Blog

Police foil abduction of traditional ruler in Kaduna, wife missing
Police foil abduction of traditional ruler in Kaduna, wife missing
Kidnap
By Amen Gajira
Kafanchan (Kaduna State) June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Kaduna State has confirmed a failed kidnap attempt by gunmen on Wednesday night on Alhaji Umar Musa, the Paramount Ruler of Ninzo Chiefdom in Sanga Local Government Area.
ASP Mansir Hassan, spokesperson of the command, however, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the whereabouts of the chief’s wife was still unknown.
Mansir said that security operatives have since been deployed to the forests around Sanga in search of the wife.
The Ninzo Development Association, in a statement signed by its President and Secretary, Prof. Moses Audi and Silas Anche, respectively, condemned the planned kidnap of their traditional ruler that led to the disappearance of his wife.
The statement however called for calm with a view to allowing the government to live up to its responsibility. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AMEN/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mnai
June 6, 2024
NGO mobilises students to drive climate change solutions in Kaduna
Climate
By Sani Idris
Kaduna, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment (WISE) says it is mobilising students and young people in Kaduna state to drive climate change solutions in their respective communities.
WISE founder and Programme Director, Mrs Olanike Olugboji-Daramola, stated this during a one-day Green Awareness Walk in Kaduna on Wednesday, with the theme, “Generation Green: Taking the Lead in Tackling Land Degradation and Drought”.
The walk, which took place within the College of Environmental Studies, Kaduna Polytechnic, was organised by WISE, in Collaboration with National Association of Environmental Science Technology, Kaduna Polytechnic.
It was organised to commemorate the 2024 World Environment Day (WED) with the theme, “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience”.
Olanike Olugboji said that the campaign became necessary considering the anxiety among young people caused by the chaos associated with environmental challenges and global warming.
She attributed global warming and other environmental degradation to the excesses of human activities and stressed the need for young people to join the campaign against climate change and environment degradation.
“It is, therefore, crucial to create awareness among young people on the need for them to begin to take the lead and think outside the box on issues affecting our climate and the environment.
“The goal is for the youths to drive solutions, take action and create initiative that will help reduce some of the environmental problems affecting humanity.
The founder said that sustainable development was only possible if everyone realised the need for collective responsibility in protecting the climate.
She said that the WISE had been mobilising women and young girls in Kaduna and other parts of the country to take part in providing solutions to climate change and other environmental challenges.
“We have realised, over the years, the wide gap in terms of women’s access to environmental resources, even when they are the most vulnerable to the impact of environmental challenges and climate change.
“Women are the most vulnerable and yet their voices were missing at the decision-making table.
“We will keep building the capacity of women and young girls to become authors of their own fate, as it concerns the environment and the climate challenges,” she said.
She stressed the need for policy makers and residents to begin to identify solutions and take actions to reverse environmental degradation and climate change.
She also called on the government and relevant stakeholders to equip communities with the needed knowledge and skills to plan trees and adopt eco-friendly technology in everyday life.
According to her, adopting eco-friendly technologies like clean cooking stoves and solar technology will significantly replace the use of traditional cooking methods and lighting systems.
“This will go a long way in preventing indoor air pollution caused by traditional cooking methods, kerosine lamps and candles in our homes.
“Climate change is real and not far away. It is close next door. Do something; tell someone to do something and we will be doing a lot to reverse climate change,” she said.
Dr Patrick Kigbu, Head of Department, Environmental Science, Kaduna Polytechnic, commended WISE for targeting the youths in its climate change campaign.
Kigbu said that climate change and other environmental challenges could be dramatic and might consume humanity if action was not taken.
He urged the government to be proactive, and outlaw activities that negatively impact the climate.
According to him, people need to know that when they destroy one tree, they should plant five more to sustain the environment.
Similarly, one of the students, Aishatu Ibrahim, said that the awareness was apt, and would motivate students and young people to take action towards climate change adaptation and mitigation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other highlights of the event included a panel discussion and tree planting. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
SA/FDY
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Edited by Philip Yatai
June 6, 2024
Anniversary: 1 year too early to assess Tinubu–Don
Anniversary: 1 year too early to assess Tinubu–Don
Economy
By Aisha Gambo
Kaduna , June 5,2024(NAN) Prof. Yusha’u Ango of the Kaduna State University (KASU) on Wednesday says one year is too early to assess President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies aimed at reforming the country’s economy.
Ango, who is a Professor of Finance and Entrepreneurship, made the disclosure during an Interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna..
“The prescriptions of the Bretton Wood institutions; which means you open your economy and remove subsidies to remove bottlenecks here and there.
“The intention behind the policies is very good, especially the removal of fuel subsidy which was the first one but naturally we know that it would cause inflation.
“It was followed with the decision to allow the naira to find it’s true value, again that further increased the level of inflation in the economy,”,he said.
According to him, life has been quite difficult for ordinary Nigerians in terms of economy and finance due to the policies coming one after the other.
Ango said that the citizens would want to see whether the policies would be effective in helping out the economy following the Presidential Economic Coordination Council set up by the president.
He commended the government for coming up with some palliatives to ease the suffering of the masses, adding that Nigeria needed to strengthen its currency .
Ango said, “You don’t throw your currency to the market and allow market forces, especially in countries like Nigeria where people find ways to take advantage of the currency.
“In our own case, we find that from what was reported that some companies that came from outside the country in the form of crypto and other currencies were the ones affecting the Naira.”.
While recommending ways to make Nigeria’s economy bounce back, the don urged the government to ensure food security by further subsidising agriculture.
He explained that rather than remove subsidies,the government should ensure that the right people who need the support get them.
Ango stated that for the country to alleviate poverty, it should have a big plan which would include securing agriculture through the provision of inputs and processing what the farmers produce.
According to him, the government needed to generate more power and ensure adequate supply of it, adding that the power should be made affordable for the masses.
He urged Nigerians not to totally depend on the government as it doesn’t have the capacity to solve all their problems, advising that the youths must embrace entrepreneurship to achieve financial stability.(NAN) (wwww.nannews.ng)
AMG/BRM
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Edited by Bashirr Rabe Mani
June 6, 2024
Women Affairs minister mourns NCWS National President
Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs, signing a condolence register at the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) headquarters on Wednesday in Abuja.
Women Affairs minister mourns NCWS National President
Condolence
By Justina Auta
Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs,
expressed sadness over the death of Hajiya Lami Adamu-Lau, the National President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), which occurred on Tuesday.
Kennedy-Adamu, who visited the NCWS headquarters in Abuja, described Adamu-Lau, as a mother and committed towards uplifting Nigerian women.
“She was a mother and sister, who was passionate towards uplifting Nigerian women and ending all forms of violence and harmful practices against women and girls.
“She was a humble and compassionate Mother and Sister whose earnest pursuit as the leader of the Council is to ensure the upliftment of the lives of the gender to enable them attain their optimum height in life,” she said.
The minister, therefore, urged NCWS members to emulate her exemplary lifestyle by working together to ensure that women occupy their quota for the socio-economic development of the nation.
While commiserating with Nigerian women, family and friends over the loss, the Minister urged them to take solace in God as death was inevitable and will come when it will come.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Adamu-Lau died in the early hours of Wednesday after a brief illness in Kebbi and had since been buried in her hometown In Lau, Taraba state.
She emerged the National President in April 2022 after winning unopposed.
She initiated alot of empowerment programmes that ameliorated the sufferings of many indigent women across the country.
She also embarked on several exercises on ending Gender Based Violence (GBV) and harmful traditional practices against women and girls in the country. (NAN)
JAD/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza
June 6, 2024
Political appointments to be determined by member’s electronic registration -Ganduje
Political appointments to be determined by member’s electronic registration – Ganduje
Registration
By Emmanuel Mogbede
Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, says membership electronic registration will henceforth, serve as a basis of reference for political appointments at any level in the party.
Ganduje said this while declaring open the party’s E-membership registration train-the-trainer workshop on Wednesday in Abuja.
He also said that evidence of electronic membership registration would determine if a member could contest any political position on the party’s platform.
He added that Nigerians willing to officially register as members of APC were expected to provide their biometric data, which must tally with the details captured in their National Identity Number (NIN).
“Today, we are gathered here by the grace of GOD in fulfillment and accomplishment of our promise to start the process of digitalising the membership of our party.
“This is an attempt to have graphic idea of the total members of our party, their geographical spread and demographic divisions.
“This process will not only drive the planning, decision-making and projection process.
“But will serve as basis of reference for any member of our party seeking appointment at any level or desiring to contest an election,” Ganduje said.
He said the APP and portal on which the prospective trainees from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja were expected to use would soon be reactivated.
This, he said, was to enable existing and new members to register online as members of the party from any part of the world.
“Each person is expected to provide his or her biometric data which must tally with the details captured in the NIN.
“By so doing, any member whose name appears on the digital register shall be deemed to be true and faithful members of our great party,” the APC national chairman explained.
He appealed to the Ministers Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy and that of Science and Technology who were stakeholders on the project to provide the party with technical assistance to enable it achieve its objectives.
He appealed to the trainees to ensure they learnt from the programme so they could go back to their respective states and impart knowledge to those who would be engaged in the exercise.
“I must say this exercise is very important and dear to us, therefore we must strive to succeed,” Ganduje said, adding that the resource persons and consultants were carefully selected for the exercise.
According to him, the resource persons and consultants are prominent personalities who have the ability and capacity to provide theoretical and technological knowledge for the exercise.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the ideals of the APC to set new standards and benchmarks in the nation’s democratic sphere and ensure the sustenance and continuation of its government at all levels.
Ganduje particularly thanked Mr Emma Eneukwu, Chairman of the APC E-Membership Registration Committee and his members for putting the programme together to foster the party’s technological advancement.
Dr Bosun Tijjani, Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy in his remarks, appreciated Ganduje for coming up with the initiative, noting that it portrayed the APC as truly progressives and forward thinking political party.
Also speaking, Dr Uche Nnaji, Minister of Science and Technology, said with the initiative, the APC was setting a new standard for political participation in the country.
He commended Ganduje’s leadership style and for introducing a visionary approach to the party, saying embracing technology, science and innovation would help drive the party’s operations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that Ganduje on assumption of office on Aug. 5, 2023 as APC National Chairman, promised to initiate new programmes and policies for the party’s development.
He said his desire was to further strengthen the APC and enhance its status as a truly grassroots progressives political party.
He specifically promised to revive the party’s offices at the ward, local government and state levels to ensure its functionality throughout the year without necessarily waiting until during campaigns or elections.
He also promised to establish the Progressives Institute to facilitate training of party members, promote the ideal of good governance and institutionalise progressive ideology.(NAN)
June 6, 2024
NACA to fast-track payment for participants of 2023 NCDs survey
NACA to fast-track payment for participants of 2023 NCDs survey
Payments
By Emmanuel Oloniruha
Abuja, June 6, 2024(NAN) The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has assured participants of the 2023 Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Step Survey of their payments.
The acting Director of NACA, Mr James Aneneh, gave the assurance when he received a group of the participants who were at NACA office in Abuja on Wednesday to protest the delay in the payment.
Aneneh, who took the protesters into the office for discussion, said that though the project was not Federal Government funded programme, the agency would do everything within its power to help fast-track the payment of all outstanding.
“NACA was just a fund-holder of the project . The agency was not the coordinator of the activities. The project was funded by the Global Fund.
Aneneh also pleaded with the group to understand that because it was global fund specific, there were strict process in place, including verification of claims before payment.
“Based on global fund implementation principles, when you have concluded an activity, there are processes that must take place before you get paid, whatever is owed.
“ This is not a government of Nigeria activity, which means we are using foreign funder, which is a Global Fund. They have their own due process in place before any payments can be finalised.
“ While all of this has gone on, I also made aware this morning that some of your retirements came in March. If a retirement came in March, there are so many processes to have to take place before payments are finalised.
Aneneh said while some states had been paid, some were cleared for payment, while some were also being processed for payments.
“Like I said earlier, because it’s global funds specifically, which I think governments of Nigeria should be doing too, they have very strict processes in place before payments are made.
“They have due diligence. They must verify things. If you sent a flight ticket, they must verify it before they can clear it for payment.
`From the briefing I received from the Global Fund this morning is that these processes are still ongoing. There are still some states that are still being verified. So the states are being cleared in batches.
“ We’ve just cleared a state that is going to be paid any time from now,” he said.
He assured them that NACA was not sitting on their money but their claims had to be verified by Global Fund before any payment could be made.
“There’s nothing we can do with that fund. If we don’t spend it as Global Fund has asked us to spend it, we’ll return it back to them.
“We really, really sympathize with you and understand where you’re coming from, and your anger.
“We have to listen to you people very carefully and figure out a way to immediately expedite action for you to get your payment.
“There is no reason for somebody to do a job six or eight months prior and not get paid.
“Even though we have the resources, if we pay you before the Global Fund says you can go ahead and pay, government of Nigeria will have to pay that money back because it becomes ineligible.”
On the sleep out claim, James said that the office would discuss with the groups vocal persons to look into the agreement that was reach and possible intervention.
Speaking earlier during the protest at the agency ‘s gate, Mrs Judith Ekeh, who led three others in a peaceful protest to NACA office said they were engaged in various positions by agency and the Federal Ministry of Health for the exercise 2023, but yet to be paid.
Ekeh, who served as enumerator during the exercise, urged the agency to pay their money have concluded the survey since 2023.
She said before they were engaged for the survey, they were promised to be paid in three batches.
“We told that the third batch is going to come after retirement of all work documents. Twenty days into the job, our training allowance was paid.
“We already agreed they were going to pay us N8, 000 per day.
“We finished the job and retired all our documents, all the tablets giving to us, all the apparatus, everything given to us.
“My team worked in Niger . We finished the work and came back from the field since August. Our first payment came around Dec. 24. Since then, no other payment has been made,’’ she said.
Ekeh said it was painful that their payments were to delayed.
“If you know how Niger terrain was? We took risks. I was sick for several days.
“One of my teammates lost her pregnancy. We took so much risk for this payment to be delayed,’’ she said.
Eked also urged the agency to intervene on the payment of their “sleep-out –allowance’’.
She said that they were told that only 12 out of 60 days would be paid, which according to her is unacceptable.
Ekek appreciated matured way they were received by NACA management.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
OBE/BEKl/SH
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Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Sadiya Hamza

June 6, 2024
Corps Marshal directs sector commanders to intensify enforcement of speed limit regulations
Corps Marshal directs sector commanders to intensify enforcement of speed limit regulations
Directive
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 6, 2024(NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps Marshal (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has directed Sector Commanders to intensify enforcement on installation of speed limit device as well as enhance awareness
This is contained in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO) Corps Commander, Olusegun Ogungbemide in Abuja,
The FRSC boss said that the Corps was perturbed by the increasing number of explosions involving cargoes, particularly tankers conveying inflammable products on Nigerian roads.
Mohammed further said that recently there was a fatal road traffic crash that involved a Mazda saloon car and a tanker conveying gas that exploded and went into flames.
“The crash killed two people and destroyed properties, had occurred on Obirikwerre bridge, East-West road in Rivers State on Tuesday June 4 at 08:00am,’’ he said.
According to him, the FRSC preliminary investigation reports revealed that the crash was caused by speed violation.
“The crash involved a total of five people, while two were killed, the remaining three were rescued without injury”, Mohammed said.
He added that the action would be part of the concerted proactive measures to mitigate the avoidable road carnage.
“Sector Commanders must amongst other things ascertain that these categories of vehicles comply with the policy on the installation of speed limit device.
“This includes safety valves (anti spill), and other necessary safety components among others,” he said.
He explained that the directive was in line with the United Nations conventions acceded to by the FRSC, especially on international carriage of dangerous goods by road.
Mohammed also commiserated with the families of the bereaved praying God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
ICA/AH/SH
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Edited by Abdul Hassan/Sadiya Hamza
June 6, 2024
Cleric identifies permissible among non-permissible acts in Hajj
Acts
By Muhammad Lawal
Makkah, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Malam Kabiru Umar-Wasagu, an Islamic cleric, has identified some permissible (halal) acts among the non-permissible (haram)ones during the Hajj exercise.
Umar-Wasagu, who is also a member of Da’awah Committee, Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Board, made the observation during an enlightenment session shortly after the dawn (Subhi) prayer in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the morning enlightenment session has now become a routine exercise to educate the pilgrims on the rituals of Hajj towards an acceptable Hajj (Hajj Mabrur).
The cleric explained that though, it was absolutely prohibited for a pilgrim to hunt or kill any animal or insect while performing Hajj (in Ihram), “yet, there are certain animals that are harmful to human beings.
“You are permitted to kill a mad dog, snake, scorpion and any other insect or animal that threatens the life of human beings.”
Umar-Wasagu also charged the pilgrims to build interpersonal relationships among themselves as well as between them and the natives of Saudi Arabia and other countries around the globe.
He observed that building good interpersonal relationships would lead to trust, understanding and love for each other, hence the need to encourage harmony and mutual respect.
On female folk, the cleric said: “Just like how a man wants his deeds to be good and accepted, so is a woman, whatever is prohibited for men is also prohibited for women.”
He advised the women to be cautious of their lifestyles in the holy land, saying that it was not an opportunity for them to live the way they wanted because they were far away from their parents, husbands or relations.
“Avoid unnecessary discussions with men who are not your “muharram”, because it may lead to something else.
“Also, you have to watch the kind of clothes you wear, don’t wear clothes that will attract those men with weak hearts.
“This is highly prohibited, especially in the holy land, the penalty is very severe,” he urged.
The cleric admonished the pilgrims to feel free to ask the clerics questions on anything related to Hajj so that they would be able to perform its rituals in accordance with the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
KLM/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 6, 2024
Climate change: NDA committed to good management of environment – Commandant

Nigerian Defence Academy Cadets in Mini Marathon in comemoration of 2024 World Environmental Day on Wednesday in Kaduna.

Climate change: NDA committed to good management of environment – Commandant
Climate
By Muhammad Tijjani
Kaduna, June 5, 2024(NAN) The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), says apart from military training, it is passionate about maintaining good management of the environment to combat the effects of climate change.
Its Commandant, Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, said this on Wednesday at the NDA Headquarters in Afaka, Kaduna, while speaking to newsmen after a mini marathon titled “Run for Green”, organised in commemoration of the 2024 World Environment Day.
Ochai said that the NDA, being a responsible institution in the eyes of Nigerians and the nation at large, was maintaining a good and sustainable environment aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change.
He explained that they choose the theme for their celebration as “Run for Green”, considering their training schedule and the need to keep fit.
“We inculcate the habit of keeping fit in our cadets. Being physically fit is a premium for training in the NDA, one must be fit to perform the role of defending the nation,”he said.
He said that “Run for Green” also was in furtherance of a green environment.
Ochai recalled that some days ago, the NDA launched its biodiversity and conservation centre, which was aimed at regenerating the environment.
He stressed that the green revolution was on the NDA’s agenda, where it would plant one million trees.
According to him, the one million trees could be a record of the biggest concentration of human efforts in regenerating the environment.
The commandant said the exercise was also to encourage the institution’s partners and host communities to also advance the cause of a green environment and maintain healthy lifestyles by exercising to keep fit and avoid illnesses.
From the right the NDA Commandant Maj.-Gen. John Ochai during a mini marathon in commemoration of 2024 World Environment Day on Wednesday in Kaduna.
Earlier, the Guest of Honor, the Manager of Brewery in Kaduna, Mr Osasu Oviawe, said their participation at the NDA run for green demonstrated their commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting green footprints.
He said that, since 2021, the brewery has been nurturing a culture of recycling among its employees with the “NB Recycles” programme.
Oviawe explained that the initiative, which offered cash incentives for bringing in recyclable wastes such as plastics, papers, and nylons, was currently in its pilot phase for their Headquarters and Lagos employees.
“It has been well-received and it is a key part of our sustainability efforts,”he said.
Oviawe equally said that their waste water treatment plant was equipped with functional ‘Waste Water Treatment Plants’ (WWTPs).
He explained that the WWTPs ensured that their waste water was treated effectively, hence discharging safe water to the environment.
The brewery manager said they have planted 237,289 trees on 215 hectares at the Olokemeji forest reserve in Ogun.
The initiative, he said, was crucial for balancing the water usage at their water-stressed sites and contributes significantly to the environmental conservation efforts.
“Looking ahead, our goal is to plant a total of 600,000 trees on 500 hectares by 2031,”he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the high points of the event was the presentation of trophies and cash prizes to the cadets who were victorious.
Those who also participated in the marathon included, NDA primary school pupils, corps members, soldiers and officers.
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TJ/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 6, 2024
Oshiomhole chairs 256-member Edo APC guber campaign council
Oshiomhole chairs 256-member Edo APC guber campaign council
Campaign
By Nefishetu Yakubu
Benin, June 5, 2024(NAN) Ahead of the Edo governorship poll, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has released a 256-member State Campaign Council with former governor, Adams Oshiomhole, as Chairman.
Acting Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, in a statement on Wednesday in Benin, announced Sen. Matthew Urhoghide as the Campaign Council Director-General (DG), and Mr Joe Ugheoke as Campaign Council Secretary.
Other notable members included Peter Akpatason, who is Deputy Director-General (DDG), Operations, and Mike Onolememen, Deputy Director-General (DDG), Administration.
“Chief Lucky Imasuen, Odi Okogie and Abu Lawani are Coordinators for Edo South, Edo Central and Edo North, respectively.
“The Campaign Council also has Ms Bisi Idaomi as Director of Administration, John Osakue as Director of Operations, while Samson Osagie is director of contacts,” Tenebe said.
According to the statement, Dr Ernest Umakhihe will oversee financial matters as Director of Finance, Orobosa Omo-Ojo is Director, Publicity, while Kazeem Afegbua will function as Director, Media Relations.(NAN) www.nannews.ng
NY/KOO
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June 5, 2024