Blog

Nigerian Army tasks finance personnel on proficiency
Nigerian Army tasks finance personnel on proficiency
Training
By Muhammad Tijjani
Kaduna, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Army on Wednesday mandated all its Finance personnel to be proactive and proficient in discharging their duties.
The Chief of Accounts and Budget, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Adetokunbo Fayemiwo, gave the charge at the 1 Division Finance Training Week 2024 in Kaduna.
Fayemiwo, represented by Chief of Staff, 1 Division Brig.-Gen. David Nwakonobi, said this would ensure that financial services were rendered to all the Nigerian Army personnel as well as units and formations at the right time and place.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the training Week is ‘Enhancing Capacity and Skills of 1 Division Finance Officers/Clerks for Proactive and Efficient Delivery of Financial Services to 1 Division Nigerian Army”.
He stressed that the Nigerian Army finance personnel were to conform to the extant regulations and above all, remain professional in their conduct as military personnel.
“To ensure this, I have made it mandatory to all Nigerian Army Finance personnel to be adequately trained to carry out their duties at all levels,” he said.
Fayemiwo explained that the training was one of the pillars of the Chief of Army Staff Command Philosophy, which is “To Transform the Nigerian Army into a Well- trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Joint Environment”.
According to him, the division’s finance training week was designed to address the training needs of Finance officers and soldiers at the division level.
Fayemiwo said, ”It will provide a good platform for updating personnel on contemporary government financial policies, financial best practices and their implications on accounting for Nigerian Army funds.
“This training week will focus on enhancing the capacity of 1 Division Finance personnel in rendering professional and efficient financial services to the Nigerian Army.”
He added that the duties and responsibilities of the Nigerian Army Finance Corps were central to the performance and effectiveness of the Nigerian Army both in war and peace times.
“In pursuit of my training objectives for Year 2024, I directed all Division Finance Offices to conduct a Division Finance training week to address the training needs of their personnel,” he said.
The finance chief enjoined all the participants to be actively involved in the training sessions to derive maximum benefit from it.
Fayemiwo appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja for approving the training week and providing the resources required for its conduct.
Earlier, the Commander, 1 Division Finance and Accounts, Brig.-Gen. Adamu Kitchener, said the training was an initiative of the Chief of Accounts and Budget Army.
Kitchener said the training was to enhance development, Professionalism and improve the skills and knowledge among officers and soldiers in the finance corps.
”It is also to equip them to tackle financial issues and how to render useful advice to their superior in their various area of responsibility,” he said.
According to him, the training has been well organised and packaged with professionals delivering lectures. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TJ/DCO/BRM
===============
Edited by Deborah Coker/Bashir Rabe Mani

June 5, 2024
Estate agent docked over alleged N430,000 fraud
Fraud
By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
Ibadan, June 5, 2024(NAN) A 52-year old estate agent, Johnbosco Dauda, was on Wednesday arraigned before a Grade ‘A’ Customary Court, Ibadan, over an alleged N430,000 fraud.
Dauda whose address was not given, is being charged with stealing and obtaining money under false pretence.
The Prosecutor, Mr Philip Amusan told the court that the defendant committed the offence on May 6, at the Sango area of Ibadan.
Amusan said that Dauda collected the money from the complainant, Ifeanyi Nnabuike, with the pretext of leasing a three-bedroom flat for him.
The prosecutor said that the defended converted the money to his personal use.
He said that the offences contravened Sections 419 and 399(9) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo, 2000.
The Court President, Mrs Sukurat Yusuf, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case until July 3, for hearing.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
CC/DCO/AZU
==========
Edited by Deborah Coker and Azubuike Okeh
June 5, 2024
WED: NGO distributes tree seedlings to 400 residents in Zaria

Trees
By Sani Idris
Zaria (Kaduna state) June 5, 2024 (NAN) An NGO, Centre for Water and Environmental Development (CWED), has distributed economic tree seedlings to no fewer than 400 residents of Palladan community in Zaria LGA of Kaduna State.
The gesture was in commemoration of the 2024 World Environment Day, with the theme ‘World Environment Day is ‘A Journey to a Greener Future’.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the trees distributed were guava, mango, moringa, soursop, sweet apple, Brazilian cashew, paw paw, orange and mango.
Speaking to newsmen at the sideline of the event on Wednesday in Kaduna, the CWED’s Programme Officer, Mrs Lydia Saleh, said they had kept to the tradition of carrying out their ‘green project’ every year in different communities.
Lydia said CWED had successfully carried out such activities in 10 different communities in the state, with Palladan making it the eleventh.
The programme officer explained that the green project, which was community-driven, was aimed at enhancing, and sensitising communities on climate change, and also to have mitigating mechanisms to protect the environment from climate change.
She, therefore, said one of such ways was tree planting, which they had carried out in various communities over the years.
The programme officer explained that their choice of distributing economic trees was for the health, economic and food security benefits embedded in them.
Saleh explained that the people of Palladan in the past had many economic trees in their environment, which had ceased to exist due to the human factor of urbanisation and cutting down the trees for fuel purposes.
“When they cut down the trees, they don’t replace them; this is why we want to restore the communities in Palladan which were known for giant trees in the past.
“Doing this, we hope to build resilience against climate change and drought,” she said.
Saleh urged the beneficiaries to nurture the plants to maturity for their benefit.
David Roven from the state Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Department of Water Resources, said climate change has affected the seasons in which some crops were grown.
He added that, in the past, such periods were filled with sustained rainfalls, but the case had changed due to climate change.
Doven urged the beneficiaries to nurture the trees to maturity for their benefit and community.
Addressing the beneficiaries, an expert, Aminu Salihu, the Branch Manager of Teku Farms in Kaduna, said apart from the benefit of fruits, all the trees have medicinal value.
Speaking on behalf of the communities, Malam Ismail Dalhatu, the Ward Head of Palladan, said the Government had in previous years made efforts to revive the community with the trees they lost to various human activities.
He said to deter human activities especially those who cut down trees, forest guards were involved to help keep watch, sensitise and create awareness of the effects of deforestation.
“The forest guards sometimes ensure stiff sanctions on those found wanting,” Dalhatu said.
NAN also reports that in ensuring feedback on the trees, CWED opened a Whatsapp group as a mechanism for the beneficiaries to ask questions or seek assistance regarding the well-being and sustenance of their trees. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
SA/NNO/BRM
===============
Edited by Nick Nich/Nicholas/Bashir Rabe Mani
June 5, 2024
Naira Abuse: Court hears case against Cubana Chief Priest, June 25
Naira Abuse: Court hears case against Cubana Chief Priest, June 25
Adjournment
By Sandra Umeh
Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN) A Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday, further adjourned until June 25 for mention a case against celebrity bartender, Pascal Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest) for alleged abuse of the Naira.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), arraigned Okechukwu on April 17, on a three-count charge of allegedly spraying and tampering with the Naira notes during a social event at the Eko hotel in Lagos.
He had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N10 million.
At the last adjourned date on May 2, the defence counsel, Mr Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), had informed the court that parties were exploring settlement and had applied that the matter be settled pursuant to the provisions of section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.
Following the position, defence counsel had then applied for a withdrawal of the preliminary objection, and since there was no objection from the prosecution, the court granted same.
The court had consequently, adjourned the case until June 5, (today) for report of settlement.
However on Wednesday, newsmen learnt that the defence had written a letter seeking an adjournment of the case.
The case has now been fixed for June 25 for mention.
In the charge, the defendant was said to have tampered with the funds in the denomination of N500, while dancing at the social event in Eko hotel.
The offence contravenes the provisions of section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act of 2007.(NAN)
UNS/DCO/SH
=========
Edited by Deborah Coker/Sadiya Hamza
June 5, 2024
Tinubu congratulates Mexico’s 1st female president
Tinubu congratulates Mexico’s 1st female president
Congratulation
By Salif Atojoko
Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday congratulated Ms. Claudia Sheinbaum on her election as the first female President of Mexico.
A statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said the president also congratulated the Mexican people and called for the strengthening of bilateral ties between both nations across areas of mutual interest.
“The election of Sheinbaum accents the voices of women in government and shatters political glass ceiling.
“It sends a reverberating message across the world that women must not only be participants but principal architects in shaping and implementing decisions affecting the lives of many,” said Tinubu.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sheinbaum won the Mexican presidential election by a landslide, becoming the first female President in the country since its independence in 1821. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
SA/IKU
Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

June 5, 2024
Heritage Bank; NDIC begins payment of depositors’ insured sum — MD

Payment
By Ginika Okoye
Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), says it will begin payment of insured sum to 2.3 million depositors of Heritage Bank in-liquidation this week.
The Managing Director of NDIC, Mr Bello Hassan, said this while briefing newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday.
Hassan said the bank had preliminary deposits of N650 billion and loan worth N700 billion.
According to him, 99.9 per cent of depositors of the defunct bank have a deposit balance of less than five million naira, while only 4,000 of the depositors have more than five million naira deposit. (NAN)
GINI/EEE
=======
Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams
Details later

June 5, 2024
CTBTO seeks awareness on dangers of nuclear weapons test in Africa
The Executive-Secretary of CTBTO Dr Robert Floyd. (NAN)
CTBTO seeks awareness on dangers of nuclear weapons test in Africa
Awareness
By Fortune Abang
Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) has spoken of the need to raise awareness about the dangers of nuclear weapons tests, saying it will offer a proper understanding of the issue.
The Executive Secretary of the organisation, Dr Robert Floyd, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during a recent regional workshop for African States Signatories held in Banjul, The Gambia.
CTBT is a multilateral agreement that came into effect in September 1996 and has since been signed on by 187 nations and ratified by 178 to prohibit nuclear weapons tests anywhere in the world.
Floyd said, “The countries of the world agree it will be best we live in a world without nuclear weapons, and to have an effective ban on nuclear testing is one step towards this goal.”
He praised African states for their commitment to abstinence from nuclear weapons tests, saying the organisation will work closely with other countries to facilitate their signature and ratification.
He added that CTBTO will provide more information to help the countries benefit from Treaty membership.
“It is clear there is a strong view that nuclear tests should not happen again, and I believe the reason is because of the history of nuclear testing that has taken place in the African continent,” said the Executive Secretary.
“This is due to the damage it has caused to the environment and human health, and the African states have determined to ensure that this never happens again.
“We are happy to work collectively with African nations to raise awareness about the dangers of nuclear testing and fully achieve these goals.
“In 1996, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty opened for signature. Before that date, there were over 2,000 nuclear tests.
“Since then, nearly 28 years later, fewer than 12 nuclear tests have taken place, with only one state, North Korea, conducting any in this century.”
He also explained that the science behind this is the CTBTO’s verification regime, which monitors the planet 24 hours a day to ensure no test goes undetected.
“As a result, we now live in a safer and more secure world,” he said.
In the area of building capacity, Dr Floyd highlighted that countries such as Nigeria should have National Data Centres (NDC) to access data gathered by stations and laboratories worldwide.
“All data coming to Vienna is shared freely with all Member States, including Nigeria. We will work with Nigeria to train the technical staff on receiving, analyzing, and interpreting this data.
“This data also has numerous civil and scientific applications, such as detecting earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions, and it can also be used for climate change research.
“So, this is where the capacity building comes into play. People across each of our member states have the opportunity to be trained in these skills.
“It is remarkable that 50 out of the 54 African countries have ratified the treaty, and 52 of the 54 countries have signed it.
“I see Africa coming together as one, supporting one another and working together with the international community for a world without nuclear weapons tests and nuclear weapons as a shared future,” he said. (NAN) (www.nan.ng)
FEA/YEE
=======
(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)
June 5, 2024
Bomb threat on Air Canada Delhi-Toronto flight turns out hoax
Bomb threat on Air Canada Delhi-Toronto flight turns out hoax
Threat
New Delhi, June 5, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) A bomb threat to Air Canada’s Toronto-bound flight turned out to be a hoax, local media reported on Wednesday.
The international flight scheduled to take off Tuesday night from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport was taken to the isolation bay immediately after an email stating that a bomb had been planted on it.
A thorough inspection was conducted and nothing suspicious was found, according to police.
The incident was the latest among a series of hoax bomb threats that have been sent to schools, airports and hospitals in the national capital.
Last week, a domestic flight was taken to an isolation bay under similar circumstances at the airport in the Indian capital but the scare turned out to be a hoax.
Besides in Delhi, schools in Jaipur, Lucknow, Kanpur, Ahmedabad and Bengaluru have received similar threats. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
COO/SH
======
Edited by Cecilia Odey/Sadiya Hamza
June 5, 2024
U.S. president tightens asylum rules for border with Mexico
U.S. president tightens asylum rules for border with Mexico
Asylum
Washington, June 5, 2024 (dpa/NAN) U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday issued an executive order to ramp up measures to prevent asylum seekers from entering via the country’s border with Mexico.
“I’m announcing actions to ban migrants who cross our southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum.
“Migrants will be restricted from receiving asylum at our southern border unless they seek it after entering through an established lawful process,’’ Biden said in Washington.
The U.S. president went on to say that asylum would still be available to those who try to enter the U.S. legally.
“But if an individual chooses not to use our legal pathways, if they choose to come without permission and against the law, they’ll be restricted from receiving asylum and staying in the U.S
“This ban will remain in place until the number of people trying to enter illegally is reduced to a level that our system can effectively manage,’’ Biden continued.
The White House earlier in the day published a presidential decree according to which migrants could be denied the chance to claim asylum in certain circumstances.
This was criticised by both human rights activists and Republicans.
Those affected by the decree were to be deported at short notice if they do not explicitly request asylum.
Those who did so would be subjected to stricter checks by border officials.
Previously, most asylum seekers were generally allowed to stay in the country until their court date which is often years in the future due to overburdened authorities.
Exceptions to Biden’s decree are to apply to unaccompanied children and people who were seriously ill, as well as victims of human trafficking, among others.
The new regulation is set to apply as soon as the average number of illegal border crossings in a week exceeds 2,500 per day.
The measures would then be dropped once the number falls below 1,500 again.
As the number of daily entries is currently above the new threshold, the measures are set to come into force on Wednesday.
Mexico is a transit country on the route taken by many Latin Americans fleeing from violence, poverty and political chaos at home trying to reach the U.S. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
COO/HS
======
Edited by Cecilia Odey/Halima Sheji

June 5, 2024
Stakeholders advocate tree planting to mitigate effects of climate change
Tree
By Angela Atabo
Abuja, June 5, 2024(NAN)Save the Children International (SCI), an NGO, alongside other stakeholders in the environmental sector, says there is need to imbibe the culture of tree planting to mitigate the effects of climate change.
They stakeholders made the call at the Climate and Sensitisation Activity and Tree planting exercise to celebrate the World Environment Day on Tuesday in Abuja.
The programme was organised by SCI Nigeria under its Children’s Generation Hope Campaign, in partnership with Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), at Junior Secondary School ,Piwoyi Community, FCT.
According to Mr Ifedilichukwu Innocent, Advocacy Campaign Policy Manager, SCI, the effect of climate change is on the rise and children bear the brunt of it most.
Innocent said that as a child-centred organisation, SCI designed its programmes around health, nutrition, livelihood, climate change and others and works towards protecting children.
“We are happy as an organisation to be part of this year’s tree planting working with government and other stakeholders.
“We are using this opportunity to also encourage school children to also be part of the tree planting.
“What that is doing is helping them to know is that they have to work hard to safeguard the environment.
“So we are happy that the children are adding their voices and participating in planting these trees,” he said.
Innocent said that there were lots of benefits associated with tree planting ranging from health to economic, among others.
He added that the action informed children about their environment and helped them to work towards safeguarding it.
Innocent encouraged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of tree planting to promote green environment and tackle climate change.
Ms Rebecca Mamven, Deputy Director Environmental Management Department, AEPB, said the theme for 2024 World Environment Day was “Land Restoration, Rehabilitation and Drought Resilience.”
Mamven explained that AEPB’s purpose was to sensitise communities to seeks ways to restore the land back from degradation and stop desertification.
She added that the board was also working to promote drought resilience with planting of different types of trees and plants.
“In the north especially, we experience drought a lot; so, we are here to celebrate this day with our children and to teach them how to address these things,” she said.
Mrs Pauline Nwagugu, Deputy Director, Education and Principal, Junior Secondary school Piwoyi, commended the stakeholders for bringing the tree planting project to the school.
Nwagugu said she was a lover of green environment and had been plating tress in the school since she was transferred there.
She, however, expressed gratitude that the students were being carried along to promote green environment and assured the group of the school’s commitment to sustaining the project.
The Chief of Piwoyi, Tanko Bahago, said the idea of planting trees in communities and schools was a welcome development.
Tanko said that the community had plans to plant trees around but was waiting for the rainy season to do that.
“By planting trees on this day, we actively contribute to the preservation of our environment and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come,’’ he said.
He thanked the stakeholders for the initiative and for remembering his community for such a laudable project.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng
ATAB/CJ/
======
Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

June 5, 2024