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  • Senate passes bill to prescribe salaries, allowances of judicial officers

    Senate passes bill to prescribe salaries, allowances of judicial officers

    Bill
    By Kingsley Okoye

    Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Senate on Wednesday passed a bill seeking to prescribe improved salaries, allowances and fringe benefits of judicial office holders in Nigeria.

    This followed the adoption of a report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters at plenary.

    Presenting the report, the Chairman of the committee, Sen. Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno) said that stakeholders at the public hearing of the bill were unanimous in their support for its passage.

    Monguno said that the purposes of the bill were sacrosanct to the justice sector reform initiative of the present administration.

    He said that the bill was in consonance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the standing rules of the senate.

    According to him, the proposed legislation is apt and timely, as the increase in remuneration of judicial office holders is long overdue, in light of the present economic realities and high inflation in the country.

    He said that the bill was quite innovative, as aside the increment in the basic salary, it also took cognisance of certain peculiarities of the administrative structure and operation of the judiciary.

    “Generally, the bill, if passed will birth an appropriate and commensurate remuneration that will ensure judicial independence and integrity.

    “No doubt, adequate remuneration will allow judicial officers to focus on their professional development without worrying about financial constraint.

    “Hence, it will improve their professionalism and decision making skills, and fair compensation for judicial officers is crucial for maintaining public trust in judiciary’s impartiality and integrity.

    “When Judges are adequately compensated, it demonstrates a commitment by society towards the important role they play in upholding justice,” Monguno said.

    He said that the increase in remuneration for judicial office holders was essential to attract and retain highly qualified and experienced professionals, who possessed the necessary skills, knowledge and integrity to serve on the bench.

    “Certainly, the bill, if passed will give financial security to retired judicial officers, after years of dedication in the profession and allowing them to remain comfortable during their retirement,” the chairman said.

    He said that the increment under consideration, had been captured in the 2024 Appropriation Act. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    KC/FON/SH

    ===========

    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Sadiya Hamza

  • World Environment Day: NEPL plants 1000 trees in host communities in Edo

    World Environment Day: NEPL plants 1000 trees in host communities in Edo

    Trees

    By Nefishetu Yakub
    (08035625662)

    Benin, June 5,2024(NAN) The NNPC E&P Limited (NEPL), a subsidiary of NNPC Limited says it has planted 1000 trees in rural schools and host communities as part of efforts to commemorate the 2024 world Environment Day.

    The theme of the this year’s World environment day was: Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience.

    Speaking at an event to mark the day on Wednesday in Benin, the Managing Director, NEPL, Nicolas Foucart, urged the host communities and schools to take ownership of the trees and ensure that they were protected.

    Foucart, who was represented by Mr Mark Anuku, Executive Director, Central Technical Services, said NEPL was committed to minimising environmental impact through innovative technologies, sustainable practices and key initiatives.

    He noted that through its CSR programmes, the company had carried out environmental awareness in its host communities on the harmful practices that impact on the ecosystem.

    “Today, we gather to celebrate World Environment Day (WED), a day that holds immense significance for us as a company.

    ” Today is NEPL annual tree-planting campaign, in partnership with local communities and schools, is aimed at developing effective and sustainable land management practices to limit desertification and enhance the ecosystem resistance to drought.

    “This year 2024, in line with Theme of the event, we have planted 1,000 trees in communities around our operating areas.

    “In doing this, we have engaged schools, women, youths and indeed the entire communities with the aim of educating them in the advantages of tree planting.

    “Our host communities have committed to take ownership of this initiatives, and by the WED 2026, it is hoped that those trees would have taken firm foundation and poised for provision of countless benefits to humanity in the future, ” he said.

    In his welcome address, NEPL’s Executive Director, Business Services, Engr. Telema Isokariari appealed to stakeholders to work collectively as a team to restore damaged lands and enhance farming methods.

    Isokariari was represented by the Manager, Health Safety and Environment (HSE), Mr Sylvester Okwuoha.

    Also, the Guest Speaker , Prof. Joel Umeuduji in his lecture titled: Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience, said over 25 percent of the global territorial surface and 3.2 billion people were currently affected by land degradation.

    Umeuduji encouraged public enlightenment to stimulate public participationin conservation matters.

    Highpoint if the event was the presentation of economic trees to participants. (NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)
    NY/JI

    Edited by Joe Idika

     

     

     

     

  • Kaduna assembly c’ttee on finances of ex-Gov. El-Rufai submits report

    Kaduna assembly c’ttee on finances of ex-Gov. El-Rufai submits report

    Probe
    By Aisha Gambo
    Kaduna, June 5,2024(NAN) The ad- hoc committee set up by the Kaduna State House of Assembly to investigate all the finances, loans and contracts awarded under the former Gov. Nasir El-Rufai has submitted its report to the house.
    The Chairman of the committee,Mr Magaji Danjuma, while reading  the report on Wednesday stated that the committee had discovered evidence of several cases of alleged corruption in the running of the state from  May 2015 to May 2023.
    He said that the committee had also discovered some alleged improper  awards of contracts without due process with some loans collected without the approval of the state assembly.
    While reading the report summary , the Speaker, Dahiru Liman, said that the El-Rufai administration had a total income of N1.49 trillion in the years under review, adding that some of these monies were allegedly misappropriated.
    He added that the Ministry of Finance,  in collaboration with the Kaduna State Inland Revenue Service (KADIRS) reportedly withdrew the sum of N 721.67 million  through the use of ‘unauthorized debit card by a third party’.
    Lima n explained that another N30 billion was siphoned from the state’s internally generated revenue by the ministry of finance with some  officials of  KADIRS, following other questionable transactions found by the committee.
    The speaker explained that the then administration awarded  a contract worth N 510.47 billion and left behind contractor’s, public and consultants’ liabilities.
    Therefore, the committee recommended that the Kaduna Internal Revenue Service to withdraw the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Account domiciled at Zenith Bank as Security for N20 billion guaranteed in 2023 forthwith.the
    ” And to request the bank to refund all monies deducted on account of the purported illegal guarantee together with the accrued interest thereof.
    ” That, all the Commissioners of Finance of the State from May 29, 2015 to May 29, 2023 be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for thorough investigation”,he said.
    The committee also recommended that
    all the Accountant Generals of the State that served during the years be referred to the appropriate law enforcement Agencies for investigation including KADIRS chairmen.
    Others to be referred to the law enforcement agencies include Ms. Dolapo Popoola, the immediate past Managing Director of AlL KAPSCO and Mr Muyiwa Adekeye, for Special Adviser
    to the governor on Media and Communication.
    Other recommendations were for the current Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the current Executive Secretary,State Pension Bureau to step aside for proper investigation.
    The committee stated that all loans obtained by the Kaduna State Government between 29th May, 2015 to 29th May, 2023 obtained without due process were not binding on the state.
     He added that the state government should henceforth stop honouring all obligations arising from them.
    Also some the contractors who have not worked or were overpaid should refund to the state government a total sum of N36.35 billion being monies paid for contracts .(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AMG/BRM
    ==============
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Tinubu calls for transition to prosperous, clean economy

    Tinubu calls for transition to prosperous, clean economy

    Transition

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has called for earnest effort and action by citizens, stakeholders, institutions, and development partners to safeguard the environment and ensure a win-win transition to a prosperous and clean economy for all.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja that the president made the call on World Environment Day marked every June 5.

    Tinubu restated his commitment to ensuring the planting of 25 million trees by 2030, not only to protect the environment but also to provide opportunities for Nigeria’s youths within the green-economy value chain.

    While calling for a more proactive approach to protect the land and ecosystem through afforestation, water conservation and the cessation of indiscriminate felling of trees, the President emphasised that to “heal our world, we must begin by healing the land and its people.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Environment Day, established by the United Nations during the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment in 1972, is used globally to raise awareness on environmental matters.

    “The theme of this year’s occasion, ‘Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience,’ is very significant, particularly for Nigeria, where the scourge of drought threatens parts of the country.

    “According to the projections of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, about 40 per cent of the planet’s land is degraded, which directly impacts half of the world’s population.

    “The UN Convention to Combat Desertification also says the number and duration of droughts have increased by 29 per cent since 2000 and that without urgent action, droughts may affect over three-quarters of the world’s population by 2050,” the president said.

    NAN also reports that to ensure Nigeria achieves carbon neutrality by 2060, Tinubu established the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions in May, which he chairs.

    The committee oversees the nation’s climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, as well as green economy initiatives.

    The president also approved the establishment of Nigeria’s first Green Industrial Zone, Evergreen City, which is poised to be the leading manufacturing hub in Africa for renewable energy technologies, green solutions, and climate-adaptation technologies.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/IS 

    ======

    Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

  • NgIMUN recommend establishing 4th UN headquarters in Enugu State

    Education

    By Alex Enebeli

    Enugu, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The United Nations has rated Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State’s investment in education high and recommended the establishment of its 4th headquarters in the state.

    Dr Tivlumun Ahure, the President of the ongoing NgEducators International Model United Nations (NGIMUN), Conference, in Enugu, made the recommendation on Wednesday in Enugu.

    The NgIMUN is a United Nations structured simulation idea for students. This is an educational strategy in which a particular set of conditions are created or replicated to resemble authentic situations that are possible in real life.

    Specifically, the NgEducators International Model UN is an activity for those interested in learning more about how the UN operates.

    Students at Secondary Schools and University levels are enlisted to participate in Model UN with the aim to build and maintain strong links between the UN and the student participants.

     The theme of the conference is “Development of Education in Developing Countries”.

    Ahure, who described what he saw in Enugu education development as “overwhelming and fascinating”, said the organisation tend to have the fourth headquarters of the United Nations in the state.

    While explaining that the UN had three headquarters in New York, Vienna and Geneva, Ahure said they would push for fourth United Nations headquarter to be established in Enugu State.

    He said, “If you really like that, let me emphasize that in our lifetime, there will be the headquarter of the United Nations cited in Enugu State Nigeria.

    “There are documents we will be forwarding to Mbah and that is why we are emphasizing that the state will eventually become another headquarters of the United Nations,” he pledged.

    He described what the governor was doing in education as “marvelous and unbelievable”

    Ahure told Mbah that the various student representatives he saw at the programme were Nigerian students cut across 36 states of the federation that represented delegations from different countries in the United Nations.

    “The student delegates you see are cut across four important committees in the United Nations. The first sitting style represent the sitting procedure in the United Nations at the New York, the middle is the sitting position at Geneva while at the back represent the sitting position at Vienna.

    “The delegates in front discuss politics, those in middle discuss Human Rights and the delegates at the back discuss United Nations declarations and Resolutions.

    “We have replicated that arrangements here in Enugu but fundamentally, our concern and the central theme has to do with the development of education in the poor and developing countries,” he explained.

    On the choice for Enugu State, the president said that after the assessment that was carried out in every region regarded in the developing world, across Central Africa, Sub Saharan Africa, the state was selected.

    He said the choice of Enugu State was confirmed and authenticated given that the state was leading destination in the entire global sites of developing countries as it was currently pioneering and leading in educational development.

    “We have evidence to show this as we have toured Enugu beginning in September 2023 and the same tour was held in several regions to determine the exact destination to host the programmes.

    “The state was eventually selected and has become the official state in a largest country to host the programme in Africa,” Ahure said.

    Responding, Gov Mbah said he was emotional, honoured and delighted to host the programme in Enugu as well as the pledge of the organisation to establish its headquarters in the state.

    He said the programme would nurture future leaders and imbibe the virtues of public services in them.

    “We have United Nations diplomats from Senegal, Sierra-Leone, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Conakry, Uganda, Chad, Cameroon, Jordan, Niger, Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali,” he said.

    The governor explained that the presence of the students delegates across the 36 states in Nigeria underscored the sure commitment to foster and sustain the high quality education system capable of preparing the youths for the future.

    According to him, it is an inspiring conference and opportunity for some hard reality checks in relation to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly as regards to targets for education.

    Mbah regretted that almost five years of launching SDGs, African countries committed to the objectives of the universal basic education were still confronted with the challenges of the the school children at a proportion that can ever be tenable.

    “We have activated plan to ensure that every child of school age is enrolled, has access to quality education which we are imparting, hence, the smart schools with experiential learning,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AAE/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Scientists identify new gene that may resist aging, kill pests

    Scientists identify new gene that may resist aging, kill pests

    Gene

    Hangzhou, June 5, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) A team of Chinese scientists on Wednesday said they have identified a longevity gene that may potentially enhance human resistance to aging and become a new target for managing pests .

    Mitochondria, as the powerhouses of the cell, played a pivotal role in cellular energy production and are closely linked to the aging process.

    The research on extending lifespan through optimizing mitochondrial function has garnered considerable interest across the scientific community.

    Previous research has predominantly concentrated on the mitochondria, while comparatively less emphasis has been placed on the influence of cell nuclei, which have undergone a long-term co-evolutionary process alongside the mitochondria.

    The researchers are from Zhejiang University and the Centre for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

    They analysed evolutionary changes of mitochondrial and nuclear genomes from 472 insects, and identified 75 nuclear genes that co-evolve with mitochondrial genes.

    They pinpointed four, including one called CG11837, and undertook experiments to diminish their activities in fruit flies.

    The findings have revealed that, in contrast to the control group, the diminished activity of these specific genes resulted in conspicuous alterations to the mitochondrial structure.

    This is according to the study published this week in the journal Nature Aging.

    Furthermore, the team discovered a significant positive correlation between the activity of CG11837 and the lifespan of the organism.

    They knocked down the gene across a spectrum of six distinct species, including brown plant hoppers, fruit flies and mosquitoes.

    The gene suppression led to a pronounced shortening of their lifespans, with the diminution spanning from 25 to 59 per cent.

    In contrast, the over expression of the gene is shown to extend median life spans in fruit flies, according to the study.

    Also, in vitro studies using human cells it has shown that the activation of the CG11837 gene boosts their capacity to combat aging, achieving a 30 per cent enhancement.

    The CG11837 activation may emerge as a novel strategy for extending human lifespan, and in the agricultural sector.

    According to the researchers, this gene knockdown could potentially serve as a new way for pest control.(Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/HS
    ======

    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Halima Sheji

     

     

  • Aruna returns to top 16 on ITTF ranking

    Ranking

    By Vivian Ibobo

    Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria’s Table Tennis sensation, Quadri Aruna, continues his steady rise on the ITTF ranking by gaining one step up on the ladder to occupy the 16th spot as the highest African ranked player.

    According to a statement on Wednesday by the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), Aruna moves to the 16th position in Week 23 of the 2024 ITTF ranking on June 4.

    Also, Aruna’s quest to garner more points ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in France, has pitted him against home-boy Frane Kojic in the first round of the men’s singles at the 2024 WTT Contender Zagreb in Serbia.

    Aruna started his rise in the ranking in Week 22 after his round of 16 finish at the Saudi Smash last month.

    He had his appeal accepted by the ITTF Executive Board for his World Table Tennis Championships points to be restored and this prompted his movement to 16th place in the latest ranking.

    However, Aruna, awaits formal confirmation from ITTF for his qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

    ”The ranking will be used to determine the final list of players who will join the flight to France’s most populous city, Paris next month for the Olympic Games,” the statement added.

    Meanwhile, Spain’s Alvaro Robles has become the biggest mover in the ITTF ranking after achieving another career-high ranking.

    It has been over six years since Robles has scored a career-high ranking as the Spaniard kicked off 2018 sitting at No.37 in the world and had never been as high since.

    But with the latest rating, Robles jumped 15 places up the ladder to No.32, shaving five places off his previous record.

    This is a phenomenal testament to the his commitment to the sport and also to his recent form.

    The 33-year-old has been to the final of two WTT events in 2024, including last week’s WTT Contender Mendoza.

    Although he lost out on the title in a thrilling seven-game duel with Benedikt Duda of Germany, the new career-high ranking will add further fuel to Robles’ fire to go even higher. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IZU/DEB/DOE
    ============
    Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

  • FG tasks SON on quality, excellence in service delivery 

    Service
    By Isaiah Eka
    Uyo, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has urged the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to remain steadfast in promoting quality and excellence in service delivery.
    Mrs Nura Rimi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, said this in a keynote address at the 2024 leadership retreat for management staff of SON in Uyo on Wednesday.
    Represented by Dr Anietie Umoessien, the Director, Industrial Inspectorate Department, Rimi urged the participants to always drive for excellence in service delivery.
    She said that SON had a mandate to play critical role in protecting the interests of consumers by insisting on safety, excellence and quality.
    The permanent secretary said that the theme for the retreat was significant to the organisation’s journey towards advancing the standardisation of products in the country.
    Rimi further said that the theme reflected the Federal Government’s commitment towards realising President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
    “As we converge under this guiding theme, we are reminded of the organisation’s critical role in protecting the interests of consumers and promoting industrial growth.
    “It is also part of your mandate to enhance revenue generation and Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market.
    “It is therefore imperative for you to continuously strive for excellence, innovation and relevance in your pursuit of these objectives,” she said
    Rimi urged SON management to imbibe  the culture of collaboration and creativity in order to unlock the full potential of the organisation.
    Earlier, the Director-General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, said that the organisation remained committed to ensuring excellence in all standardization.
    Okeke said that SON had a mission to uphold standards, promote quality, and ensure the safety of products in Nigeria.
    He said that the retreat provided unique platform to align strategies, enhance service delivery and explore innovative ways to generate revenue for a sustainable future.
    “Together, we shall explore strategies to elevate our leadership capabilities and foster a culture of excellence within the organisation.
    “To strengthen our leadership capabilities, we must focus on strategic thinking, effective communication, change management and innovation.
    “These skills are vital for navigating the dynamic landscape of standards and regulations while driving continuous improvement and organisational growth,” he said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the retreat is: “Service Optimization, Greater Effectiveness, and Revenue Enhancement for a Renewed Future”
    (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IE/AZU
    =====
    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • EU Fundamental Rights Agency says European democracy is under threat

    EU Fundamental Rights Agency says European democracy is under threat

     

    Democracy

     

    Vienna, June 5, 2024 (dpa/NAN) The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) believes that democracy and human rights in Europe are at risk, its boss said on Wednesday.

     

    “Polarisation across Europe is leading to widespread intolerance and dividing societies, causing many groups to suffer,” FRA Director Sirpa Rautio said in Vienna.

     

    In its annual report, the agency warned that civil society organisations were coming under increasing pressure.

     

    In a survey of more than 200 organisations, more than 60 per cent reported threats on the internet and 40 per cent reported personal threats or attacks against employees.

     

    Around a quarter of the organisations surveyed had been confronted with attacks by hackers.

     

    The FRA experts criticised the fact that the democratic scope is also becoming ever smaller because state authorities are excessively interfering with freedom of assembly and the right to express opinions.

     

    They pointed to restrictive rules and planned legislative changes in Spain, Hungary, France, the Netherlands and Italy.

     

    The report mentioned Germany in connection with surveillance measures, house searches and preventive detention of climate activists.

     

    The Fundamental Rights Agency also expressed concern about economic inequality in Europe.

     

    Around a fifth of the population in the EU is at risk of poverty, according to surveys.

     

    The surveys also showed a large number of people are dissatisfied with how governments and EU institutions have reacted to the sharp rise in prices.

     

    The FRA is also alarmed about the rise in anti-Semitism in connection with the terrorist attacks by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas and Israel’s military response in the Gaza Strip.

     

    The increasing intolerance throughout Europe also affects Muslims, people with roots in Africa, migrants and the Roma minority, it said. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    UMD/AMM

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    Edited by Ummul Idris and Abiemwense Moru

     

     

     

  • Israeli strike kills IRGC member in Syria, Iran vows retaliation

    Israeli strike kills IRGC member in Syria, Iran vows retaliation

    Retaliation

    Tehran, June 5, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has threatened to retaliate after an Israeli airstrike near Aleppo, Syria killed its member.

    Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported on Wednesday.

    Salami offered condolences over the death of Saeed Abyar, who was identified as a “military adviser’’ in Syria.

    The airstrike, which occurred earlier on Monday, also reportedly killed several others.

    According to IRNA, Israel should know that it will pay the price for Abyar’s death and should wait for the response, said Salami,.

    The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Israeli attack targeted several locations in Aleppo’s countryside, primarily in the town of Hayyan.

    The Syrian Defence Ministry also confirmed casualties from the Israeli aggression.

    There was no comment on the strike from Israel, which has carried out hundreds of strikes inside Syria since the country’s civil war broke out in 2011.

    Iran claims it maintains an advisory role in Syria, with military personnel deployed at the Syrian government’s request.

    Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes against suspected Iranian targets in Syria, including several attacks in recent months that killed Iranian military advisers.

    On April 1, an Israeli airstrike on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Syria’s capital Damascus killed seven Iranians, including two senior military commanders.

    Iran responded weeks later with a large-scale drone and missile attack against Israel. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/HS
    ======

    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Halima Sheji