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  • Tinubu’s first anniversary: APC chieftain urges Nigerians to be hopeful for better years ahead

    Tinubu’s first anniversary: APC chieftain urges Nigerians to be hopeful for better years ahead

    Commendation
    By Precious Akutamadu
    Port Harcourt, June, 4, 2024 (NAN) The Chairman, Caretaker Committe for Rivers APC, Chief Tony Okocha, has encouraged Nigerians to have hope, be patient and support President Bola Tinubu’s administration to achieve the renewed hope agenda.

    Okocha, who is also the state Representative in the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), gave the advise on Tuesday at a news briefing in Port Harcourt.

    Okocha said that the president during his account of stewardship ordered all the ministers to showcase what they had done to  deliver good governance to the people.

    He said that by that gesture, he merely subjected the ministers to public scrutiny to ensure that the people reaped the dividend of democracy.

    Okocha also commended the president for the reforms and strategic policies put in place to improve the nation’s economy.

    “A lot of reforms and policies that would enhance the economy and human capital development of the country are ongoing,” he said.

    He cited the N50,000 intervention scheme for the minimally advantaged in the country to cushion the effect of inflation in the country.

    Okocha also listed some reforms introduced by the administration through the Central Bank to strengthen the banking sector.

    He also spoke on the successes so far recorded by the current board and management of NDDC within the one year in office of the president.

    Okocha commended the board and management for revolutionising the commission within the first year of their inception.

    “The present management and governing board of the commission have done a lot in terms of developmental projects and human capital development in the region.

    “We have changed the narrative of NDDC from what people thought  about the commission to what it is today.

    “We can attest to the developmental strides achieved within our few months in office.

    “In education we have been able to give scholarships to students as well as provided learning materials, relief materials to communities to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal, built roads and installed solar lights in communities, among others,” Okocha said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    PA/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

  • Christian Chukwu mourns team mate, Stanley Okoronkwo

    Christian Chukwu mourns team mate, Stanley Okoronkwo

    Okoronkwo
    By Benson Ezugwu
    Enugu, June 4, 2024 (NAN), Christian Chukwu, former Green Eagles Captain and Rangers International, has described the death of team mate, Stanley Okoronkwo, as a sad loss.
    Chukwu said this on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Enugu.
    “The death of Stanley is a sad loss; very painful and we will miss him, ” he said.
    Chukwu said he and other club mates would sorely miss Okoronkwo.
    Also, a staunch fan of Rangers International and a personal friend of Okoronkwo, Mr Onyema Nwachukwu, described the ace midfield maestro as a gentleman both off and on the field of play.
    “He played clean hence he was nicknamed Stainless on the field and off the field.  He was a complete gentleman, ” Nwachukwu said.
    Also speaking, the former chairman of Rangers Supporters club in the 70s, Hyginus Ilonu, lamented the death of Okoronkwo.
    According to him, Okoronkwo was his close friend including his entire family.
    “After playing football you cannot see any stain in his jersey.
    “When he wanted to dribble he made it clean and he was always gentle off and in the pitch of the field, ” he said.
    Ilonu described late Okoronkwo as one of Rangers best player ever.
    NAN reports that Okoronkwo joined Rangers International in 1974 and retired in 1979, after Rangers won the then African Cup Winners Cup in 1977.
    NAN reports that the former player died on Monday after a brief illness in Enugu. (NAN) (www.nannews. ng)
    BEN/MNA
    ========
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Sen. Yari subsidizes 76 trucks of fertilizer at 50% to Zamfara farmers

    Subsidy
    By Ibrahim G. Ahmad
    Gusau June 4, 2024 (NAN) Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, former Zamfara Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District, has provided 76 Trucks of fertilisers to be distributed to farmers at 50 per cent subsidy.
    Ibrahim Muhammad, Chairman, Publicity Committee of the AA Yari Political Organization made the disclosure in a statement made available to newsmen in Gusau on Tuesday.
    According to the statement, the Chairman of the Committee and leader of the A. A. Yari Political Organisation, Alhaji Lawal  Liman made the revelation at a meeting with members of the distribution committee.
    He explained that each of the eight Local Government Areas of Zamfara Central and North Senatorial Districts would receive five trucks of the fertilizer.
    The statement said that the six council areas of Zamfara West Senatorial District where the Senator was representing, would each receive six trucks of the Fertilisers.
    Liman said the NPK and Urea fertilisers provided costs between N40, 000 and N45, 000  per 50 kg bag in the market and would be sold to farmers at the cost of N20, 000 per  bag.
    He said the idea behind the subsidy was to bail out farmers across the state from its shortage as well as its near out of reach due to the skyrocketed prices in the market.
    The chairman maintained that the distribution pattern was designed to cover farmers in all the 147 Wards of the 14 Local Government Areas of the state regardless of the party differences.
    He urged members of the distribution committees to ensure strict compliance with the laid down principles and practices of the provider of the commodity.
    The Chairman also announced that Sen. Yari had provided 28 trucks of rice for distribution to people across the state during this year’s Edil Kabeer.
    He said that the gesture, which would cover the poor and vulnerable community across the state, was borne out of the Senator’s desire to assist people especially the less privileged to celebrate the occasion with relative ease.
    “Under the arrangement which will be supervised by the Ulama Committee that handled the senator’s previous gestures, each of the 14 Local Government Areas was allocated two trucks of 50kg bags of rice,”.
    The chairman reiterated the commitment of the former governor towards providing succour to the people of Zamfara State in particular and humanity in general at all times
    .
    He pleaded with the officials entrusted with the distribution to live above board in an attempt to achieve the goals of the project initiator. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    IAG/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Recruitment: We give priority to STEM teachers – TESCOM 

     

    Recruitment: We give priority to STEM teachers – TESCOM

     

    Teachers

     

    By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

     

    Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) says it will continue giving priority to teachers who major in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related subjects during recruitment.

     

    Mr Kayode Sutton, Deputy Director, Public Affairs, TESCOM, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos that the commission had been specific in the employment of teachers.

     

    Sutton said that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State’s administration had been proactive in the education sector, upscaling teachers through training, to enable them make impact in the teaching and learning of students.

     

    “We have specific teachers called STEM teachers, that is the Science (Physics, Chemistry and Biology); Technical; English and Mathematics teachers; they are in dire need in most of our schools.

     

    “Therefore, we are giving priority to them in employment and that will continue, because teachers for these subjects are scarce and not easy to come by, and we must fill any available vacancy.

     

    “That does not imply that other subjects teachers are not considered for employment. We do.Infact, we have them in abundance across the schools.

     

    “However, we place priority on the STEM teachers in all schools across the education districts and we have been employing quite a good number of them, because of their importance,” he said.

     

    The Deputy Director said that the commission was working in collaboration with the six education districts across the state to fill-in the gaps where teachers retired for age or years of service.

     

    Sutton said that there were schools with too many students for a teachers, describing it as a shortcoming that was being addressed by the state government.

     

    He said that TESCOM had been recruiting, to reduce the teacher/students ratio in the schools, adding that, at least 30 students to one teacher was the target, and the state government was moving towards that.

     

    According to him, the governor has been magnanimous enough to approve what is called – the ‘Exit Replacement Plan’, a platform used to replace vacancies in post-primary schools.

     

    “We have a mandate to reduce the teachers/students ratio in our schools, because the students in each of the classes are much than the teacher to handle, we know this is a shortcoming.

     

    “As a responsible and responsive government, we have moved swiftly to address this in the last few years and employed thousands of teachers through an official platform.

     

    “The opportunity is explicitly for those that are education-based to apply, where they provide their details and requirements, they get a unique number that TESCOM will use to contact them,” he said.

     

    Sutton said that the commission visited the database, select randomly the needed subjects teachers; call them for interview; mini-test and brief teaching practice within the interview session, to get the best qualified. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MIL/FON/VIV

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

    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Vivian Ihechu

  • Eid-El-Kabir: Sen. Yari donates 600 rams to neighbours, constituents

    Eid-El-Kabir: Sen. Yari donates 600 rams to neighbours
    Eid-El-Kabir
    By Ishaq Zaki
    Talata-Mafara (Zamfara) June 4, 2024 (NAN) Sen. Abdul’aziz Yari (APC-Zamfara) has approved the purchase of 600 rams for distribution to his neighbours and less privileged families in Zamfara West Senatorial District of the state for Eid-El-Kabir celebrations.
    The Coordinator, Zamfara West Senatorial District Constituency Office, Alh. Sha’ayau Sarkinfawa disclosed this to newsmen on Tuesday in Talata-Mafara.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Yari represents Zamfara West Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
    Sarkinfawa said that the beneficiaries would include Sen. Yari’s neighbours in Talata-Mafara town and other categories of people  in the six Local Government Areas of Zamfara West constituency.
    “You know, this is an annual gesture from our leader, Sen. Yari, aimed at assisting the less privileged households to celebrate the Eid-El-Kabir with ease,” he said.
    Sarkinfawa commended the former governor for his various socio-economic intervention programmes supporting people at the grassroots.

    He called on Muslims to use the Eid-El-Kabir period to pray for peace and stability in the state and Nigeria at large. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IZ/FON/MNA

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

    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Maureen Atuonwu

  • Respect human rights in discharging your duties, DIG charges Ogun command

    Rights

    By Abiodun Lawal

    Abeokuta, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Abiodun Alabi, the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of Police in charge of South-West, on Tuesday in Abeokuta urged police officers to always respect human rights in the discharge of their duties.

    Alabi made the appeal while addressing officers at the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) at Eleweran during his one-day working visit to the state.

    The DIG warned that the authorities would deal decisively with any officer culpable of human rights abuse.

    “Human rights abuse has been identified as one of the major factors affecting the image of police.

    “Officers and men of the NPF must be exemplary in their conduct and maintain the highest level of discipline to earn the respect and support of the general public in the discharge of their duties,” he said.

    Alabi said he was in the state in line with the directive of the Inspector-General (IG) of Police to all DIGs to visit all the states under their supervision.

    He was received by the State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, and others in the  command’s top hierarchy.

    In his address, Alamutu said the Ogun’s status as part of the nation’s industrial hub and neighbour to several states and another country was not without its attendant security challenges.

    “But I can assure that the command is rising up to the challenges,” he stated.

    The visiting DIG later paid a courtesy call on the Alake of Egbaland ,Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, to intimate the royal father with NPF’s plan to effectively police the country.

    In his remarks, Oba Gbadebo thanked the police force for ensuring peace in the nation through effective community policing and prayed for more success in all their endeavours.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    LKA/OLAL
    ==========

    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)

     

  • Expert canvasses leveraging Food Tech for improved experiences

    Food

    By Stellamaris Ashinze

    Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) A Food Tech  Company, FoodStuff  Stores on Tuesday  said that leveraging  on technology  would enhance  local farmers, restaurants,  hotels and consumers’ satisfaction.

    The Chief Operating Officer (COO) FoodStuff  Stores, Diana Tenebe, said  that leveraging on the right food technology would ensure efficiency and reduced  wastage.

    Tanebe said in a statement that  Foodstuff Store’s partnership with local farmers could boost sales and  would be a positive step for restaurants and hotels in Lagos State.

    She said their innovative approach hads the potentials to create a more sustainable and enjoyable food system.

    ‘’Food tech companies like Foodstuff Store will provide the right technology platform to streamline the process, making it easier for restaurants and hotels to order and receive the ingredients they need.

    ‘’By embracing technology and forging strong partnerships with food tech companies,  restaurants and hotels in Lagos can consistently deliver the exceptional dining experiences the city promises.

    ’By leveraging food tech companies, farmers can gain access to a wider market and fairer prices, while restaurants and hotels receive fresh, high-quality ingredients consistently.

    ‘’Ultimately, this translates to better quality meals and satisfied customers,’’ she said.

    According to her,  this will solidify Lagos’s reputation as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts around the world.

    She said that Lagos is a vibrant city with a diverse restaurant scene,  reflecting its dynamic energy with over 3,000 restaurants showcasing a delicious fusion of Nigerian cuisine and international flavours.

    She, however, said that despite promises of exceptional dining experiences, some Lagos restaurants and hotels have faced criticism for charging premium prices for meals that fall short in quality.

    Tanebe said that potential solution lay  in partnering with food tech companies to ensure consistent supply of high-quality produce,  allowing restaurants and hotels to elevate the overall dining experience in Lagos.

    She said that food tech companies created a more efficient and transparent food system by connecting restaurants directly with local farmers.

    According to her,  this guarantees access to fresh produce, supports sustainable practices, and empowers restaurants to create exceptional culinary experiences,  showcasing the best of Nigerian cuisine alongside international flavours.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Food Tech, is a merger of the words food and technology and   involves companies and projects that use technologies.

    Technology such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data and Artificial Intelligence (IA), among other things, to turn the Agrifood industry into a more modern, sustainable and efficient sector in all its stages. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SKA/CHOM/VIV

    =========

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Vivian Ihechu

  • LASG to domesticate WEE policy—Commissioner

     

    Mrs Bolaji  Dada, Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Speaking at a stakeholders forum to domesticate the WEE policy in Lagos on Tuesday.

     

    Policy

    Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, says it has commenced plans to domesticate the National Women’s Economic Empowerment, known as WEE Policy for the development of women across the state.

     

    Mrs Bolaji Dada, the state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), disclosed this on Tuesday at a stakeholders meeting organised to herald the domestication of the policy.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the domestication is in collaboration with the Lagos State Office of the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs).

     

    NAN also reports that the Federal Government launched the WEE policy in 2023 with the aim to streamline all gender policies to address disparities faced by women in accessing financial benefits and opportunities in various sectors.

     

    The initiative also seeks to enhance gender equality, reduce poverty, and coordinate efforts among development partners to promote women’s rights and empowerment in Nigeria.

     

    Dada, who described the domestication as timely, noted that women constituted disproportionately, the majority of Lagos population at 8.5 percent with poverty stage.

     

    She said the state government, through WAPA, had made concerted progress in empowering women through diverse economic empowerment schemes.

     

    “Today’s meeting is an opportunity for us to engage in open and honest discussions, share best practices, and learn from each other.

     

    ” We recognise the importance of ensuring the women empowerment policy is not only implemented but also effectively localized to address the unique needs and challenges faced.

     

    “Having pulled pivotal representatives from the public, private, and Civil Society Organisation, I’m filled with gratitude for the unflinching support received from every one of you thus far.

     

    “I will like to specially thank Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his unwavering commitment in empowering women and girls in tandem with the THEMES  agenda of his administration, which has positioned the Ministry in fulfilling its mandate.

     

    Also, Dr Oreoluwa Finnih, the Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on SDGs, attributed the successes of Lagos to gender equality, which is well thought out to ensure women are part of decision making in the state.

     

    Finnish expressed hopes that the deliberations of all stakeholders would prompt actions for the advancement of women socially, economically and in policy making.

     

     

    Speaking also, Fabia Ogunmekan, the Lead Consultant of Lagos State WEE, said through key directions, the policy would centre on all existing women initiatives, with the aim of making more progress. (NAN)

    KOA/BEKl/VIV

    ===

    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Vivian Ihechu

     

  • Food beverage stakeholders urge FG to check rising inflation

    Food beverage stakeholders urge FG to check rising inflation

    Inflation

    By Clara Egbogota

    Asaba, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Delegates at the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB) conference in Asaba, Delta, have called on the Federal Government to check the rising inflation to curb hunger and starvation in the land.

    The delegates made the call in a communique issued at the end of FOBTOB’s 15th National Delegates Conference in Asaba.

    The communique was signed by Mr Jimoh Oyibo, FOBTOB’s President and its Executive Secretary, Mr Solomon Adebosin.

    The communique said that the government should put machinery in motion to check inflation.

    According to the communique, subsidy removal, increase in electricity tariff and the fall of the naira value in the currency market are negatively affecting profitability of food and beverage industry.

    ”We appeal to the government to fulfill the promise made during election campaign and ensure that Nigerians can afford essential commodities,” it said.

    The communique added that stakeholders had the responsibility to protect the industry through social dialogue and engagement as industrial peace and harmony were important for productivity.

    It said there was the need for unity and collaboration in finding a lasting solution to the challenges facing the food and beverage industry in Nigeria.

    Meanwhile, at the end of the conference, delegates elected 13 new executives to run its affairs for another three years with Oyibo being reelected as its association’s national president.

    Oyibo defeated his former deputy president, Mr Adebayo Aderogbo, with 220 votes against 9 votes.

    Other elected officers included Lanre Yusuf, Deputy National President; Bunni Adesayo as National Woman Leader; Solomon Makinde, National Treasurer and Patrick Sule as National Internal Auditor.

    Others were Christopher Amadi, Vice President, Eastern Zone; Naziru Bichi, Vice President, Northern Zone; Nwachukwu Onyeabor, Vice President, Western Zone; Obit Asuquo, National Trustee, Eastern Zone and Isaiah Thunder, National Trustee, Northern Zone.

    Also elected were Clement Ndubuisi, National Trustee, Western Zone; Alex Amadi, Welfare Officer; Eastern Zone and Azeez Raji, Welfare Officer, Northern Zone. (NAN) (nannews.com.ng)
    ECO/KOO/VIV
    ==========

    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Vivian Ihechu

  • Ude’s fiery bowling inspires Nigeria to 32-run win against hosts Rwanda

    Cricket
    By Ijeoma Okigbo
    Abuja, June 4, 2024 (NAN) A six-wicket haul by medium pace bowler Lilian Ude made the difference in Nigeria’s 32-run win against hosts and defending champions Rwanda at the KwibukaT20 tournament in Kigali on Tuesday.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports hat the win ended Rwanda’s winning streak in the tournament, having won all four of their previous games.
    It also extended to a fourth consecutive win for the Nigerian side over Rwanda in all competitions.
    However, the game at the Gahanga International Stadium saw Nigeria winning the toss and batting first.
    Salome Sunday rose to the occasion with 29 runs off 12 balls before being dismissed by Rwanda’s captain Marie-Diane Biemenyimana.
    Salome’s strike pushed Nigeria’s tally to 104 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 20 overs.
    In the  second inning, Ude’s clinical attack dismissed six Rwandan batters, therefore slowing down Rwanda’s chase to 72 runs all out in 19 overs.
    Ude’s effort earned her the Player of the Match award.
    Nigeria have now won three games in five matches, and they will face Zimbabwe on Wednesday.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IHA/OLAL
    =========
    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)