission, Ogbuku said that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had agreed to partner with NDDC to implement a Health Insurance Project, as well as other health programmes that would benefit the people of the region.

He also stated that the Commission and the Industrial Training Fund, (ITF), had commenced collaboration to actualise the Skill-Up Artisans, (SUPA), a transformative initiative of the Federal Government for the youths of the Niger Delta region.

He said the Commission was eager to serve as an enabler in achieving the goals of the federal government in this regard.

He said that sequel to the SUPA initiative to send 14,000 work-forces of skilled artisans to the United Arab Emirates on manpower/skill labour export arrangement through the ITF, the Commission would partner with the Fund to ensure that Niger Delta artisans would benefit from the scheme.

According to him, the Skill up Artisan programme being part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President is aimed at creating availability of skilled workforce for domestic and international export; boosting the economy through gainful employment and increasing diaspora remittances as a result of international manpower and skilled labour exports.

“Engaging the youths meaningfully will help to reduce crime in the Niger Delta region. We are going to use the ITF platform to up the skills of the artisans and youths of the Niger Delta region.

“We have set up a committee to work out the details of the collaboration with ITF. We are also in partnership with the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture, which has been registered and inaugurated.

‘’Any issue on oil theft the government will be able to know who to hold accountable.

“As we speak, the last report I got from the NNPC is that oil output is about 1.7million barrels per day, this is something that we had over 2million barrels previously.

On the issue of security, former Special Assistant/Head of Media, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Mr Murphy Ganagana, noted that significant factors that led to agitations in the region must be appropriately addressed to sustain lasting peace.

“If you looked at the Niger Delta, what gave birth to the Amnesty Programme was a situation of violence, protest of dissatisfaction by the people, who felt they have been marginalized.

“Again one of the major plans of the Amnesty programme was infrastructure development; unfortunately that key aspect of the programme has not been looked into by any administration.

“For instance when you talk about infrastructure development, there is nowhere you will see any infrastructure apart from the cities in the Niger Delta states capitals, many areas are still deprived, no quality healthcare, education among others.

“We need industries to take those armed youths away from the streets; we need good educational institutions for their development to make them functional and self-reliant in the society,’’ Ganagana reiterated.

He said for the government to succeed in these areas of concern, the oil host communities should be involved in any of the government projects in the region.

Similarly, to sustain peace in the region, the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), the Ministry of Niger Delta Development (MNDD) and other stakeholders in the region had validated the Niger Delta Regional Peace building Strategy (NDRPS).

The Executive Director, PIND, Tunji Idowu, said at the validation workshop, recently, that the document, co-designed by PIND and the MNDD, would provide the framework for the implementation of a regional peace building apparatus in the Niger Delta.

According to him, this apparatus will apply a multi stakeholder approach, where all stakeholders focusing on peace building, conflict management and resolution in the Niger Delta will join resources to ensure the effective prevention, management, and resolution of conflicts in the region.

“The development of the NDRPS was based on a presidential directive to the MNDD in 2021 to guarantee an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence and sustainable development in the Niger Delta, Idowu explained.

He also noted that the validated NDRPS document had passed through due process and was very participatory.(NANfeatures)
**If used, credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
June 7, 2024
Adeleke presents 4bn bond certificates to retirees
Adeleke presents 4bn bond certificates to retirees
Bond
By Victor Adeoti
Osogbo, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun on Friday presented N4 billion bond certificates to both state and local government retirees in the state.
Presenting the bond certificates, Adeleke said that out of the figure, retirees at the state level would receive N1.59 billion, while retirees at the local government level would receive N2.41 billion.
According to him, his two predecessor in office for 12 years released bond certificates worth N11 billion, while his administration released the worth of N12.7 billion to the retirees from Dec. 2022 till date.
He also said that from 2022 till date, his administration had paid N1.8 billion as gratuities to civil servants, members of staff in tertiary institutions, government parastatals and public secondary schools at the state level.
“Within the same period, our government has paid local government and primary school retirees N2.52 billion as gratuities.
“While the total gratuities paid for state and local government retirees within the same period stood at N4.32 billion,” Adeleke said.
The governor said that his administration was committed to upholding workers’ welfare as number one priority.
“We will continue to devote our time to paying off the pension and half salary debt, while also providing succour to the workforce,” he said.
In his remarks, the Head of Service, Mr Ayanleye Aina, said that the release of the bond certificates was in line with the tenet of the five action plans of the present administration, of making the welfare of the workers and retirees number one priority.
“Your Excellency, our records had shown that the bond certificates you had released in one and half years surpassed those done by your predecessors in the last 12 years,” Aina said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
VE/FON/IKU
============
Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Tayo Ikujuni
June 7, 2024
Mother in court for allegedly assaulting vice principal
Assault
By Funmilayo Okunade
07033472099
Ado-Ekiti, June 7, 2024(NAN The police, on Friday, arraigned a 35 year-old woman, Chinanso Chinyere, in an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly assaulting a vice principal.
The defendant, of no fixed address, is standing trial on a three-count charge of breach of peace, assault, and malicious damage.
The Police Prosecutor, Insp Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendant and others at large, committed the offences on June 1 at about 08:30 a.m at St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Basiri, in Ado-Ekiti.
He alleged that the defendant and others at large, conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by invading the office of, Bello Toyin, the vice principal, , of the school and attacked her.
Oriyomi also alleged that the defendant, mother of a student in the school, got complaint from her child, that she was punished by the school management.
Reacting to this, she and others at large invaded the school, assaulted the vice principal and inflicted injuries on her face.
He said that the defendant and others at large, maliciously damaged one HP laptop worth N250,000 and one head phone worth N15,000 belonging to the complainant.
According to him, the offences contravene Sections 181, 186 and 363 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
The prosecutor asked the court for adjournment, to enable him study the case file and assemble his witnesses.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against her.
Counsel to the defendant, Mr Perebo Monde, urged the court to grant the defendant bail, with a promise that she would not jump bail.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Olarewaju Owoleso, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum.
He adjourned the case till July 15 for hearing.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
FOA/ROT
========
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

June 7, 2024
Anti-open Grazing Bill: Ohaneze Ndigbo youths hail Senate’s 2nd reading
Anti-open Grazing Bill: Ohaneze Ndigbo youths hail Senate’s 2nd reading
Bill
By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
Awka, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Youth Wing of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide has lauded the Senate for ensuring that the Bill seeking to establish ranches at herders’ states scaled the second reading.
Mr Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, the Acting National Youth Leader of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, made the commendation during an interactive session with newsmen in Awka on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the bill was sponsored by Sen. Titus Zam (APC- Benue North-West Senatorial District).
It passed through the second reading on Wednesday.
It is entitled: “A Bill to Establish a National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission for the Regulation, Management, Preservation and Control of Ranches Throughout Nigeria; and for Connected Purposes, 2024”.
Okpalaezeukwu said that the bill would serve as an antidote for the perennial clashes between farmers and nomadic herders.
He described farmer-herder clashes as a recurring crisis that had claimed lives and property and affected the country’s economy.
According to him, the establishment of ranches will control and manage the incessant and unnecessary crisis.
“The basic responsibility of any government is to protect the lives and property of its citizens and open grazing is detrimental to it.
“Rearing of cattle is not an ethnic phenomenon, it has become a matter of national security and not something to be sentimental about.
“There are many countries that produce more cattle and do other dairy businesses than Nigeria but do not encounter such crisis, and that is because they do not engage in open grazing.
“We urge Nigerians to consider ranching as a viable option at this critical time,” Okpalaezeukwu said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
LCO/FON/USO
Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Sam Oditah

June 7, 2024