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  • Foundation donates food items, clothing to 250 widows in FCT

    Some of the beneficiaries at the widows empowerment programme

    Foundation donates food items, clothing to 250 widows in FCT

    Widows
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 2, 202 ((NAN) Still Waters Foundation has distributed food items and clothing to over 250 vulnerable widows in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to support their efforts in catering for the family.

    Speaking during the event in Abuja, the Founder, Dr Femi Lanre-Oke said that the theme of the event tagged: “Renewed hope” was timely due to the present economic situation of the country.

    Lanre-Oke said that the basis for diligently driving the foundation was derived from the passion and need to impact lives.

    He emphasised the importance of food in the lives of people especially the underprivileged widows who were facing series of societal challenges and had gone through pain, discrimination and neglect.

    Lanre-Oke said that the foundation was not just about helping the widows and the less privileged but also discovering and empowering the youths to become ambassadors of peace.

    “This is because the first thing about a widow was that you see a person whose joy has been taken away.

    “The husband is no more and more likely to be the strength of that family; so, when you identify with people like that, you are fulfilling the covenant of God In Isaiah 58, ” he said.

    According to him, when you see a widow, you see somebody whose joy was stolen, whose strength failed, and who is now alone.

    “So when you identify with that, you bring encouragement to them, you bring support to them, you are bringing strength to them. That is the major thing, “ he said.

    Lanre-Oke, who is also the Lead Pastor, Jesus Praise Evangelical Ministries International (JPEMI) urged government to identify with the windows and their children for the growth of the society.

    He also urged government at all levels to make life easy and convenient for widows, adding that granting them access to soft loan for a business would go along way.

    “If these widows are strengthened number one, they take care of their children.

    “If they are encouraged and supported, they make provisions for them, make assistance for them, ” he said.

    He reiterated the commitment of the foundation to continue to impact the lives of the less privileged people in the society and other vulnerable.

    In their separate remarks, some of the widows expressed gratitude to the foundation as some were seen with smiles and relief on their faces.

    Some of the widows that got Tailoring/ Sewing machines, hair dressing materials among others

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that aside the food items and clothing materials donated, five widows were empowered with two hair dressing machines, two tailoring machines and one melon grinding machine.

    The Foundation also promised to help the widows by paying the children’s school fees, setup some of them with business among others in the next edition of the program.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/BEN/SH

    ==========

     

    Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Sadiya Hamza

  • Expert clears air on HPV vaccine, cautions against misinformation

    HPV

    By Abujah Racheal

    Abuja, June 2, 2024(NAN) A Consultant Paediatrician, Prof.  Ayebo Sadoh, has addressed several misconceptions on the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, and cautioned members of the public against being misinformed. 

    Sadoh, a Professor of Paediatrics at the School of Medicine, University of Benin, debunked the numerous false claims in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), in Abuja on Sunday. 

    “The vaccines are important and safe. They are safe for use,” she declared. 

    NAN reports that the World Health Organisation describes HPV as a common sexually transmitted infection which can affect the skin, genital area and throat.

    It also said that almost all sexually active people will be infected at some point in their lives, usually without symptoms, adding that in most cases, the immune system clears HPV from the body.

    Persistent infection with high-risk HPV can cause abnormal cells to develop, which go on to become cancer.

    It also said that Prophylactic vaccination against HPV and screening and treatment of pre-cancer lessons are effective strategies to prevent cervical cancer and are very cost-effective.

    Cervical cancer can be cured if diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly, it added.

    The world health body said that countries around the world are working to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer in the coming decades, with an agreed set of three targets to be met by 2030

    “Contrary to the claims being circulated, there are over 100 strains of HPV, not just 11. The vaccine targets four main strains – 6, 11, 16, and 18 – these include the strains most commonly associated with cervical cancer.

    “Specifically, strains 16 and 18 are responsible for approximately 70 per cent of cervical cancer cases.

    “The bivalent vaccine, containing strains 16 and 18, also offers cross-protection against strains 31, 33, and 45, potentially preventing up to 80 per cent of cervical cancer cases,” she said.

    Addressing concerns about the vaccine’s safety, she stated that the notion of the vaccine being harmful to everyone who took it was “baseless”.

    “If this was true, millions of people worldwide, who have received the vaccine, would be ill or dead.

    “Vaccines, including the HPV vaccine, undergo rigorous testing and evaluation before being approved for use,” she said.

    She also refuted the claim that the HPV vaccine was not beneficial.

    She highlighted that no drug, especially vaccines administered to healthy individuals, would be licensed without proven efficacy.

    Regarding reports of court cases in the U.S, she pointed out that merely going to court does not establish causality.

    “While some studies have suggested associations between the vaccine and certain side effects, these have not been corroborated by long-term studies involving large cohorts of vaccinated individuals,” she explained. 

    The paediatrician further explained that the AstraZeneca vaccine was not withdrawn due to side effects, but because better alternatives became available.

    She added that many Nigerians, who received the AstraZeneca vaccine, did so without adverse effects.

    On the issue of vaccines being a business, she acknowledged that, but highlighted the life-saving benefits of vaccines, which save approximately four million lives annually.

    “Contrary to claims that the HPV vaccination is mandated, I want to assure everyone that it is not,” she added.

    She also countered allegations that government had not invested in PAP smear tests, pointing out  that women were currently being offered free cervical cancer screenings at health centers as part of a broader campaign.

    She criticised the video spreading false claims, describing it as “an attempt at national sabotage motivated by antivax sentiments”.

    She questioned the timing and intentions of those spreading fear and misinformation, urging the public to trust the consultative processes that preceded the vaccine’s introduction.

    NAN recalls that the federal government has successfully rolled out the first phase of the HPV vaccine in Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Jigawa and Kano.

    Also covered were Kebbi, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun, Ondo and Taraba States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Available statistics reveal that over five million girls have been reached. 

    The second phase of the HPV vaccination campaign was launched in 21 states across Nigeria on May 27th, 2024.

    The implementation covers Anambra, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo and Kaduna.

    Other states being covered include Katsina, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    AIR/ETS 

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  • Reviving Nigeria’s textile industry: Current state, future goals 

    By Rukayat Moisemhe,  News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
    The textile industry stands out as a potential catalyst for economic resurgence.
    Once vibrant, the industry now languishes, facing stiff competition from imported fabrics and struggling to regain its former glory.
    Historically, Nigeria boasted a thriving textile sector, with numerous mills spread across the country.
    However, today, many of these establishments are mere shadows of their former selves, grappling with economic downturns and infrastructural deficiencies.
    The decline of these industries has had far-reaching consequences, including mass unemployment and a heavy reliance on imported textiles.
    The consequences of this decline are palpable. Once cherished fabrics like Abada Aba, Isiagwu, Adire, and Aso-Oke are being overshadowed by imported alternatives.
    Mrs Lilian Ekpedeme, Founder, Colours of El, a fashion outfit, told NAN that the majority of her customers’ preference favoured indigenous fabrics.
    Ekpedeme noted that with a bold fashion statement by the entertainment industry, the fusion of Ankara and Adire, among others, notable prints are finding their way back into the Nigerian market.
    According to her, Nigerian brides will promote locally made fabrics to showcase their tribe, culture and beauty on their wedding day if given the chance, to become Nigeria’s cultural ambassadors with local fabrics.
    Mr Funsho Bailey, a home design enthusiast, said the adoption of locally manufactured textiles and prints such as brocade, Adire, and others can be utilised for curtains, window blind patterns, and other household decorations depending on users’ preferences.
    However, to stem the tide, as enumerated in the Bola Tinubu administration’s  ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ for a re-birth of the industry and revitalisation, the Federal Government through the Bank of Industry (BoI) provided a N100 billion loan at four to six per cent interest rate to at the sector.
    This is in addition to the 3.5 billion dollar investment to the textile sector for the performance optimisation of the garments and apparel industry, according to Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment.
    However, Mr Ilyasu Saleh, Chairman of the Textile, Garments and Leather Sectoral Group at the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN),  said that in spite of the disbursement of loans by the Bank of Industry (BOI) to various stakeholders in the sector, numerous fiscal obstacles have hindered the industry’s recovery.
    Saleh noted that factors such as deteriorating infrastructure, insufficient energy supply, unpredictable fiscal and trade policies, reliance on imports, procurement difficulties, counterfeiting, lack of technical expertise, and a preference for imported goods by Nigerians have contributed to the sector’s decline.
    Saleh also said that the
     non-compliance of government agencies with Executive Order 003, which mandates the prioritisation of locally made goods and services in procurements, had further hampered the industry’s growth prospects.
    He emphasised the need for ongoing economic reforms to address Nigeria’s unique economic challenges, which had affected the textile sector’s struggles and undermined its competitiveness both domestically and globally.
    Saleh recommended that economic reforms should be implemented gradually and carefully monitored to prevent adverse effects on industrialisation.
    To revitalise the textile and garment industry, Saleh proposed several measures, including the full enforcement of Executive Order 003 to reduce excess inventory, addressing policy inconsistencies to provide investors with more certainty.
    Others, according to him, include the restructuring loan repayments by BoI for a more sustainable refund system, and revitalising the Ajaokuta steel complex to promote local manufacturing and reduce reliance on imported machinery and equipment.
    The Director-General, MAN, Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, disclosed that the textile, apparel and footwear sectoral group of the association in the first quarter of 2024 showed some unfavourable economic indices.
    He noted that the sector recorded a -15.83 per cent capacity utilisation, -15.16 per cent in volume of production, -6.28 per cent in investment, – 9.43 per cent in employment and -10.26 in sales volume.
    He added that reports from players in the textile sector revealed a 15.32 per cent increase in production and distribution costs and a 15.76 per cent increase in shipment costs.
    Ajayi-Kadir, however, stated that general manufacturing performance was beginning to gain moderate traction evidenced by the improvement in aggregate index score to 53.5 per cent from the 51.8 per cent recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023, indicating resilience.
    To bring home his arguments, Ajayi-Kadir recommended the setting of Key Performance Indicators for Nigerian diplomats and High Commissions aimed at doubling the country’s export value through effective marketing of Made-in-Nigeria goods.
    He also suggested a directive to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to upload approved items of Chapter 99 on its platform and mobilisation of its services and other agencies,  among other recommendations.
    Others include the enactment of a law for the establishment of the Nigeria Office for Trade Development, review of foreign exchange rate for import duty assessment for production inputs and implementation of the recommendations of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee (NAN Features)
    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
    ***If used, please credit NAN and the writer ****

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Lagos stops 25% rebate on bus, ferry, train fares

    Lagos stops 25% rebate on bus, ferry, train fares

     

    Rebate

    By Chiazo Ogbolu

    Lagos, June 2, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) says the 25 per cent   rebate on fares  for regulated public bus, ferry and train services ends on Sunday (June 2).

    LAMATA made this known on its official X handle.

    “From June 3, fares on all regulated transport services in the state will return to the original 100 per cent,” it said.

    Recall that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Feb. 23, announced a 25 per cent rebate on the fares to mitigate the impact of the removal of petrol subsidy on Lagos residents. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    CAN/IGO

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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • We want solid minerals contribution to GDP to surpass oil – Alake

     

    Minerals
    By Martha Agas
    Abuja, June 2, 2024 (NAN) “The ministry is determined to ensure that the solid minerals sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) surpasses that of oil.”

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

    He said that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was putting in place policies and initiatives aimed at diversifying the economy and ensuring that it generates more revenue than oil in the near future.

    He said that the move was necessary, especially with the global upsurge of energy transition, which would reduce the demand of oil.

    “We have been totally dependent on oil for decades, everyone has been dependent on the free flow of petrol dollars on the economy.

    “And the critical sector of the economy such as agriculture and solid minerals was neglected.

    “Our objective is to make the solid minerals contribution to the GDP to surpass oil.

    “By the time all our policy initiatives goes through the gestation period and begins to manifest results, the revenue that will be accruing to Nigeria from this sector would be enormous.

    “We are going to recover trillions to the coffers of the Nigerian government and for the benefit of Nigerians at large” he said.

    He said that Nigeria possesses the critical minerals in commercial quantities across its states needed for energy transition, which the ministry was aggressively marketing to attract big players to invest in the sector.

    “ We embarked on an aggressive marketing to unlocking the richness of the potential, making sure we push out information on the number of minerals that we have, the type and their demand nationally and internationally, ” he said.

    According to him, negotiations are on going with an auditing firm to audit the sector aimed at sanitising it to ensure the appropriate accruals to boost the country’s GDP.

    “As we speak, we are far in our negotiations with an auditing firm to come and audit the entire sector, because we have lost a lot of money in the past.

    “ We know that operators will under declare what they are carting away, even the payment of royalties, they under pay, taxes they evade.

    “So we are in the process of engaging internationally recognised auditing firm that has done the same thing in other parts of the world, in more than 20 countries.

    “ So that they come and help us recover lost revenue and put some measures in place going forward so that we will no longer loose revenue.

    “We are going to recover trillions to the coffers of the Nigerian government and for the benefit of Nigerians at large, “ he said.

    NAN recalls that the minister had said that a German company, Geo Scan, conducted a preliminary survey that indicates that Nigeria has 750 billion Dollars’ worth of solid minerals underground, which had not been harnessed. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng) MAA/EEE

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    Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

  • IATA hails Nigeria for clearing 98% of airlines’ trapped funds

     

     

    Funds

     

    By Itohan Abara-Laserian

     

    Lagos, June 2, 2024 (NAN) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has hailed the Nigerian government for clearing 98 per cent of airlines trapped funds in the country, which the carriers had hitherto been able to repatriate.

    The Director-General of IATA, Mr Willie Walsh, gave the commendation in a statement on Sunday.

    According to Walsh, as of June 2023, Nigeria’s blocked funds amounted to 850 million dollars, which significantly affected airline operations and finances in the country.

    He said the 98 per cent amounted to 831 million dollars paid,  while the remaining two per cent amounted to 19 million dollars.

    “At its peak in June 2023, Nigeria’s blocked funds amounted to 850 million dollars, significantly affecting airline operations and finances in the country.

    “Carriers faced difficulties in repatriating revenues in U.S. dollars, and the high volume of blocked funds led some airlines to reduce their operations and one carrier to temporarily cease operations to Nigeria, which severely impacted the country’s aviation industry.

    “However, as of April 2024, 98 per cent of these funds have been cleared. The remaining 19 million dollars is due to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s ongoing verification of outstanding forward claims filed by the commercial banks.

    “We commend the new Nigerian government and the CBN for their efforts to resolve this issue.

    “Individual Nigerians and the economy will all benefit from reliable air connectivity for which access to revenues is critical,” Walsh said.

    The IATA boss, therefore,  urged the government to clear the residual 19 million dollars and continue prioritising aviation.

    Walsh also said there was a 28 per cent decrease in the amount of airline funds blocked from repatriation by governments.

    According to him, the total blocked funds at the end of April stood at approximately 1.8 billion,  a reduction of 708 million dollars (28 per cent) since December 2023.

    “The reduction in blocked funds is a positive development. The remaining 1.8 billion dollars, however, is significant and must be urgently addressed.

    “The efficient repatriation of airline revenues is guaranteed in bilateral agreements.

    “Even more importantly, it is a pre-requisite for airlines, who operate on thin margins, to be able to provide economically critical connectivity.

    “No business can operate long-term without access to rightfully earned revenues,” Walsh said.

    He added that the main driver of the reduction was a significant clearance of funds blocked in Nigeria.

    Walsh said that Egypt also approved clearance of its significant accumulation of blocked funds.

    He said, however, that in both cases, airlines were adversely affected by the devaluation of the Egyptian Pound and the Nigerian Naira.

    Specifically, eight countries accounted  for 87 per cent of the total blocked funds, amounting to 1.6 billion dollars.

    The countries are; Pakistan, 411 million dollars for 40 months; Bangladesh, 320 million dollars for 40 months; Algeria, 286 million dollars for 37 months; XAF Zone, 151 million dollars for 50 months.

    Also, Ethiopia, 149 million dollars for 58 months; Lebanon, 129 million dollars for 52 months; Eritrea, 75 million dollars for 116 months and Zimbabwe, 69 million dollars for 84 months.

    IATA, still, urged governments to remove all barriers to airlines repatriating their revenues from ticket sales and other activities in accordance with international agreements and treaty obligations. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    ITM/CHOM/SOA
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Oluwole Sogunle

     

     

  • FG to deploy technology for surveillance of mining sites

     

    Surveillance
    By Martha Agas
    Abuja, June 2, 2024 (NAN) Dr Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, says the Federal Government will deploy technology for the surveillance of mining sites across the country.

    Alake said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

    He said that the technology would be in addition to the 2,220 personnel of the Mining Marshal Corps drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to combat illegal mining.

    The corps deployed across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were also trained on modern warfare by the military to secure Nigeria’s natural resources.

    “We are introducing some technology, we are not just relying on men and materials alone.

    “The satellite surveillance gadgets we are putting in there is to enable us see in real time in all mining sites in Nigeria.

    “So that when we notice any infraction, very quickly we can deploy the mining marshals to go there so we don’t even have to wait for any interpersonal communication.

    ” That reduces the time of knowledge and action. Right now we depend on people passing intelligence to us but when the satellite surveillance gadget is working, we will be able to see it ourselves.

    “ Which is a step forward on the right direction”, he said.

    The minister said that to attract investors to the sector, especially the big players, it was necessary to put in place policies and initiatives aimed at securing their investments.

    “We needed to put in place policy measures to ensure that when these investors come, they are not just coming into the darkness that we had here before.

    “They will ask some questions, what is the security of their operating environment, their investment, personnel and the ease of doing business in Nigeria and the sector”, he said.

    He said that the administration of President Bola Tinubu inherited a lot of security challenges such as banditry, kidnapping and terrorism, which were associated with the solid mineral sector.

    He explained that most mining activities were in the forests, where such crimes were being perpetrated.

    He said that the administration of Tinubu was determined to sanitise the sector, and reposition it to contribute significantly to Nigeria`s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) .

    According to the minister, concerted efforts are being deployed to curb the menace with other government agencies, such as the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian Army and the Police for rapid result.

    “I had a meeting with Inspector General of Police on this issue and he is willing to give us more men to support those that we have on ground.

    “Even the EFCC is cooperating with us, they are also arresting, the army also enumerated the number of illegal miners that they have arrested, it is a holistic effort cutting across all security agencies.

    “But the mine marshals are just the face of the security apparatus that we are putting in place to combat illegal mining,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    MAA/EEE

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    Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

  • Mining: FG to expand Marshal Corps to 100 per state

    Mining
    By Martha Agas
    Abuja, June 2, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, says that plans sre ongoing to increase the number of Mining Marshal Corps from 60 to 100.

    The increase would be across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Alake said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

    He said that the move was part of efforts of the Federal Government to secure the mining operating environment aimed at attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) to boost the economic profile of the country.

    NAN reports that the Mining Marshal Corps inaugurated on March 21, were drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to combat illegal mining.

    The corps has 2,220 personnel, who have been specially trained by the military in modern warfare as a rapid response squad with 60 deployed across the 36 states and the FCT.

    “We are looking at adding to the number to get a minimum of 100 in each state from the 60 on ground,” he said.

    He said that the President Bola Tinubu`s administration was determined to sanitise the mining sector and reposition it by putting in place policy measures to attract big players to the sector.

    Alake said that prospective investors would need assurance of the security of the operating environment, their investment, equipment and personnel.

    The minister said that the insecurity situation at mining sites across the federation prompted the president to establish an inter-ministerial committee on Jan.17.

    He explained that the committee was to produce a blue print for securing Nigeria`s natural resources, which comprised of mineral sites, marine economy and forests.

    The minister, however, said that while deliberations were still on-going by the committee on producing a comprehensive security architecture for the natural resources, the mining marshal corps was established in the interim.

    “Insecurity is rife in the forests where the solid minerals are deposited.

    “The inter-ministerial efforts are ongoing as set up by the president but I couldn’t wait because of the criticality in curbing the illegality in the sector,” he said.

    He said that the initiative was yielding the desired results, as more than 200 suspects had been arrested, with 133 being prosecuted and two foreigners convicted for illegal operations.

    According to him, many requests are being received from states for the deployment of marshals in areas identified as sites of illegal mining due to their success.

    “Every day, I receive requests from states asking for the deployment of these mining marshals to particular areas in their forests where they notice illegal operations going on.

    “And they have gone inside the forests, the operating field to arrest, more than 200 have been arrested, about 133 are being prosecuted right now in various courts across the various states of the country.

    “And recently, two foreign nationals were jailed, convicted of operating illegally in the mining sector in Nigeria”, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    MAA/EEE

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    Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

  • Mining: FG to establish 6 mineral centres to boost sector

     

    Centre
    By Martha Agas
    Abuja, June 2, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, says plans are ongoing by the Federal Government to establish six mineral centres in the six geo-political zones.

    According to Alake. the aim is to boost the sector.

    Alake said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

    He said that the plan was part of the President Bola Tinubus administration's commitment to diversify the country's economy, by developing key sectors such as the solid minerals industry.

    “Another one is the creation of six minerals centres in each of the six geo-political zones.

    “We have our minerals all over the country and we cannot concentrate the mineral processing centres in one centre, and as we speak those plans are ongoing in the zones”, he said.

    According to the Minister, the centres are also part of the government’s commitment to promote value addition to its minerals, aimed at facilitating multiplier effects on the economy.

    NAN recalls that minister had announced that no licence would be granted to mining companies to operate without presenting a comprehensive plan for value addition such as processing and refining.

    Alake said that investors in the past extracted raw mineral resources from Nigeria without adding value to them, which he described as a great loss to the country’s economy.

    “Our lithium is one of the finest qualities in the world, and it has other associated minerals like nickel, cobalt, and copper.

    “So when an operator takes an ounce of our Lithium out of Nigeria, perhaps he declares Lithium.

    “ But when he gets to his host country, he now has other associated minerals to his gain and to the loss of Nigeria.

    “So our major policy which we enacted is that, henceforth, we would no longer approve application from an investor that does not show us a concrete plan for local value addition.

    “Which means processing here to add local value addition, and this will generate a multiplier effect like local employment, technology and skills transfer,” he said.

    He said that the move was in line with plans to locally produce Electric Vehicle’s (EVs) batteries in Nigeria, which major ingredient is Lithium.

    “Our objective here is to begin to produce EVs batteries which the ingredient is Lithium and other associated minerals, ” he said.

    The Minister said that the local value addition policy had also been widely accepted by other African countries aimed at developing their local economies. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) MAA/EEE

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    Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

  • Police foiled attempt to invade Kano APC Chairman’s residence – Statement

    Police
    By Aminu Garko
    Kano, June 2, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Kano says it foiled an attempt by  suspected thugs to invade the residence of Prince Abdullahi Abbas, Chairman of state’s chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
    A statement by its spokesman, Mr Abdullahi Kiyawa, said on Sunday in Kano that on May 31, at around 6 p.m., a distress call was received from Chiranchi junction in Gwale Local Government Area of the state.
    “It was reported that the thugs, armed with dangerous weapons, were pelting people with stones and attempting to enter the APC chairman’s house.
    A team led by the Divisional Police Officer, Gwale Division, responded swiftly and foiled the attempted invasion, restoring normalcy to the area.
    He said that no arrest was made but   investigation had revealed that the incident was a fight between two rival gangs, with the masterminds identified as Abdul’Yassar, Alias Jonny, Birbiri and Jinjiri Aljan.
    Kiyawa said that efforts to apprehend the suspects were in progress.
    “A round-the-clock patrol has been launched in the area to prevent further disturbances.
    “The police are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all citizens in Kano State, and this swift and decisive action is a testament to their commitment to protecting the community,” he said.
    He assured the residents that the command was on top of the security situation
    ‘We have mapped out security measures to enable residents move on with their legitimate activities without threats to lives and property.
    ”We are  appealing to all law-abiding and peace-loving  residents to volunteer timely and credible information on the movement of suspected characters in their midst for prompt security action,” he added. (NAN) ( www.nannews.ng)
    AAG/ISHO//JPE
    ============
    Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Joseph Edeh