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  • Soludo appoints Prof Odinkalu as pro chancellor, Ojukwu varsity governing council

     

    Council

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

    Awka, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Chukwuma Soludo has appointed Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, as Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of the Governing Council of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State.

    Soludo’s Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, made the disclosure in a statement on Tuesday in Awka.

    Aburime said that the new Council was assembled with a focus on excellence, integrity and strategic leadership.

    The statement said that the Council would provide guidance and oversight for the continued growth and development of the state-owned university.

    Other members of the Council are Mrs Ifeoma Ekwueme, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Chief Christopher Ndubuisi and Igwe Oranu Chidume. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    LCO/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

     

  • Ex-NAPTIP boss  urges women to embrace golf sports

    From Left: Lady Captian of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Golf Club ,Angel Ajuze,Dr Lami Ahmed ,the first vice president of Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, and Lady Captian of the IBB International Golf Club , Julie Okah-Donli at the event

    [contact-form][contact-field label=”Name” type=”name” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Email” type=”email” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Website” type=”url” /][contact-field label=”Message” type=”textarea” /][/contact-form]

     

    Golf

    By Angela Atabo

    Abuja ,June 4,2024 (NAN) Julie Okah-Donli, Lady Captain of the IBB International Golf Club has urged women to participate in the game of golf to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

    Okah-Donli, a former Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), made the call at the Women’s Golf Day Kitty, to mark the 2024 International Women Golf Day.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the event with the theme, “Inspiring Women Inclusion through Golf”, was organised by the Ladies Section of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Golf Club in Abuja

    Okah-Donli emphasised the need for women’s revolution in golf game, stressing, it would lead to growth in the golf industry and give women more opportunity to play.

    “We are here to celebrate the International Women’s Golf Day, aimed at celebrating women golfers and to introduce the game of golf to non-women golfers just to tell them how important it is to play golf.

    “Golf is life. It is very good for your mental and physical health and also good for networking and business.

    “I have met new friends here that I have never met before. So, for women, that is the best way to go,” she said.

    Okah-Donli added: “Golf can be expensive, but it depends on what you want. You can buy an expensive golf kit ,you can buy a cheap one ,you can even buy a fairly used one.

    “The most important thing is, if you are interested in playing the game and you are focused, then, playing golf does not become expensive to you

    “I encourage women and young girls to play golf. Now, we are having a lot of young girls that play golf”.

    According to her, “back in the days, the game was believed to be for old men and women, but now, times have changed with advancement in technology, the younger ones are even playing more than the older ones” .

    Also speaking, Dr Lami Ahmed ,the first vice President of Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, said there was need to attract more women to play golf to reap the benefits.

    “We are happy to be here to celebrate the women golf day and as the name implies, it is to celebrate women.

    “The vision is to increase the participation of non-golf playing ladies to begin to love the game and also to celebrate existing lady golfers.

    “Since the game was introduced in 2016, it has been played every year and the import of it is women holding women’s hands in collaboration to enable us to move further than what we are doing, individually,” she said.

    Ahmed said there were no much women playing the game of golf compared to the men, thus the need to encourage more participation of women.

    “It is very important that we give avenue to women to participate, so that we can inspire and enjoy the networking and as well build relationships, “she said

    Ahmed disclosed that over 70 women had registered to play at the GEJ Club for the year.

    She added that different activities were lined up to celebrate the day at the GEJ Golf Club.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    ATAB/ROT

    =========

    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

     

     

  • End post-election litigations in Nigeria – Jonathan charges INEC, judiciary

    Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, cutting the tape on Tuesday, at the inauguration of Delta State High Court complex in Asaba
    Litigations
    By Ifeanyi Olannye
    Asaba, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Judiciary to end the avalanche of post- elections litigations in Nigeria.
    Jonathan gave the charge while inaugurating the multi-million naira State High Court edifice equipped with modern facilities and 24 hours power supply.
    The project was completed by the Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori government.
    The former president also flagged off the presentation of 20 Toyota Prado Sport Utility Vehicles, SUVs, to judges in the state.
    He said that the project was the third he had inaugurated in the state and had lauded Oborevwori for continuing and completing his predecessors initiated projects and programmes.
    Jonathan, however, said that it was good to give and equip the judiciary with the best edifice and to give them the needed comfort because Nigerians also expected the best from them.
    “I am glad to join the governor to commission this major project, this is the third project I have commissioned in Delta.
    “I commissioned  the state government house when I was in office and the Federal High Court Complex, so governor, thank you for inviting me to be part of this unique ceremony.
    The former president said that completing past administration’s projects would aid growth and development of the state.
    “We expect anybody who takes over to continue with the development pace and you are doing that,” Jonathan said.
    He said that the history of the high court building project began since 1991, adding that it was on record that with commitment, the governor was able to complete the project and inaugurate it.
    Jonathan said that with the inauguration of the edifice, it was a day to celebrate the judiciary.
    He said that the governor had promised to do more for the judiciary, but as the governor rightly said that “this is an edifice of justice, Nigerians are expecting the best of  the judiciary officers”.
    ” I just returned from South Africa on Monday, June 2, because I was there to observe their election that held on Wednesday, May 29.
    “One Nigeria journalists interviewed me and asked, What are the South Africans doing regarding their elections that we Nigerians can emulate or what Nigerians are doing that they can emulate?
    “I told him that one key difference between South African and Nigeria is that if a South African loses an election, and he goes to court, it is very strange.
    “But if a  Nigerian loses election  and does not go to court. It is very strange.
    “In Nigeria, my thinking is that 50 per cent of those who go to court, do so because they felt they where cheated by the electoral management system and were rigged out.
    “So, assuming the elections are properly conducted, that set of people will not go to court.
    “The next 50 per cent that go to court are those who know they failed election but they feel they can use the judiciary to declare them winners.
    “So, if the judiciary do not declare those who did not win elections winners, that remaining 50 per cent will also not go to court,” he said.
    Jonathan said that unlike in Nigeria, in South Africa, the electoral management body would never compromise and they all know.
    “So,  if you lose election, you just have to wait for the next election. You don’t need to go to court.
    “And if you go to court in South Africa, the judiciary will not compromise. So nobody goes to court but I believe we will get there one day in Nigeria
    ” So, the judiciary should  be very strong and do the right thing so that this avalanche of litigation  after elections will stop in this country,” Jonathan said.
    While congratulating the governor, government and the judiciary of Delta, he urged the governor to continue on that trajectory to manage the state resources judiciously.
    Gov. Oborevwori in his speech, lauded the past governors for initiating, awarding the contracts and for their commitment that enabled the completion of the high court project which began about 25 years.
    He said that completion of the building was in line with his commitment to the completion of projects inherited from previous administrations.

    Oborevwori said he was motivated to complete the project because the judiciary was the only arm of government without a befitting building for their operations.

    He said the presentation of 20 Toyota Prado SUVs to judges in the state was a fulfillment of “a promise made and a promise kept”.

    While thanking the former President for coming to inaugurate the project, he said the erstwhile President remained a great Nigerian patriot, statesman and unique leader, in and out of office.

    “On behalf of the government and good people of Delta State, I thank you for your friendship, partnership, and sustained interest in the progress of our dear state and Nigeria in general,”.

    The Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Godknows Angele, said the building consisted of five floors, six court rooms, six conference halls, six witness waiting rooms.

    It also has six holding cells, six Secretarial offices, two general conference halls, a ceremonial hall, Multi-purpose Hall, lawyers’ lounge, judges’ lounge, VIP lounge and a library, among others.

    In his remarks, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, represented by the Presiding Judge of the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division,  Justice Bolaji Yusuf, lauded the state government for providing the magnificent edifice as a temple of justice in the state.

    He expressed optimism that other states would emulate the Delta State example by providing similar magnificent temples of justice for the administration of justice in other parts of the country.

    Also, in her remarks, Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Theresa Diai, thanked Gov Oborevwori and his predecessors for the completion of the modern edifice.

    She describing it as a “magnificent testament” and enduring commitment to the pursuit of justice and excellence in the judiciary.
    The Chief Judge said the new High Court Complex had internet access and other critical Information Technology (IT) facilities in the building to enhance e-filing of court processes and e-payments for services rendered by the High Court of Justice.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)
    IO/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
    ============

     

  • Customs Modernisation Project secured against cyber attacks – official

    General Manager of TMP, Ahmed Ogunshola(right), speaking to journalists during a media tour of the Project Management office of the Nigeria Customs Service, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Project

    By Martha Agas
    Abuja, June 4, 2024(NAN) The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)’s Trade Modernisation Project (TMP), has been built foolproof against cyber-attacks, its General Manager, Mr Ahmed Ogunshola, has said.

    “It is built with the latest security network gadgets to ensure its safety and integrity,” Ogunshola told newsmen during a media tour of the project’s office on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He said that the system’s software, described as the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), has seven layers of security built to resist cyber attacks.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the customs modernisation project, which has three phases, is a 20-year concession agreement.

    It was signed on May 27, 2023 between the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by NCS Board, and the Trade Modernisation Project Ltd.

    TMP is the automation of the business processes of the NCS to simplify and enhance the experience of stakeholders in the trade value chain.

    It is expected to ease export and import clearances in paying duties and obtaining releases of good.

    Ogunshola said that the project was incorporating high level of security for its operations.

    “We are operating seven layers of security in terms of building the software to be deployed.

    ” We are working with one of the leading cyber security firms in the world to ensure the safety of the software.

    “ We are doing code level cyber security analysis of the software as well.

    “Before any code that is written for the software is pushed into the software, it analyses and assesses it.

    “We are working towards the ISO 27001 information security standard; that is the highest you can get in the world,” he said.

    He expressed confidence in its cybersecurity framework and other security measures put in place to ensure the safety of the software.

    He added that the measures were also extended to its hardware and other reporting systems, to guarantee their safety.

    According to him, the UCMS is an interactive platform that will help in checking fraudulent activities in trade operations, as traders can monitor all the processes using the software.”

    “ We have made significant progress with respect to the deliverables of the project.

    “ We believe that by the end of the project, NCS will be a pride among its peers.

    “This will bring Nigeria Customs fully into the 22nd century to ensure that it earns its place of pride among customs administrations around the world,” he said.

    Also speaking, the National Public Relations Officer of NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, said that the media tour was aimed at showcasing the efforts of the service in implementing its modernisation project.

    He said that the move was to update the media and other stakeholders on the efforts of NCS in facilitating ease of doing business through the project.

    ” The goal is to improve efficiency in services,” he declared. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    MAA/ETS

    =======

  • LASG hands over Ikorodu master plan, vows sustainable growth

    Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, handing over Ikorodu Sub-Region Master Plan to royal fathers in the area

     

    Plan

    By Lydia Ngwakwe

    Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Lagos State Government has released the Ikorodu Sub-Region Master Plan ( 2016- 2036)  to stakeholders.

    Mr Mukaila Sanusi, Deputy Director, Public Affairs Unit, Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

    He said that the official handover of the document was done by the state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, at Ikorodu Town Hall, with prominent figures from the area in attendance.

    He quoted Olumide as saying: “I am deeply excited that the people of Ikorodu Division have always demonstrated the ownership of the Ikorodu Sub-Region Master Plan, right from its preparation to the completion stage.

    “This is being demonstrated here today with the impressive turnout for the launch of the master plan.

    “I am elated to see who-is-who in the sub-region in this hall, including traditional rulers, past and serving public officials, and other well-meaning stakeholders.”

    Sanusi also quoted Olumide as saying that the Ikorodu Sub-Region Master Plan would guide physical development in area until 2036.

    He added that the plan focused on land use, transportation, infrastructure and environmental management.

    He said that the plan was created with public input, adding that it highlighted strong support from Ikorodu residents throughout the process.

    He quoted the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Lagos State, Mr Oluwole Sotire, as saying that the master plan, aligned with the government’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda (focus on making Lagos a 21st-century economy).

    Sanusi also quoted the permanent secretary as saying that the plan would create a more organised, livable and sustainable environment in Ikorodu.

    (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    LED/IGO
    ========

    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

     

     

  • FG rescues 7 persons in collapsed mining site in Niger

    Ongoing rescue mission by the Federal Government and a mining company, African Minerals and Logistics Ltd. at a collapsed mining site owned by the company in Galadima Kogo , Shiroro LGA of Niger state on Tuesday.

     

    Rescue
    By Martha Agas
    Abuja, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has rescued seven persons at a collapsed mining site, which occurred on Monday in Galadima Kogo, Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, said this in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He said that first responders had already been deployed to the scene of the incident, adding that the rescue mission was in collaboration with the mining company.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 30 people were said to be trapped in the pit in a mining site operated by African Minerals and Logistics Ltd.

    NAN further reports that Alhaji Abdullahi Arah, the Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), had said that the cause of the collapse was as a result of the heavy downpour which softened the soil.

    The minister said that the swift action was a demonstration of the commitment of the government to mitigate the adverse impact of the incident, and rescue those still trapped in the rubble.

    “Upon learning of the incident, we mobilised our Federal Mines Officer (FMO) and officials of the Mines Inspectorate to the site.

    “In collaboration with the mining company, we have rescued seven victims, some with injuries. Rescue operations with excavators are ongoing to ensure we avert loss of lives,” he said.

    According to the statement, the minister recently announced a policy on the mandatory arrangements of remedial measures for mining pits as part of the criteria for applying for mining licences.

    The move was aimed at minimising incidents such as the collapse of the mining site in Niger.

    It said that the minister was actively monitoring the situation at the mining site

    He assured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s resolve to investigate the remote causes of the disaster to prevent a recurrence. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    MAA/EEE

    =========

    Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

  • Suspected gunmen kill councillor, youth leader in Ebonyi- Police confirm

     

    Killing

    By Uchenna Ugwu

    Abakaliki, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Ebonyi has confirmed that a Councillor, Stanley Nwaeze and a youth leader, Arinze Ugochukwu were allegedly killed by suspected gunmen at Isu in Onicha Local Government Area of the state.

    The police spokesperson in Ebony’s, DSP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abakaliki.

    The spokesperson, who condemned the gruesome murder, told NAN that the command received the report of the incident around 6:45 pm on Tuesday.

    “I received the report from a divisional police officer of Onicha LGA that the incident happened on June 2.

    Ukandu said: “The incident is confirmed and Police is investigating the matter,”.

    NAN reports that the Councillor, Nwaeze represents Enuagu ward in the area while Ugochukwu was the local government Coordinator of the National Youth Council Of Nigeria and a native of Amagu Mgbom village in Isu community. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    UVU/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

     

  • Tinubu congratulates Indian PM on election victory

    Victory

    By Itohan Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 4, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday congratulated the Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi, on his victory in that nation’s parliamentary elections.

    A statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said the president described the outcome of the elections as “a resounding affirmation of Modi’s exceptional leadership of the world’s largest democracy.”

    The President assured the South Asian nation of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthen relations and advance shared goals and values as strategic partners in the league of nations.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Modi’s coalition – the National Democratic Alliance – wins a majority of the parliamentary seats, paving the way for a third consecutive term.

    NAN reports that the victory is considered a rare feat and the second time an Indian leader will retain power for a third term after Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/ROT

    ======

    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  •  Umahi condemns vandalisation of 2nd Niger bridge

    Bridge

    By Angela Atabo
    Abuja, June 4, 2024 (NAN)The Minister of Works, David Umahi has condemned the vandalisation of the superstructure of the 2nd Niger Bridge.
    Umahi in a statement signed by Mr Orji Uchenna, his Special Adviser on  Media Tuesday in Abuja, said the act was cruel and cowardly.
    The Minister expressed deep shock that  reports of the vandalisation were still being recorded  in spite of the presence of the  private security  outfit deployed  by the  Ministry to man the area.
    “The ministry condemns in the strongest terms, this ruthless destruction of the expansion joints, as a deliberate act of sabotage on a key national infrastructure.
    “It is saddening that a human being with the right senses could destroy such a critical and strategic treasure that catalysis Nigeria’s socio-economic advancement.
    “The 2nd Niger Bridge which was handed over by the Renewed Hope administration on Dec. 12, 2023,  after its completion, is one of the  projects intended to bridge the gap in the road infrastructure .
    “It will  boost economic activities by expanding access into the southern part of Nigeria, creating vistas of tourism and trade opportunities and improving road safety along the corridor,” he said.
    Umahi  appreciated the public for their zeal and concerns by raising  the desired  alarm  that trended widely on media platforms on the act.
    He  assured the public that a more formidable security  architecture was being activated to forestall further havoc on the facilities.
    The Minister added that  a technical team has also  been directed  to inspect, evaluate  and reinstate the damaged parts of the superstructure.
    He enjoined  all road users, residents and authorities within the bridge to help keep watch against persons  who vandalise or tamper with the road infrastructure facilities on the project.
    He urged them to arrest or report such persons to the nearest police station or call the ministry’s hotlines –  SA Media on 08030986263..
    Other contacts included : Controller of Works FMW Anambra State on 08033389700; the Controller of Works, FMW Delta State on, 08067736638 and Director Highways, Bridges and Design FMW on 08037056860 (NAN). (www.nannews.ng)
    ATAB/ROT
    =========
    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • INEC extends CVR in Edo, Ondo to June 9

    Registration

    By Emmanuel Oloniruha

    Abuja, June 4, 2024(NAN) The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has extended the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Edo and Ondo earlier scheduled to end on June 6 to June 9.

    Mr Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Olumekun added that the daily duration of the exercise was also extended from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    “Furthermore, the number of registration centres has been increased beyond the 397 wards and the state offices in Benin City and Akure to include all the 36 Local Government offices of INEC in the two states.

    “More machines will also be deployed to areas identified to have peculiar needs such as difficult terrain,” he said.

    He added that detailed information on the names and location of the LGA offices have been uploaded to INEC website and social media platforms to guide prospective voters in the two states.

    Olumekun said that the decision was taken after a review of the exercise, stakeholders’ appeal, and other matters, to enable more eligible voters in the two states to register.

    He disclosed that as at June 3, eight days after the commencement of the CVR, a total of 120,458 new voters had been registered.

    He said that out of the figure, 55,861, representing 46.4 per cent were males, while 64,597, representing 53.6 per cent were female.

    He added that 82,003 of the voters, representing 68.8 per cent, were youths between the ages of 18 and 34 years, thereby constituting the majority of the newly registered voters.

    “In terms of occupation, 43,419m representing 36.8 per cent are students, while 812, representing 0.67 per cent are Persons with Disability (PWDs),” he said.

    He explained that the final figures would be published on a state-by-state basis after a data clean up, indicating all categories of newly registered voters at the end of the exercise.

    Olumekun said that the data would be clean using the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS).

    He appealed to eligible voters to seize the opportunity of the extension to register, transfer or correct personal information on their PVCs as provided by law, adding that there would be no further extension. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OBE/EBI/FDY

    ===========

    Edited by Benson Iziama and Philip Yatai