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  • VIO confirms murder of personnel by “one chance” operators in Abuja

    VIO confirms murder of personnel by “one chance” operators in Abuja

    Murder

    By Isah Yahaya

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), FCT, has confirmed the death of its personnel, Prisca Chikodi, who was murdered by “one chance” operators in Abuja.

    The Head, Public Relations and Enlightenment of the service, Mr Kalu Emetu, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Emetu said the incident occurred on June 21, around 6:45pm after her boss dropped her off at area 1 bus stop where she boarded a vehicle going to Gwagwalada.

    “It turned to be that the occupants of the vehicle were criminals, popularly called ‘one chance’ operators.

    “But unfortunately, she did not live to explain what actually happened on their way.

    “This is because her corpse was found around 12:45am on June 22, at Shetima Mogonu st., behind Berger, Utako.

    “Meanwhile, her looks at death does not show any sign that she was shot, stabbed or strangulated, but looks like one in a normal sleep,” he said.

    He said that the Directorate is in a deep mourning as she was one of the brilliant and very obedient officers in the Directorate.

    Emetu said that she was until her death, a personal assistant to the Deputy Director, Human Resources in the Directorate.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    YI/OJI/JPE

    ========

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Joseph Edeh

  • Biotechnology requires robust regulatory frameworks—NBRDA D-G

    Prof Abdullahi Mustapha, D-G, NBRDA

     

     

    Biotech

    By Sylvester Thompson

    Abuja, June 26, 2024(NAN) Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), says biotechnology requires robust regulatory frameworks to overcome regulatory hurdles facing its adoption.

    Mustapha made this submission in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The director-general, who was reacting to the challenges and ethical considerations surrounding biotechnology in Nigeria, said it needed ethical guidelines, stakeholder engagements and technology transfer mechanisms.

    According to him, in understanding biotechnology, it harnesses biological processes, organisms or systems to develop innovative products and solutions.

    “The benefits of biotechnology are far-reaching, cutting across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, environment and industry.

    “Biotechnology offers environmental solutions such as environmental sustainability through bio-remediation, waste management and renewable energy production.

    “Bio-remediation is a branch of biotechnology that employs the use of microbes and bacteria to decontaminate affected parts.

    “Microbial bio-remediation techniques clean up contaminated environments, reducing environmental degradation and associated economic costs.’’

    The NBRDA boss also explained that in the area of sustainable industrial development, industrial biotechnology promoted sustainable production processes and products.

    “Bio-based materials, renewable fuels, and biodegradable plastics are examples of industrial biotechnology applications.

    “Adoption of industrial biotechnology fosters environmental conservation and economic opportunities in renewable industries.

    “In the area of healthcare advancements, healthcare adoption of biotechnology reduces healthcare costs and stimulates economic growth.

    “Biotechnology innovations transform healthcare through personalised medicine, advanced diagnostics and novel treatments,” he said.

    Mustapha added that biopharmaceuticals derived from biotechnology processes offered targeted therapies for various diseases. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    SET/AYO/CJ/

    ==========

    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi and Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

     

  • New Kano CP urges public to volunteer information to Police

    New Kano CP urges public to volunteer information to Police

    Information

     By Aminu Garko

    Kano, June 26,2024 ( NAN) Mr Salman Dogo, the new Commissioner of Police in Kano State, has appealed to the public to provide timely information to the police to help fight  crimes in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dogo made the appeal while addressing newsmen at the command headquarters on Tuesday in Kano.

    He said that voluntary information from residents was crucial in identifying and apprehending suspicious individuals and curbing criminal acts.

    He said that the police have issued operational orders to Area commanders, and divisional police officers to effectively confront any form of security threats.

    Dogo urged stakeholders to support the police by mobilising residents to be security conscious and report dubious characters.

    He highlighted the importance of community policing and encouraged residents to come forward with information to aid in apprehending criminals.

     The commissioner reiterated the police’s commitment to securing lives and property, promising to reward hard working officers.

    He urged the public to support the police in their efforts to ensure peace and stability in the state.( NAN)( www.nannews.ng)

    AAG/JPE

    =======

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • Court sentences internet fraudster to 1 year imprisonment

    Court jailed internet fraudster to 1 year imprisonment
    Sentence
    By Uche Bibilari
    Gwagwalada (FCT), June 26, 2024 (NAN) An FCT, High Court in Gwagwalada, on Wednesday, sentenced a 29-year-old internet fraudster, Eke Emmanuel, a.k.a Miller Fulton, to one year imprisonment for swindling his victim of 700 dollars.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had prosecuted the convict before the court on a charge of cheating by impersonation.

    He pleaded guilty to the charge and begged the court for mercy.

    Delivering judgment, Justice Aliyu Shafa, held that the convict was guilty and sentenced to the term in the correctional centre.

    Shafa, however, granted the convict an option of N200,000 fine.

    The judge also granted the application of the Prosecution Counsel, Chiamaka Njoku, that the iphone X cellphone used to commit the crime and the 700 dollars recovered from the convict should be forfeited to the federal government.

    He also ordered that the convict should swear to an affidavit of good behaviour after his term in jail or upon paying his fine.

    Earlier, the convict while pleading for mercy told the court that he was deeply sorry for his action.

    The Defence Counsel, P.E. Egeolu in his   allocutus on behalf of the convict pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.

    Egeolu said that the convict, who has no criminal records, was remorseful for commission of the offence.

    Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Njoku said that the convict sometimes in 2023 cheated by impersonation when he assumed the identity of one Miller Fulton, a military personnel from Denver, Colorado.

    She said that the convict fraudulently obtained the sum of 700 dollars from some unsuspecting victims.

    The prosecutor said the offence contravened the provision of Section 321 of the Penal Code, punishable under section 324 of the code.

    By an oral application, Njoku requested that the court should order the  forefieture of  the cellphone and money recovered from the convict to the federal government through the EFCC. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    UU/AOS

    ========

    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

  • Center reviews 2023 polls, lauds voter education, technology deployment  

    Center

    By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

    Calabar, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The International Press Centre (IPC) has lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for the high level of voter education, planning and technology deployed during the 2023 general election.

    Mr Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC, gave the commendation on Wednesday while addressing stakeholders at a one-day multi-stakeholder dialogue in Calabar, Cross River.

    Arogundade said there was a need to address the crucial issue of rebuilding trust in Nigeria’s electoral process in spite of the remarkable improvement noticed in certain areas during the 2023 general elections.

    He, however, called on INEC to work towards improving the logistics challenges, voter’s participation, disputes and violence that usually characterise the country’s election.

    “This dialogue is part of the European Union’s support for democratic governance in Nigeria, under the ‘component four’ (Support to Media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria-Phase 2 (EUSDGN II) project.

    “The Calabar event is the fourth dialogue of its kind following previous successful sessions in Abuja, Lagos, and Kaduna states.

    “Building trust requires involvement from all stakeholders, and not just the INEC,” he said.

    He urged participants to work together to ensure credible elections and increase voter participation in the next general election.

    Prof. Takim Ojua of the University of Calabar, noted that electoral fraud and violence were long-standing issues in Nigerian politics.

    Ojua who was the lead speaker at the event, said that rebuilding trust required a collective effort of every stakeholder.

    On his part, the Commissioner of Police in Cross River, Gyogon Grimah, represented by DSP Igri Ewa, highlighted the role of the Police in maintaining law and order during elections.

    Similarly, Mr Ken Bassey, representing the Trade Union Congress (TUC), emphasised the need for fair compensation for workers to reduce electoral fraud.

    Participants included political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations and the media.

    They discussed the need for improved voter registration, adequate training for electoral officials and effective collation and transmission of election results.

    They also emphasised the importance of addressing the challenges of free and fair election in Nigeria through robust legal frameworks and effective enforcement. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ESI/EMAF
    ========
    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

  • Rangers FC adopt Green foot ladies ahead CAF champions league

    Rangers FC adopt Green foot ladies ahead CAF champions league

    Rangers

    By Benson Ezugwu

    Enugu, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Rangers International Football club of Enugu, said it has formed a technical partnership with Green Foot Ladies of Enugu, a female football team, through its sponsors and partners, Afrinvest.

    Norbert Okolie, the Media Officer of the club,  said this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Enugu.

    He said that through the partnership and collaboration, Rangers would provide comprehensive support to the team to boost the growth of women’s football in the state.

    “This partnership underscores our commitment to promoting inclusivity, excellence and opportunity in the sports we love.

    “Together, we aim to nurture talent, enhance skills and elevate the profile of women’s football in Enugu State and beyond, ‘ Okolie said.

    The media officer said that having a female team was part of the requirements by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), to feature in the Champions league.

    “We can say that Rangers have adopted Green foot ladies as our team in fulfillment of the rules by CAF for teams to play in the Champions league, ” he said.

    He disclosed that Rangers have been doing much for the women’s team like providing kits, offering them training ground and other technical assistance.

    NAN reports that the flying antelopes last weekend emerged champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after defeating Gombe United 2-1 at the Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos.

    The team thus qualified to represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF champion’s league. (NAN)

    (www.nannews.ng)

    BEN/GOM/JPE

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

    Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Joseph Edeh

  • Team Nigeria’s Olympics-bound wrestlers to begin overseas camping Monday in Germany

    Wrestling
    By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju
    Ibadan, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) on Wednesday said the overseas camping stage of its wrestlers’ preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympics will begin on Monday in Saarbrucken, Germany.
    Daniel Igali, the President of NWF, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan that this would follow the ongoing local camping in Yenagoa which will end on Sunday.
    “Preparations for the Olympics are in top gear. We’ve been in camp in Yenagoa for over two  weeks, and training so far is going on so well.
    “We have five Olympics-bound athletes and three training partners each in camp.
    “The lone male among the Olympics-bound wrestlers is not in camp yet, and that is Ashton Mutuwa who is based in the U.S.
    “Already, Adekuoroye who is also based in the U.S. has now joined us. Mutuwa will join in the overseas camp because of his peculiar situation.
    “He has very good training partners in the US, and we want that to continue because we’re quite happy with his training situation there, which we are monitoring very closely,” he said.
    Igali assured that Mutuwa was being monitored closely and so far the NWF was impressed with what he was doing.
    He also said Adekuoroye has done a lot of training in respect of pace and strengthening.
    “We believe that she has good training partners here in Nigeria that will really get her fortified for the Olympics, because we have a lot of hope on her at this Olympics,” the NWF President said.
    He disclosed that while the wrestlers were expected  to camp in Germany for three weeks, the federation was hopeful that they would be there till July ending.
    ”This is because we won’t start competing until Aug. 5, and we will like to go to the Games Village four days to our events,” Igali said.
    The NWF President added that the situation meant they have to do the right things from now till the end of the training period since the wrestling events would begin on Aug. 5.
    Speaking also, Purity Akuh, the head coach of the female wrestling team, said the athletes and their training partners were in their preparation phase and working so hard.
    He said his  expectations as the coach was for every one of the qualified athletes to win medals at  the Olympic Games.
    NAN reports that six wrestlers will represent the country at the Games, with the team having five female and one male.
    The team has Tokyo 2020 silver medalist Blessing Oborodudu in the 68kg category, Odunayo Adekuoroye in the 57kg and Hannah Reuben in the 76kg —- all being female.
    There are also Christiana Ogunsanya in the 62kg and Esther Kolawole in the 62kg, while  the lone male is Ashton Mutuwa who will compete in the 125kg category.(NAN)
    SEY/OLAL
    =========
    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)

  • FG/IFAD, NDDC to scale-up LIFE-ND project in Niger-Delta

     

    Project

    By Felicia Imohimi

    Abuja, June 26, 2024(NAN)The Federal Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development Programme (IFAD) say they are committed to scaling up implementation of Livelihood Improvement and Family Enterprises Project in Niger Delta (LIFE-ND).

    Mrs Dede Ekoue, Country Director, IFAD, gave the assurance at the Federal Government and IFAD LIFE-ND Joint 4th Supervision Mission workshop on Wednesday in Abuja.

    LIFE-NG project is in response to the limited readily available options for the “disadvantaged” (youth and women) in the rural and suburban communities to improve their means of livelihood and help them to live decent lives.

    Ekoue said the implementation would be scaled up in three states of Rivers, Imo and Akwa-Ibom.

    “We look forward to a scaling up of the project results in the three states originally planned to be funded by Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    “LIFE-ND is a programme that has demonstrated successful impact over its five years of implementation.

    “The specific objective of the project is to enhance income, food security and job creation for rural youth and women through agri-enterprise development on a sustainable basis in the nine Niger-Delta states.

    “The states are Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Ondo  financed by IFAD while Akwa-Ibom, Imo and Rivers have yet to commence the project implementation under the NDDC funding.’’

    The country director said the supervision mission provided an opportunity to support LIFE-ND to catalyse additional progress for youth and women agribusiness, food security and inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

    She explained that the mission would identify additional strategies to deliver more value to the youth and women agribusiness and to the Niger Delta communities.

    “The mission is happening at a critical junction as IFAD is working on the request for additional finance for the LIFE-ND second phase in the six states covered by IFAD/FG funding, “she said.

    The director urged the supervision mission team to utilise the opportunity to invest fully in the mission to prepare ways for greater impact of the project on the agro-food system transformation in the Niger-Delta.

    Mr Bukar Musa, Director Project Coordinating Unit, FNAFS, said the ministry had made a lot of efforts to sustain LIFE-ND project.

    Musa identified one the efforts as sending series of reminder to NDDC through the Ministry of Niger Delta to produce their financial commitment to bring the three states under its funding on board.

    The director, who assured that the commission would son redeem its pledge, emphasised that efforts were being made for the expansion of the project to other states.

    “We have forwarding memos and letters to the Federal Ministry of Finance for onward delivery to IFAD for the reallocation of additional finance of the unallocated six million dollars.

    “The ministry has equally sent similar letters for the release of 20 million dollars additional financing to forestall any financing gap between the project first phase and second phase.

    ” We have started negotiation of the second phase to enable or bring in more states especially the states of Rivers, Akwa-Ibom and Imo which hitherto have not enjoyed IFAD funding because they are funded by the NDDC, “he said.

    Musa identified supervision mission as integral to any project in order to access the journey so far.

    Dr Abiodun Sanni, National Project Coordinator, FG/IFAD LIFE-ND, said the project had two main components comprising enhancement of economic opportunities for rural youth and women headed household as well as project management and coordination.

    Sanni said that the first component was aimed at ensuring efficient and effective management of the project achieving results with communication and knowledge management integrated in all aspects of operations, approaches and activities.

    “The other component is aimed at facilitating the establishment of economically and environmentally sustainable agribusiness by beneficiaries.

    “LIFE-ND uses an innovative enterprise development model that leverages investments from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to support unemployed youth and women in high income and job creation enterprises,” he said.

    Dr Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director, NDDC, identified LIFE-ND objectives as domiciled within the commissions mandate areas.

    Ogbuku, represented by Dr Olumide Epebinu, Director, Agriculture and Fisheries, NDDC, said the commission would work assiduously to ensure effective implementation of the project in the three targeted states under its funding.

    Similarly, Ms Munet Sadiku, Representative of the Federal Ministry of Finance, said the ministry was collaborating with IFAD to secure the approval of additional financing.

    “Additional financing will further enhance our capability to address the challenges faced by our farmers and expand the positive impact of the LIFE-ND project,’’ she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FUA/DE/CJ/

    ==========

    Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

  • Health advocate, cautions youths against excessive drug intake

     

    A staff of NDLEA addressing the students during the campaign

    Drugs

    By Veronica Dariya

    Bwari (Abuja), June 26, 2024 (NAN) Miss Mariam Gbadebo, founder, The Mag Foundation, an NGO, has harped on the need to maintain a healthy lifestyle while staying away from excessive use of drugs to avoid health complications.

    Gbadebo said this while speaking with newsmen on Wednesday, at the sidelines of an awareness campaign for the boy child, in Federal Government Boys College, Apo, Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the campaign was organised by Restore Hope for the Boy Child Initiative, in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    It was in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

    Gbadebo, a health advocate and also a kidney disease survivor, noted that living healthy to avoid being ill, was key to abstinence from drug use.

    “One key thing to note is for the young ones to know that it is very necessary to preserve your health and if possible, stay away from continuous use of drugs for certain illnesses because it could damage your organs.

    “I know this from past experience, not because I abused drugs but because of a failed health condition and that too many drug use from sicknesses due to unhealthy living can actually break down your organs.

    “This is why we are here to let the young ones know that apart from staying off illicit substances, living a healthy lifestyle is also crucial at this point of their lives.”

    According to her, alcohol and other illicit substances were a risk factor to losing a good health status, while adding that five minutes of pleasure was not worth loosing ones health, dreams and aspirations.

    Gbadebo, listed some of the effects from the intake of illicit substance and unpriscribe drugs among youths that can cause diseases, such as kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, liver failure among many others.

    “This is why we aim to make as many as we can reach out to, know the importance of staying healthy to avoid damage to these critical organs of the body, ” she said.

    Also speaking, Mr Nduka Augustine, Superintendant of Narcotics, NDLEA FCT Command in Gudu, said that the initiative was well targeted at the respective audience.

    Nduka, said that the boy child had lost the attention of the society, as focusing on empowering the girl child and neglecting the main culprits of social vices.

    He added that the agency was bent on adopting preventive strategies in line with the United Nation’s theme for the 2024 campaign as:” The Evidence is clear; invest in prevention.

    “We have rehabilitation centres in each of our offices in every state but treatment and recovery from drug and substance abuse is a great challenge.

    “This is why prevention is key and catching these young ones before they are introduced or initiated into illicit substance use is paramount.

    “We are open to partnerships and collaborations with organisations and associations to reach out to as many as we can because; the agency cannot do this alone.”

    In his address, Dr Babatunde Kayode, Executive Director, Restore Hope to the Boy Child Initiative, said that the organisation believed that investing in prevention was key.

    He added that the plan was to invest in programmes that will educates the youths on the dangers of drug abuse, provide support services for those struggling with addiction, and promote healthy coping mechanisms and lifestyles.

    Students of Federal Government Boys College, Apo, Abuja during the campaign.

    He, however, cautioned  the students to stay away from peer pressure, social influence, low self-esteem and lack of confidence and negative influence of social media. (NAN) (www. nannews.ng)

    DVK/HS

    ====

    Edited by Halima Sheji

    (more…)

  • Army deploys 177 personnel to Guinea-Bissau for peace keeping

    Nigerian Troops to be deployed to Guinea-Bissau for peace keeping mission on Wednesday in Jaji Military Cantonment

     

     

    Army deploys 177 personnel to Guinea-Bissau for peace keeping

    Deployment
    By Muhammad Tijjani
    Jaji(Kaduna State), June. 26, 2024(NAN)The Nigeria Army on Wednesday, announced the deployment of 177  personnel for a peace keeping mission in Guinea-Bissau.
    The Chief of Operations, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Boniface Sinjen, made the announcement at the graduation ceremony of troops of Nigerian Company 3 ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau, at Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) Jaji.
    Sinjen said, “Guinea-Bissau is grappling with political instability and institutional crisis, which poses a significant threat to peace and sustainable development in the sub-region.”
    He, however, said the Nigerian Government, through  ECOWAS, stood united with the Government and people of Guinea-Bissau.
    Sinjen said the graduation  reaffirmed their unwavering commitment in supporting the Government of the Republic of GuineaBissau to consolidate its authority.
    This is in order to address the security challenges, strengthen democratic governance and foster stability in the country.
    ” This deployment is in line with the mandate of the mission which has been extended severally to consolidate the relative peace and stability in the country.
    “You gallant men of the Nigerian Army have been trained by this renowned Centre of Excellence to play that critical role.
    “This Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) has equipped you with the necessary tactical skills and knowledge to support the government of Guinea-Bissau in stabilizing the country.
    ” I therefore urge you to remain committed to upholding the principles of ECOWAS peacekeeping operations, “he said.
    The chief of operations charged the troops  to conduct themselves   professionally in accordance with these guidelines of the mission.
    “You will be operating in a complex and diverse environment, where various ethnic groups coexist.
    ” I implore you to maintain the highest level of professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights and the sovereignty of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.
     “As ambassadors of Nigeria, your behaviour will reflect on the nation’s image, so I urge you to uphold the highest standards of conduct and maintain the integrity of our esteemed profession,” he said.
    Sinjen urged them to embody the core values of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and refrain from any actions that could compromise the mission’s objectives or undermine our nation’s reputation.
    He emphasized  that the Armed Forces of Nigeria have a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual exploitation and abuse.
    “Any personnel found guilty of such offenses will face severe consequences,” he warned.
     Sinjen cautioned that drug trafficking and abuse were grave offences that would not be condoned in any form.
    “The Nigerian Army’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of discipline and integrity remains unbroken,” he added.
    Sinjen appreciated the  Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed  Lagbaja,  for his unwavering commitment towards enhancing the effectiveness of peacekeeping troops through realistic training which was one of the key pillars of his command philosophy.
    “His leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping the readiness and capabilities of our troops and I am deeply appreciative of his support, “he said.
    Earlier, the Commandant, MLAILPKC, Maj.-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, said the PDT that began in May. 19 , was designed to prepare the contingent on contemporary peacekeeping operations for a successful tour of duty in Guinea-Bissau.
    Adedoja said during the course of the PDT, the troops were exposed to a series of lectures on contemporary peacekeeping operations with emphasis on the peculiar nature of the security challenges facing Guinea-Bissau.
    He said the training package also included comprehensive lectures on the background and current situations in the mission area as well as the mandate of the mission.
    “Additionally, the troops were exposed to mentally and physically engaging exercises to equip them with the necessary knowledge and tactical skills required in peacekeeping operations in line with the United Nations Core PDT modules.
    “As you stand ready to embark on this critical mission, I urge you to carry the spirit of excellence with you.
    ”Your contribution to the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission will be instrumental in shaping the future of Guinea-Bissau, thus promoting peace, stability and development in West Africa.
    “You are not just representing the Armed Forces of Nigeria but also serving as ambassadors of our great nation, “Adedoja said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TJ/BRM
    ==============
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani