Floods in Germany’s Bavaria disrupt European Parliament elections
Floods
Nuremberg, Germany, June 6, 2024 (dpa/NAN) The recent floods in Germany’s state of Bavaria has affected voters for the European Parliament elections, with a number of polling stations forced to relocate and reports of lost voting documents.
Bavaria’s state election officer, Thomas Gössl, on Thursday said that town halls were not yet usable in some affected regions, which is why provisional municipal administrations have been set up.
However, conversations with the election officers in these areas have shown that the election can be conducted properly, he said.
According to Gössl, voters who had lost their voting documents due to the floods or have not received them should contact their local authority promptly to request and collect new documents.
Gössl said new voting cards can still be issued in Bavaria until 12 pm (1000 GMT) on Saturday. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
2024 President Federation Cup: Abia Warriors FC, advance to Semi-Finals
Match
By Aderonke Ojo
Abuja, June 6, 2024 ( NAN) Abia Warriors FC of Abia on Wednesday, advanced to the semi-finals stage in the 2024 President Federation cup after a 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Sokoto United FC.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match was played at the FIFA Goal Project football pitch of the Moshood Abiola National stadium in Abuja.
Abia Warriors FC dominated the first half when in the 25th minute when Adama Kizito of Sokoto United stopped a corner kick with his hand, giving the Abia side a penalty which Prince Okorie converted.
Sokoto United FC later came into the game in the second half and their effort paid off in the 76th minute when Shehu Garba scored the equalizer.
Both sides worked extra hard to outwit each other but the game ended 1-1 a piece and penalties.
Speaking after the match, coach Ike Shoromu of Abia warriors FC who expressed happiness over his team`s performance, said the coaching crew deserved commendation for “a job well-done.
“ Our opponents gave us a good fight but at the end of the game, we got the desired victory.
“As per our goals, other teams are anticipating the same thing, but today’s victory is what matters most, and we’re excited to see how far we can go in our semifinal match,” he said.
On his part, Umar Mohammed, the General Manager of Sokoto FC, said the team`s performance was fantastic in spite of their loss to their opponent.
“ We’ll turn our attention to the upcoming Super 8 in Enugu, where we intend to win a spot in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
“Our commissioner and Club president have provided us with enough support and we are motivated,” he said.
NAN reports that in another quarter-final game, the fairy tale of Inter Lagos FC came to an end as NNL side, El-Kanemi Warriors FC of Maiduguri won 2-1.
Kebbi United FC defeated EFCC FC after a 4-3 penalty shootout after it ended goalless in regulation time and Kano Pillars FC edged out Sunshine Stars FC 5-3 on penalties .
Abia Warriors will confront Kano Pillars in the semifinals match on June 19.(NAN) www.nannews.ng)
Germany’s Scholz supports deporting criminals from Syria, Afghanistan
Criminals
Berlin June 6, 2024 (dpa/NAN) German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wants to allow the deportation of serious criminals to Afghanistan and Syria again.
“Such criminals should be deported even if they come from Syria and Afghanistan,” he said this on Thursday.
“Serious criminals and terrorist threats have no place here.”he added.
The chancellor did not explain exactly how he intends to make this possible.
According to him,the Interior Ministry is working on the practical implementation and was already in talks with Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries.
His comments come after a recent stabbing attack in the south-western city of Mannheim.
At a rally organised by the anti-Islam movement Pax Europa, an Afghan injured several people, including a police officer who later died.
The attack triggered a debate about easing the current ban on deportations to Afghanistan.
Scholz also said that the glorification and celebration of terrorist offences would no longer be tolerated.
“That is why we will tighten our deportation regulations so that a serious interest in deportation arises from the creation of terrorist offences,” Scholz said.
“Anyone who glorifies terrorism is against all our values and should be deported.” (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Azare (Bauchi State), June 6, 2024 (NAN) The NNPC Foundation has planted 500 tree seedlings as part of campaign to preserve the environment and mitigate climate change in the country.
The Managin Director of the Foundation, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, said this during a tree planting campaign on Wednesday at Government Girls’ Secondary School, Nasarawa in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area of the state.
She said the exercise was part of activities to mark the 2024 World Environment Day, to reclaim degraded lands, conserve the environment and biodiversity.
The Day is being observed annually on June 5, to raise awareness about environmental issues and foster action for sustainable development.
The theme of the Day is: “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience”.
Arukwe, represented by Mohammed Hashim-Bawa, Manager, Environment of the foundation, said the intervention focused at empowering students, who are members of the environmental clubs to become champions of environmental preservation.
An officials of the NNPC Foundation planting tree seedlings in Azare, Bauchi State
She said tree planting was central to its engagement focussing on practical activities to ensure that students participate actively in tree planting, to instill sense of responsibility and ownership towards environmental conservation.
The manager said the foundation is geared towards supporting environmental sustainability through impactful activities such as reforestation; conservation, and education.
“This year’s theme underscores the critical need to address land degradation, combat desertification, and enhance resilience to drought for present and future generations.
“This year, we extended our campaign to all geo-political zones across Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Sustainability in tree planting ensures long term benefits. The NNPC Foundation is committed to continuous monitoring of these plants at all localities to restore degraded lands, build resilience against drought and improve livelihoods,” Arukwe said.
She, therefore, urged Nigerians to support the foundation in its drive to restore Nigeria’s landscapes and build a greener and more resilient future.
The District Head of Azare, Alhaji Magaji Duhuwa, lauded the gesture, adding that it would improve afforestation and control desertification in the state.
Students planting tree seedlings at the GGSS, Azare, Bauchi
Duhuwa said the community leaders would educate their people to the importance of tree planting to preserve the environment.
He enjoined youths and women, especially housewives to plant trees and engage in horticulture to conserve the nvironment and mitigate climate change.
Also, Mr Abdullahi Alka, the Principal of the school, commended the gesture, adding that it would provide green environment and enhance beautification of the school premises.
He said the management would ensure effective monitoring to nurture the 70 tree seedlings planted in the school to maturity.
Some of the students, Aisha Isa and Mohammed Dahiru-Umar, said the exercise had exposed them to the importance of tree planting in building resilience against drought and enhancing environmental sustainability.
Cultural dance by students of GGSS, Azare during g the 2024 World Environment Day
They promised to step down the knowledge learnt to their peers in their respective communities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlights of the event featured sensitisation, quiz, cultural dance and tree planting sessions.
The NNPC Foundation, incorporated in February 2023, focused at promoting environmental sustainability, enhancing access to quality education and healthcare services as well as new energy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Police arrest suspected internet fraudster over alleged car theft, N30m
Fraudster
By Deborah Akpede
Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos have arrested a suspected internet fraudster, Joshua Olawuyi, for allegedly obtaining a vehicle under false pretences and stealing N30 million.
Umma Ayuba, the Zonal Public Relations Officer, SP. Umma Ayuba, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.
She said that the command, under the leadership of the Assistant Inspector -General of Police, Mr Olatoye Durosinmi, arrested the suspect after receiving a petition from the petitioner.
“Based on a petition received from Adesuwa Ogizie, female, a US based licensed car dealer; that sometimes in 2016, Olawuyi contacted her to purchase a Mercedes Benz GLE 350 valued at N30 million.
“Olawuyi deceived her stating that he had instructed his brother Jude Hanslem to make payment on his behalf.
“After the vehicle was delivered to the suspect in Nigeria; the petitioner discovered that the money paid into her account was the proceeds of fraud, ” she said.
Ayuba said that a team of detectives attached to Zonal Anti-Kidnapping Unit Zone 2 command, led by SP Abass Gadzama (O/C ZAKU) swung into action and apprehended the suspect.
“The suspect was arrested and he volunteered his statement where he confessed to the crime.
“He claimed he was into internet fraud at the time he committed the offence and that the Mercedes Benz GLE 350 has been sold and the proceeds converted, “he said.
Ayuba said investigation is ongoing and further findings would be communicated, and suspect will be prosecuted accordingly upon completion of investigation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng.)
Fireboy DML releases visuals for hit single ‘Everyday’
Single
By Priscilla Osaje
Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Nigerian singer and songwriter, Adedamola Adefolahan popularly known as Fireboy DML, has started the new month with a music video for his hit single ‘Everyday’.
The renowned singer, who took his social media platforms to announce the release of his hit song, attributed the glory to God for making it possible for him to achieve such feat.
He urged his fans and lovers of music to seat tight and enjoy every bit of the song they talked on waving relationship, adding that his best is yet to come.
‘Everyday’ out now! produced by @iamblaisebeatz lyric video out on youtube, make una no chop mouth directed by the one and only @oluthewave enjoy this album def my best yet! Glory to God,” he wrote.
The music video, which is directed by ace Nigerian video director, TG Omori featured singer Bloody Civilian as the lead vixen.
In the newly-released video, Fireboy DML and Bloody Civilian portrayed what appeared to be a relationship that has some turbulence, which they late work things out at the end.
The track is the Nigerian singer’s first release of 2024, and arrives just after his coachella debut.
The song that is about love and longing, the beat for “Everyday” embraced traditional African sounds, underpinned by shakers and a saxophone.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
C’River rids Calabar streets of mentally challenged persons
Evacuation
By Ehigimetor Igbaugba
Calabar, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Government of Cross River has commenced evacuation of mentally challenged persons from the state capital city, Calabar.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise is being carried out by the Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA).
The Executive Director of CUDA, Chief Effiong Ayi, who spoke with newsmen on Wednesday in Calabar, said that the aim of the exercise was to address the pressing issue of mental health in the metropolis proactively.
Ayi said that the evacuation exercise followed the recent inauguration of a mental holding center by Gov. Bassey Otu as part of his administration’s one-year celebration in office.
At the commencement of the initiative on Monday, the holding center had already registered over 30 inmates.
“The primary goal of this exercise is to eliminate the large presence of mentally challenged individuals in our metropolis and facilitate their rehabilitation, enabling them to lead productive lives in our society,” he stated.
He emphasised the urgency of the operation due to the increasing number of mentally challenged persons causing disturbances within the city.
“The completion and reopening of the remand center by the governor prompted this exercise.
“The increasing number of these persons in the city has brought about various challenges and disturbances within the metropolis,” he stated.
Speaking on their rehabilitation, he said, “they will be provided with the care and treatment they require, and once they regain sanity, they will be reintegrated into society.
“This initiative not only aims to resolve the immediate concerns related to mentally challenged individuals in Calabar but also aligns with best practices in maintaining a safe and serene metropolis.
“The state’s approach signifies a significant step towards improving public health and safety, ensuring that those affected receive the necessary support and rehabilitation to reintegrate successfully into society.”
The executive director said that the holding center is equipped with essential amenities including a standby generator, water supply, and cooking facilities to ensure the well-being of the inmates.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Some financial experts have commnded the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for its proactive action in revoking the operating licence of Heritage Bank Plc in order to save depositors’ funds.
The experts, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Monday in Abuja, said that the action was in the overall interest of the financial system.
According to Uche Uwaleke, a Professor of Finamce and Capital Market, and the president of Capital Market Academics of Nigeria, the revocation is a step in the right direction.
Uwaleke said that the proactive step by the CBN was in the overall interest of financial system stability.
He, however, said that efforts should be made to protect the depositors and employees of the liquidated bank.
“With the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) taking over the liquidation process, efforts should be made to protect the depositors as well as interests of employees using liquidation dividends,” he said.
An economist, Dr Chijioke Ekechukwu, said that Heritage Bank had been struggling over the years to remain afloat, adding that the situation must have become irredeemable for the apex bank to revoke its licence.
According to Ekechukwu, a past president of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, some years ago, some of us in the finance sector knew that the bank is struggling to remain afloat.
“For the CBN to revoke its licence, it means that it was irredeemable and probably not marketable to investors,” he said.
He said that there would be an initial setback to all the bank’s customers because it would take a while to verify them for the purpose of compensation and refund of their monies by the NDIC.
“It is, however, better to sanitise the financial system than to allow a sick and weak bank to continue to open its doors to customers,” he said.
Mr Gregory Mmaduakolam, also an economist, said that the action by the CBN was rash and capable of eroding the much needed confidence in the banking system.
Mmaduakolam said that the action would also result in avoidable job loss of staff of the bank, thereby, further exacerbating the country’s unemployment challenge.
“I would have preferred a situation where the CBN supports ailing banks and prevent them from failing than simply withdrawing their licences.
“Such an action does not encourage confidence in the banking system, ” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CBN had on Monday, announced revocation of the licence of of the bank witb immediate effect.
It said that the action was in accordance with the apex bank’s mandate to promote a sound financial system in Nigeria and in exercise of its powers under Section 12 of the Banks and Other Financial Act (BOFIA).
It said that the board and nanagement of the bank had not been able to improve the bank’s financial performance, a situation which constituted a threat to financial stability. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Rep. sponsors cancer screening for 2,000 women, girls in Kaduna
Screening
By Amen Gajira
Kafanchan (Kaduna State) June 6, 2024 (NAN) Rep. Daniel Amos (APC-Kaduna) has sponsored breast and cervical cancer screening for no fever than 2,000 women and girls in his constituency.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Amos represents Jema’a/ Sanga Federal Constituency.
The screening was preceded by a road walk in Kafanchan to raise awareness on breast and cervical cancer.
Speaking at the event, Amos said that the exercise was part of his sustained efforts to improve the health and well-being of his constituents.
“I am committed to issues concerning the health and well-being of the members of my constituency, particularly women and girls.
“Good health is very important because you have to be healthy to be able to do anything for yourself or others,” he said.
While urging the women not to see cancer as a death sentence, the lawmaker said that all detected cases that have not reached an advanced stage would be treated.
Earlier, the leader of the screening team, Rahap Elisha, said that the essence of the campaign was to raise awareness and encourage younger girls to get screened for early detection, as it was the key to survival.
In her remarks, the Commissioner, Kafanchan Municipal Authority, Phoebe Yayi, lauded Amos for the invaluable initiative.
Yayi called on other well meaning individuals and organisations to emulate the lawmaker. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Kafanchan (Kaduna State) June 6, 2024 (NAN) Residents of Kafanchan in Kaduna State have extolled the laudable achievements of President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Uba Sani in the first one year.
The residents gave the commendation in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area.
Kefas Danladi, a political commentator, stated that with the policies put in place by Tinubu in the last one year, he foresees a greater future for Nigeria.
Danladi explained that though some of the policies introduced by the Tinubu-led government have caused temporary pains but will bring long term gains.
“It takes a lot of courage to introduce some of the policies being implemented by the Tinubu administration to stabilise our economy.
“I know things are rough for Nigerians at the moment but it has to be rough before it gets better for us all in the long run,” he added
Mathew Yakubu, a student of A.B.U, Zaria, said the Tinubu administration deserves a pat on the back for introducing the students’ loan scheme, which he described as ‘long overdue’.
Yakubu said the scheme was a demonstration of the Nigerian leader’s commitment to making education accessible to all Nigerians.
On her part, Felicia Dangabar, a civil servant, stated that the present administration was on the right track and needs the support and goodwill of Nigerians to deliver on the renewed hope agenda.
Dangabar said that the ongoing massive investments in infrastructure across the country would create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Speaking on the first year of Sani, Paul Kambai, a hotelier, said that his administration had brought positive change and a sense of hope for the people of the state.
Kambai stressed that the rural transformation drive of Sani has placed the state on the path of sustainable development.
According to him, the governor has proven himself to be a leader for all through the equitable distribution of projects across the state.
In his submission, Bulus Didam, another civil servant, opined that the security situation in the state had greatly improved since the new administration came into power a year ago.
“Before now, we were witnessing wanton destruction of lives and property by gunmen almost on a daily basis and couldn’t sleep with our two eyes closed.
“But right now, things have changed . The rate of mindless attacks has significantly reduced, particularly in Southern Kaduna.
“So, I must commend the present administration both at the state and federal level for improving the security situation in our area,” he stated
Didam called on the security agencies to sustain the tempo and put an end to kidnapping, killings and other related crimes.
Dahiru Awaisu , a farmer, also echoed the views of Didam in stating that relative peace had been restored in the area in the past one year.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
