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  • We stand on Rivers interest first — Fubara

    We stand on Rivers interest first —  Fubara
    Rivers
    By Precious Akutamadu
    Port Harcourt, June, 1, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has said that his administration will continue to prioritise the interest of people of the state under the mantra: ‘Rivers First’.
    Fubara made the remark during the praise night organised on Friday by the state government to mark his first year in office, in Port Harcourt,
    The governor, represented by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, solicited the support of the people, in moving the state forward.
    He urged the people  to contribute their quota to assist the administration to achieve its vision of advancing the fortunes of the state.
    The governor prayed that God would continue to move mountains on the path of the state, and make it better.
    Fubara noted with happiness the spiritual ministrations and prophetic declarations by  artistes during the event.
    He said that they were manifestations of the victory which God had sealed in the state.
    “We shall continue to have this shared vision of putting Rivers state first, but we can’t do it alone.
    ‘’We need all of you, big and small, to be there for us, to chip in the little or the much you can, and at the end of this our first tenure, you will see where God will take Rivers state to.”
    Fubara thanked everyone who graced the occasion, especially the artistes, for the performances which included singing and dancing.
    ‘’I think there were spiritual ministrations that they have made, and they have also made prophetic declarations that we all said amen to,” he said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured praise and worship songs in appreciation to God for the first year of Fubara.
    Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion were the governor’s wife, Lady Valarie  Fubara; former Gov. Peter Odili and his wife, retired Justice Mary Odili; and Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    PA/JEO/SOA
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    Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka/Oluwole Sogunle

  • CTBTO urges African countries to adhere to nuclear-testing ban agreement

    The Executive-Secretary of CTBTO, Dr Robert Floyd

     

    Ban

    By Fortune Abang

    Banjul, June 1, 2024 (NAN)The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) has urged African countries to adhere to the agreement on the nuclear weapon testing ban to ensure safety and security in the continent.

    The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is a multilateral agreement which opened for signature in September 1996 and has since been signed by 187 nations and ratified by 178 to prohibit any nuclear weapon test anywhere in the world by anyone.

    The Executive Secretary of CTBTO, Dr Robert Floyd, spoke at the opening of the two-day regional workshop organised by CTBTO for African States Signatories in Banjul, The Gambia.

    The workshop held from May 31 to June 1.

    He said although 52 States in Africa signed the Treaty and enjoy CTBTO membership, 50 ratified it.

    Floyd, therefore, implored countries yet to ratify the CTBT to do so in order to achieve desired goals.

    “Two of them, Somalia and South Sudan are very close.’’

    He said that prior to 1996, there were more than 2,000 confirmed nuclear tests; some were conducted in Africa but none was conducted by an African country.

    “Radioactive traces shown from all nuclear tests, particularly atmospheric tests, carried out some decades ago impacted the world negatively and are still traced in African elephants’ tusks.

    “Right now, Africa’s 35 International Monitoring System (IMS) stations are listening to the earth’s crust rumbling and groaning, as well as streaming their data to Vienna.

    “The signing of the CTBT just under 28 years ago has yielded landmark achievement: Africa played vital role to build consensus and get the Treaty adopted by the UN General Assembly in New York.

    “Therefore, the complete adherence by African countries to the CTBT will ensure the full realisation of a nuclear- weapon-free zone in Africa,” he said.

    Mr Dawda Jallow,  Attorney-General and Minister for Justice of The Gambia, commended CTBTO for the organisation of the workshop at a time of global tension and conflicts.

    According to him, the meeting brings together CTBTO stakeholders from Africa to discuss and advance the nuclear testing ban policy objective within the region.

    “The challenges we face today require collective efforts through dialogue and diplomacy with relevant support to the CTBT.

    “The CTBT’s primarily aim is not just to prevent nuclear testing, but to benefit civil and scientific applications as well.

    “The verification regime established by the CTBT offers valuable data and tools that can be utilised for purposes, such as climate change research, disaster prevention, including Tsunami warning.

    “These capabilities provide additional benefits to countries like The Gambia and also have the potential of generating positive outcomes across various sectors of economy,” he said.

    Dr Oumar Touray, President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), described the workshop as apt, coming at a time Africans needed to partner to tackle the security situation.

    Touray, represented by Mr Claude Kondor, Political Advisor to the Resident Representative of the ECOWAS Commission in The Gambia, said the workshop had become important to unite African countries towards achieving a shared future.

    “This is to advance the CTBT and reinforce our collective resolve; to prevent nuclear proliferation and promote global security.

    “Today, we are gathered to contribute to a cause that not only affects our continents, but the entire world.

    “This workshop is a testament to our shared dedication towards achieving sustainable peace and cooperation in Africa and beyond,”  he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FEA/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

     

     

  • 107,646 produced passport booklets uncollected nationwide, says CG

    The Comptroller General, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) Kemi Nandap

    107,646 produced passport booklets uncollected nationwide, says NIS

    Passport
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, May 31, 2024 (NAN) The Comptroller General, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) Kemi Nandap has said that 107,646 produced passports remained uncollected nationwide.

    The Service Public Relations Service (SPRO) Mr Kenneth Udo said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    The CG however, appealed to applicants whose passports have been produced to go for pick-up at the various Passports Issuing Centres across the country.

    Nandap lamented that efforts being made at reaching out to the owners had proved abortive.

    “Applicants are therefore strongly advised to always provide verifiable addresses and phone numbers when filling their online passport application forms for easy contact, “she said.

    The NIS CG directed that all Passport Offices in Lagos should operate on Saturdays between 9am – 2pm.

    This, she said would enable officials attend to applicants coming for the collection of their produced passports only.

    “Therefore, those concerned are hereby informed to take advantage of this opportunity.

    “For further enquiries, complaints or feedbacks, the Service can be reached through the following channels:

    “Twitter: @nigimmigration, Instagram: @nigimmigration, Official Website: http://www.immigration.gov.ng, Contact centre: 09121900655;09121556359;09121477092, “she said. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Hit-and-run driver kills woman in Anambra

    Hit-and-run driver kills woman in Anambra

     

     

    Accident

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

    Awka, June. 1, 2024 (NAN) A driver hit and killed a female pedestrian along Awka-Onitsha Expressway in Anambra on Friday night,  according to the state Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

     

    Mr Adeoye Irelewuyi, Commander of the FRSC in Anambra, who told newsmen on Saturday in Awka, said that the driver fled the scene after the incident.

     

    Irelewuyi said that the likely cause of the accident was speeding.

     

    He said that the crash involved an unidentified driver of a Toyota Hiace commercial bus with no registration number, enroute Upper Iweke, Onitsha.

     

    “According to eyewitness report, the driver of the vehicle, who was on speed, rammed into a pedestrian female adult and zoomed off.

     

    “FRSC rescue team arrived the scene and took the victim to Toronto Mortuary after the doctor confirmed her death,” he said.

     

    While condoling with the family of the dead, Irelewuyi cautioned motorists on speeding, especially during the rainy season.

     

    He urged them to ensure they keep to specified  speed limits. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    LCO/SOA

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    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

     

     

  • Security expert lauds IG’s appointment of Owohunwa as new INTERPOL boss

    Newly Appointed INTERPOL boss, AIG Idowu Owohunwa

    Security expert lauds IG’s appointment of Owohunwa as new INTERPOL boss

    Appointment

    By Mercy Omoike

    Lagos, June 1, 2024 (NAN) Commendations have trailed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun’s appointment of AIG Idowu Owohunwa as the Head of INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB).

    The Managing Director of Absolute Security and Advance Protocol Ltd., Mr Seyi Babaeko, joining the train, said the appointment  was  commendable.

    Babaeko, a UK-trained security expert, in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos, expressed confidence in the IGP’s choice.

    NAN reports that Owohunwa and other senior police officers were appointed on May 28, 2024 .

    Owohunwa is tasked with enhancing international police cooperation and ensuring that Nigeria fulfils its obligations within the global INTERPOL framework.

    Babaeko noted that the appointment was not only commendable but also a perfect fit, and that Owohunwa’s extensive experience, dedication, and international exposure would enhance the Nigeria Police Force’s global image and ratings.

    The expert emphasised the significance of the strategic posting, noting that Owohunwa’s role would be  crucial in enhancing international police cooperation.

    “This strategic move by the IGP underscores a broader effort to bolster the efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force and ensure that it remains responsive to both national and international security challenges.

    “With the ever-evolving nature of global crime, having someone of Owohunwa’s calibre at the helm of INTERPOL NCB is vital for Nigeria’s commitment to international security obligations.

    “We pray for the Solomonic wisdom required to deliver on this new assignment,” the expert told NAN.

    He highlighted that AIG Owohunwa’s new responsibilities aligned perfectly with his career trajectory and proven track record in law enforcement.

    “As the former General Secretary of the Nigerian Students Society at the University of Leeds, the university’s alumni worldwide are proud of AIG Owohunwa.

    “The appointment of AIG Owohunwa follows the retirement of his predecessor and reflects the trust the Nigeria Police Force places in his abilities.

    “This appointment reinforces the Force’s commitment to efficiency and international collaboration,” he said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    DMO/VIV

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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

     

     

     

  • Less than 10,000 of 500,000 verified DPOs in Nigeria are skilled – NDPC

    Less than 10,000 of 500,000 verified DPOs in Nigeria are skilled – NDPC

    Partnership

    By Stellamaris Ashinze

    Lagos, May 31, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria  Data Protection Commission (NDPC) says there are over 500,000 verified Data Protection Officers (DPOs) in the country, but less than 10,000 of them have the skills for data protection.

    Dr Vincent Olatunji, the National  Commisioner, NDPC, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday during a working visit to the Data and Knowledge Information Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI) in Lagos.

    He said further that of the 10,000 skilled data protection professionals in the country, less than 5,000 are certified.

    According to Olatunji, it has become important to the Commission to build a pool of skilled and certified data protection professionals.

    “We want to create jobs for people and the jobs are there, but if, we do not have the skills and how do we secure the jobs?

    He said that to close this certification gap, it was partnering with the Data and Knowledge Information Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI) on training of Data Protection Officers (DPOs).

    The training, he said, would be done by the DKIPPI to prepare the data protection officers for their certification examination.

    He said that the DKIPPI would train those to sit for the exam, while the examination would be conducted by the Institute of Information Management  (IIM) and the certification endorsed by the NDPC.

    “The Institute of Information Management (IIM) came up as a NDPC Public/Private Partnership Project to add value to what the commission is doing.

    “In other climes and looking at the issues around certification, most of those certified today have international  certification which they obtained by paying in dollars for the training and to write the examination.

    “Do we want to continue to have international certification and how many people can afford that?

    “This is why we came up with the idea of licensing a national certification body of international standard that can certify Nigeria Data Protection professionals,’’ he said.

    According to him, the certification body is one of the best in the world and after various stages, shortlisting was done and the number narrowed down to the Institute of Information Management because of its pedigree, experience and presence in seven countries.

    While appreciating the DKIPPI, the national commissioner said that Mr Tokunbo Smith, President, DKIPPI, had been contributing earnestly to the course of the NDPC.

    Olatunji said Smith had spent his own money, time, energy, and done all he could to make the commission what it was currently in the ecosystem by creating awareness and training on data protection in churches, markets, schools among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SKA/COF

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    Edited by Christiana Fadare

  • Cleric to pilgrims: Perform Hajj as per Prophetic sunnah

  • FCT gets new Controller of Corrections

    Outgoing Controller of Corrections, John Francis, handing over the new Controller, Usman Ibrahim in Abuja on Friday

     

    Appointment

    By Diana Omueza

    Abuja, June 1, 2024 (NAN) The new Controller of Corrections, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Usman Ibrahim has assumed duty on Friday in Abuja.

    Ibrahim took over from John Francis, who was recently redeployed to Kaduna State Zonal Headquarters.

    Francis thanked the officers of the command for their support and urged them to extend the same gesture to Ibrahim, whom he believed would take the command to greater heights.

    On his part, Ibrahim expressed confidence for a mutual working relationship, towards achieving the mandate of the service in FCT.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ibrahim was enlisted into the service in 1990 and had served in 14 Custodial Centres.

    Until his deployment as Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Ibrahim was the Controller of Corrections in charge of Operations at the National Headquarters. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DOM/FDY

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    Edited by Philip Yatai

  • Onu, South-East APC leaders drum support for Buhari’s re-election Support

     

    Onu, South-East APC leaders drum support for Buhari’s re-election

    Support

    Uburu (Ebonyi) Dec. 30, 2018 (NAN) The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, and other leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-East, have called on the people of the zone to support the re-election bid of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.
    The party leaders made the call on Sunday during a stakeholders meeting held at the minister’s country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi.
    Onu said that the meeting was convened to map out strategies on how to achieve victory in the zone for the party’s presidential flag bearer in the general elections.
    He said that Buhari had performed well to deserve re-election in order to consolidate on the achievements he recorded in his first tenure.
    He therefore urged Ndigbo to support his re-election bid, adding that he had executed remarkable projects in the zone.
    He further said that the president had done well in the areas of security, economy and fight against corruption.
    According to the minister, the president had delivered on the three key promises he made in 2015, including security, fight against corruption and economic growth and development.
    He said: “The administration, through a relentless war against graft, has reduced corruption and ensured transparency in governance.
    “The government has engaged the Boko Haram insurgents and has reclaimed 18 Local Government Areas previously annexed by the insurgents in Borno and Yobe states.
    “The government has improved the ease of doing business and made the country a hub for foreign investments.
    “The Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, which were abandoned for over 16 years, are nearing completion, while work on the Second Niger Bridge has commenced.
    “The Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, in Abia, has been equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment to stem medical tourism.
    “The establishment of automobile industrial hub to serve as industrial park at Nnewi, in Anambara, and those located between Abia and Rivers boundaries are all part of the achievements of the Buhari-led administration,” he said.
    Onu commended the party leaders and stakeholders for their roles in ensuring that APC had a stronghold in the South-East.
    He urged them not to rest on their oars but redouble their efforts to ensure that Buhari won majority of the votes in the zone.
    He recalled that South-East was the first to endorse Buhari’s second term bid, hence the need for the people to translate the endorsement into victory for him at the polls.
    The minister said: “We took bold step as a zone in 2017 to endorse the President for re-election before other zones followed suit.
    “We are here today to plan on the strategy to ensure that we mobilise the electorate and supporters of our great party to vote for Buhari and other APC candidates from the zone.
    “We want to show Nigeria that APC has taken root in the South-East.
    “Yes, the performance of the party in South-East in 2015 general elections was made possible by the contributions of the leaders and stakeholders who mobilised Igbos within and outside the country to vote for APC.
    “We urge greater unity among the party leaders, stakeholders and supporters as we prepare for the general elections in the zone in order to surpass our efforts in 2015.”
    Onu further spoke on the need for the South-East to fully integrate in the maintream national politics.
    He opined that Nigeria’s president of Igbo extraction in 2023 could only be achieved under an APC-led government.
    He said, “It is important to point out that South-East remains the only geo-political zone that is yet to produce an elected president of Nigeria and this is what everybody is aware of.
    “The North-East, through the Prime Minister, Tafawa Belewa, North-West, South-West, South – South and North-Central, have all produced Nigeria’s president at different times with the exception of the South-East.
    “The zone stands a better chance to bargain for the slot and only under APC can this arrangement be possible.
    “We must therefore support the president for a second term in order to have a better chance of producing the next Nigeria president of Igbo origin,” he said.
    Earlier in his address, Chief Emmanuel Enukwu, the APC National Vice Chairman, South-East, callef for greater unity within the party in the zone.
    Enukwu said that the party had a sacred duty to deliver Buhari and other candidates in the zone in 2019.
    He urged those who were aggrieved in the aftermath of the party’s primaries in the zone to bury their anger and join hands with the winners for the party’s victory in the general elections.
    He said, “We must do everything we can to ensure the success of APC in the zone, in order to boost our bargaining power for the presidency in 2023.
    “We will go with the sentiment that South-East is the only zone that has not produced Nigerian President, but we must be united and support the party to win in the zone in 2019.”
    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that party chieftains from the five South-East states of Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia and Ebonyi attended the meeting. (NAN)
    ODO/KTO/USO
    Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Sam Oditah

     

     

     

     

  • Wear black undies to conceal nudity — Top fashion designer advises ladies

    Wardrobe

    By Taiye Baiyerohi

    Lagos, Dec. 30, 2018 (NAN) A Nigerian fashion designer, Jane Michael, on Sunday said black undies and clothes were wardrobe essentials because the colour conceals nudity regardless of how transparent the clothe might be.

    Michael disclosed this during the “Style by Zenith” fair with the theme : Revamp your Style” held at Oniru, Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the “Style by Zenith” fair was organised by Zenith Bank and Fashion One to showcase products in the food, fashion, media, automobile, accessories, music and arts industries.

    Micheal urged ladies and gentlemen to ensure they have a good number of black undies which were preferable to wear for outings.

    According to her, black undies will save them from embarrassment in public when their outfit is transparent or slips off due to wind or any other circumstance.

    She said black coloured cloths could be won with any other colour of accessories, unlike other coloured clothes.

    ” Black undies conceal your nudity when your outfit is transparent and prevents you from being embarrassed in public when your cloth slips off unknowingly or when there is a heavy wind.

    ” This happens when am doing photoshoot so I tell my clients to come with black undies when coming for photoshoot,” she said.

    The fashion designer advised ladies to stop wearing strapped brassieres with off shoulder tops to appear responsible and decent.

    She said everyone should be cautious in their dress  sense and ensure that their undies were completely concealed under their clothes.

    ” Save yourself the embarrassment of allowing people see your singlets underneath your clothe, rather, wear V neck singlets in such situation.

    ” For busty ladies, you should avoid wearing round neck dresses or cloths with collars as such renders the breast unattractive regardless of the brassieres won.

    ” Ladies should stop wearing off shoulder clothes with strapped  brassieres and always wear black undies under transparent cloths.

    ” Ensure healthy hygiene in managing your undies to guide against contacting diseases,” she said.

    Michael said that confidence was also an important element in human appearance which would be determined when people wear clothes they were comfortable in.

    Earlier, Jamaican Supermodel, Oraine Barrett, urged aspiring models to stay focused in their choice of career if they must succeed in it.

    He said that African models are beautiful and ought to have gained recognition internationally.

    According to him, the modeling industry is mobile for everybody, regardless of age, height, weight,  but needs aspiring models to stay focused to gain international recognition.

    ” For every aspiring model, the international market should be the focus just like me but it takes determination to achieve such because the industry is a horrible one.

    ” I have had my low moments but I have to speak to myself and encourage myself but the fact is nothing good comes easy,” he said.

    Barrett commended the organisers of the fair for creating a beautiful platform for aspiring models to understand the business of modeling.

    NAN reports that the Fair, which commenced on Dec. 29, ended with a musical concert late on Dec. 30.

    The musical concert featured Mayorkun, Wande Coal, 2Baba and others.

    The fair attracted biggest players from the food, fashion, media, automobile, accessories, music and arts industries. (NAN)

    PTB/CHOM/WOJ

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Wale Ojetimi