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  • Kaduna: 6 students drown on way home after JSSC exams

     

    Drowning
    By Amen Gajira
    Ribang (Kaduna State), June 26, 2024 (NAN) Six students of Government Secondary School, Fadan Chawai, Kauru Local Government in Kaduna State, drowned on their way home after writing the Junior Secondary School Certificate Examination (JSSE), on Wednesday.
    The students, all from Ribang community, were on their way back home after writing the ongoing JSSC examination when the tragedy occurred.
    Mr Ishaya Chingali, community leader in Chawai and  Vice President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), said that 11 students entered the river linking Ribang community and Fadan Chawai.
    “Six of them drowned, five survived,” Chingali told the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN).
    He said that four bodies had been recovered while the search for the remaining two was still ongoing.
    “They tried to cross the river to the other side like they have done severally.
    “Unfortunately, six of them drowned in the process,” he said.
    Mr Yohanna Gwall, President of the Ribang Development Association, gave the names of the deceased to include Manasseh Monday, Musa John, Pius David, David Danlami, Yahuza Audu and Monday Ayuba.
    “It is really sad; a tragedy has befallen our community. Their parents won’t see them again. Their siblings and friends won’t play with them again.
    “They just left with their dreams and aspirations at their prime,” he fumed.
    When contacted, Mr Bashir Dawaki, Chairman of Kauru Local Government, said that he had directed security agencies to get a detailed report of what happened.
    “I’m on my way to the place, but I have directed the security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation and get back to me.
    “So, I cannot say much right now until I am properly briefed,” he said.
    In a statement, Mr Tabara Kato, SOKAPU President, condoled families of the deceased school children and Ribang community over the unfortunate incident.
    Kato called on government and all relevant security agencies to come to the aid of rural communities by fixing roads and bridges that link up other communities to avert a recurrence.
    Kauru Local Government is a generally rural setting with its inhabitants trekking long distances to schools, markets and even farms.
    Worst hit are those in Chawai Chiefdom, a very rich agrarian community hugely disadvantaged by the acute dearth of roads and other basic facilities.
    Findings reveal that school children miss classes for weeks when the rivers and streams get filled up during the rainy season.
    The deceased school children opted to dare the river so as not to miss their examination and the unexpected happened. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AMEN/ACA/ETS
    ==============
    Edited by Chidinma Agu and Ephraims Sheyin

  • NGO mobilising support for widows toward economic independence, self-empowerment

    Widows

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Helpline Social Support Initiative, an NGO, says it is mobilising support for widows in the Federal capital Territory, Abuja, in their journey toward economic independence and self-empowerment.

    The President of the NGO, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, during a skills exhibition and charity sales, organised by the initiative to commemorate the 2024 International Widows Day.

    Ahmadu, who was represented by the Project Manager of the organisation, Mr Arome Onoja, said that the event was organised to celebrate the talents and resilience of widows.

    “We are here to celebrate the strength and resilience of widows, who in spite of facing immense challenges and grief have emerged as beacons of hope and agents of positive change.

    “Today, as we showcase the skills and creativity of widows, let us not only admire their craftsmanship but also recognise the crucial role they play in promoting peace and democracy within their communities.

    “By purchasing their products and promoting their skills, we are not just investing in their future but also acknowledging their ability to contribute meaningfully to society,” she said.

    She further said: “As we engage in the charity sales today, I urge each one of you to support these widows not just with your purchases, but also by spreading awareness about their skills and advocating for their rights.

    “Let us stand together in solidarity with widows around the world and work towards creating a more inclusive, peaceful and democratic society for all.”

    She pointed out that widows have a unique perspective and a powerful voice that could contribute to fostering harmony, understanding, and inclusion in society.

    According to her, their stories will inspire us to strive for a more just, equitable, and peaceful world for all.

    “We firmly believe that peace and democracy are essential pillars for the empowerment and well-being of widows around the world.

    “As we mark the 2024 International Widows Day, let us reflect on the importance of inclusion, diversity, and gender equality in building a more harmonious and democratic society.

    “Widows bring a unique perspective and experience to the table, and it is crucial that their voices are heard and valued in decision-making processes at all levels.”

    Ahmadu pledged that her organisation would continue to provide widows with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive and participate fully in their communities.

    She added that by empowering widows, “we are not only promoting gender equality but also advancing the cause of peace, democracy, and social justice.”

    One of the beneficiaries from Gwagwalada Area Council, Hajara Muhammad, thanked the organisation for all the support to enable widows to survive and thrive.

    Also, Mrs Kande Malam, a widow living in Area 1, Garki, said that Helpline Social Support Initiative had helped her with the needed financial resources to start a snack business.

    “We started with a small measure of sesame seed and eventually diversified into production of duvet, liquid soap, and air freshener among other products,” she said.

    The widow called for more support from government and well-meaning Nigerians to come up with initiatives that would encourage and empower widows. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/AMM

    ========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

     

  • Agric ministry, NGO advocate sustainable action to tackle climate change

     

    Climate

    By Philomina Attah
    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has called on Nigerians, particularly the youth, to plant trees to combat the adverse effects of climate change.

    Mr Oshadiya Olanipekun, Director of Agricultural Lands and Climate Change Management Services at the ministry, made the call on Wednesday, in Abuja.

    Olanipekun, represented by Mrs Anna Kalu, said that the ministry was committed to the government’s renewed hope agenda, which included ensuring food security.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by Caritas Nigeria, an NGO, with the theme “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience”, to mark this year’s World Environment Day.

    He outlined the severe impact of climate change on global food security, advocating that “when you cut one tree, ensure you plant two trees to replace that one”.

    “Climate change is driven by human activities like deforestation and release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These exacerbate global warming.

    “Deforestation, the act of cutting down trees which serve as carbon sinks by absorbing carbon dioxide, is identified as a major contributor to climate change,” he said.

    He highlighted the environmental consequences such as land degradation and drought, especially in Nigeria’s northern regions.

    “To address these challenges, the ministry, in collaboration with international donors and local communities, is implementing land restoration projects like Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACRESAL) in 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    “In observance of World Environment Day, the ministry stressed the importance of individual actions in mitigating climate change.

    “When we burn, we release potent greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

    “To counter this, we must engage in afforestation through planting trees to reduce carbon dioxide levels and lower global temperatures,” he said.

    Earlier, the Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Rev. Fr Zachariah Samjumi, had emphasised the critical role of the environment in human survival.

    He recalled the recent cholera outbreaks caused by environmental contamination, saying that it  underlined the need for a clean and healthy environment.

    Fr Samjumi made reference to Pope Francis’s 2015 encyclical on the environment which had been globally recognised and discussed at high-level meetings like the G7.

    He commended students and schools for their involvement in environmental initiatives and encouraged them to reflect their environmental knowledge in their daily lives.

    On his part, Osi Braimah, a director in the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), said that the engagement of religious leaders and communities in climate change issues was critical in promoting sound environmental practices

    Braimah, represented by Mr Ezekiel Oye-Ojo, further explained that together, humanity could foster a culture of sustainability and stewardship of the earth.

    “I urge each of you to take action in protecting our environment. Simple actions, such as reducing waste, conserving water, and planting trees, can make a significant difference.

    “Let us commit to promoting sustainable development and ensuring a healthy environment for future generations and ourselves,” he said.

    Mr Udeaja Ikenna, Geographical information System’s (GIS) Consultant to Caritas Nigeria, in his presentation, urged the government to provide a central water board system that would supply water instead of individual sinking their boreholes

    “Nigerians are so insensitive to the sinking of boreholes in the country. You discover each compound sinking their boreholes. Geologists tell us that in the near future, we are prone to earthquakes.

    “Any slightest movement, an earthquake will happen. So what about the government having a central water board that will supply water instead of people sinking boreholes?

    “Or better still, why not one or three houses use one borehole? Instead of each house having a private borehole?” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    APA/IAA
    ========

    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

  • Police arrest 21 suspected armed robbers, cultists in Ekiti

    Police arrest 21 suspected armed robbers, cultists in Ekiti

    Arrest
    By Opeyemi Gbemiro
    Ado-Ekiti, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Ekiti State has arrested 21 suspects in connection with the recent killings and other crimes in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that four persons including a commercial motorcycle ticket agent were recently killed by gunmen at different locations in Ado-Ekiti metropolis.

    The command’s spokesman, DSP Sunday Abutu, told newsmen on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti that the suspects were arrested following discreet investigation by the command.

    The spokesperson for the command disclosed that the suspects were arrested for alleged armed robbery and cultism.

    Abutu explained that the suspects were members of different cult groups who killed people in the state as reprisal attacks within their confraternity.

    He said police investigation revealed that one of the suspects is a member of the ‘Eiye Confraternity.’

    Abutu said that further investigation also led to the arrest of several other suspects, including members of a notorious cult gang who allegedly came from Plateau to take part in the act.

    He said that the suspects would soon be charged to court.

    Abutu urged residents to be vigilant and continue to cooperate with the law enforcement agencies towards nipping crimes in the bud. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    OPA/AOM/IKU
    ========
    Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed/Tayo Ikujuni

  • NYSC director bags award of Excellence from CYMS

    The Director General, Committee of Youths Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS) Chief Obinna Nwaka presenting the award of excellence performance to the Director Corps Mobilisation (DCM) Ms Walida Siddique

    NYSC Director bags award of Excellence from CYMS

    Honour
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 26, 2024(NAN) The Committee of Youth Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS) has honoured Hajiya Walida Siddique, the Director, Corps Mobilisation (DCM) National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), with award of excellence performance in Public service.

    Speaking during the award presentation, the Director-General of CYMS, Chief Obinna Nwaka on Wednesday in Abuja said that the DCM demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities to merit the recognition and award.

    Nwaka said that the award was not meant to eulogise or massage the ego of the Director rather, CYMS was propelled by the desire to encourage her not to relent in efforts and do more.

    The CYMS director general who appreciated the DCM for identifying with the group, describing her as a detribalised Nigerian adding that the Youth want those kind of people in public offices.

    “We are here to honour the  Mama of Nigeria Youths”. And also to thank her for her mentorship and follow up.

    “She didn’t know that she was nominated, we are here to thank her for standing by the Youth, because we believe that whoever that stands by the youth is standing by the CYMS and we appreciate her because she has also invested in the youths .

    “If you are a mother, you have every opportunity to invest in youths, if you are a grandmother, it is an opportunity to invest in the youthful age of your grandchildren, if you are a youth, you have opportunity to invest in your youthful age.

    “We have invested in our youthful age and that is why we are enjoying the dividend and one of the dividend is obvious.

    “Thank you on behalf of Nigeria youths and this is a call of action for you to do more no matter who you are, no matter how poor or rich you are, you are useful in the society because even the rich needs the poor to help them

    Nwaka charged Nigerian youths to be responsible people in the society as the government was doing their part.

    This, he said was needed because “if we fail to be responsible, we will face the consequences of being irresponsible citizens in the society.

    Nwaka said that CYMS would continue to recognise, identify and award people with proven character in both public and private sector.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CYMS team were Mr Kelechi Ugwumba, Director of Mobilisation, Hon. Taiye Agbaje, former house of assembly Lagos State Epe Constituency, Prince Boluwaji Kudus, Director Logistics, Ruth Elu, Head of Corpers and Volunteers among others.

    CYMS held its National Conference on Thursday, June 6 where youths from different walks of life meet and discuss on peace and development of the nation with awards presented to exceptional and nominated persons.


    Responding, Siddique described the award of excellence as the most cherished award adding that it had spurred her to doing more for the youths in Nigeria.

    She promised to continually support the youths and the CYMS in carrying out their mandate as a youth organisation saddled with the responsibility of growth and development.

    “I want to thank you and this award will spur me in doing more for the youth of this country. It has qualified me to be a volunteer to CYMS.

    “Whatever you do, I’ll volunteer, let me know how it is going. We will identify with the youths and this makes us more of mentors.

    “I will always say that in NYSC, we mentor the youth. We go along way to ensure they go out there to be good citizens of the nations.

    “I want to tell you that this is much appreciated. I will always be there for the youths. It may interest you to know that I have passion for working with the youths, “she said.

    In his goodwill message, Chief Eddy Megwa, Director Information and Public Relations, NYSC expressed joy for the recognition of the DCM.

    Megwa urged Governors to do better with the kind of work the CYMS were doing.

    “We are excited that you recognised one of our own. She is one of the unique personalities in the scheme and also fit into the vision of your organisation.

    “I also learnt your organisation is made up of men and women of integrity and you are nurturing the younger ones, the youths to also key into that transparent and integrity aspect of their growth.

    “This can help make this Nigeria a better place and that fuses into the vision of the scheme that we are running and trying to build this sense of responsibility and integrity among the youth.(NAN)

    ICA/SH

    ======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Katsina Govt. inaugurates 500 capacity youth development centre

    Katsina Govt. inaugurates 500 capacity youth development centre

    Youth
    By Abbas Bamalli
    Katsina, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Katsina State Government has inaugurated a 500 capacity remodeled Industrial Development Centre (IDC) for youths in the state.

    Speaking at the event on Wednesday in Katsina, Gov. Dikko Radda, said the facility would serve as a centre for youth development.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, which coincided with the World Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Day, witnessed the launch of the maiden edition of the Katsina SME Clinics and Fair.

    According to the governor, the facility is a Public Private Partnership initiative between the State Government and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

    “I would particularly like to express our deep appreciation to SMEDAN for providing the space and fostering a collaborative relationship towards the establishment of this Shared Facility Centre.

    “The purpose of remodeling the IDC with a functional Shared Facility Centre is to reiterate our commitment to fostering an environment where MSMEs and local artisans can thrive.

    “This centre has now been equipped with modern tools and machinery that are often beyond the financial reach of individual artisans.

    “This will enable them to produce higher quality products more efficiently and compete effectively in the market,” the governor said.

    He further said that the centre would also provide a platform for enhancing skills and knowledge by training and learning new techniques, and staying updated with industry trends.

    He said that based on the report of their cluster mapping, the government intended to extend such a common facility to the remaining two senatorial districts in the state as soon as possible.

    He said: “The remodeled IDC common facility centre is for tailoring, leather works, packaging, ICT and other crafts.

    “This represents a significant step forward in our mission to empower our local artisans and boost the creative economy of the state towards attaining our broad socio-economic development objectives.

    “Our administration has acknowledged the important role our artisans and craftsmen play in institutionalising the desired change needed to remove our youths off the streets.

    “That is why we are not only investing heavily in building and upscaling their skills and capacity but providing shared facilities for them to optimise their productions.”

    Speaking at the event through his Deputy Chief of Staff, Sen. Ibrahim Hassan-Hadejia, Vice President Kashim Shettima commended the efforts of the State Government for the initiative.

    “It is indeed heartwarming to come across a state that understands the critical nature and impact of SMSMEs to the local economy and the positive impact that they have on job creation and value addition to the agricultural sector, which is the mainstay of Katsina and other neighbouring states.

    “Of course, this is no surprise coming from a governor, whose tenure as SMEDAN Director-General, was the most impactful in terms of programme adaptation, suitability and innovation and heralded the advent of fit-for-purpose initiative.

    “I had no doubt that Radda will bring the same focus on data acquisition and monitoring and evaluation that he embedded in SMEDAN to his projects in Katsina State,” Shettima said. (NAN)

    AABS/ISHO/USO
    Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Sam Oditah

     

  • Turkey face Austria in Euro last-16 clash after Czech defeat

    By Ijeoma Okigbo

    Euro

    Hamburg, Germany, June 26, 2024 (Reuters/NAN) Turkey on Wednesday night overcame tough resistance from 10-man Czech Republic in a 2-1 victory at the ongoing Euro 2024 tournament.

    Goals from Hakan Calhanoglu and Cenk Tosun were enough for them to set up a last-16 clash with Austria and send their opponents home.

    The Czechs, quarter-finalists at the last European Championship, needed victory to stand any chance of advancing, but the 20th-minute dismissal of midfielder Antonin Barak for a harsh second yellow card was a blow to their attacking intent.

    In a chaotic and heated end to the game, Czech Republic’s Tomas Chory was also given a red card in a melee seconds before the final whistle.

    As well as the two reds, the referee also showed 16 yellow cards to set a new Euros disciplinary record.

    Both teams pressed hard from the start in a raucous atmosphere on a hot night with Turkish fans marching to the game and outnumbering the Czechs thanks to their huge diaspora in Germany.

    Thirty-year-old playmaker Calhanoglu’s 50th-minute goal was a first at his third Euros, triggering flares and delirium from fans.

    He scored with a low shot across goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek who had appeared to hurt his shoulder with a save just before and went off injured after the goal.

    Teenager Arda Guler inexplicably missed a close-range sitter to put Turkey two ahead and the Czechs immediately equalised, Tomas Soucek prodding home in the 66th minute after a long throw caused chaos to set up a thrilling finale.

    Tosun struck Turkey’s winner in stoppage time, sparking wild scenes on his bench and among Turkish fans.

    The result banished the Turks’ dark memories of Euro 2020 where they went home after conceding eight goals in three defeats.

    “We all fought very well together,” said defender Mert Muldur. “We had a hard time against such teams in the past. I think we have improved ourselves.”

    After two wins in three games, Turkey finished second behind Portugal in Group F on goal difference and will play Austria in the last 16 on July 2 in Leipzig.

    “When we talked with our friends before the camp, our only target was to get out of the group.

    We kept our promise and left the group. Now we will proceed step by step; we are very happy,” said Turkey winger Baris Alper Yilmaz.

    The Czechs finished bottom of the group with one point.

    “It is a disappointment because we all wanted to advance,” captain Soucek said, lamenting how the “disrespectful” soft red card had affected the game.

    “We were happy to get the equaliser,” he added. “Everyone did the maximum. The morale was huge. Just a sad end. But that is football.”

    Portugal, already guaranteed top place in the group but lost to Georgia who went through as one of the best third-placed finishers. (Reuters/NAN)

    IHA/EMAF
    ========

  • Newcomers Georgia shock Portugal 2-0 to advance at Euro 2024

    Shock
    By Ijeoma Okigbo
    Gelsenkirchen (Germany), June 27, 2024  (Reuters/NAN) Georgia stunned former champions Portugal 2-0 on Wednesday to reach the knockout stage at Euro 2024 —- their first ever major tournament.
    The match was settled by an early Khvicha Kvaratskhelia strike and a Georges Mikautadze penalty kick.
    The win, albeit against a largely second-string Portugal who had already made it into the next round, represented the greatest result for Georgia.
    This was since the country gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
    But there was nothing undeserved about the way Willy Sagnol, a former Bayern Munich and France defender, and his side claimed a third-place finish in the tournament’s Group F.
    It was a win that had now set them up for a last-16 meeting with three-time Euro winners Spain.
    Georgia’s win also means that England will line up against Slovakia, Romania take on Netherlands and Portugal face Slovenia in the round of 16.
    Hungary, who had been in contention for a spot in the next round, were edged out.
    The tournament debutants took the lead in the second minute when Kvaratskhelia, the Napoli winger, raced away after a careless pass by Antonio Silva.
    He then powered a low shot past Diogo Costa in Portugal’s goal.
    Cristiano Ronaldo —- one of only three starters for Portugal who also played in their 3-0 win over Turkey on Saturday —- stretched and strained for every ball.
    This was as he sought to become the oldest goal scorer at a Euro tournament at the age of 39.
    But Georgia defended as if their lives depended upon it and sought to catch Portugal on the break.
    In the 53rd minute, Silva compounded his earlier error by committing a foul in the penalty box which led to an award of a penalty kick after a VAR check.
    Mikautadze, who had provided the pass for Kvaratskhelia to open the scoring early on, steered his kick past Costa, making him the top scorer at Euro 2024 so far with three goals.
    Ronaldo was booked in the first half for arguing and he cut a frustrated figure when he was substituted after the break, kicking out at a water bottle.
    Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili made late saves to keep Portugal at bay in the final minutes.
    At full time, Georgia’s squad and coaching staff sprinted on to the field to celebrate in front of thousands of their fans.(Reuters/NAN)
    IHA/OLAL
    =========
    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)

  • RMAFC outgoing commissioners seek financial autonomy for commission

    RMAFC outgoing commissioners seek financial autonomy for commission

    Outgoing

    By Vivian Emoni

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The outgoing commissioners of Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), on Wednesday, called for financial autonomy to strengthen the commission for effective service delivery.

    The commissioners made the call during a valedictory session in honour of the 20 outgoing members of the commission, whose tenure expired on Wednesday.

    Speaking on their challenges while in office, the member who represented Benue, Mr Samuel Magbe, said that the commission was not well funded, which contributed to the low morale of staff members.

    “When you go out to monitor the activities of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Central Bank, and so on, you see that there is a wide disparity between us and them.

    “But I hope that the President will do something about that for this commission to move forward,” Magbe said.

    Mr Adebayo Fari, the commissioner who represented Ogun State in the Commission, called for adequate funding and human capital development for the commission.

    “The issue has been moved by this administration under the leadership of our chairman, to actually do a lot of training.

    “Aside from that, I think there is still a need to recruit more hands in the areas of accounting, statistics, economics and tax administration, so that they can have the capacity to functions very well,” Fari said.

    Another outgone commissioner, Mr Modu Julur, who represented Yobe, said that RMAFC should be treated well because the commission was delivering services that were of immense benefits to the federation.

    “I think the government should first of all digitalise the RMAFC and ensure that it is well funded to carry out its activities effectively,” he said.

    The commissioners therefore called on relevant stakeholders to support the Bill on RMAFC’s Financial Autonomy, which was pending before he senate.

    According to them, the bill, among other issues, is recommending the review of the salaries of ambassadors and some political office holders.

    The bill is also seeking the review of the Federal Allocation Formula, staff training, and improvement of the general condition of the office.

    They said that the effort would help the commission to comfortably and effectively carry out its duties.

    Some of the members, who spoke during the occasion, eulogised the Chairman of the commission, Mr Mohammed Shehu, for the achievements recorded under his stewardship.

    Shehu, on his part, commended the outgoing members for their patriotism and commitment to nation-building, by ensuring that the commission attained a world class standard.

    He further noted the commissioners’ commitment to ensuring effective service delivery, in spite of RMAFC’s lean resources and poor funding.

    The chairman also recalled the extraordinary support that the commissioners rendered to the commission through their contribution to the various committees they served.

    ”It has been our wish to reposition RMAFC to become a world cclass revenue mobilisation commission.

    “Since we came here, we are still working in progress, we have tried, we are trying and we will continue to try,” Shehu said.

    He therefore prayed to God to reward the commissioners for their sacrifices; and wished that they would be reappointed so that they could continue to support the commission.

    The Secretary to the commission, Mr Nwaze Okechukwu, also praised Shehu for the achievements recorded under his watch, and described the tenure of the outgoing commissioners as worthwhile.

    Nweze also commended the Commissioners, noting that they were able to execute their national assignment successfully, and wished them success in their future endeavours.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the members were appointed on June 26, 2019 for a tenure of five years. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    VOE/DOR
    ========

    Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

    ========

  • Kaduna PMAN holds street show against drug abuse

    Drug
    By Ezra Musa
    Kaduna, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Kaduna Chapter, on Wednesday, organised a musical street show to draw attention to the adverse effects of drug abuse on victims and society.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kaduna raggae artistes, Ranking Deezed, Dan Realman, Ben Chris, Candy I, Da Priest, Sara Yaks, Kephas Rock, Tremor, Nigga Dee and Sammy, V Time Fire, Mr Cool and Bounce performed during the show.

    The state PMAN Governor, Dazang Gwom, said the event was organised to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

    According to him, the concert is a new dimension introduced to sensitise young people through music on how indulging in drug abuse would ruin their lives.

    Gwom said that illicit drug consumption had reached troubling levels, fueling crimes and risky behaviour that could harm youths and society.

    “It is, therefore, very important for PMAN and relevant key stakeholders to join hands with government to tackle this menace, which is on the rise daily, before it completely destroys our society,” he said.

    While acknowledging that some celebrities had been linked to drugs, Gwom, clarified that not all entertainers were involved in such a lifestyle.

    Aishatu Saleh, Assistant Supretendent of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), commended PMAN for collaborating with the agency to fight drug abuse.

    Saleh said that if drug menace amongst the youths was not promptly addressed as a national priority, the consequences could be dire.

    She said: “The current level of crimes would be a child’s play.

    “This is not the time for everyone to keep quiet, all hands must be on deck to ensure that we tackle the manace of drugs.”

    Saleh urged parents to pay closer attention to their kids’ activities and friendships to curtail negative influence.

    Speaking to the crowd, Happy Kuri, Mental Care Nurse, Kaduna State Beareu for Substance Abuse, Prevention and Treatment, said that drug abuse is a social challenge that must be controlled.

    She said that the agency had six offices across the metropolise for quick, easy access to drug abuse victims for rehabilitation, counselling and treatment.

    Kuri gave assurance that the offices would provide discretion to avoid stigma as it was located at the Primary Health Care Centers (PHC’s) across the metropolise.

    She listed the PHC’s locations as Sabo Tasha, Bagado, Ungwar Sarki, Rigasa, Maraban Jos, Zaria and Kabala.

    She called on the youths to shun the use of substance, set goals, boundaries and avoid bad company as they have a lot of influence. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    EMZ/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah