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Enugu APC vows to sue state government over demolition
Enugu APC vows to sue state government over demolition
Demolition
By Ifeoma Aka
Enugu, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State says it will sue the state government for alleged demolition and destruction of people’s property and sources of livelihood.
It also alleged extortion of the residents by the government through multiple taxes.
The state Chairman of the party, Chief Ugochukwu Agballah, said made the allegations on Wednesday in Enugu while conducting newsmen round some demolished buildings in Enugu.
Agballah said that the government’s demolition of Holy Ghost/Railway/Okpara Avenue axis, Abakpa Market, Gariki Market in Enugu, and Ogige Main Market in Nsukka was not in the interest of Enugu people.
The APC chairman alleged that the government did not provide alternative places or pay commensurate compensation to the affected people.
“The demolition of Holy Ghost/Railway/Okpara Avenue axis Enugu, Gariki Market and Abakpa Market also in Enugu and the Ogige Market in Nsukka has led to untold hardship on the affected families.
“This is due to loss of revenues and jobs and deteriorating living conditions characterised by increased poverty, social unrest, increased crime and loss of goods and services.
“Gov. Mbah must not demolish other areas, parks and markets marked for demolition.
“The government must carry out a cost-benefit analysis before embarking on demolition, if indeed, it is for the people,” Agballah said.
According to him, the demolition violated the constitutional rights of the people to own property.
On the alleged multiple taxes, Agballah said, “What is called tax in Enugu state has become extortion, ranging from land rent, property tax, sales tax, income tax, rates and levies.
However, when contacted, the Enugu State Commissioner for information, Mr Aka Eze Aka, said that those affected by the demolition were fully compensated by the government before the exercise.
Aka said that the essence of the demolition was to enable building of modern motor parks to eliminate hoodlums, who had taken over some motor parks in the state.
“We will not be distracted by those who are angry because of our numerous achievements in just one year,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
IFO/NNO/IGO
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Edited by Nick Nicholas/Ijeoma Popoola
June 5, 2024
Prioritise our welfare -IDPs appeal to Tinubu
Prioritise our welfare -IDPs appeal to Tinubu
Welfare
By Folasade Akpan
Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at Durumi Camp in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, to prioritise their welfare.
Coordinator of the camp, Mr Idris Ibrahim-Halilu, made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja, during the commencement of the Second Quarter 2024 Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Ibrahim-Halilu said that the IDP phenomenon had metamophorsed into an industry and that if considered as an agenda by the president, he would be remembered for impacting their lives.
He also appealed to the NYSC to send corps members to the camp’s school, to teach the children, adding that the primary school at the camp had been closed since 2017.
“That is seven years our primary school has closed for lack of teachers.
“We are victims of ignorance, we are victims of illiteracy and our children and grandchildren are now growing in ignorance and illiteracy.
“I want to believe that the National Directorate of NYSC will help us to send a few corps members, so that we can kick start the school again.
“We only have a nursery in this camp and this is the biggest camp in Abuja. We have about 18 camps scattered over the FCT and this is the biggest with about 3,400 IDPs,” he added.
Ibrahim-Halilu also appealed to the scheme to consider its clinic that had no doctor, adding that over the years if it had received one or two doctors a lot of the IDPs would have been treated there.
He, however, thanked the NYSC management for the health outreach programme, adding that the scheme had been a uniting factor in the country.
“If not for the NYSC, a lot of things would have gone wrong”, he said.
The Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Yu’shau Ahmed, said that the programme, aimed at reaching out to at least 2,000 people have become a beacon of hope for many Nigerians.
Ahmed, represented by the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr Ahmed Ikaka, said that the programme embodied the scheme’s commitment, to complementing government’s effort in the provision of quality healthcare, especially to rural dwellers.
“This is in harmony with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President, to address the health challenges of Nigerians.
“On our part, we have reached out to millions of rural dwellers within the limit of the resources available, as we continue to collaborate with spirited individuals, government and Non-Governmental Organisations.
“The scheme is being inundated with requests from eminent traditional rulers, community leaders and other gate keepers for same laudable initiative, to take place in their respective communities.”
Ahmed said that the first edition for the year took place at Gosa-Sarki, Lugbe Area of Abuja, with hundreds of medical cases diagnosed and treated.
“While we do not discountenance collaborative efforts, through our timeless and unwavering dedication, we have been able to bridge the gap between rural communities and access to essential healthcare services, considerably.”
The Director, Community Development Service (CDS) and Special Projects, Hajiya Zainab Isah, said that the scheme mobilised 48 Corps Medical personnel comprising 18 doctors, 12 pharmacists, 10 nurses and eight medical laboratory scientists to attend to the people.
She added that part of activities to be carried-out include sensitisation on causes and prevention of diseases, diagnosis, checkups and treatment of a wide range of ailments.
“As usual, complicated medical conditions that require more sophisticated equipment and attention than what we have, will be referred to the appropriate facilities,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme, which began in 2014, operates using a tripod of sensitisation to prevention of illness, diagnosis and treatment of ailments, and referrals. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
FOF/AMM
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

June 5, 2024
Expert queries significance of military juntas over democracies
Expert queries significance of military juntas over democracies
Democracy
By Busayo Onijala
Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Dr Tunde Oseni, a Political Scientist, says it is important for coup-hit countries to learn that military rule should be temporary and not an exit strategy from developmental dilemma.
Oseni, Associate Professor of Political Science, Lead City University, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.
“Are these military men better than those they removed from office?
“What has been the economic, political and social gains of replacing a democratic government with a military junta,” Oseni queried.
NAN reports that military coups have been on the rise in Africa, with over five coups and failed coup attempts in the last three years in nations including Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Chad, Gabon, Sudan, and The Gambia.
Recently, an attempted coup against the government of President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was averted by the DRC army.
According to Oseni, military rule has always been an aberration but sometimes, it is preferred to corrupt and malfunctional civilian democracy.
“Democracy is still the best form of government, even though some people may abuse it in terms of election and how they perpetrate themselves in power. That has happened in parts of Western and Central Africa.
“We know some of these democracies are flawed but no democracy is perfect,” he said.
Meanwhile, he urged other coup-hit countries to learn from Chad’s return to democratic rule after three years of military rule.
NAN reports that in May, Chad became the first of military-led countries in Africa to conduct a democratic election.
Oseni added that in the 21st century, people preferred a government they could elect into office and hold accountable as representatives. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
OMB/COF
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Edited by Christiana Fadare
June 5, 2024
World Pest Day: PECAN seeks support to manage challenges
World Pest Day: PECAN seeks support to manage challenges

Pests
By Henry Oladele
Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN) In commemoration of the World Pest Day, the Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN) has solicited the collaboration and cooperation of governments and corporate bodies to effectively manage pest challenges.
The association through its National President, PCO Olakunle Williams, made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday.
Williams appealed to government-at-all-levels, corporate bodies and non-governmental organisations for collaboration at effectively managing the nation’s pest challenges.
“We appeal to government at all levels, corporate bodies, NGOs to collaborate with the association in appreciating the contributions of the pest control industry.
“We also appeal to them to create awareness to actualise our determination to effectively manage the nation’s pest challenges,” he said.
The President said that PECAN was proud to commemorate the 2024 World Pest Day, which had the theme, “Global Solutions, Local Impact: Mapping Success in Pest Management.”
“The World Pest Day is an annual event established in 2017, and serves as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of pest control and contributions of the pest management industry in safeguarding public health.
“Also protecting food supplies and preserving the integrity of structures and infrastructure.
“This year’s theme resonates strongly with PECAN’s unwavering dedication to implementing tailored solutions that cater to the pest challenges of various Nigerian communities,” he said.
He added that over the years, PECAN had been dedicated to promoting excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the pest management industry across Nigeria.
“PECAN has been at the forefront of the pest management industry in Nigeria, working tirelessly to address the diverse pest-related issues that our nation faces.
“We have invested heavily in developing comprehensive training and certification programmes for pest control operators and technicians across Nigeria.
“These programmes equip professionals with the latest techniques, technologies, and industry best practices, ensuring the highest standards of service delivery,” Williams said.
He added that PECAN worked closely with government agencies and regulatory bodies to advocate for robust policies and regulations.
“These regulations enhance the safety, effectiveness, and environmental sustainability of pest control practices in Nigeria.
“This collaborative approach has led to the implementation of stricter guidelines and the adoption of more eco-friendly solutions,” he said.
The PECAN president reiterated the need and urgency for collaboration with governments and corporate bodies to create awareness to effectively manage the nation’s pest challenges. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
HOB/COF
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Edited by Christiana Fadare
June 5, 2024
North -East-Jos-Gombe 330KV line restored -TCN
North -East-Jos-Gombe 330KV line restored -TCN
Power
By Constance Athekame
Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), says the Jos-Gombe 330 Kilo Volt (kV) Single Circuit Transmission line has been restored.
TCN says bulk supply was restored through the line on Tuesday at 9:37 pm.
Mrs Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs said this in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.
She said that the line now wheels normal load allocation from the National Control Centre (NCC) to transmission substations in the North East.
The manager said it also wheels to distribution load centers for Kano and Jos DisCos to off take and distribute to its customers in the North East.
”We are thankful for every assistance rendered by the governors in the North East and patience displayed by all the affected electricity consumers.
”Our gratitude also goes to the security operatives who always escorted our contractor and staff to the sites of the incidents, as well as the contractor and TCN engineers,”she said.
She said that TCN is appealing to residents in communities hosting or close to power installations to be vigilant, and to report any act or suspicion of vandalism to security operatives.
Mbah said that this would help the company swiftly arrest the situation, so as to preserve our power transmission towers and lines nationwide.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
COA/JPE
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Edited by Joseph Edeh
June 5, 2024
FRSC seeks collaboration with Ogun council to clear bottleneck

Prince Dada Oloruntoba,Director of Administration & General Service,Ado/Odo-Ota Council,Mr Wasiu Ogunnefun,Ota Acting Unit Commander of FRSC,Mr Sheriff Musa, Executive Chairman,Ado/Odo-Ota Local Government,during a visit to the Council on Wednesday
FRSC seeks collaboration with Ogun council to clear bottleneck

Collaboration

By Ige Adekunle

Sango-Ota (Ogun), June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has appealed to Ado/Odo-Ota Local Government, Ogun to collaborate with its unit in Ota, to tackle the problem of trading at toll-gate area of Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.

The Acting Ota Unit Commander, Mr Wasiu Ogunmefun, made the call during a courtesy call on the Executive Chairman of the Council, Mr Sheriff Musa, on Wednesday, in Ota.

Ogunmefun said that the Ogun Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr Anthony Uga, had mandated him to visit the Chairman of Ado/Odo-Ota and discuss on how to address the problem.

He said that traders selling goods at the toll-gate axis endangered their lives and contributed to traffic gridlock.

“We need to urgently come together to form a task force that will tackle this problem because these traders always display their goods on the road, leaving just one lane for the motorists,” he said.

The acting Ota Unit Commander said that there was the need for such action to prevent articulated Vehicles from ramming into traders as they manoeuver their ways through the narrowed road.

Responding, Musa commended the FRSC commander for his visit and indicated his readiness to collaborate with all the relevant agencies to prevent avoidable mishaps in the area.

“I am not ready to go on a condolence visit to the toll-gate axis, so it is better to take proactive measures to prevent such an incident,” he said.

He noted that there was the need to call a stakeholders meeting, which would include the Police, Navy and other sister agencies, in order to form a task force.

Musa said that the success of the task force would serve as deterrent to other traders at Oju-Ore, Atan, among other areas.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
IGE/GOM/SOA
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Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Oluwole Sogunle
June 5, 2024
Sultan directs Muslims to look for Crescent of Dhul-Hijjah 1445 AH from Thursday
Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA)
Dhul-Hijjah
By Muhammad Nasir
Sokoto June 5, 2024 (NAN) Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has directed the Muslim Ummah to look out for the crescent of Dhul-Hijjah 1445 AH from Thursday.
Abubakar made the call in a statement signed by Prof. Sambo Janaidu, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council, Sokoto, on Wednesday.
He stated that “this is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Thursday, June 6, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Dhul-Qidah 1445 AH, shall be the day to look for the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah 1445 AH.
“Muslims are, therefore, requested to start looking for the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah on Thursday and report its sighting to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to the Sultan.”
The Sultan prayed Allah to continue to support Muslims in the discharge of their religious duties.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th and final month in the Islamic calendar, is one of the four sacred months in Islam during which Muslims across the world perform pilgrimage (Hajj) and celebrate the Eid-El-Kabir festival.
During the month, Muslim pilgrims from around the world congregate in Mecca to perform Hajj, which begins on the eighth, and celebrate Eid-El-Kabir from the 10th to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. (NAN) (www.nannews.com)
BMN/KOO/HA
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

June 5, 2024
2026 W/C Qualifiers: Supporters Club rallies support for Super Eagles
2026 W/C Qualifiers: Supporters Club rallies support for Super Eagles
Support
By Olanrewaju Akojede
Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Sam Ikpea, president of Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), has called for support from the Super Eagles Coach, Finidi George and the Super Eagles in their quest to qualify for 2026 World Cup.
Ikpea made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
NAN reports that the Super Eagles will confront the Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday at 8 p.m.
“Our expectations are high as we approach the World Cup qualifiers between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana of South Africa because it is a crucial game, a must win for us.
“We have defeated them (Bafana Bafana) last time we met during the AFCON and we expect to defeat them again.
“The only thing new is that we have a new coach in the person of Finidi George, so far, he is managing the Super Eagles in his first competitive match.
“We want to appeal to every Nigerian to rally round George and give him the best of support before, during and after the match against South Africa,” he said.
Ikpea said that George has started well with his policy of inclusion of the home based players in the team.
“The good thing is that the new coach extended an invitation to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) players in the national team, this is well commendable.
“The home based players in the team will want to fight for a place in the national team and also impress the football loving Nigerians, which will make it more competitive.
“The NPFL players in the team will also want to give their best, because they are hungry for a place in the national team.
“For us, we will make sure that the team does not lack support going to the game and after, this is what we are known for and what we will continue to do,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
KOJE/DEB/JPE
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Edited by Joseph Edeh
June 5, 2024
NBRRI designs, fabricates 13 software, machines
NBRRI designs, fabricates 13 software, machines
Invention
By Angela Atabo
The Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) says it designed and fabricated no fewer than 13 machines and software using the reverse engineering process in 2023.
Prof. Samson Duna, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NBRRI, made this known on Wednesday at the Presentation of 2023 NBRRI scorecard to stakeholders in Abuja.
Reverse engineering, known as backwards engineering, is the process through which one attempts to understand through deductive reasoning how a previously made device, process, system or software accomplishes a task.
The process is specific to the object on which it is being performed. All reverse engineering processes consist of three basic steps namely, information extraction, modelling and review.
According to Duna NBRRI is mandated to conduct integrated and applied research and development activities into the varied aspects of the construction industry.
He said that several significant achievements were recorded in the last few years.
These achievements were in the areas of new innovations, upgrading some existing NBRRI innovations, evolving and embarking on new projects, embarking on aggressive outreach/extension programs, administration activities among others.
“The machines are: design and construction of a mini excavator, design and fabrication of interlocking sandcrete block-making machine and design and fabrication of particleboard rotary dryer.
“Others are design and fabrication of NBRRI concrete mixer, development of heavy-duty hydraulic forklift machine for building application and design and construction of earth compactor and asphalt cutting machine.
“There is also evaluating the viability of silica sand in Nasarawa and Benue states for the production of glass for construction industries and the application of intelligent sensors to monitor concrete hardening.
“We also designed demonstration project to develop modular toilets based on polymer-based composite material, including development and application of an intelligent traffic control system’’, he said.
Duna said that the NBRRI Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and building automation solution were also designed to enhance energy efficiency.
He added that Real Time Locators (RTLs) was designed to enhance the safety of workers on construction sites in the event of building collapse in Nigeria with the implementation of real-time locators.
He said that NBRRI also got two patent certificates giving the institute the authority or license to invent.
Duna said these were: the NBRRI Semi-Automated Interlocking Block Making Machine (Diesel Driven) and the NBRRI Semi-Automated Interlocking Block Making Machine (Electric Driven).
One of the main functions of the patent system, according to him, is to foster technological innovation by providing an incentive for research and development.
He said the patent system also helps in disseminating technical information and promote technology transfer as well as protect inventions that, useful and offer a significant improvement over what already exists.
The D-G said that NBRRI also carried various capacity programmes and developed a curriculum for artisans in the construction industry.
“NBRRI developed a robust, practical and relevant competency based curriculum for the training of artisans in 10 selected trades in the construction industry.
“These are: Masonry, carpentry, electrical installation, plumbing and fittings, floor finishes, Iron bending, painting and decoration and draughting.
“Others are: Concrete and reinforcement, health and safety,’’ he said.
Duna said that NBRRI carried out over 15 innovation, research and development projects in 2023.
He said one of the mandates of NBRRI is to conduct research into Local building and construction materials to determine the most effective and economic methods for their utilisation.
He said in line with that mandate NBRRI developed new ways of using available local materials in building, road and fabrication.
These included the production of asphalt from natural sand and bitumen, use of bamboo as reinforcement, the development of Rubberised Asphalt Mat (RAM), design and fabrication of an automatic wall plastering machine.
Duna said many opportunities abound in NBRI and urged Nigerians to leverage the institution’s milestone in works and housing sectors.
He said that poor funding, poor patronage of NBRRI products and preference for use of conventional building materials instead of NBRRI’s innovation were as some of the challenges faced by the institute.
He therefore, called on the Federal to increase funding for the institute as well produce policies that would compel patronage of its innovation as ways of strengthening its operations. (NAN)(www.nannews.com)
ATAB/KUA
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Edited by Uche Anunne
June 5, 2024
Nigeria Customs Service seizes pangolin scales worth over N3bn
Nigeria Customs Service seizes pangolin scales worth over N3bn
Seizure
By Hussaina Yakubu
Kaduna, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Operations Unit “B” of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized pangolin scales worth over N3 billion in a significant crackdown against illegal wildlife trade.
The Comptroller, Federal Operations Unit Zone “B”, Comptroller Shuaibu Ahmadu, made this known at a news conference held on Wednesday in his office in Kaduna.
He disclosed that NCS operatives, acting on intelligence, raided a hideout known as “slaughterhouse” in the suburbs of Zuru Town, Kebbi State, on Friday, May 24, 2024.
He said that during the raid, the team discovered and evacuated sacks of pangolin scales, which were subsequently transported to the FOU Zone ‘B’ headquarters in Kaduna.
The scales, upon examination, weighed 445.45kg and had a duty-paid value (DPV) of N3.955 billion.
Ahmadu, who said “this operation underscores the unit’s commitment to curb smuggling and protect endangered species”, emphasised that “pangolin is a protected specie under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory.”
He said all forms of trade involving this species are illegal, adding that “one suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure, while the main suspect remains at large.”
The comptroller, however, assured that the unit, in collaboration with other agencies, will continue its efforts until the main suspect is apprehended and prosecuted.
“This offense contravenes Section 55 (1), paragraphs C and I of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Act 2023,” he stated. The success of this operation is due to robust intelligence sharing between the NCS and the Wildlife Office and the dedication of our operatives.”
The comptroller also noted that illegal trafficking of endangered species is often linked to money laundering activities involving drugs, arms, and other contraband.
“The potential harm this could have caused if it had not been intercepted is unimaginable,” he added.
He called on the public to support the NCS in its fight against smuggling, urging collective effort to protect the country’s resources and achieve the vision of Nigeria’s founding fathers.
Ahmadu reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to enforcing federal government policies in line with international best practices, regardless of any opposition to their operations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that Pangolins are killed and trafficked in great numbers because their scales are used in traditional Asian medicine
NAN also reports while their meat is considered a luxury food in many parts of Asia, the skin and other parts are used for various purposes such as fashion.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
HUM/HA
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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
June 5, 2024