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  • We ‘ve drawn plan to transform FCT to world-class city -Tinubu

    Plan

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 4, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu says his administration has drawn a comprehensive plan to transform the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) into a world-class city.

    Tinubu who disclosed this at the inauguration of the Arterial Road N20, also approved the naming of the road after Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.

    “This project is a critical component of our administration’s comprehensive plan to transform the FCT into a world-class city.

    “It equally aligns with our broader objectives of improving urban infrastructure, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring that our cities are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the future,” he said.

    Tinubu described the project as another testament to his administration’s developmental agenda of transforming every part of the country.

    He said the project reinforced his government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and fostering sustainable development.

    “The completion of this strategic project underscores our dedication to building a robust and resilient infrastructure that meets the needs of our growing population and stimulates economic growth.

    “I am also aware that the project enabled the creation of employment opportunities for over 1,500 Nigerians.

    “This is commendable and serves as a credit to the Renewed Hope Agenda for creating job opportunities for our teeming youth.

    “As we commission this road today, we must also recognise the broader vision that it serves,” he said

    Tinubu noted that the successful completion of the road project should also served as a blueprint for similar initiatives across the nation.

    “I encourage other sub-nationals to take a cue from what is happening in the FCT and replicate them in their local communities,” he said.

    Speaking on why he approved the recommendation to name the road after Soyinka,  the President said, “he is our foremost playwright, novelist and Nobel prize winner.

    ”He has brought Nigeria fame, pride, and international acclaim”

    He thanked the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike for recommending the naming of the road after Soyinka

    The president also commended Wike, the FCT Administration, the contractors, engineers, and all those who contributed to the completion of the project.

    “Your hard work and dedication have made this day possible.

    “The efforts of the minister and his team have brought to fruition a critical artery that will significantly enhance connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and improve the quality of life for the residents of the FCT.

    “On that note, ladies and gentlemen, it is my singular honour to commission the full-scope development of Arterial Road N20 from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) to the glory of the Almighty God and service to humanity,” the president said.

    In his remarks, Wike thanked the president for renewing and realising the hope of Abuja residents.

    ”I do not want to talk about politics now, but I know it will be very difficult for anybody to challenge the president in the FCT. The facts are there.

    “It is not about theory. It is about reality. You said you will do this, and you have done it,” the minister said.

    In a project overview, the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad, explained that Arterial Road N20 is a six-lane dual carriageway, crisscrossing two major sector centres.

    Ahmad added that the road comes with extensive underground infrastructure for utilities such as water supply, power supply, and drainage, and that it is also equipped with streetlights and conduits for telecommunication facilities.

    He said itruns from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the Arterial Road N20 is one of the transverse arterial roads connecting ONEX and the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) through the sector centres.

    It is expected to enhance vehicular traffic circulation from the bounding districts of Mabushi, Katampe, Jahi, and Kado through the sector centres. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SA/ROT

    =======

    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

     

  • Sanwo-Olu cautions  youths against using technology for fraud

     

    Participants at LASU’s 27th Convocation Lecture on Tuesday

     

     

    Technology

    By Oluwakemi Oladipo/Oluwatope Lawanson

    Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has  charged  the youth not to use technology for dubious activities.

    The governor said that the youth should pursue  dignity of labour.

    Sanwo-Olu gave the charge at the 27th Convocation Lecture of the Lagos State University on Tuesday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the convocation lecture had the theme:  “Embracing the Future: Navigating the Intersection of Technology and Humanity”.

    “Desist from shortcuts to success, develop things and render services that people need or require,” the governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said.

    He  emphasised the importance of technology in shaping  lives.

    “Technology allows us to do things consistently, accurately and speedily, and it  saves cost,” he said.

    The governor urged the graduating students to incorporate technology constructively  in their daily activities.

    “We must be careful not to let it run our lives.

    “Your future is in your hands, grab it,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews)

    OKG/LAW/ AH/IGO

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

    Edited by Abdul Hassan/Ijeoma Popoola.

  • Strike: Frozen food traders decry power outage

    Power
    By Mercy Omoike
    Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Some frozen food traders have lamented the effect of the nationwide outage occasioned by the industrial action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on their businesses.
    The traders disclosed this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
    A frozen food trader in the Satellite Town area of the state, Mrs Mercy Salawu, expressed the fear of losing her stock due to the power situation.
    “The NLC strike has really affected business. Since it began, there had been a power outage. Our major fear is that our frozen stocks do not get bad due to the electricity situation.
    “Since the strike commenced, I have been running my generator and this has incurred extra cost for me.
    “We had to cut down on what we stock due to the power situation.
    “We hope that the government and labour come to an agreement soon because the masses are suffering,” Salawu said.
    On her part, Mrs Otibho Olunola, a cold food supplier at Abule Egba, decried the impact of the electricity shortage on her business and the extra cost being incurred.
    “We just heard that there had been a temporary suspension of the strike, yet the electricity has not been restored.
    “We had to buy fuel over N10,000 to keep the stock frozen due to the power outage. If we continue in this manner, how can we sustain the business?
    “The strike has really taken its toll on us. In as much as it is for the common good of all, we hope it will be resolved as soon as possible,” Olunola said.
    Also, Mr Joel Oduware, a poultry processor at Ikeja, decried poor patronage of frozen foods.
    “Aside from the electricity shortage currently affecting our trade due to the NLC strike, we have been witnessing low sales.
    “There has been low purchasing power among the people due to the food inflation we are currently facing.
    “Also, with the power situation due to the strike, our business seems to be at a risk.
    “Now, we have to spend extra to power our generators to keep our poultry frozen. We just hope to see a respite very soon from these challenges,” Oduware said.
    He urged the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the minimum wage issue to avoid further strike.
    The strike which commenced on Monday was called to protest the failure of the Federal Government to approve a new minimum wage by May 31 and its failure to reverse the hike in electricity tariff.
    Following the strike, the national power grid was shut resulting in power outage across the country.
    However, the NLC and TUC have agreed to suspend the strike for five days.(NAN) www.nannews.ng
    DMO/JNC
    =========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Zamfara Gov. inaugurates NSCDC agro ranger corps

    Rangers
    Shuaib Sadiq
    Gusau, June 4, 2024( NAN) Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State on Tuesday inaugurated the Agro Rangers Corps, a unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Zamfara state Command.
    At the inauguration ceremony, which took place at the passing out parade of members of the new corps, the governor reiterated his commitment to the security of lives and property of the people of Zamfara.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the agro rangers are special marshals of the NSCDC who underwent intensive refresher training.
    “I have the singular honor and privilege to inaugurate these special marshals.
    “I wish you the very best in the discharge of your responsibilities. I pray for Allah’s protection and guidance,” the governor said.0
    Lawal said that the special marshals were trained in preparation for the consolidation operation in the fight against brigandage in Zamfara.
    While commending the NSCDC for the initiative, the governor said: “This comes at a crucial time and aligns with our commitment to embrace effective measures in the fight against insecurity.
    “We consider this a monumental step in addressing the challenges that have removed our communities of farming activities, agricultural practices, legitimate trades, and other means of sustenance in the dtate.
    “The government of Zamfara state identifies security and agriculture as major priority areas.
    “We have initiated various measures to address the security challenges and thus boost agricultural production in the state”.
    Lawal added that the government viewed the initiative by the NSCDC as a significant step in complementing the ongoing security measures of the state alongside security agencies in the state.
    “As a government, we will continue to cooperate with institutions, groups, and individuals in the fight against all forms of criminalities.
    ” We are committed to providing the support these institutions and individuals require to discharge your duties.
    ” The primary objective is to secure our communities and make them safe for socio-economic activities that will facilitate the development of the state and the people,” Lawal noted.
    He assured that the initiative to create the special unit would yield long-lasting solutions to the security challenges, especially in the agricultural sector.
    Earlier, the State Commandant of the Corps, Mr Sani Mustapha, thanked the Governor for supporting the training program for the Agro Rangers Corps.
    “Sir, your enormous support for the corps has earned us this fame. We sincerely thank you.” Mustapha said.
    The Commandant said that the NSCDC was an outcome of peace and conflict resolution created to consolidate peace in a troubled area that the Nigerian military had been able to capture. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    SSA/ROT
    ========
    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • Suspected criminals destroy 50 farmlands, cattle in Plateau, Kaduna – Commander

     

    Attack
    By Polycarp Auta
    Jos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, has said that criminal suspects attacked and destroyed crops on over 50 farmlands in Plateau and Kaduna States between April and May.

    Abubakar, who doubles as the General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, said this at a siminar in Jos on Tuesday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that OPSH is a special task force, established to maintain the peace and stability in Plateau and parts of Bauchi and Kaduna States.

    The commander said that during the period under review, the division recorded over 20 cases of attacks on cattle.

    Abubakar said that the seminar, tagged, ”Peaceful coexistence: Panecea for a successful farming season”, aimed at ensuring food security in the country.

    He said: ”Between April and May alone, we have recorded over 50 cases of destruction of crops on farmlands in Plateau and Kaduna States.

    ”In the same period, we recorded 20 attacks on cattle and, in one of the instances, over 280 cows were killed.

    ”This is why this seminar is not only apt, but timely toward achieving a secured and successful farming season.

    ”The government is worried over the rising food insecurity in the country and so farmers and herders must come together to find a lasting solution to the persistent clashes in communities.”

    Abubakar, said that the agricultural sector remains critical to the overall development of the country, hence the need for farming and herding to take place side-by-side.

    He called on the people to desist from night and use of underage grazing as well as cow poisoning and deliberate destruction of crops on farmlands.

    He said that such unwholesome practices were largely responsible for the rising cases of conflicts in communities.

    The commander warned that anyone caught destroying farmlands and cows would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

    He also called on residents of the affected states to support security agencies in their bid to ending all forms of insecurity in the area. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AZA/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

     

     

     

  • Yobe govt offers 50,000 free dialysis in 7 years

    Dialysis

    By Nabilu Balarabe

    Damaturu, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Mai Mala Buni administration in Yobe has sponsored over 50,000 free dialysis for patients suffering from renal diseases in the last seven years.

    Dr Baba Goni, Chief Medical Director, Yobe Teaching Hospital, Damaturu, disclosed this on in Damaturu.

    Goni, who toured the journalists through the newly completed Maternal, New-born and Child Healthcare Complex, said over 600 free dialysis were being conducted monthly in the hospital.

    He said each session cost about N50,000, due to exorbitant prices of consumables.

    Goni said the Buni administration also set up a dialysis centre in the hospital, to attend to high burden of kidney failure in the state, particularly among communities on the fringes of River Yobe.

    The governor, he said, increased the standing payment for haemodialysis by 100 per cent to provide succour to indigent patients.

    Goni said the state government was also providing free vascular access operation, a preliminary process for dialysis, which cost between N100,000 and N150,000 per session.

    He recalled that Buni during a visit to the United Kingdom in 2023, invited world renowned experts to help the state in identifying the remote and immediate causes of high manifestation of renal diseases in the state.

    “We have already done a preliminary work on that and we have carried out a survey and identified hot spots in some local government areas in the northern part of the state.

    “Soon we are going to conduct population based survey in the hot spots. We will analyse blood samples of members of the communities, the soil and water they consume to see if there are toxins that can affect kidney,” he said.

    According to Goni, the state government is working in partnership with the Urology/Nephrology Centre, Mansoura University, Egypt, to train doctors in Yobe on kidney transplanting.

    He said kidney transplant locally would save cost as the expenditure for the procedure abroad exceeded N20 million, adding that the 400-bed capacity maternal, new-born and child healthcare complex built by Buni administration was the biggest in the North-East.

    Goni said the facility would address high rate of under-five mortality triggered by mass exodus of health personnel due to the decade-long insurgency in the state.

    According to him, the facility is designed on the tripod of service delivery, manpower training and research on prevailing health challenges in the sub region.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Buni in 2020, awarded N1.6 billion contract for the construction of the state-of-the-art facility. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    NB/RSA

    =======

    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  •  LG poll: ADSIEC pledges level playing ground for political parties

    LG poll: ADSIEC pledges  level playing ground for political parties

     

    Election

     

    By Ibrahim Kado

     

    Yola, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Adamawa Independent Electoral Commission (ADSIEC) has pledged  level playing field for political parties ahead of July 13 Local Government Council elections.

     

    Mohammed Jabu, Chairman of the commission, gave the assurance while briefing newsmen in Yola on Tuesday, shortly after a meeting with political parties.

     

    He said that the commission was ready to conduct free, fair and credible elections for the development of democracy in the state.

     

    “With assurance of Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri, we are going to conduct free, fair and credible elections across 21 Local Government Areas of the state”, he said.

     

    According to him, the commission had already submitted a budget proposal for the election waiting for approval.

     

    He added that the amount for nomination forms was what the electoral law stipulated such as   N250,000 for Chairmanship and N50,000 for councillors.

     

    Bello Babajo, Chairman Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC) said, all political parties were ready to partake in the election.

     

    He called on political parties to come out and purchase the nomination forms, urging them to play the game according to the rules for a peaceful election (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    IMK/GOM/YGA

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    Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Gabriel Yough

     

     

     

     

  • Milk Day: Shettima unveils National Dairy Policy

     

    Policy

    By Doris Esa

    Abuja, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has inaugurated the National Dairy Policy to catalyse development in the livestock and dairy sectors.

    The policy, unveiled on Tuesday in Abuja by Vice President Kashim Shettima, aims to achieve sustainable diversification of the national economy, a key objective of its National Development Plan (2021-2025).

    The document was designed to serve as a roadmap for energising the dairy industry over the coming years.

    The policy is the outcome of several consultations and engagements with key stakeholders who shared the vision of a productive and globally competitive dairy sector in Nigeria.

    Speaking at the unveiling of the document,  Shettima said that milk was not a staple but a cornerstone of Nigeria nutritional security and economic development.

    He said theme of the 2024 Milk Day, “Harnessing the Nutrition and Investment Opportunities in a Sustainable Dairy Value Chain,” was particularly significant.

    Shettima was represented by Dr Kingsley Uzoma, Senior Special Assistant to Shettima on Agribusiness.

    He said that since its inception, the benefits of milk and dairy products had been actively promoted worldwide, highlighting how dairy supported the livelihoods of one billion people.

    “Dairy is an accessible, affordable, and nutrient-dense food, essential for balanced diets across the world.

    “Billions of people consume milk and dairy products daily, not only as a vital source of nutrition but also as a means of livelihood for farmers, processors, shopkeepers, and other stakeholders in the dairy value chain.

    “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that consumers, industry and governments have up-to-date information on how milk and dairy products contribute to human nutrition.

    “Also how dairy-industry development can best increase food security and alleviate poverty in Nigeria.”

    Shettima said that dairy farming presented significant opportunities for economic development and youth employment.

    “However, these opportunities do not come without challenges.

    “Our livestock farmers often face issues such as inadequate feed for their animals, conflicts over grazing lands, and the adverse effects of climate change.”

    He said that the these challenges were compounded by violent conflicts between farmers and cattle herdsmen over land use.

    “A situation exacerbated by increasing droughts and the pressing need for sustainable solutions.

    ” Recognising these challenges, the Federal Government is launching the National Dairy Policy with the objective of transforming the dairy industry in Nigeria.”

    Shettima said the policy would  address  key obstacles such as the lack of modern global best practices for cross-breeding and calving,  high costs of mik and  poor transportation infrastructure among others.

    “Currently, Nigeria spends 1.5 billion dollars annually on importing dairy products due to a production deficit.

    ” Nigerians consume an average of 1.6 billion liters of milk and its products  but domestic production is insufficient to meet this demand.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is determined to achieve national production security, with the longer term goal of eventually exporting dairy products to other African countries under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).”

    He said that  implementation of the policy would ensure improved dairy farming practices, increased investment in dairy processing and preservation, evidence-based policy implementation, and enhanced collaboration.

    Shettima said that it would also enable ease of business for the dairy industry, fostering public-private partnerships, embracing technology and innovation, empowering women-friendly and youth-centric business models.

    “Its implementation will promote good animal health practices, and monitoring and evaluating progress,” he said.

    In a remark, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, said that the national dairy policy was in line with Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda to reposition the livestock sector.

    He said that the document would create enabling and supportive environment for growth in the dairy sector.

    Abdullahi said that there were potential in the dairy industry, adding that with consistency and steadfastness to the policy’s implementation, Nigeria would before long become self- sufficient in milk and dairy products.  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    ORD/CJ/

    =======

    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • Customs marine command intercepts hemp worth N96m

    The Controller, Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Mr Paul Bamisaiye, handing over the seized cannabis sativa to the Assistant Commander Narcotics, NDLEA, Mr Bashir Magaji in Lagos on Tuesday
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    Interception

    By Aisha Cole

    Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Mr Paul Bamisaiye, the Controller of Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), says the command has intercepted 17 sacks of hemp valued at N96 million.

     

    Bamisaiye made the disclosure while handing over the seized bags of hemp to NDLEA for further investigation on Tuesday in Lagos.

     

    He said that the seized bags contained 1, 257 loaves of hemp.

     

    Bamisaiye said that at about 11:00 p.m. on May 15, a patrol team of officers and men of the command at the Bar Beach Station, received credible intelligence on movement of a boat on the high sea along the beach location, carrying items suspected to be offending items.

     

    He said, “Upon receiving the information, the team moved toward the described location and intercepted one fibre boat fitted with 200HP Yamaha engine, carrying sacks of the suspected items.

     

    “Also on Sunday, May 19, a joint team of officers and men of the command, along Panko Creek, Badagry Waterways, intercepted one wooden boat fitted with a 25HP Yamaha engine carrying suspected contraband items.”

     

    He said upon sighting customs patrol boats, the suspects abandoned their boat and dived into the water.

     

    “A careful examination of the items being conveyed revealed 505 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice having a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N59.1 million.

     

    “The actions of these smugglers is a direct contravention of NCS Act 2023 which Western Marine Command (WMC) is responsible for enforcing.”

     

    Bamisaiye appealed to the general and trading public not to engage in illicit drugs business.

     

    Bamisaiye urged the men of the command to redouble their efforts and arrest suspects along with their contraband to deter other smugglers.

     

    While receiving the intercepted hemp from customs, the Assistant Commander Narcotics, NDLEA, Mr Bashir Magaji, commended the NCS for intensifying efforts to suppress smuggling.

     

    Magaji assured that investigation would continue from where customs stopped. (NAN)

    AIC/AWA

    =========

    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

     

     

     

    The Controller, Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Mr Paul Bamisaiye, displaying the intercepted boats with engine to media in Lagos on Tuesday.

  • Air force chief visits 107 AMG, promises  projects completion

    Air force chief visits 107 AMG, promises  projects completion

    Project

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Benin, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has pledged his commitment to ensuring that all ongoing projects at the 107 Maritime Group (AMG), Nigerian Air Force, Benin, are completed.

    Abubakar made the promise on Tuesday, while on an operational and oversight visit to 107 AMG, to inspect infrastructure within and outside the unit.

    He noted that infrastructure was critical to the operations of the Nigerian Air Force.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that it was his first official visit to the unit since assumption of office in 2023.

    He commended the personnel of the 107 Air Maritime Group for their contributions and outstanding initiatives, aimed at ensuring a secure Nigeria.

    The air force chief used the opportunity to inaugurate a photo stand and keyed into the 1000 trees planting initiative of the Group.

    He planted a tree in support of the ongoing tree planting campaign.

    According to him, the tree planting initiative is a welcome development which will help to conserve the environment and improve healthy living.

    Abubakar was accompanied on the visit by branch Chiefs, Directors and other senior officers from Nigerian Air Force headquarters.

    He was received by the Commander, 107, Air Maritime Group, Group Capt. Eze Victor Onu, who briefed him on their activities.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    NY/KOO/SOA

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

    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Oluwole Sogunle