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  • 90% of tramadol seizures globally occur in Africa – UNODC

    Seizures

    By Jessica Dogo

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC), says its 2024 drug report has revealed that 90 per cent of tramadol seized globally in the past five years occurred in Africa.

    The UNODC country representative, Oliver Stolpe, disclosed this on Wednesday at the commemoration of the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking in Abuja.

    The theme of the event, which titled “ The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention’’ was organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in collaboration with the UNODC and the MTN Foundation.

    Stolpe said the African continent was a major transit point and urged Nigeria to invest more on prevention and access to healthcare.

    “More than 90 per cent of tramadol seizures over the past five years worldwide were seized in Africa, predominantly West Africa.

    “To reduce the evidences here; Nigeria needs to invest more in prevention with some concentration in youths and women.’’

    He advised the government to include all public and private secondary schools in its programme against drug abuse.

    “The programme should be for all government and private secondary schools and out of school children. We need to sensitise people on the ability to recognise drug use sufferers and help them.

    “And the health sector needs response require fundamental upgrade because access remains a major challenge.”

    He said UNODC 2024 drug report shows that 292 million or 5.6 per cent of the world population aged between 15 and 64 use drugs in the past year.

    “That’s 20 per cent increase over the past ten years, while cannabis remains the main drug used and trafficked in Africa, with West Africa as one of the major entry points in Africa.

    “The continent continues to be used as a transit area for drugs such as cocaine, heroin etc. Drugs trafficked to Africa continues to penetrate the local market.

    “It is adding to the health challenges already faced in nations where cannabis is used. Tramadol used medically is illicitly manufactured and it is being used illicitly more than the one medically manufactured.”

    In his remarks, Chairman of the NDLEA, Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, said the agency’s passion for prevention was due to evidence-based results.

    “The imperative to invest in prevention is dictated by evidence-based results that have shown prevention is far more cost effective than dealing with the consequences of drug use disorder.

    “At NDLEA, drug use prevention lies at the heart of our strategy in addressing the drug problem as it is far more effective and cost-efficient to prevent drug abuse than to deal with its consequences.

    “As part of the reforms being undertaken in the Agency in the last three years, with the support of the Federal Government and various stakeholders, we have invested in prevention programmes.

    “The magnitude of our effort is reflected in the statistics of our drug supply reduction activities. We have arrested 52, 901 drug traffickers, including 48 barons, in three and half years.”

    Marwa said over 9, 000 suspects have been convicted in court.

    “We have also seized over the same periods 7.6 million kilograms of assorted illicit substances,” he said.

    In his remarks, the Chairman MTN foundation, Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, said MTN saw the need to assist government in some areas and decided to collaborate.

    Adelusi-Adeluyi said that in the past 20 years, the foundation had expended N30 billion in different programmes and projects within the country.

    “Mtn foundation is 20 years this year and right from the start we made up our mind that Nigeria as a government cannot satisfy needs of all Nigerians and therefore, well meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies should get to see how they can assist.

    “In view of that the MTN has made tremendous impact in areas of education, health, economic empowerment, and some other special projects.

    “In fact, the MTN foundation has expended more than N30 billion in the process.

    “We at the board got together and said to ourselves; while these programmes are going on we must focus on the youths because they holds a very special demographic in the affairs of our nation.

    “We did our research and found out that as long as younger generation does not have something to do, something to love, and something to hope for; they will be subject to negative distraction.

    “And one of these distractions we identified as substance abuse that is why we started Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP).

    “In the area of advocacy, we have done  programmes for schools across the nation, 6,400 students and over 1,400 teachers with 140 public schools.

    “The programme was done in 12 states and part of awareness creation we organised a quiz competition,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    JEZ/EBI/ADA

    Edited by Benson Iziama/Deji Abdulwahab

    ======

  • We will not gag the press – FG assures

    Press

    By Collins Yakubu-Hammer/Justina Auta

    Abuja, June 26. 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has restated its commitment to creating a conducive environment for journalists and the media profession in the country.

    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja  at a book presentation titled “Writing for Media and Monetising it” by Azu Ishiekwene.

    “As we celebrate this milestone, it is also important to reaffirm the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration to a free and responsible journalism.

    “We understand that a society can only flourish when its media organs are free to report the truth without fear of retribution and to equally hold those in authority accountable.

    “The Tinubu’s administration is therefore, dedicated to creating an environment where journalists can work freely, without intimidation, and with the assurance that their rights will be acknowledged and protected,’’ Idris said.

    The Minister, however, stressed that, freedom comes with responsibility.

    He noted that as the government championed the cause of a free press, it is incumbent on the media to exercise the freedom with a sense of duty, ethics and patriotism.

    According to him, it is crucial that the information disseminated to the public is accurate, balanced, and devoid of sensationalism.

    “We must all strive to ensure that this role is played with the utmost responsibility while we work closely to advance the course of good governance in our country.

    “We must be wary of fake news, misinformation and disinformation and indeed, new cankerworms that destroy individual and corporate reputation, and above all, destabilise the society,’’ Idris said.

    Speaking on the book, the Minister said the author had done a huge favour of distilling his great skill, talents and experience into the 280 pages of valuable works.

    “I am very glad about the enthusiastic reception that the book is getting from a wide range of quarters as well as stellar reviews and comments, from some of our most respected media practitioners.

    “This initiative represents a meaningful way for the author to give back to the media industry by offering valuable guidance and support to the next generation of journalists.

    “Indeed, the way Azu has creatively deployed the Internet for this new book is a testament to how well he has kept up with changing times and technologies,” he said.

    Speaking, the Chairman, Leadership Newspaper Group, Mrs Zainab Nda-Isaiah said the author has been honing his craft, writing articles that educate, inform and entertain on various and diverse topics.

    “This book is not just a collection of tips and tricks, but a comprehensive guide that covers the entire process of writing for media from idea generation, to publication.

    “However, this book is in a class of its own, because beyond what I just mentioned as its focus, the book also focuses on monetizing the craft of great writing,’’ Nda-Isaiah said

    Meanwhile, Mr Ahmed Shekarau, owner of Trust TV and Daily Trust Newspaper encouraged the media to focus on human angle reporting that would create traffic in the media space,

    Similarly, Ms Kadaria Ahmed, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Radio Now 95.3fm, stressed the need to educate citizens on the significance of what they are doing.

    Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi of Mass Communication Department, School of Postgraduates Studies, Baze University, emphasised on the need for the media to be creative and adapt new trends in media profession. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    CMY/JAD/ROT

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

    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

     

  • Educationists harp on socio-emotional learning, leadership development among students


    From left:  Mr Tom Ighalo, Vice President, Human Resources and Adminstration, Teesas Education; Mrs Modupe Adeyinka-Oni, Executive Director of Standard Bearers School; Mr Osayi Izedonmwen, Chairman and Founder, Teesas Education; Dr Mrs Femi Ogunsanya, Founder of Oxbridge Tutorial College; and Mrs Monica Lewis, Head of Schools, Pegasus Schools; during the Teesas Leader in Me Programme organised for school owners and management staff in Lagos

     

    Education

    By Esenvosa Izah

    Lagos, June, 26, 2024 (NAN) Some stakeholders in education have called for a paradigm shift to socio-emotional learning and leadership development to transform societies.

     

    The stakeholders made the call at a leadership  development programme in Lagos on Wednesday.

     

    The programme tagged “Leader in Me (LIM)”, was organised by Teesas, an education technology company, in collaboration with FranklinCovey Education, a provider of educational leadership programmes.

     

    It was organised for school owners and  management staff.

     

    The Founder of Oxbridge Tutorial College, Mrs Femi Ogunsanya, said at the event that such a paradigm shift would require restoration of  values needed for societal advancement.

     

    “The LIM programme has some of the values that it propagates: discipline, hard work and respect.

     

    “It is important that we catch children young from nursery and primary schools and inculcate these values in them.

     

    “How do we restore all these? It is through programmes like the LIM so that, once the children are able to imbibe all of those values, their emotional quotient shifts; that is paradigm shift we need to see, “ she said.

     

    She urged that schools in public and private sectors should key into such a programme and collaborate to ensure promotion of the values.

     

    “It has taken us decades to get to where we are, but we have to be intentional through this programme, for decades, to gradually re-find ourselves and re-establish the values in our system, “ she said.

     

    The Executive Director of Standard Bearers School, Mrs Modupe Adeyinka-Oni, urged schools and governments to key into the LIM programme to enable a positive change in the society.

     

    “Every school is a sub-sector of the larger community, and every community, a sub-sector of the country.

     

     

    “If we change as a people, become more conscious of other people and collaborate, we will have this multiplier effect, “ Adeyinka-Oni said.

     

    In his remarks, the Founder of Teesas Education, Mr Osayi Izedonwem, described the programme as a whole-school transformative programme.

     

    According to him, it aims to raise the level of socio-emotional learning across all schools.

     

    “As we know today, a lot of schools focus on academics.

     

    “However, the reality is that in a knowledge economy that the world is moving into, social-emotional learning and leadership development are the core skills that truly transform learners and prepare them for that world.

     

    “Today, a lot of schools are not equipped for that, and that is what LIM aims to do – a whole-school transformation that works with the school administrators and parents in a holistic manner to deliver leadership development and socio-emotional learning across primary and  secondary schools, “ he said. (NAN)

    EEI/IGO

    =======

    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

     

  • How I managed Anambra security vote account under Obiano, ex-banker tells court

    How I managed Anambra security vote account under Obiano, ex-banker tells court

    Trial

    By Taiye Agbaje

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) A former commercial bank staff, Mr Ugochukwu Otubelu, on Wednesday, revealed how he managed the security vote account under ex-Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra government.

    Otubelu, who said he is now a businessman, told Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court, Abuja that he was with the bank between Nov. 2, 2008 and March 24, 2023.

    “I worked in Awka Regional Branch at Nmamdi Azikiwe University.

    “I was a relationship officer, I recruit customers, manage their account and approves loan facilities for customers of the bank.

    “The branch I worked is a regional branch and the Marketing Department is divided into Consumer Marketing, Commercial Banking and the Public Sector,” he said.

    Otubelu, who was led in evidence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s counsel Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, as 3rd prosecution witness (PW-3), said he worked in the Public Sector Department of the bank.

    He said he was told by the bank’s compliant unit that the EFCC was investigating the state and the security vote accounts of Anambra which he managed.

    He said the commission asked him to get details of six accounts including that of Youdoo Ventures, Nazdal Ventures, Moment of Peace Ventures and Easy Dia.ln Limited and C.I Party Ventures Nigeria Limited.

    He said he had met with ex-Gov Obiano before in the course of managing the security vote account.

    The PW-3, however said that the signatories to the security vote account were the former Principal Secretary to the ex-governor, Willy Nwokoye, and the Accountant, Theophilus Nweze.

    “I interface with them mostly on daily and weekly basis in processing their transactions.

    “I correlate between the bank and them and in processing their transactions, I give them feedback on those transactions.”

    He said he goes to the principal secretary’s office every week and he tells him the transactions to be done for the week.

    “He will give me instruments through cheque for the transaction to be processed on behalf of that security vote account.

    “After every week, I do go to his office to balance the account via the money that came into the security vote account and what it is needed to be done for that week,” he said.

    On how the transaction was done, Otubelu said Nwokoye sometimes issued cheques and they at times, took the cash to him.

    He identified the documents submitted to the EFCC numbering 215 and was marked as exhibits after Tahir tendered them.

    But Obiano’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, reserved his objection until final address in line with court directive.

    Otubelu, who admitted that funds from the security votes account went into the six companies’ account, said the money did not go to the account holders.

    When being cross-examined by Ikpeazu, the witness admitted that the state government was neither part of any of the six accounts nor did it open them.

    He also said that the state government did not directly operate the six accounts.

    He said the six accounts were used for discreet security transactions.

    When asked on what he understood by the expression , “discreet security transactions,” Otubelu said; “As at the time the accounts were needed, there were a lot of insecurity in the state to the extent that we, the bank workers, do not go to work.

    “There was high tension of insecurity all over the state.”

    “AmI right to say that the security operatives did not operate regular bank accounts?” Ikpeazu asked.

    Responding, the witness said: “In the course of my duty, the security agencies were basically paid in cash.”

    The PW-3 admitted that on few occasions he took cash to the former governor, it was usually during his meeting with the security operatives.

    “The service chiefs are always there; the army, the navy, the DSS director, civil defence, vigilante and others,” he said.

    He admitted that the vigilante groups in the state were established by the communities and churches.

    He, however, agreed that the state government participated in their funding and expenses as security operatives.

    The witness admitted that in the course of operating the six companies’ accounts, no part of the state government money went to the benefit of the companies and their directors.

    “Not even a kobo because the transactions done for the week will be reconciled with the Principal Secretary,” he said.

    After re-examination, Otubelu was discharged from the witness box.

    The EFCC also called Hayatu Hadejia, a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator as 4th prosecution witness (PW-4).

    Hadejia told the court that he is a businessman, who runs BDC companies.

    He said he had five companies and was invited by the EFCC as part of its investigations into the financial activities of the government of ex-governor Obiano.

    After given his testimony and was cross-examined by Obiano’s lawyer, Justice Ekwo discharged him from the witness box and adjourned the matter until Oct. 7, Oct. 8, Oct. 9 and Oct. 10 for continuation of trial.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Obiano was Anambra governor between March 2014 and March 2022.

    The former governor, in a nine-count charge, was alleged to have among others, misappropriated over N4 billion from the state’s treasury.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TOA/SH

    =======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Solicitor-General tasks stakeholders on ending torture

    Solicitor-General tasks stakeholders on ending torture

     

    Collaboration
    By Ebere Agozie

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and has called on stakeholders to speak with one voice against all forms of torture in Nigeria.

    Jeddy-Agba  made the call  during the 2024 Commemoration of the International Day Against Victims of Torture organised by the Federal Ministry of Justice in conjunction with the National Human Rights Commission.

    NAN reports that the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on June 26 marks the moment when the Convention came into effect in 1987. Since then, the international anti-torture framework has come a long way.

    The theme of the celebration is: “Voices Against Torture: A Call for Global Justice and Human Rights”.

    She acknowledged the tireless efforts of stakeholders who have made necessary sacrifices to ensure Nigeria complies with UN Convention Against Torture and other forms of Inhuman degrading treatment.

    She, however, stressed that stakeholders, both in the public and private sectors must speak with one voice against the perpetrators of torture, and for all who suffer at their hands, in order to build a better, more humane society for Nigerians.

    “Nigeria has continued to demonstrate its commitment to the ideals of respect for human rights, particularly the prevention of torture and other inhuman degrading treatment against citizens.

    “Today is designed to remind ourselves of the need to continue to prevent torture in Nigeria.

    “June 26 of every year is therefore an occasion to highlight our collective collaboration to the prohibition of torture and all forms of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.

    “It is also an opportunity to express solidarity with the sufferings of victims and their families, and to reaffirm the need for a global commitment to rehabilitate all victims of all such abuse’’.

    `We are committed to advocating, training and sensitising our law enforcement agencies, hospitals, psychiatric wards and other places of limited liberty, of the need to ensure respect for human rights.

    “I encourage our law enforcement agencies to continue to support measures aimed at combating torture in all their detention centers.

    “I solicit the support of our stakeholders and development partners to continue to give the necessary support aimed at rooting out torture and ensuring that Nigeria complies with its international obligations’’.

    Also speaking, Dr Tony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission said the event provides the platform to reflect on the plight of victims of torture and how to eliminate torture.

    “We must always speak against this abhorrent violation of human rights that has left protracted and profound scars on families, individuals, and communities.

    “This is another opportunity to call for the strengthening of national efforts and mechanisms towards preventing torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment.

    “It is significant that Nigeria has taken active steps by being a party to core international and regional instruments that condemn this heinous violation of human rights and ensure that persons, irrespective of their circumstances, are treated with utmost dignity.

    “We must enhance support services, including medical care, psycho-social, and legal assistance to victims and survivors by establishing rehabilitation centers across the country provide the necessary care and support to survivors.

    “We call for the strict implementation of laws that prohibit torture and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.

    “We must strengthen our legal frameworks to ensure comprehensive protection for all persons in Nigeria,’’ he added.

    NAN reports that on Dec. 10,  1984, the UN General Assembly adopted the convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

    The UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on 26 June marks the moment when the Convention came into effect in 1987.

    Since then, the international anti-torture framework has come a long way.

    The absolute prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment is now the object of legal consensus, recognised as a jus cogens norm.

    The entry into force of the Optional Protocol to the Convention in 2006 has given a new impetus to torture prevention, establishing a system of regular, independent visits by independent oversight bodies to places of detention as a critical safeguard against abuses.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    EPA/SH

    =======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Strike: FG, ASUU in closed-door meeting

    Strike

    By Funmilayo Adeyemi

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government delegation and the leadership of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), are in closed door meeting to discuss lingering crisis and avert strike by the Union.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the meeting holding on Wednesday in the office of the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman,commenced at about 4.30p.m.

    The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu and other top officials in the ministry are in the federal government” team

    The ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, who led the union’s delegation told newsmen that the meeting was to deliberate on lingering issues affecting the universities to avert the planned strike actions.

    “There are a lot of issues that are outstanding within the system and we believe that before now, they would have been takwn care of.

    ‘The issues would have been resolved in line with the promise made by President Bola Tinubu and there will not be strike in the university system.

    “We hope that this meeting will be able to resolve some of these issues so that we can move forward as a country as well as our university system,” he said.

    Earlier, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, said the meeting would provide an opportunity for both parties to rub minds on issues affecting the university system.

    Mamman said that ASUU had earlier written to the ministry, detailing a number of issues and concerns affecting the universities and the union.

    He said that the issues required interactions between the union and government officials to avert any strike proposed by the union.

    NAN reports that the closed door meeting is still ongoing as at the time of filing this report.

    ASUU had threatened to embark on a nationwide strike over the federal government’s failure to meet its demands.

    Osodeke had charged the government to act within two weeks to address all outstanding demands by the union(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FAK/ROT

    ========

    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • CAC, insolvency assoc. strengthen ties to boost service, develop economy

  • Rep to establish complaint desk to address electricity issues

    Desk

    By Constance Athekame /Khadijat Ahmed

    Abuja, June 26, 2024(NAN) Rep Joshua Obika, representing Abuja Municipal (AMAC)/Bwari Area Councils in the House of Representative says he plans to establish a legislative complaint desk to address electricity issues in his constituency.

    Obika said this on Wednesday at the AMAC/Bwari Legislative Intervention Workshop on Electricity Consumer Protection in Abuja.

    The theme of the workshop titled “Applying Legislative Instrument to Enhance Implementation of Electricity Consumer Protection Provisions of Electricity Act 2023 in AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency.

    “It is my duty as a representative of the people to channel people’s complaints to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to do the needful as we can no longer accept disservice to the people.

    He said that the complaint desk would enable his office to have all complaints and make sure the issues are taken up with AEDC whose responsibility is to solve the problems.

    “There is a signed contract that gives AEDC the powers, so AEDC has to meet up its obligation to the people and that is why I am here to make sure it happens.

    “All the laws are already in place and in this country; our problem most times is not the law but the implementation. So, the people saddled with the job to ensure proper implementation must do it.

    “I am giving the AMAC and Bwari constituency the opportunity to come up with their complaints in time pass, maybe their complaints were not attended to but this time around it will be different, ‘’ he said

    Obika urged all community leaders to encourage their people that have electricity challenges to submit written complaints to the office for proper handling of the issues.

    He said that legislative representation was better achieved through regular consultation with constituents.

    According to him, this will enable the lawmaker to understand details of the matter by hearing from the institutions whose responsibilities are to carry out oversight and investigation.

    “And to also hear from his constituents who are on the demand side of the governance curve. This process will enable the lawmaker to make informed decisions on the right legislative action to follow.’’

    The lawmaker said he received numerous complaints concerning electricity billing, metering, disconnection, handling safety standards and absence of electricity in some rural communities due to infrastructural challenges, amongst others.

    Obika said that he had consulted with stakeholders in the power sector to find a way of resolving these complaints.

    In his keynote address, Prof Sherif Ibrahim, Head of Department, Political Science and International Relations, University of Abuja, emphasised the need to protect the rights of consumers.

    Ibrahim said, “that is why there is the need for perpetual monitoring and evaluation of laws to ensure they are checked and implemented.

    “Members of the legislature can synergise with the members of the executive as well as the institutions of judiciary in making sure that these legislations are implemented.

    “They should also ensure punitive measures or penalties are imposed on those who fail in their responsibilities.’’

    Ibrahim said that it was good that the members of the legislature have an obligation in terms of oversight function to ensure the protection of right of consumers as it relates to power consumption.

    He said that areas through which the consumers should maintain and fulfill all their obligations had also been identified.

    “Especially at protecting the power installations as well as payment of their monthly or quarterly bills.

    “As well as cordiality in their relationship with their officials who come to supervise or inspect power facilities and installations, ‘’ he said.

    On his part, Mr Dalahatu Musa, the Commissioner, FCT  Public Complaint Commission, said that his office was partnering with the legislature to ensure that the right thing was done.

    Musa said that the era of government and private agencies going away without doing the right thing was gone.

    “We are joining hands with Rep Obika and other government agencies to check some of these abnormalities.

    ` I have told him that my office is ready to partner with his office to make sure people get the services they paid for. The worst is that these services are not free. We paid for these services, so they must be rendered,’’ he said.

    Mr Princewill Okorie, Special Adviser, Consumer Affairs and Public Complaints to Rep Obika, said that the workshop was a pilot one.

    According to him,   it is expected that members of the House of Representatives going by the section 88 of the constitution that gave them the power of oversight and investigation function would be able to carry out consumer engagement in their constituencies.

    He said that this would enable the lawmakers to know the way consumers are served in their various constituencies.

    “By so doing, legislative activities that will improve the sector based on consumer information,’’ he said.  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    COA/ADA

    Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

  • We’ve not abandoned construction of new stadium -Aiyedatiwa

    We’ve not abandoned construction of new Stadium -Aiyedatiwa

    The contractor Mike Aremu(on the left) receiving the handover letter from the Commissioner for Sports, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye

    Construction

    By Segun Giwa

    Akure, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, on Wednesday, said that the government has no plan to abandon the construction of a new stadium in Akure.

     

    The governor, however, did not elaborate on the construction of the new stadium, which was first mooted and approved by the government of the late Gov. Olusegun Agagu, two decades  ago.

     

    Aiyedatiwa said this at the official handing over of the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure to the contractor awarded the renovation of the  facility – Reform Sports West Africa .

     

    The governor, represented at the ceremony by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, said that the old stadium nevertheless need to to be renovated, likewise the ones in Ondo, Ore, Okitipupa and other part of the state.

    According to him, this was in line with his vision to develop sports talents at the grassroots.

    Aiyedatiwa urged the contractor handling the project to deliver within the specified time frame.

    “I want you to resume work here next Monday, there is no room for wasting of time.

    “Work must resume immediately, I will have to relocate my office to this place.

    “Your company is a reputable organisations,we have been working with you since 2012, as you laid this same turf and we have no doubt in our minds that you will deliver as expected,” he said.

    The governor said that the renovation work was expected to be completed before the beginning of the next football season.

    Also, the Chairman Of Ondo State Football Association, Chief Dele Ajayi, commended the governor for approving the renovation of the stadium.

    Ajayi said that when the stadium was completed, one of the national team’s top flight matches would be brought to Akure.

    The Chief Executive Officer of Reform Sports West Africa, Mr Michael Adamu, said his company would strive to deliver a quality job and meet up with the agreed date of delivery.

    “We are a lucky organisation, remember immediately we delivered in 2012 Sunshine Stars played in the continent.

    With God on our side, such era will return after we have delivered again,” he said

    Also, the Project Manager of the company, Mr Arnold Nosa, said areas to be renovated include; the main pitch, Basketball court, Volleyball and Handball courts.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    GSD/AOS

    ==========

    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

     

  • 2027: Support group wants Atiku to contest again

    Prof. Gold Emmanuel, the President, Nigeria Youths For Atiku (NYFA)

    2027: Support group wants Atiku to contest again

    Election
    By Adeyemi Adeleye
    Lagos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Youths For Atiku (NYFA), a support group of  former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has urged him to give the presidency another shot in 2027 .

    The President of NYFA, Prof. Gold Emmanuel, in a statement on Wednesday by the group’s Director of Publicity, Mr Dare Dada, said that the support group arrived at the call at  its annual convention in Lagos.

    Emmanuel said that NYFA remained a leading support group for Abubakar with solid grassroots bases across the 36 states in Nigeria.

    According to her, the national leadership of the group has highlighted some of the key personal achievements of the former vice president and found him worthy to lead the country.

    She said that these achievements included the fact that Abubakar had been running one of Nigeria’s  international universities  successfully  and other businesses successfully.

    The president said: “We are of the opinion that anyone seeking public office must first of all be successful in private business.

    “Atiku will  bring his experience in private business to fore in the running of the economy of the country.

    “He will correct the current economic distortions brought about by bad policies of APC led government, a man with vast experience both in private and public enterprise needs to be in the saddle come 2027.”she said.

    Emmanuel further said Abubakar’s philanthropic  gestures were a remarkable trait of a great leader.

    “His desire to see to the education of some of the Chibok girls ,who were rescued years back without making it a publicity item is commendable,” she said.

    On the current economic hardship being faced by Nigerians, the president  assured that Atiku was capable of navigating Nigeria in the right economic direction, if given the opportunity to run the affairs of the country.

    She emphasised the need for  a passionate Nigerian President, who  understands the economic and the political dynamics of the country.

    “Alhaji Atiku paraded the best economic blueprint during the 2023 Presidential campaign,” she said.

    Emmanuel said that ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)” had stolen “many of Atiku’s  programmes, some of which, they claimed,  were being implemented wrongly.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Abubakar has been running for the office of the president unsuccessfully each election year under different political platforms after serving as vice president between 1999 and 2007.

    He contested the 2023 general elections under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ,in which  he came second, losing to the incumbent President Bola Tinubu. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AYO/BHB
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    Edited by Buhari Bolaji