WordPress

Blog

  • LPG utilisation: Gas retailers urge FG to encourage investors

    Gas
    By Yunus Yusuf
    Lagos, June 2, 2024 (NAN) The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers (LPGAR), says to boost Liquefied Petroleum Gas utilisation, government needs to encourage investors by giving all necessary incentives that can lower the price of gas.

    The Branch National Chairman of LPGAR, Mr Ayobami Olarinoye, made the remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday against the backdrop of increase in price of cooking gas.

    Olarinoye said that the Nigeria LNG Ltd. (NLNG) should further be encouraged to give substantial percentage of its production to local market.

    He said that the price of gas should not necessarily be based on international template.

    He said that this remained the only way the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) could be affordable which would consequently encourage a switch to gas by the rural dwellers.

    According to him, I understand that government has commenced distribution of free cylinders to citizens in Abuja as part of the programme to boost LPG utilisation and to mark one year anniverssary of President Bola Tinubu.

    “While, I like to commend the initiative, it may not go a long way if the price of LPG (cost of buying gas) on the streets remains high.

    “As LPG retailers of many years of practice, we are the last link to the end users.

    “Price is a major determinant for boosting LPG utilisation and if it is not addressed, the citizens will collect the cylinders, use it for sometime and abandon it if they cannot afford the cost of refilling the cylinders with liquid,” Olarinoye said.

    The LPGAR chairman also said that as government was promoting cooking gas utilisation, there was need to also advocate for continuous safety campaigns in LPG handling.

    “All government agencies, parastatals, federal and states that have business and interest in safety should collaborate with LPGAR for safety campaigns to reduce incidence of gas explosion.

    “It is a major concern as usage of cooking gas is increasing on daily basis,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    YO/AJA
    ======
    Edited by Adeleye Ajayi

     

     

     

     

  • Third Republic lawmakers beg Tinubu to pay their outstanding allowances

    Third Republic lawmakers beg Tinubu to pay their outstanding allowances

    Lawmakers
    By Victor Adeoti
    Osogbo, June 2, 2024 (NAN) Members of the House of Representatives in the botched Third Republic have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the payment of their outstanding salaries and allowances.

    The former lawmakers from the South-West states of Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo and Lagos, made the plea during their meeting in Osogbo on Sunday.

    Mr John Fasogbon, the spokesperson for the lawmakers, while speaking with newsmen, said that the president, who was elected senator on the platform of the Social Democratic Party(SDP) between 1992 and 1993, was part of their set.

    Fasogbon, who represented Ife Federal Central Constituency, appealed to the president to use his good office to ensure the payment of salaries and allowances owed them.

    “We want to appeal to our amiable President, who is a listening and caring leader on the payment of our entitlements for the period of 1992-1993, when we were at the Federal House of Representatives.

    ” Mr President was also at the Senate then, serving our dear country meritoriously.

    “Some of us have died as a result of lost hope, while many are in abject poverty .

    ” We appeal to the president as our father and leader to come to our rescue before it is too late.

    “We served the country meritoriously in our time and we should not be denied of our entitlements” he said.

    Fasogbon, also appealed to the president to follow the foot steps of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, who honoured Chief MKO Abiola and his running mate, Baba Gana Kingibe, and do the same for the former lawmakers.

    Fasogbon, however, commended the president on his achievements in all sectors in one year of his administration, noting that the various polices of the government would start yielding positive results soon.(NAN) (www.nannnews.ng)
    VE/IKU
    Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

  • Women recount economic challenges at homes

    Homes
    By Abiodun Azi
    Lagos. June 2, 2024. (NAN) Some Nigerian women have narrated the huge economic challenges confronting them in sustaining homes.

    The women expressed their views in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday.

    A Mother of four, Mrs Abiola Dipeolu, said that presently, the family spent a lot of money to keep the home going.

    Dipeolu said that when she newly got married, she usually saved some money from the monthly allowance she received from her husband.

    She said that the reverse was the case now, saying that what she received as feeding allowance hardly sustained the family for two weeks.

    “I have to wake up as early as 4.00 a.m. to begin the hustle for the day and close by 6.00 p.m.

    “Marriage is boring and uninteresting because the time for husband and wife to be together has been put into hustling” she said.

    A Mother of three, Mrs Ronke Adu, said that she could not remember the last time she got financial support from her husband.

    Adu said that the financial responsibilities had been shared and each of them took up his or her responsibilities.

    She said that the present economic challenges had rendered some husbands mere figure heads in spite of the energy they put up on daily basis to make ends meet.

    She noted that she had to do menial jobs like sweeping of compounds, cooking soup for the elderly and home cleaning on daily basis to make ends meet.

    Expressing her views, a Mother of two, Mrs Busayo Adamolekun, said that she was a fashion designer by profession but when the reality dawned on her, she dropped her working tools and ventured into food selling.

    Adamolekun said that food was one of the businesses now thriving.

    She said her husband had to join the food business and closed his business centre because he no longer received patronage.

    She said that some women took up the main financial expenses at homes, while their husbands only rendered support.

    A Civil Servant and a Mother of three, Mrs China Okeke, said that it was a pity that the economy turned this way.

    Okeke suggested that managing the home financially needed prudence.

    “As a civil servant, I had to obtain loans to keep the home going,’’ she said.

    She explained that the take-home pay was not enough.

    A Grandmother and Pastor, Mrs Adefunke Clement, said that many women came to the church for financial help.

    Clement said that there was no day a woman would not come to the church soliciting for meal.

    She said that before now, the church used to have philanthropists who donated voluntarily, saying that now the church authorities had to announce before getting few donations.

    “Women are going through a lot to put food on the table.

    “Some go into four or five menial works on daily basis to keep the home going,’’ she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AGE/AJA
    ========
    Edited by Adeleye Ajayi

     

     

  • LASWA, Marine police, Navy collaborate to curb crime on Lagos waterways

    Waterways
    By Chiazo Ogbolu
    Lagos, June 2, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) says it is working with the Marine Police and the Nigerian Navy to curb insecurity on Lagos waterways.
    Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, General Manager of LASWA, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.
    According to Emmanuel, beyond the Marine police and the Navy, LASWA has its command and control centre to monitor the waterways adequately.
    He spoke against the backdrop of reported cases of crime and criminality along the state’s waterways.
    “On issues of banditry, piracy and other crimes along the waterways, we have the numbers, but how many people did we hear that were kidnapped last year around the Lagos inland waterways?
    “It does not mean that Lagos is not proactive, we are actually proactive as regards security on the waterways and that is why we are collaborating with Marine police, Navy in that regard,” he said.
    On the security of the newly inaugurated Omibus, the general manager noted that the boats would be handed over to private operators, to whom the security of the boats would be in their custody.
    “In terms of safety of these boats, in the last one year, I can barely say with the count of my fingers,  if we have heard of theft of either parts or boats,  on our waterways. This has been the trend in the last few years.
    “Also, any operator to whom the boats are handed over to, know what it entails, because they are going to sign an agreement and they will be held liable for anything.
    “We should also remember that these boats are insured. So, insurance will definitely cover it, in case of any damage or theft, be rest assured that whatever it is, it will be replaced, wether the boat itself, or any of its parts,” he said.
    Emmanuel, however, added that the owners themselves had a responsibility to play as well as LASWA, the regulator, in ensuring safety of the boats. (NAN)(http://www.nannews.ng)
    CAN/CCN/FAA
    ========
    Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Folasade Adeniran

     

  • Nigeria needs more diaspora investments, philanthropic contributions – PAAC chairman

     

     

    Nigeria needs more diaspora investments, philanthropic contributions – PAAC chairman

    Economy
    By Adeyemi Adeleye
    Lagos, June 2, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Olatokunbo Onabanjo, Chairman, Pan African American Chamber of Commerce(PAAC) has called for increased diaspora investments, remittances and philanthropic contributions to Nigeria and other African countries.

    Onabanjo stated this in a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos while speaking on the forthcoming trade and investment conference with the theme “Hope for Africa” holding in the United States.

    The Hope for Africa conference being organised by the Pan African American Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Sept. 9 to Sept. 13 in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.

    According to him, disposal engagement has become crucial to bringing Nigeria out of its current socio-economic and security challenges.

    Onabanjo said the country needs an increased diaspora involvement in its development initiatives.

    He said that the conference would allow for engagement with the Nigerian diaspora and the African-American community, which could result in increased diaspora investments to Nigeria and other African countries.

    Onabanjo said: “This engagement will also facilitate knowledge transfer, technology exchange, and skills development, supporting economic growth and development.

    “The conference would provide a platform for Nigerian businesses to network with African-American entrepreneurs and explore potential partnerships, trade opportunities, and investments. This will lead to increased trade and economic growth for Nigeria.”

    He said that the conference would encourage knowledge sharing, cultural exchange, global exposure, trade and investments, capacity building, network and collaboration, promotion of African brands and products.

    Onabanjo, who was the Director of Computer Services during Tinubu’s administration as governor of Lagos State, said that the conference would feature panel discussions, workshops and presentations on business, entrepreneurship and economic development.

    “Nigerian participants can gain valuable insights and knowledge from industry experts, which can be applied to foster economic growth in Nigeria.

    “Participation in the conference will enhance Nigeria’s international visibility and reputation as a favourable destination for investment and business opportunities.

    “This will attract foreign investors and promote Nigeria as a hub for trade and commerce in Africa.

    “It will offer Nigeria significant economic, cultural, and diplomatic benefits, fostering growth and collaboration between Nigeria and the African-American community,” he said.

    Onabanjo, a seasoned project manager and member of Certified Project Management Professionals, said that the conference would lead to increased trade partnerships, investments, and business collaboration, promoting economic growth and job creation in Nigeria and across Africa.

    “The conference is aim at bringing together a diverse range of participants, including policymakers, business leaders, and professionals from Nigeria, Africa, and the African-American community.

    “This provides a unique opportunity for networking, fostering collaborations, and exploring new business opportunities.

    “These connections will lead to partnerships, joint ventures, and knowledge-sharing initiatives that contribute to economic growth.

    “The conference will serve as a platform for Nigerian and African businesses to showcase their products, services, and innovations to a global audience.

    “This exposure will enhance the visibility and marketability of African brands, leading to increased exports, foreign investment, and economic growth,” he added.

    He noted that the conference was also expected to enhance increased collaboration among African countries to foster regional integration and cooperation such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    “Overall, the expectations for collaboration, innovation, and investment from Nigeria and other African countries towards the development of African economies are aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable growth, reducing poverty, and unlocking the continent’s immense economic potential,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AYO/IKU

    Edited b Tayo Ikujuni

     

  • “The Price is Right Nigeria” premieres in August

    Essien Mannie, host of the show and Chioma Okpala, the announcer
    “The Price is Right Nigeria” premieres  in August
    Show
    By Taiye Olayemi
    Lagos, June 2, 2024 (NAN) An international television game show, “The Price is Right Nigeria”,  is set to premiere in August.
    Mr Olatunbosun Olaegbe, Managing Director of Genesis Studios, the local production company of the show in Nigeria, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.
    According to Olaegbe, the television game show will have contestants compete by guessing the prices of merchandise to win cash and prizes.
    “The much-anticipated debut of The Price Is Right Nigeria has just become even more exciting as it is scheduled to premiere in August on DSTV’s Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family, GoTV, and other terrestrial stations.
    “The iconic international game show, known for its engaging format and thrilling prizes, is set to launch in Nigeria with a dynamic team at the helm.
    “Interested participants can apply at thepriceisright.ng/audience-application to be part of the audience,” he said.
    Olaegbe revealed the host of the show as Mannie Essien, a seasoned broadcast journalist while Chioma “BBB” Okpala had been picked as announcer of the show.
    “Building on the momentum, the show has now revealed its host as Mannie Essien, a seasoned broadcast journalist, Essien will bring over a decade of experience as a Nigerian radio and television presenter.
    “His energetic presence and engaging style are expected to enhance the already captivating game show.
    “Essien’s role will be pivotal in engaging contestants and ensuring a seamless and entertaining experience for both contestants and viewers.
    “Joining Essien is Chioma “BBB” Okpala, who has been announced as the show’s announcer, known for her work as a podcaster, voice-over artist, and compere, Okpala will bring her expertise and vibrant personality to the show.
    “Together, Mannie Essien and Chioma Okpala are set to infuse the show with a distinct Naija flavor and energy.
    “With successful adaptations in over 52 territories, as the Nigerian producers we promise to maintain high-quality standards while rewarding viewers for their time,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
    PTB/FAA
    ========
    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Autonomy only way to save LGs from paralysis— Shehu Sani

     

    Sen. Shehu Sani

    Autonomy only way to save LGs from paralysis— Shehu Sani

    Autonomy

    By Adeyemi Adeleye

    Lagos, June 2, 2024 (NAN) A civil rights activist and social critic, Sen. Shehu Sani, says local government autonomy is the only way to strengthen governance at the grassroots and save local councils from paralysis.

    Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly and served as Chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts,said this in  an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday

    NAN reports that the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice recently filed a suit at the Supreme Court against state governments, seeking the enforcement of full autonomy of the local governments in Nigeria.

    In the suit marked: SC/CV/343/2024, the Federal Government urged the court to issue an order prohibiting state governors from embarking on unilateral, arbitrary and unlawful dissolution of democratically elected local government leaders.

    The government urged the court to issue an order permitting funds standing in the credits of local governments to be directly channelled to them from the Federation Account in line with the provisions of the Constitution as against the alleged unlawful joint accounts created by governors.

    Besides ,FG prayed the Supreme Court for an order stopping governors from further constituting Caretaker Committees to run the affairs of local governments as against the constitutionally recognised and guaranteed democratic system.

    It equally applied for an order of injunction,restraining the governors and their agents and privies ,from receiving ,spending or tampering with funds released from the Federation Account for the benefit of local governments when no democratically elected local government system is put in place in states.

    The 36 governors were sued through their respective Attorneys General.

    Reacting, Sani said that the step by the federal government had potential to restore development at the grassroots and strengthen the local government system.

    “Local Government autonomy is the only way to save the LGs from bankruptcy and paralysis.

    “Poverty and insecurity in the country is rooted in the destruction of the local government system,” Sani said.

    According to him, most council chairmen only go to their offices when federal allocations are released.

    He said lack of financial and administrative autonomy for the local government had affected the performance of the third tier of government.

    Speaking further, Sani described FG’s proposal that State Electoral Commissions (SIECs) should be scrapped as a good move,saying scrapping SEICs would deepen democracy at the grassroots.

    “The scrapping of SIECs is a step in the right direction.

    “It has become impossible for opposition parties to win elections at the LG level because of the institutional rigging and imposition of candidates by state governors.

    “The chairmen of SIECs and staff of SIECs are all agents of the state governors and of the ruling party in their respective states, ” Sani said.

    NAN recalls that Mr Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of justice, had on Monday proposed that State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) should be dispensed with.

    Speaking at a one-day discourse in Abuja, Fagbemi also posited that the powers of SIECs should be transferred to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

     

    Fagbemi said governors had exploited the flaws in certain sections of the 1999 constitution, effectively rendering local governments powerless and irrelevant.

     

    According to him, these inadequacies have allowed the governors to abuse the rights of local governments by using SIECs to impose leaders on them through sham elections.

    He said other governors who do not conduct sham polls appoint vassals as caretaker leaders for the local governments.

    Fagbemi called for a robust constitutional amendment that will remove all hindrances to the development of local governments, and bolster their ability to fulfil their constitutionally recognised mandate(NAN)

    (NAN)

    (www.nannews.ng)

    AYO/BHB

    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

  • Nicki Minaj’s arrest, Nigeria’s revert to old anthem, others top social media trends

     

     

     

    Nicki Minaj’s arrest, Nigeria’s revert to old anthem, others top social media trends

     

    Trends

     

    By Taiye Olayemi

     

    Lagos, June 2, 2024 (NAN) The arrest of U.S. rapper, Nicki Minaj, kicked off the social media trends following her arrest in Amsterdam where Dutch officers reportedly found drugs in her luggage at Schiphol Airport.

     

    Minaj was at the airport on May 25, preparing to leave the city, where she had kicked off her tour,  to fly to Manchester, England, for her next concert when she was stopped by border Police on suspicion of exporting soft drugs.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Minaj is currently on her Pink Friday 2 World Tour.

     

    The Netherlands classifies marijuana, which is legal in the country, as “soft drugs”.

     

    The 41-year-old rapper, in a video live-streamed to her followers, revealed she had pre-rolled joints in her bag, which she said belonged to someone else.

     

    After initially resisting the authority’s request that she get into a police vehicle, arguing that she needed a lawyer present, she eventually relented and got inside.

     

    The rapper, during her transport, told the officers she was worried she might not be able to make her next show.

     

    The officers assured her that they would try to get her there as soon as possible.

     

    Minaj was unable to make it to Manchester in time for her concert at the Co-op Live Arena, where 20,000 fans were waiting for her to take to the stage.

     

     

    After Minaj was released from police custody, she jumped on X, formerly Twitter, to provide further details of her encounter.

     

     

    She said: “Police said they found weed and that another group of people have to come here to weigh the pre-rolls.

     

    “Keep in mind they took my bags without consent. My security has already advised them those pre-rolls belong to him.”

     

    On Sunday , May 26, popular Nigerian singer, Harrysong, accused Alexer Perez, his estranged wife, of infidelity during their marriage.

     

    Recall that their marriage has been going through some crisis after an alleged WhatsApp chat between them surfaced on social media.

     

    In an Instagram live session, the singer had claimed that Alexer got pregnant for another man while still married to him.

     

    He said that he had stopped sleeping with her “for almost a year” when she announced her pregnancy.

     

    “My ex-wife’s mother just married her seventh or sixth husband yet she is still cheating in that marriage. That is the kind of family I married into.

     

    “My wife came to inform me that she was pregnant when I stopped sleeping with her for almost a year. She was pregnant for another man in my marriage.

     

    “The only thing I did was to ask her to return to her family. I needed time to get to know her because I didn’t know who she really is. I married her because people said she was a loyal, humble and God-fearing Christian.”

     

    In response to his allegations, Alexer, in a separate Instagram live session, denied her ex-husband’s allegations of infidelity and urged him to move on.

     

    She said, “You dey watch film, abi na Nollywood? I don’t understand how you would say that I carried another man’s child when I’m still married to you. I have never cheated on you since we married. I never tried it.”

     

     

    The day also witnessed celebration of the fifth wedding anniversary between Sen. Ned Nwoko and his actress wife, Regina Daniels.

     

    Nwoko made an emotional promise to Regina, as the couple shared loved-up photos to mark the occasion.

     

    Regina, while reflecting on the past five years, described the marriage as remarkable and one filled with love.

     

    She expressed gratitude to God, hoping for many more years to celebrate their love.

     

    Ned also took to Instagram to celebrate, expressing his joy for the past five years with Regina, describing it as good and eventful.

     

    He wrote, “Happy 5 years Anniversary to us baby. It has been a good and eventful 5 years. And we are just starting.”

     

    In similar mood, on Tuesday May 28, Tolu Oniru, Nigerian radio personality, talk show host, and presenter, popularly known as Toolz, took to her Instagram page to celebrate her eight year wedding anniversary with Tunde Demuren.

     

    Toolz posted two pictures from their wedding in 2016 and told the story of how she nearly missed the flight to their wedding in Dubai because she overslept.

     

    She expressed  gratitude to her husband for being a calming force in her life and prayed for their union, while humorously hinting at wanting another child.

     

    Wednesday, May 29, however, witnessed the burial of veteran Nollywood actor, Zulu Adigwe, in Abuja.

     

    The same day, President Bola Tinubu assented to the National Anthem Bill 2024, reverting to the old national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee”.

     

     

    Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who lived in Nigeria during its independence, penned the lyrics for “Nigeria, we hail thee”, while Frances Berda composed the music.

     

    The anthem played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s national identity and unity during the 1960s and late 1970s.

     

    On Thursday, May 30, a Manhattan Jury found  former American President, Donald Trump, guilty of all 34 counts of falsifying business records in his hush money criminal trial, an unprecedented and historic verdict that makes him the first former president in U.S. history to be convicted of a felony.

     

    Judge Juan Merchan set a sentencing hearing for July 11.

     

    Prosecutors accused Trump of taking part in an illegal conspiracy to undermine the integrity of the 2016 presidential election and an unlawful plan to suppress negative information, which included concealing a hush money payment to an adult film star.

     

    Also, in the Nigerian music scene, Fireboy announced his collaboration with his counterpart, Omah Lay, and hitmaking producer, Lekaa Bea,  for a new single.

     

    Fireboy shared a post saying, “It’s pretty messed up,” in which he tagged Omah Lay on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

     

    The post appeared to be an announcement of a possible collaboration and Omah Lay thickened the plot with his reply saying: “This world is a messed up place bro.”

     

    The collaboration was later confirmed by Lekaa Beat who also announced that he would be collaborating with Fireboy and Omah Lay for a new song.

     

    The upcoming collaboration makes it the first time Fireboy and Omah Lay will be on a song together and this prospect has predictably sparked excitement among fans.

     

    Same day, renowned music sensation, Daniel Anidugbe, popularly known as ‘Kizz Daniel’, released his latest single, ‘Double’, a heartfelt dedication to his wife, Marian.

     

    Marian stars as the vixen in the accompanying music video.

     

    Christian Agadibe, Chief Executive Officer of Artmatazz Media, a media company to the superstar, disclosed this.

     

    Agadibe said the new single marks a significant milestone in Kizz Daniel’s career as he embraces themes of love and family while continuing to deliver chart-topping hits.

     

    Also, Nigerian singer, Patoranking, excitedly announced that his birthday gift to the public is his newly launched tech scholarship, in partnership with ALX Africa.

     

    In an Instagram post, Patoranking announced that the $500,000 initiative, run through the Patoranking Foundation and ALX Africa, is open to 40 people.

     

    His caption read, “Embracing technology has been a game changer in my music career and business, visit @patorankingfoundation for more information on how to APPLY!

     

    “There are 40 spaces available, My Birthday gift to 40 people Only Let’s go! 💪🏿💪🏿.”

     

    Meanwhile, Nigerian celebrity apper, Falz, teased his fans with a new EP titled “Before The Feast”, slated for release June 7.

     

    On Friday,  Nigerian singer, Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, also known as Ayra Starr, unveiled her highly-anticipated sophomore album titled, ‘The Year I Turned 21’.

     

    The album follows the success of her 2021 debut project, ‘19 & Dangerous’.

     

    Ayra Starr recently revealed that she collaborated with Asake and Seyi Vibez because of her genuine admiration for their talents and not to stir up any supposed rivalry among their fans.

     

    Tracks on the new album include ‘Birds Sing Of Money’, ‘Goodbye (Warm Up)’, ‘Woman Commando’, ‘Control’, and ‘21’.

     

    “The Year I Turned 21” is a 15-track album featuring collaborations with Asake, Giveon, Coco Jones, Anitta, Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro on tracks like “Goodbye (Warm Up),” “Last Heartbreak Song,” “Woman Commando” and “Santa” respectively.

     

    The album also includes the previously released “Commas” and “Bad Vibes”.

     

    On Saturday, Net Nigeria announced that the Big Brother Naija All-Stars Reunion would begin streaming on June 24, on Showmax.

     

    Ebuka Obi-Uchendu was announced as the moderator.

     

    Nigerian filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, also unveiled plans to shoot part of the highly anticipated season two of ANIKULAPO in Ghana, in a strategic move to support the “Shoot in Ghana” campaign initiated by the National Film Authority.

     

    This exciting announcement was made during the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, in France, where Afolayan was among the distinguished guests.

     

    The Nigeria International Film and TV Summit (NIFS) also hosted at Cannes, served as the platform for Afolayan to reveal his decision to shoot portions of ANIKULAPO in Ghana. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

    PTB/FAA

    ========

    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Couple appeals for support to raise quadruplets

     

    The quadruplets, their parents and some visitors on Sunday in Abuja

    Support

    By Joy Kaka/Jacinta Nwachukwu

    Abuja, June 2, 2024 (NAN) A civil servant, Mr Ugochukwu Nwogute and his wife, Vivian have appealed to the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu and well-meaning Nigerians for support in raising their quadruplets.

    The couple, who gave birth to the four babies in a private hospital in Kubwa, Abuja on May 21, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

    Speaking with NAN in the hospital, Mrs Nwogute, said she got married in 2015 and had her first daughter on Nov. 5, 2016.

    “After years of waiting, I became pregnant in Sept. 2023 and was delivered of three boys and one girl through caesarean section at Vinca hospital, Arab Road, Kubwa, Abuja, on May 21.

    “When I was told I was going to have multiple babies, it was a mixed feeling for me.

    “Mixed feelings, because I was not expecting it, but was happy because we have waited for years after our first daughter. So, we were hoping on God and praying and God did more than we expected,’’ she said.

    She added that the hospital billed them about N1.7 million in the first instance, which they were still running around to pay.

    “The babies eat two hourly, they consume almost half of their Pre NAN formula which we were asked to feed them with, and a tin costs N10, 000.

    “We also have follow ups because the paediatrician said after we have been discharged, we are expected to be bringing the babies to the hospital weekly for check up,” she said

    On the babies’ health, Mrs Nwogute said that they were responding to treatment, adding that her recovery was gradual.

    “I am getting stronger because I have relapses. For example, last night I was cold all through and I have treated malaria and because of that, I cannot breastfeed my babies the way I am expected to,’’ she said.

    The husband appealed to the government to come to their aid, financially and in the area of accommodation for a bigger apartment that can be convenient for the family.

    “The journey has not been easy, taking care of a heavily pregnant woman and the only daughter we had eight years back.

    “When the babies came, I was not expecting such a number, but I give glory to God for the marvelous thing He has done for us.

    “My appeal to the government and well meaning Nigerians is for them to come to our aid.

    “We need financial support to take care of the babies as well as, in the area of accommodation, because the apartment we are currently occupying cannot contain us anymore,” he said.

    Nwogute, specifically appealed to the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, to see the quadruplets as anniversary gifts to the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

    He, urged Mrs Tinubu, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmud as well as the wife of the FCT Minister, Mrs Eberechi Wike, to render assistance to his family

    On his part, Dr Chiemezie Odera, an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist at the hospital said it would not be easy, taking care of the children as they would need more hands for their care because the mother would not be able to do it all alone.

    Odera, therefore, urged the general public to support the couple so as to take good care of the babies.

    “Most importantly is care and support after delivery. Any woman that has more than one baby, needs more hands to help out because she might go into depression if you allow her to stay without care.

    “So, we encourage that they have support, people should be around them to help in taking care of the children,’’ he reiterated.

    The obstetrician said that it would not always be easy for the woman as her breast milk would not be enough for the babies.

    According to him, Vinca hospital has been doing well in the area of maternal care, and the facility have had series of multiple birth.

    Talking about the weight of the babies, he said, for the fact that they might not have weight like single birth, but they were still strong like any other single birth.

    “In the uterus, they shared what was available, so, you don’t expect them to have much weight.

    “But interestingly, those weights, no matter how small they appear compared to single birth, they are still as strong as those single births without any complication.

    “Though they need to be observed after delivery, but they are doing well. Even if they weigh 1.5kg, they are still as strong as 3kg and above,’’ he explained.

    The Doctor added that there would be  need for the babies to be reviewed over time by the paediatrician to see how they were faring.

    Odera, while urging the nursing mother to eat well and rest, he advised her not to hesitate in coming back to the facility where the babies were delivered, in case of any issue.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    JK/JIN/ROT

    =========

    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • Expert calls for implementation of policies on tobacco consumption

    Expert calls for implementation of policies on tobacco consumption

    Tobacco

    By Okeoghene Akubuike

    Abuja, June 2, 2024(NAN)A Clinical Psychologist, Mr Adedotun Ajiboye, says the Federal Government needs to implement policies and programmes that reduce tobacco consumption and protect citizens from exposure to tobacco smoke.

    Ajiboye who works with the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

    He was speaking against the backdrop of the World No Tobacco Day 2024 marked annually on May 31  with the theme  “Protecting Children from the Tobacco Industry Interference.” 

    Ajiboye  said tobacco was  one of the top single greatest causes of preventable deaths globally. 

    He said smoking could lead to  Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD),  cancer of the lungs,  larynx, and  mouth pancreatic cancer; and  hypertension. 

    Ajiboye  said the Nicotine in cigarettes could  lead to addiction or substance use disorder adding that tobacco was  a significant cause of miscarriages among pregnant smokers. 

    “Tobacco can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome  (SIDS),  the fetal brain’s ability may be reduced when exposed to cigarettes.

    “ Incidence of impotence is approximately 85 per cent  higher in male smokers compared to male non – smokers. 

    He said smoking was a key factor in  causing erectile dysfunction,  adding that tobacco smoking led most commonly to disease affecting the heart , liver, lungs, etc.

    “Based on the health effects revealed above, the government has a huge role to play in reducing preventable deaths caused by tobacco by implementing policies and programmes that reduce tobacco consumption. 

    “Also implementing policies that protect  citizens from exposure to tobacco smoke.”

    Ajiboye suggested some key roles of government to  include tobacco taxation, by  raising taxes on tobacco products to make them less affordable and reduce consumption.

    He said the government should enact laws that prohibit smoking in public places, workplaces, and public transportation,  and implement standards for tobacco products, such as warning labels and ingredient disclosure.

    Ajiboye  said that there should also be  awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of tobacco use and providing resources and support for individuals trying to quit tobacco.

    “There should be youth access restrictions by enacting laws to prevent the sale of tobacco products to minors.

    “There should be monitoring and surveillance by the government through collection of data on tobacco use and related health effects to inform policy decisions.

    “Regulation of tobacco advertising by restricting or banning tobacco advertising to prevent promotion to youth and others.”

    He said the government should also support tobacco research by funding research on tobacco use and its health effects to inform policy and treatment development.

    The clinical psychologist said the federal  government should collaborate with other countries to share best practices and coordinate efforts to reduce global tobacco use.

    “By taking these steps, the government can effectively reduce the health impacts of tobacco and protect  citizens’ health.”

    Ajiboye  said World No Tobacco Day 2024 is a vital global event aimed at highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption

    He said this year’s theme emphasised  protecting children from the tobacco industry’s practices, ensuring a healthier future for the next generation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OKE/VIV

    ======

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu