WordPress

Blog

  • Ohaji/Egbema youths protest against alleged attempt to manipulate LG polls

    Ohaji/Egbema youths protest against alleged attempt to manipulate LG polls

    Protest
    By Peter Okolie
    Owerri, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Hundreds of youths from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo, on Thursday, stormed the state’s Government House, Owerri, to demand a transparent, fair and credible chairmanship election in the area.

    The protesters kicked against any attempt by anybody in the area to subvert the popular wish of the electorate in the upcoming poll and vowed to resist it.

    They alleged that there was a plot to manipulate the outcome of the chairmanship poll in favour of a particular candidate.

    They accused a former Minister of State for Education from the area, Mr Goodluck Opiah, of being the mastermind of the plot.

    The leader of the protesting youths, Mr Lucky Onyiri, told newsmen that “the people of Awarra Court Area are sick of Opiah’s undue interference in our activities”.

    Onyiri claimed that Opiah was conniving with the current Sole Administrator of the LGA, Chief Princewill Onyeaju, “to impose an unpopular candidate on the people”.

    According to him, the good people of Awarra Court Area  are carrying out this mass protest because we know that the former minister wants to control the area due to its rich oil and gas deposits.

    “Opiah tried to manipulate the chairmanship election, which was earlier zoned to Awarra Court Area by Chief Charles Orie and other stakeholders of Ohaji/Egbema, including Prof. Vitalis Nwulu.

    “He manipulated the newly appointed sole administrator to appoint new President Generals without proper consultation because he wants to control the oil and gas business in Ohaji/Egbema.

    “Our protest is a strong warning to the leaders to stay away from trying to manipulate the process and instigating crisis in Ohaji/Egbema in the face of severe insecurity,” Onyiri said.

    He appealed to Gov. Hope Uzodinma to sack the sole administrator and also stop Opiah and Onyeaju from unduly interfering in the election.

    The protesters carried placards  with different inscriptions, such as “The people’s Gov. should remove onyeaju as Sole Administrator of Ohaji Egbema LGA.”

    Others read, “Abacheke in Ohaji Egbema is on fire because of Opiah”.

    “Opiah should steer clear of Ohaji Egbema,” and “Opiah should go and make peace in his community, Abacheke,” among others.

    Receiving the protesters at the Government House, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Nnamdi Anyaehie, assured them that the State Government would respond positively to their demands.

    In a reaction, Opiah described the allegation by the protesters as “mischief”.

    He said, “As a member of the All Progressives Congress, zoning of party offices is a party affair.”

    He further said that since 1999, elective positions in the area had usually been shared between Ohaji and Egbema districts.

    According to him, when an Ohaji man occupies the House of Assembly, the Egbama man occupies the LGA.

    “So, if it is zoned to Ohaji, the three zones in Ohaji will have to decide and if it is zoned to Egbema, the three zones in Egbema will equally have to decide where the candidate emerges from.

    “There is no issue of marginalisation because at one point or the other, each of the three zones in Ohaji and Egbema has always produced one person or the other for elective positions.

    “This is democracy, where nobody lords his opinion over the other person.

    “There is no high handedness, no imposition and there is no cause for alarm,” the erstwhile minister said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Imo Government recently fixed September 21 for the LG polls. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OPC/Oditah
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

     

     

  • Research institute moves to commercialise energy-saving bulbs, solar lights, others

    Electronics

    By Chimezie Anaso

    Awka, June 27, 2024(NAN) The Electronics Development Institute (ELDI), a research institute under the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), says it is set to introduce four of its projects into the Nigerian market.

    Dr Oluwaseyi Ogungbenro, Overseeing Officer of ELDI in Anambra disclosed this when he led top management of the institute on a visit to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Thursday.

    Ogungbenro said the products included ELDI bulb, ELDI Ceiling Light, ELDI Solar Lighting System and ELDI Solar generator.

    He said the products were richly researched and certified fit for the Nigerian market adding that it would be assembled in Anambra.

    The Overseeing Officer said the visit was in acknowledgement of NAN as a media giant in Nigeria as well express their willingness to partner with the agency in the project.

    “Firstly, I want to thank the NAN team for visiting our office a few weeks ago and we acknowledge that the impact of the media report was felt.

    “We are going to  start major commercialisation of four of ELDI products, ELDI bulbs,  ceiling light , solar lighting system and Solar generator which are ready for the market.

    “We are going to have awareness campings with roadshows and other strategies and ELDI is open for a collaboration with NAN,” he said.

    Responding, Mrs Joy Mbachi, State Correspondent of NAN in Awka appreciated the Overseeing Officer for his genuine feedback.

    Mbachi said it was good that the ELDI team understood that the media was crucial to the success of any endeavour adding that the agency would be glad to work with the institute.

    “Our duty in NAN is to inform the public about what the government is doing and other things going on in the society” she said.

    Electronics Development Institute (ELDI) was formerly known as Centre for Adaptation of Technology (CAT). It was established in 1988 by the government of the old Anambra state when Col. Robert Akonobi Rtd was the military governor of the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    APC/MNA 

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

     

    =======

     

  • NNPC Foundation donates mattresses, dental accessories to special needs children in Osun

     

    Left: Dr Zainab Umar, Health Care Deputy Manager of  NNPC Foundation in a hand shake with Mrs Rosemary Egunjobi, the Headmistress of the school  during the presentation

     

    NNPC Foundation donates mattresses, dental accessories to special needs children in Osun

    Donation
    By Olajide Idowu
    Ile-Ife (Osun), June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Foundation in partnership with the Nigerian Association of Paediatric Dentistry (NARD) on Thursday, donated 60 mattresses and dental accessories to Special Needs Children School in Ilare, Ile-Ife, Osun.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the presentation of the items was part of lined up activities for the 7th Biennial Conference of NARD in Ile-Ife.

    Mrs Emmanuel Arukwe, the Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, said during the presentation of the items that the Foundation was committed to making meaningful impact in communities across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    Represented by Dr Zainab Umar, Health Care Deputy Manager of the Foundation, Arukwe said the mission of the foundation was rooted in the belief that the lives of every child matters.

    “Our mission is rooted in the belief that every child matters, including the special children here with us today.

    “We are committed to providing conducive learning environment that nurture growth and development,” she said.

    Arukwe said the Foundation was handling over the items to the NARD for the benefits of the Special Needs Children.

    “We are here partnering with NARD as part of our mission to provide adequate healthcare, education, taking care of the environment and access to energy, which is the reason the Foundation was setup.

    “We partnered with NARD to provide some materials to the Special Needs Children School to make life easier for the children.

    “Also, that education can be better for them and also for them to have a better life,” she said.

    According to her, the special children’s resilience and courage inspire them beyond measure, with the hope that the items presented to them will bring them comfort and improve their daily lives.

    In her remarks, Dr Ifeyinwa Adegbulugbe, NARD National President, said that the association had been in existence since 2005, with the mission of advocating for oral health of Nigerian children.

    Adegbulugbe said oral health of the children was pertinent for national development.

    She said Special Needs Children deserve the same scrutiny and care as children without special needs, adding that NAPD trained experts were also involved in providing oral healthcare to this “special group.”

    “We are delighted to be here with our partners and sponsors to extend our support to the Special Needs Children School.

    “We choose the Special Needs Children School because we wanted to raise awareness for this school and other special children across the country.

    “The awareness is that they should not be kept at home but rather be giving the same care and attention as the other children.

    “We are also advocating what we call the ‘dental home’ where we are telling the people that every child should have their first encounter with the dentist by 12 months for general check up”, she said.

    Adegbulugbe said that children from 12 months old should visit the dentist twice a year so that their oral health and dentition could be monitored and develop normally.

    Mrs Rosemary Egunjobi, the Headmistress of the school, thanked the NNPC and NAPD for the gesture.

    Egunjobi said the items were the first intervention the school would be getting from any individual or group.

    She said the school had 95 regular students and 10 irregular students.

    Egunjobi commended the group for having the care of the children at heart and reaching out to them.

    The highlights of the event were oral care pep talk to the children, oral test carried out on them as well as the presentation of tooth pastes and brushes to them.

    The President of Nigeria Dental Association, Dr Tope Adeyemi and Osun Chairperson of Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Prof. Olayinka Olasode, also gave goodwill messages at the event. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ID/VE/IKU
    Edited by Victor Adeoti/Tayo Ikujuni

  • Anambra tipper drivers protest alleged N200,000 extortion by government agents

     

    Extortion

    By Monday Ajogun

    Onitsha (Anambra), June 27, 2024 (NAN) Tipper drivers in Anambra have expressed dismay over the alleged forceful collection of N200,000 from each driver by officials of the Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA).

    The Chairman of the association, Mr Ebuka Unekwe, made the allegation during a press briefing in Onitsha, on Thursday.

    Unekwe alleged that ARTMA officials extorted its members of money ranging from N200,000 and above under the guise of traffic control.

    He lamented that tipper drivers were being extorted in the state on a daily basis, noting that the roads from where they loaded sand were dilapidated and impassable.

    The chairman complained that due to the unmotorable condition of the roads, vehicles always fall and often create problems for the drivers.

    He noted that tipper drivers now resorted to plying Niger Street, through Port Harcourt Road down to Upper Iweka all in Onitsha.

    According to Unekwe, when we drive to Upper Iweka to connect the flyovers, ARTMA officials and some security agents would suddenly jump into our tippers.

    “They do this every night and they compelled us to move into their park where they forcefully collect N200,000 from us on the condition that it was Gov. Charles Soludo they were working for.

    “The ARTMA officials do not accept cash transfers but they insist that they must be given physical cash before any tipper in their net would be released.

    “They are being led by one Akachukwu, an indigene of Ebonyi State, allegedly employed by the ARTMA Managing Director to act as their commander and ensure that the N200,000 were extorted from the tipper drivers and remitted to him privately.

    “So far, between Tuesday and Wednesday alone, ARTMA officials have forcefully extorted N200,000 each from eight tipper drivers in the area.

    “So this morning, some of us who loaded at Asaba and plied the road have been forcefully made to pay N200,000 to ARTMA,” he said.

    He said as a result of the continuous extortion, the tipper drivers have concluded to stage a peaceful protest to draw the attention of the state governor towards their plight.

    “We are set to block the Onitsha axis of the federal highway in the state to draw government attention,” the chairman said.

    However, when contacted on the telephone, the Managing Director, ARTMA, Mr Emeka Konti, denied the allegations, adding that he did not send any of his officials to collect the sum of N200,000 from tipper drivers.

    “That is totally false. No official was asked to collect N200,000 from tipper drivers.

    “We only asked the tipper drivers to stop plying one way at night hence they started the propaganda,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AJOM/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

     

     

  • CP Omodehinde assumes duty at Special Fraud Unit

    Duty

    By Deborah Akpede

    Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The new Commissioner of Police deployed to the Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) Lagos annex, Ayotunde Omodeinde, has assumed duty.

    PSFU spokesperson, SP Eyitayo Johnson, confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

    “PSFU wishes to announce the assumption of duties of its 30th Commissioner of Police, CP Ayotunde Omodeinde.

    “He succeeds AIG Margaret Ochalla, who has been promoted to the privileged rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) and reassigned as AIG Police Force Headquarters Annex, Obalende, Lagos,” he said.

    According to Johnson, Omodeinde, who hails from ljebu North East Local Government Area of Ogun, brings with him, a wealth of experience, dedication and strong educational background.

    “He holds a Bachelor of Psychology (B. Sc Hons) from the prestigious University of Ibadan (UI)  and Advance Diploma in Information Technology Management (APTECH).

    “He was commissioned into the Nigeria Police Force on 18th May, 1992 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (C/ASP) and trained at the prestigious Police Academy Annex, Kaduna.

    “An ICT expert, skilled investigator, operations expert, seasoned/result oriented administrator and a trainer; Omodeinde possesses a vast experience in ICT-based Law Enforcement and he is a firm believer in team work, dedication and discipline, ” he said.

    He also revealed that Omodeinde previously served as Officer-in-charge, Okuku Police Station, Cross River Command; Divisional Police Officer, Ogoja Divisional Police Headquarters, Cross River;  Officer-in-charge, Police Training School, Calabar; IGP Monitoring Unit FHQ Abuja.

    The spokesperson said that the CP served as the Officer-in Charge, Internet FHQ Abuja; DPO, Karishi Divisional Headquarters, Nasarawa Police Command; CSP, INFOTECH DICT FHQ Abuja, Officer-in-charge, X-Squad Zone 11 Headquarters, Osogbo.

    Johnson said that Omodeinde also
    served as the DCP INFOTECH DOIT FHQ Abuja, and DCP Operations Cross River  Police Command, before his elevation to the enviable rank of CP and subsequent posting to PSFU Lagos.

    The image maker said that Omodeinde was also a member of the United Nations contingent to Kosovo, 2000- 2002; Liberia, 2005-2006; and Commander FPU Liberia, May 2013- Nov. 2013.

    “During his tour of mission duties at the UN, Omodeinde was a recipient of UN Mission Medal Award in Kosovo (2001); UN Mission Medal Award in Liberia (2005);  UN Mission Medal Award (2013); UNMIL Police Commissioner Letter of Commendation (2013) and IGP Letter of Commendation (2017).

    “The CP attended Police Mobile Training (1993); Citizenship and Leadership Training (1988, 1993); UN Training Assistant Course at National War College, Abuja (2004); Civil Military Coordination Course CIMIC (2007); Police Staff College, Jos (2010); Strategic Leadership and Command Course SLCC (2020) ,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DOA/MAM/FAA

    =============
    Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Folasade Adeniran

  • Akpabio urges lawmakers to focus on Nigerians’ welfare

    Akpabio urges lawmakers to focus on Nigerians’ welfare

    Welfare
    By Kingsley Okoye

    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged lawmakers to remain focused on issues relating to  the welfare of Nigerians in their legislative decisions and actions.

    Akpabio made the call on Thursday at plenary, while welcoming lawmakers back from the Sallah break.

    “Distinguished senators, I implore you to remain focused on the welfare of the people in your actions and decisions.

    “Let us never forget that we are here to serve the Nigerian people, to uplift the lives of the less fortunate, and to create an environment where every citizen can thrive and fulfill their potential.

    “Our success will not be measured by the power we hold or the positions we occupy, but by the impact we make in the lives of those we represent,” he said.

    Akpabio said that the 10th Senate’s commitment to poverty alleviation went beyond mere duty, adding that it was an obligation the lawmakers held dearly.

    He said that the senate members must continue to work tirelessly, to ensure that all policies were designed to provide sustenance for every Nigerian.

    The senate president urged the lawmakers to steadfastly support the executive in the efforts to renew the hopes of fellow Nigerians.

    He said that the 10th Senate, in the last one year passed 25 human interest bills.

    “In the past legislative year, a year filled with significant events, we left an indelible mark on the pages of history with groundbreaking legislation that ignited the Nigerian spirit.

    “We successfully passed twenty-five bills, diligently fulfilled our oversight responsibilities; fostered inter-parliamentary cooperation and diplomacy; and intervened in matters close to the hearts of our fellow countrymen.

    “With remarkable efficiency, we swiftly approved the 2024 appropriation bill in record time, setting the stage for the timely implementation of the budget.

    “We championed the South-East Development Bill and the Northern Development Bill.

    “Bridging the gap between our glorious past and our inspiring future, we dug into our history and restored the treasurable old National Anthem in the National Anthem Bill,” Akpabio said.

    He said that the senate also stood firm in protecting the children and future generations, by passing the Death Penalty for Drug Traffickers Bill.

    According to him, the 10th Senate prioritised the welfare of Nigerian judges by approving the bill to increase their salaries.

    He said that naturally, the senate also took legislative actions that not only reshaped the socio-political landscape, but would reverberate through the corridors of time, benefiting the future generations.

    Akpabio said that the student loan scheme, a flagship bill that exemplified compassion and patriotism stood as a testament to dedication of lawmakers.

    According to him, it is the plan of the National Assembly to establish a state-of-the-art medical facility in close proximity for lawmakers, the Assembly staff, and their esteemed guests.

    “This initiative aims to provide functional and effective healthcare for all,” the Senate President said.

    He said that the National Assembly had completed and commissioned the National Assembly Library, and fostered inter-parliamentary friendship groups within the region and beyond.

    “By promoting our democracy abroad, we not only increased our global presence but also paved the way for Foreign Direct Investment in vital projects within our beloved nation,” Akpabio said.

    He said that the 10th Assembly had traversed many obstacles since inauguration, and that there were still many challenges ahead.

    According to him, Nigeria is grappling with pressing issues that demand immediate attention, and the Senate could not turn blind eye to the burning problems that afflict nation.

    “Insecurity, the need for economic growth and diversification; the fight against corruption; and the pursuit of social justice are just a few of the pivotal issues that require our patriotic commitment and collective determination.

    “We must rise above partisan interests and prioritise the common good.

    “Our mandate is not solely to legislate, but to be the voice of the people; representing their hopes and dreams; and working tirelessly to create a Nigeria that is fair; prosperous, and inclusive.

    “Let us be the beacon of hope and progress that our people yearn for,” he said.

    Akpabio expressed his deepest gratitude to the lawmakers for their unflinching dedication to effective representation and unyielding patriotism.

    He said that in the face of challenges and responsibilities, the lawmakers had remained steadfast in their mission to serve the Nigerian people.

    “You have been the voice of the voiceless, the champions of the marginalised, and the guardians of our shared aspirations.

    “Your tireless efforts in the pursuit of justice, progress, and the common good have not gone unnoticed.

    “You have exemplified the true essence of patriotism, placing the needs of our beloved nation above all else,” the State President said. (NAN)(www.nannewa.ng)

    KC/FON/SH

    ===========

    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Sadiya Hamza

  • Absence of judge stalls trial of MTN Nigeria CEO, others

    Absence of judge stalls trial of MTN Nigeria CEO, others

    Trial
    By Taiye Agbaje

    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The trial of Mr Karl Toriola, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd; and others was, on Thursday, stalled due to the absence of the trial judge.

    Although the matter was fixed for the arraignment of Toriola and other, Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court, Abuja was not in court.

    The matter was, however, adjourned until Sept. 26 for the defendants’ to take their plea.

    Other defendants in the charge are MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd; MTN Senior Executive Officer, Nkeakam Abhulimen; Fun Mobile Ltd, a telecommunications service provider; and Yahaya Maibe, its CEO as 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th defendants respectively.

    Toriola is named as 2nd defendant in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/111/2024.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the prosecution; the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) had, on May 14, accused Toriola of evading service of court documents in the alleged copyright infringement charge.

    Justice Ekwo had adjourned the matter until today to allow the prosecution effect service of the court papers on the MTN CEO.

    But the case, which was listed as number one on the cause list, could not proceed.

    NAN reports that on June 22,  a musician, Maleke Moye, who is the nominal.complainant in the suit, had raised alarm over alleged plan by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to take over the ongoing trial of the telecommunications company and its CEO.

    The musician said that the minister’s directive for the prosecuting agency, NCC, to hands off the trial and forward the case file to his (AGF) office portends impending dangerous precedence.

    NAN reports that in the three count-count charge dated March 19 and filed March 20 by Emeka Ogbonna on NCC’s behalf, the prosecution alleged that the defendants, between 2010 and 2017, “offered for sale, sold and traded for business, infringed musical works of Maleke Moye, an artiste, without his consent and authorisation.”

    The commission alleged that the defendants used Maleke’s musical works and sound recordings with subsisting copyright, known as “caller ring back tunes” without the authorisation of the artiste.

    The musical works and sound recordings of the musician allegedly infringed upon include “911, Minimini-Wana Wana, Stop Racism, Ewole, 911 instrumental, Radio, Low Waist, and No Bother.”

    The defendants were also alleged to have illegally distributed the musical works to their subscribers, without authorisation, thereby infringing on the rights of the artiste.

    In the third count, the defendants were alleged of having in their possession, the musical works and sound recordings of the artiste, other than for their personal or domestic use.

    The copyright commission said the alleged offence is punishable under Section 20 (2) (a) (b) and (c) of the Copyright Act, Cap. C28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004..(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TOA/SH

    ======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Cholera: Council embarks on chlorination of water in communities

    Cholera: Council embarks on chlorination of water in communities
    Chlorine
    By Felicia Imohimi
    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) says it has embarked on chlorination of water bodies in communities where cholera infection has been reported to stop further transmission of the disease.
    The Registrar of the council, Dr Yakubu Baba, said this during interactive session with newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.
    He said that the council collected over 200 water and food samples across the country “and 80 per cent of the samples collected were positive.
    “Our men are on the field creating awareness, making sure that water bodies that are within reported infected communities are chlorinated so that the people can have wholesome water to drink.”
    Baba urged the public to adopt environmental strategies and hygiene as the surest way of containing cholera.
    He identified interventions at the household level to include ensuring raw foods are washed and water sources are clean by adding reasonable percentage of chlorine.
    “I implore Nigerians to adapt environmental strategies as surest way of containing spread of cholera.
    “Let us embark on massive hygiene measures in our homes, schools and public space.
    “Report cholera outbreak to the nearest health authority for prompt action such as food and water sampling.”
    He noted that once water and food samples are positive, EHCON will ensure chlorination of water in affected communities.

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported a total of 1,141 suspected cases of cholera, with 65 confirmed cases.

    The centre also reported 30 deaths across 96 local government areas in 30 states from Jan. 1 to June 11.

    The NCDC listed 10 states that account for 90 per cent of the cholera burden in the country to include: Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa and Lagos.

    The centre explained that cholera is a food and water-borne disease caused by vibrio cholerae, ingested through contaminated water and food.

    It said that water contamination usually result from the faeces of infected individuals during water collection, transportation or storage at home, as food can also be contaminated by unclean hands during preparation or consumption.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FUA/YMU/HA
    Edited by Yakubu Uba/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Explore political opportunities for ‘national good’,  publisher urges Nigerians 

    Explore political opportunities for ‘national good’, publisher urges Nigerians

    Opportunities

    By Abujah Racheal

    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The publisher of ThisNigeria newspaper, Mr Eric Osagie, has urged Nigerians to explore the politics of Nigeria for the good of the nation and the citizenry.

    Osagie made the call on Thursday in Abuja at the second edition of ThisNigeria Newspaper Gold Prize and Annual Lecture Awards.

    The event is themed: “25 Years of Nigeria’s Unbroken Democracy – Prospects and Possibilities.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ThisNigeria held its maiden Annual Lecture and Gold Prize themed “National Cohesion for Sustainable Growth and Progress: The Nigerian Dilemma” in 2021.

    Osagie urged Nigerians not to be tired of talking and engaging the nation’s polity and democracy, to be able to leverage and take advantage of the enormous opportunities in the country.

    He said that if the nation would be good, it was in the hands of Nigerians.

    “We believe that in ThisNigeria, a newspaper is a nation talking to itself. We can never get tired of exploring Nigerian politics and the situation; we must keep engaging,” he said.

    The publisher said that the newspaper, which started on Sept. 28, 2020, had continued to maintain its strong ground in setting remarkable records in excellent journalism.

    ”We started during COVID-19. We decided to start at that time because when there is a crisis that is when there is an opportunity.

    “The simple logic was that the nation was sick and when we all get well, we will all get well together. That was the simple logic behind starting in 2020.

    “If Nigeria will not work, it is Nigerians that will not make it work. So, we will continue to provide platforms like this to engage,” he said.

    Speaking to NAN on the sideline of the event, Mr Mohammed Idris, Minister for Information and National Orientation, said that the event highlighted the crucial role of journalism in shaping public opinion, promoting accountability, and nurturing democratic values.

    Idris, who was represented by the Managing Director, NAN, Mr Ali Muhammad Ali, said that the gathering marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, reflecting on achievements and future prospects.

    He said that the event acknowledged the newspaper’s commitment to provide a platform for national dialogue and recognising excellence.

    He emphasised the Federal Government’s dedication to upholding freedom of expression and press freedom alongside the responsibilities that came with it.

    According to him, reflecting on the nation’s progress and the persistent challenges, with a focus on recent reforms is aimed at economic growth and development.

    He commended President Bola Tinubu’s initiatives, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange reforms, aimed at sustainable economic growth.

    He called on Nigerians to remain patient and steadfast as the nation implements necessary reforms for a better future.

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, won the prestigious ThisNigeria Gold Prize for his “Infrastructural Revolution and Exceptional Leadership.”

    A survey by the Public Sector Performance Index highlighted his significant contributions to FCT’s infrastructure, security, health, and education within eight months.

    Other Gold Prize winners include Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State for Courage in Leadership.

    Others are Gov.  Bassey Eno of Akwa Ibom State for Peace Building and Innovative Leadership, and Mr Jim  Obazee, Special Investigator for CBN, in the Public Service category.

    Mr Issa Aremu, Director-General of the Michael Imoudu Institute of Labour Studies, also received a Public Service Award for his contributions to labour capacity and government workforce engagement.(NAN) www.nannews.ng)

    AIR/KAE/AMM

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

    Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman and Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Stop using synthetic fertilizer for crops, expert warns farmers

    Stop using synthetic fertilizer for crops, expert warns farmers

    Fertilizer

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Benin, June 27,2024(NAN) Mrs Gloria Ikhaza, An Agriculturalist, Mrs Gloria Ikhaza has urged farmers to stop using synthetic fertilizer for crop production to avoid health challenges and damages to the environment.

    Ikhaza gave the warning during the monthly meeting of the Women in Agriculture, Edo Chapter, held at the ADP premises on Thursday in Benin.

    Speaking on the topic: Production, processing and marketing of agricultural produce, Ikhaza said organic fertilizer was the best for crop production.

    She said the warning became necessary in view of the dangers inherent in using synthetic fertilizer to grow crops and the health challenges it posed to human lives.

    “When you compare crops grown with organic fertilizer, what you find is that the crops are always fresh and have better taste.

    “The synthetic chemicals we take-in is killing us gradually, so it is better we go back to mother earth and tap the natural manure to grow our crops.

    “The fertilizer we are planting with is giving us excessive sugar in the body and cause more people to have diabetes,” she said.

    She also urged the women to consider going into dragon fruit production because the crop was a money spinning fruit that could take women out of poverty.

    Earlier in her welcome address, the President of the women farmers, Mrs Debby Iserhierhien said the role of women in agriculture could not be overemphasized.

    Iserhierhien, who expressed displeasure over the incessant rise in price of food items, urged the women to take to the cultivation of the unused spaces at the back of their homes.

    “This will also help you to feed your children with fresh vegetables and build their immune system. The can foods most people buy have been contaminated with chemicals, ” she said.

    She also warned the women against the use of chemicals to ripen fruits because the act was harmful to the body.

    Mrs Eunice Ogieva, the Desk Officer, Rural Institution on Gender and Youth, Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) gave the overview of the project in Edo.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Edo Women in Agriculture was inaugurated by LIFE-ND project to give voice to the women to advocate for issues that affect their performance in agriculture.

    The State Chairman of the Edo chapter of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Dogwo Bako, was represented at the meeting by Mrs Omaghe Ojugbana (NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)
    NY/JI

    Edited by Joe Idika