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  • Kano Govt. to spend N11 bn on rural roads

    Kano Govt. to spend N11 bn on rural roads

    Roads

    By Aminu Garko

    Kano, June 6,2024( NAN) Kano State Government has earmarked about  N11 billion on the constricting of  70 kilometer access roads  networks in semi-urban areas in different parts of the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Abba Yusuf, said this on Thursday in Kano during the inauguration of  road projects in Rijiyar Gwangwan and Mil Goma in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of  the state.

    He said the projects would be executed in partnership with Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and Lives & Livelihood Fund (LLF).

    This would be done through the Kano State Agro-pastoral Development Project(KSADP) under Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA).

    He said his administration was determined to execute life-changing infrastructure for rural communities in the state.

    Yusuf said the state government would carefully monitor the execution of the projects to ensure strict adherence to contract specifications.

    He called on the host communities to cooperate with the contractors to ensure the successful completion of the projects.

    The governor is emphasising the importance of community cooperation to ensure the successful execution of the projects, which are expected to bring significant benefits to rural communities in the state. (NAN) ( www.nannews.ng)

    AAG/KUA

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    Edited by Uche Anunne

  • May & Baker relaunches Lily water to boost market share

    May & Baker relaunches Lily water to boost market share

    Re-launch
    By Rukayat Adeyemi

    Chairman,May & Baker, Sen. Daisy Danjuma, inaugurating the re-launched Lily Water on Thursday in lagos

    Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Pharmaceutical Manufacturer, May & Baker Nigeria Plc (M&B) on Thursday re-launched Lily premium water produced by its water production subsidiary to boost market share.

    Sen. Daisy Danjuma, Chairman, Board of Directors, May & Baker, inaugurated the water project on the sidelines of the 73rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company in Lagos.

    Danjuma commended the pharmaceutical company for still being able to produce such quality water in spite of the economic challenges confronting the country and in commemoration of the company’s 80th Anniversary.

    “We are proud that in commemoration of our 80th Anniversary, we now manufacture our own water.

    “The initial production of the water was contract manufactured, but now we are manufacturing it in our premises. With the re-launch, the shape of the water’s bottle and the logo have been changed,” she said.

    According to her, the fact that May & Baker is a pharmaceutical company boosts customers’ confidence to buy and consume Lily water.

    Mr Patrick Ajah, Managing Director of the company, also expressed excitement on the feat, noting that the production was aimed at meeting consumers’ requirements.

    Ajah confirmed that presently the company had spent not less than N700 million to set up the water plant, and was still investing more funds to upgrade the facilities on ground.

    He said that the plant had the capacity to fill at least 40,000 bottles daily, while the blowing line could do about 12,000 bottles daily.

    According to him, efforts are ongoing to extend the bottle blowing to at least do not less than 30,000 bottles daily before the end of the year.

    “As a pharmaceutical company, we understand how to treat water without adding chemicals to it. Our water is treated using the water treatment plant without adding chemical to it.

    “Lily water is registered by NAFDAC and its production is balanced based on the official requirement of the agency and other regulatory authorities,” he said.

    The managing director expressed optimism that with the investment and increase in the capacity of its water production subsidiary, the Lily water company would contribute its quota of profit to the parent company henceforth.

    He said that this would in turn affect the bottom and top line of the company positively.

    Commenting, Dr Jimoh Olanrewaju, Business Manager For Lily Water, said that the re-launch of the premium water was geared to add more value to the company, having existed for more than 21 years.

    Olanrewaju expressed confidence that the rebranded water would open new opportunities for the company in the water production market, as it geared up to becoming the leading water production company in the industry.

    He stated that the water company was presently distributing within Lagos and Ogun states environs, adding that it was, however, working towards expanding its visibility and reaching other states across the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    RUKY/BEKl/COF

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

    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Christiana Fadare

     

     

  • NBRRI proffers solutions to building collapse

    Building

    By Angela Atabo

    Abuja ,June 6,2024(NAN) The Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), says adherence to code of practice and  use of standard materials are critical to attaining building construction sustainability in Nigeria.

    Prof. Samson Duna, Director General/Chief Executive Officer of NBRRI, stated this at the presentation of the 2023 NBRRI Scorecard to stakeholders on Thursday in Abuja

    Duna said the institute carried out a robust research on building collapse in Nigeria.and the outcomes were revealing, while far-reaching recommendations were made.

    “The investigation reveals that sub-standard materials, poor workmanship, poor supervision, lack of proper topography and soil investigation, absence of building or planning permit ,corruption ,inadequate designs are major factors of building collapse,” he said.

    The institute’s CEO appealed to construction industry workers to use materials that meet the standard specification in construction and follow the code of practice.

    He said that the Code of Practice is a guide enabling professionals in the construction sector to do the right thing as expected and not to cut corners.

    Duna added that the code of practice covers construction areas like the labour, material, machines and manpower.

    He added that, when construction workers adhere to the code of practice, the case of building collapse would be a thing of the past.

    “My advice and appeal to professionals in the construction industry is that they should adhere to the standard requirement for the use of any material in construction.

    “If you want to be sure that you using quality materials like steel; you have to take it to the lab and test it to ensure that the material you are using meets the standard specification.

    “If you are asked to produce a grade of 25 or a grade of 30, ensure that you use a mixed ratio that is standard to give you that specification of the required grade.

    “Most of our infrastructure does not last long because we hardly adhere to specifications, ’ he said.

    Duna said that through the Institute’s intervention in conducting studies on building collapse, the incidences was declining.

    He said that NBRRI as a research institute had come up with some of the best labs in the country, in measuring construction materials like cement, concrete, steel among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ATAB/ROT

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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • Imo Assembly summons publisher over alleged defamation against lawmaker

    Imo Assembly summons publisher over alleged defamation against lawmaker

    By Ugonne Uzoma
    Owerri, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Imo House of Assembly has summoned the Publisher of the Watchdog Newspaper to appear before it over an alleged defamatory publication against the representative of Orlu State Constituency, Dr Ikenna Ihezuo (APC).

    The House issued the summon during its plenary session on Thursday, following a complaint brought to it by the aggrieved legislator.

    Ihezuo said that the Chairman of the Orlu chapter of the party, Mr Stanley Nwosu, alleged in a story published in the June 4 edition of the newspaper, a local tabloid, that he (Nwosu) prevented the lawmaker from diverting 65 bags of rice, being the palliative for subsidy removal for Orlu constituents.

    The lawmaker said that the report was false and alleged that Nwosu was collaborating with the publisher, Mr Precious Nwadike, who contested for the Orlu seat at the assembly but lost.

    “The report is an orchestrated attempt to tarnish my image by defaming my character and reducing my estimation before people who know me.

    “If this matter is not properly handled, the entire legislative arm will be negatively affected,” he said.

    Ihezuo, therefore, called on the house to summon the author of the report, the editor and publisher of the newspaper to appear before it with evidence to support their publication.

    Reacting to the complaint, Mr Kennedy Ibeh (APC-Obowo) described the publication as “derogatory, demeaning and an affront to the entire legislative arm”.

    He urged the house to invite all the parties involved to have an interface with the house to ascertain the reason behind the publication.

    Contributing, the Majority Leader, Mr Kanayo Onyemaechi (APC- Owerri West), said that various bodies, including the police and traditional rulers, were involved in the collection and distribution of the palliative.

    He said that with those people involved, it would be impossible for the lawmaker to attempt to divert the rice as alleged in the publication.

    He, therefore, supported the demand for the invitation of the publisher and a thorough investigation and proper handling of the matter.

    Following other positive contributions, the Speaker, Mr Chike Olemgbe (APC-Ihitte Uboma), directed the Clerk to invite the author of the report, the editor and the publisher of the newspaper to a meeting with the house on June 11. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    UOI/CEO/USO
    Edited by Chidi Opara/Sam Oditah

     

     

     

  • Army trains personnel to enhance proficiency in finance management

    Training

    By Desmond Ejibas

    Port Harcourt, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Army has commenced specialised training for finance officers and soldiers within its 6 Division to enhance finance management proficiency.

    Maj.-Gen. Adetokunbo Fayewimo, the Chief of Accounts and Budget, said at the opening of a two-day capacity training for personnel in Port Harcourt on Thursday that the essence was to boost performance.

    The training is with the theme: “Personnel Capacity Development: A Panacea to Proactive and Efficient Financial Service Delivery”

    Represented by Group Managing Director, Nigeria Army Welfare Limited, Maj.-Gen. Samson Jiya, Fayemiwo said that the training was organised to enable finance officers to function optimally within the ambit of the law.

    He said: “The training is designed to address the training needs of finance officers and soldiers at the division level.

    “This training will enhance personnel understanding of contemporary government financial policies, financial best practices and their impacts on accounting for Nigerian Army funds.

    “We organised this training understanding that the duties of the Nigeria Army Finance Corps are central to the army’s performance and effectiveness both in war and peace times,” he said.

    Fayemiwo reiterated the importance of providing prompt financial services to troops across various units and formations when and where needed.

    “Finance officers must conform with extant regulations and maintain professionalism in their conduct as military personnel.

    “I have mandated all Nigeria Army finance personnel to be proactive and proficient to ensure effective performance of their duties at all levels,” he added.

    Maj.-Gen. Jamaal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, said that the training was essential for military professionalism because it would serve as a foundation for discovering potential.

    According to him, the frequent training programmes organised by the army headquarters have significantly enhanced efforts to address the daunting security issues in the South South region.

    “Recently released data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission indicated growth in the nation’s crude oil output.

    “This growth was made possible through our reinvigorated operations to eliminate illegal crude oil activities and our focus on personnel training,” he said.

    Abdussalam said that the finance corps, as the nerve centre of the division, should actively improve and demonstrate greater proficiency in fulfilling its responsibilities.

    “Financial personnel must continue to learn and adapt to the many financial policies introduced by the Federal Government to handle the dynamics of current financial revolution,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DES/AZU

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    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • SCOAN marching forward 3 years after TB Joshua’s death

     

    SCOAN marching forward 3 years after TB Joshua’s death

    SCOAN

    By Uchenna Eletuo

    Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) has continued to expand in spite of the death of the Founder, Pastor Temitope Joshua (TB Joshua), three years ago.

    The SCOAN Director of Public Affairs, Pastor Dare Adejumo, gave the assurance in an interview wiith the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

    Adejumo said that  the church, now under the leadership of Joshua’s widow, Evelyn, had been full of  activities.

    He said that SCOAN, with headquarters at Ikotun Egbe, Lagos State, had inaugurated its Akure Branch, conducted  several revival programmes, and continued with its global crusade tours and weekly charity works.

    NAN reports that Joshua, also a philanthropist, passed away on June 5, 2020.

    Adejumo said that three years after  Joshua’s death, his legacies of evangelism, philanthropy and charity remained  strong.

    He said that the third anniversary of Joshua’s death presented another opportunity for SCOAN members to  celebrate his legacies and determine to emulate his lifestyle.

    “It was a great moment to thank God for the times of Prophet TB Joshua.

    ‘He was a great man of God,”  Adejumo said. (NAN)

    EUC/IGO

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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • See Africa as destination for growth – Tinubu tells IFC

    President Bola Tinubu with a delegation of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), led by its Managing Director, Mr. Makhtar Diop, on Thursday in Abuja

    Africa

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja called on international development financiers to see Africa as a destination for growth and prosperity.

    The President made the call at a meeting with a delegation of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), led by its Managing Director, Mr. Makhtar Diop.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports IFC is a member of the world Bank Group and the largest global development institution that focuses, exclusively, on the private sector.

    Tinubu urged the corporation to consider more strategic investments in agriculture, infrastructure, research, and development on the continent.

    “The IFC and the World Bank need to see Africa differently. I am glad an African is at the helm of affairs at IFC, and as an African, understands that the potential for growth, peace, stability and prosperity is here.

    “The world has to see us as a continent that can help the rest of the world, and not perceive us as backwards, unstable and with leadership problems.

    “The expectations of the rest of the world on Africa have to change.

    “They must see Africa as a potential opportunity and not a danger to the rest of the free world, so that we can stimulate growth and propel inclusiveness,” he said.

    The President added: “You are at the helm now and in a position to change the perception. We are ready to change the narrative and work with you. Africa is open for business, regardless of whatever the perception may be.

    “I am an African and proud to be and will maintain the strong position to collaborate with the rest of the world to see Africa as a destination for growth and prosperity.”

    Tinubu acknowledged that Nigeria held the second-largest IFC portfolio in Africa with an active investment portfolio of 2.1 billion dollars as of April 2024.

    He also highlighted the importance of some critical infrastructure projects embarked upon by his administration, such as the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Expressway.

    “We have made various attempts in the past to create dams, but issues with reticulation and irrigation remain.

    “When we consider the living conditions in rural areas where crops are produced, how much funding is allocated for rural roads to expedite transportation to consumer centres?

    “The goal of the coastal road and the Sokoto-Badagry Highway is to address this,” the President said.

    In his remarks, Diop informed the President that during his working visit to Nigeria, the IFC had engaged in productive discussions with Nigerian partners to enhance agriculture, increase food production through irrigation farming, upgrade transport networks, and bolster regional integration.

    He announced that IFC had signed a 23.3 million dollar loan agreement with Johnvents Industries Limited, a leading agribusiness for economic development and agricultural transformation company, to develop the cocoa sector.

    “We are supporting small and medium enterprises in the agricultural sector, and they are doing very interesting things. 

    “We need to bring in more big players into food production in the country,” Diop said.

    He added that the Corporation was ready to partner the Nigerian government on new investments in irrigation, road infrastructure, and logistics around the airport under a Public Private Partnership.

    Diop congratulated President Tinubu on his one year in office and commended his bold decisions to revamp Africa’s largest economy.

    He pledged IFC’s commitment to long-term investment in Nigeria, adding that its single largest investment in Africa was in Nigeria, where it had invested 1.2 billion dollars in the fertiliser industry.

    “We are here to support you. The world has been facing a lot of shocks and difficult situations which have affected many African economies,” Diop said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/ROT

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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi 

  • Insecurity: Senate tasks security agencies, States, LGs on collaboration

    Insecurity: Senate tasks security agencies, States, LGs on collaboration

    Insecurity

    By Kingsley Okoye

    Abuja, June 6,2024(NAN)The Senate has urged security agencies to collaborate State and Local Governments,  traditional leaders on intelligence gathering to tackle insecurity in the country.

    This is sequel to adoption of a motion on “urgent need to review security approach in addressing banditry attacks in Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kaduna and Kebbi states” at plenary on Thursday in Abuja.

    The motion was sponsored by Sen. Sani Zangon-Daura (APC-Katsina )and co-sponsored by 20 other senators.

    Daura, said Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa and Kebbi states have been plagued by escalating banditry attacks, resulting in loss of lives, kidnapping for ransom, displacement of communities.

    He said state governments have allocated significant funds to augment the operations of the security-agencies in combating banditry and restoring peace in the region.

    He said the governors of the states in the north west region had affirmed their commitment to supporting an acceptable and workable initiatives that promote peace, security and development in the region.

    Zagon-Daura said the governors had also pledged to work towards fostering a safe and secure environment for their people.

    He, however, expressed concerned that the incessant banditry attacks on communities in north west region would significantly impact food production and agricultural activities.

    This, he noted jeopardises food security and livelihoods of the people in the affected states of the region, especially in this wet season.

    Contributing to the motion, Senate Minority Leader, Sen.Abba Moro (PDP- Benue )said right from the 8th and 9th Senate, issue of insecurity has been on the front burner of national discuss.

    “In those days it used to be Boko Haram in the north east. Today it is banditry, herdsmen attack, kidnappings in the north west, north central.

    “Moving down to the south east, south west, similar situations are happening.

    “The time to take decisive action is now.

    “I think the action required now goes beyond reviewing our security architecture.

    “This was the subject of our security summit in the 9th Senate which could have end to this current situation that we find ourselves.

    Moro said it was time for the President to call a meeting of stakeholders to find lasting solution on issue of insecurity.

    Sen. Muntari Dandutse (APC-Katsina) said the north west region was highly affected,adding that the economic situation was very unfortunate.

    He said 50,000 farm lands can not be accessed by farmers because of banditry and other criminality.

    “In my senatorial district last week, these bandits, criminals and terrorists killed 122 people in Faskari, Bakori, Malunfasi and Kankara Local Governments.

    “Also one of the wards in Faskari Local Government Area has been taken over by the bandits who now perform the functions security agencies, including escorts and they decide days people will be allowed to go out for legitimate duties.

    “Unless we are honest, committed and have political will to deal with these criminal elements, because they are not above the law, if there is a coordinated and efforts of the security agencies.

    “On May 27, between Seme and Yankara in Faskari LG along Sokoto road, the armed bandits in the early hours ambushed a newly acquired Armoured Personnel Carrier(APC) with a rocket launcher and destroyed it .

    “The escalating violence and banditry in Katsina state and Northern region pose significant threat to all faucets of development,” he said.

    Following the contributions of lawmakers on the motion, Senate further urged President Bola Tinubu to direct a thorough review and evaluation of strategies employed by security agencies in the region.

    It called for deployment of additional security personnel, special task force to the identified hotspots to ensure protection of lives and properties.

    It further urged the President to direct establishment of a task force to evaluate the effectiveness and implications of negotiating with bandits, conducting a thorough analysis of the short-term gains versus the long-term consequences of such actions.

    It called on the security agencies to be proactive and innovative in their strategies to secure farmlands so that farmers may return to their farms, to ensure increased food production and food security.

    This, the senate said would mitigate against the ever rising food inflation currently being experienced in the country.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

    KC/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • WC Qualifier: Aba fans predict Super Eagles win over S’Africa

    WC Qualifier: Aba fans predict Super Eagles win over S’Africa

    Qualifier
    By Nicholas Obisike
    Aba (Abia) June 6, 2024 (NAN) A cross-section of football enthusiasts in Aba has said that they expect a big win from the Super Eagles against the visiting Bafana Bafana of South Africans on Friday in the ongoing World Cup qualifier.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Super Eagles will on Friday, in group C, play host to South Africa’s national football team, inside the Godswill Akpabio Stadium Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

    Speaking in an interview, Ikechukwu Okoro, an Enyimba International FC of Aba supporter, predicted “nothing less than 2-0” against the visitors.

    Okoro said he was confident in the Eagles’ team, “due to the calibre of players invited to camp”.

    According to him, the squad is made up of youths with experience and talents.

    “This is the kind of selection we have been yearning for because all these things have a role to play in football as an action game.

    “We need to give the young players a chance and to utilise the third force in a game of this nature and in that regard expose them to high profile matches,” he said.

    Coach Godwin Uduma of United Academy FC of Aba said he was expecting nothing less than a win from the Eagles.

    “I am expecting the Eagles to win the match to raise their hope of going to the Mundial because their position at the moment is not encouraging.

    “I trust coach Finidi George and I believe that he has the capacity to deliver the needed result.

    “My humble advise to the team is to play the match as if it was their final because there are no more pushover teams in African football,” Uduma said.

    Also, Pius Ogadimma expressed satisfaction with the coach’s selection and urged him to give the home-based players a chance to play.

    “Our first target should be to qualify for the World Cup but in doing that, we should also develop players who have long time to stay in the team,” he said

    Another football enthusiast, Maureen Onyekwere, warned the players not to underestimate their opponent and recalled how Ghana denied Nigeria World Cup slot in the last edition.

    She said that all that mattered in the match was a win, notwithstanding the scoreline.

    He, however, urged the team to score as many goals as possible “because goals may count on the final day”.

    NAN reports that Nigeria occupy third position in the group with two points, while South Africa occupy second position with three points, after two matches, respectively.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng.com)

    NUO/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

  • Group wants IOCs to clean up polluted environment before divestment plan

    Divestment

    By Desmond Ejibas

    Port Harcourt, June 6, 2024 (NAN) International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the country have been urged to clean up all polluted and degraded sites in the Niger Delta before divesting their business.

    Dr Emem Okon, the Executive Director, Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

    She said that the call followed moves by Shell, Exxon Mobil, Total Energies and Nigerian Agip Oil Company to divest their operations.

    Okon said that about 65 per cent of the land in Niger Delta region had been degraded, saying that there is a critical need to restore the region’s ecosystem as part of the campaign against climate change.

    “Nigeria is impacted by the silent and invisible crises of desertification, land degradation, and drought, which are mostly caused by human activities and climate changes.

    “In the Niger Delta, the ecosystem has been severely damaged due to oil and gas exploration. This has led to various illnesses and disorders among the local population.

    “Oil majors are departing the Niger Delta after more that 70 years of oil extraction, the terrible effects of their activities on oil-producing communities, particularly the women are very visible,” he said.

    Okon expressed concerns that IOCs are swiftly selling off their assets and primarily shifting focus from shallow waters to deep-water operations.

    “In 2022, Seplat Energy Plc, a Nigerian firm, announced to the public that it had purchased ExxonMobil’s Nigerian shallow water business.

    “We are concerned about the swiftness of these divestment plans because the government has not provided any guidelines to address pollution issues from these companies.

    “These companies have failed to establish women development funds to support those affected by their oil extraction activities,” she added.

    The environmental activist said that decades of oil spills had drastically reduced land productivity and impeded subsistence agriculture in the region.

    Okon stated that the people of the Niger Delta would oppose any hurried divestment by transnational oil companies unless the environment and the people’s sources of livelihood were first restored.

    “For us, a just transition must encompass addressing the damages caused by oil pollution, conducting health audit and developing a clear strategy to combat climate change.

    “A just transition should also entail justice for countless victims of oil company-inspired and state-sanctioned abuses along with reparations to the people of the Niger Delta,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DES/AZU

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    Edited by Azubuike Okeh