Agribusiness
By Idris Olukoya
Epe (Lagos State), June 26, 2024 (NAN) An NGO, Concerned Nation Builders Initiative, has urged the federal and state governments to prioritise agribusiness for national development.
National Coordinator of the NGO, Mr Ladi Kassim, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Epe on Wednesday.
Kassim described agribusiness as a good strategy for economic development, wealth and job creation as well as a huge source of foreign exchange earnings.
According to him, agribusinesses are organisations and entities involved in one or more stages of production of crops and livestock.
He highlighted agribusiness activities to include: manufacture or distribution of agricultural supplies and equipment, such as machinery, feeds and fertilisers.
He said that agribusiness might sell items to farmers for production, provide services to other agricultural businesses or be engaged in the marketing, transportation, processing and distribution of agricultural products.
Kassim said that government should provide conducive environment and incentives for the private sector to engage profitably in agriculture.
This, according to him, is the best time for the country to move into agriculture, as there are challenges in the oil and gas sector.
“As you can see, the country is experiencing inadequate food supply; our youths are unemployed and there are inadequate raw materials for industrialisation, among other challenges.
“Attention should, therefore, be given to agriculture at the highest political level, while farming should be treated as a sustainable business for the country,” he said.
Kassim advised state governments to develop agricultural initiative programmes for the overall benefits of the citizens.
“Agriculture is an important factor in the development of any state, while food security is very key, particularly in this era of economic challenges,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
SIO/DE/WAS
Edited by Dorcas Jonah and ‘Wale Sadeeq
Blog
Prioritise agribusiness for national devt., NGO urges states, FG
Police arrest man for allegedly defrauding businessman of N120m in Bauchi
Police arrest man for allegedly defrauding businessman of N120m in Bauchi
Arrest
By Ahmed Kaigama
Bauchi, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Bauchi State has arrested a 35-year-old man, who allegedly defrauded an unidentified businessman in the state of N120 million.
Briefing newsmen on Wednesday in Bauchi, the Command’s Spokesman, SP Ahmed Wakil, said that the command had made significant breakthrough in the case by arresting the suspect.
“The arrest stems from a complaint filed on April 1, 2024, regarding suspicious withdrawals totalling N2,068,000 from the complainant’s business bank account,” he said.
Wakil said that following the complaint, the Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Auwal Musa, directed the State Intelligence Department to promptly investigate the case.
“Their meticulous efforts revealed that the suspect had unlawfully withdrawn a significant amount of N120 million from the complainant’s bank account.
“During interrogation, the suspect admitted to betraying the trust of his neighbor, the complainant, with whom he had shared a market space for over fifteen years,” he said.
Wakil further said the suspect disclosed that a friend he had met at Federal Polytechnic Bauchi in 2011, convinced him that he could make money by accessing the wealthy individual’s phone.
“Exploiting the complainant’s trust, the suspect deceitfully borrowed his phone, allowing his accomplice to install financial applications such as Opay and MoneyPoint on it.
“This access enabled them to transfer the funds to different bank accounts on various occasions,” the police spokeman said.
Wakil said that some of the exhibits recovered from the suspect include, eight tricycles (Keke Napep), N35,000,000 in cash, and two uncompleted buildings.
Other items are sixty bags of cooking charcoal, thirty bags of fertilizer, two motorcycles and two industrial sewing machines.
He said that the suspect’s sudden wealth and change in lifestyle led to suspicion, and when questioned by his uncle and girlfriend, attributed his fortune to engagement in online trading.
Wakil said that upon the completion of investigation the suspect would be prosecuted in court.
He advised the public to remain vigilant and ensure the security of their financial platforms.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
MAK/EBI/AOS
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Edited by Benson Iziama/Bayo Sekoni
Building material testing: Lagos agency to crackdown on erring consultants
Building material testing: Lagos agency to crackdown on erring consultants
Integrity
By Lydia Ngwakwe
Lagos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL) has called on technical and non-technical consultants to uphold integrity and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
The General Manager of LSMTL, Mrs Olayinka Abdul, made the call in a statement issued by the agency’s Head of Public Affairs Unit, Mrs Salehu-Badejo Abimbola, on Wednesday in Lagos.
Abdul said: “It has come to our notice that there have been unscrupulous activities posing threats to the credibility and integrity of our testing processes.
“There is going to be a form of rebranding requiring you to revalidate your contract with us.
“As a certified civil engineer with a long-standing experience, I am committed to ensuring that the highest standards of quality and safety in construction are carried out across our state.
“Any actions that undermine such validity of test results endanger lives of countless individuals.
“That is why we need to revamp our processes and operations to ensure we safely protect lives and property vested upon us as the mandate of this agency.”
Abdul said that the agency was implementing stricter protocols for building materials testing to ensure safety of buildings.
According to Abdul, the protocols include unannounced collection of samples of concrete, soil, water and steel throughout construction stages.
She said that the agency was also educating the public about the dangers of using poor quality building materials.
Abdul promised a 72-hour turnaround time for credible and professional testing results.
She urged independent laboratories to be committed to safety and report suspicious activities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
LED/IGO
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Edited by Ijeoma PopoolaCleric threatens legal action against persons linking him with US visa job
Cleric threatens legal action against persons linking him with US visa job
Legal
By Taiye Agbaje
Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The lead Pastor of the Resurrected Assembly (GROM) Worldwide, Prize Aluko, has threatened to institute a legal action against persons behind a website or portal in the name of “Caregiver Visa Sponsorship Jobs in United States of America (USA).”
Aluko, in a statement issued and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, said he had no relationship or affiliation with any website or portal in such name.
An unidentified group was alleged to have published the picture of the clergyman on a portal, “Caregivers Portal” with the title: “Caregiver Visa Sponsorship Jobs in United States.”
The said portal was said to contain information on 45, 000 visa opening with work permit available to interested individuals ready to work as caregivers in the US with no agent fee.
Reacting, Aluko distanced himself and the church from the said website and portal while expressing shock by the usage of his picture in the publication.
He described the act as an embarrassment to both the church and himself.
The cleric urged members of the public to disregard any such message and to be “aware of scammers and fraudulent transactions on that platform.”
He said the church would not hesitate to take legal action necessary against those behind the act if his picture was not immediately pull down from the platform.(NAN)(www.nanews.ng)
TOA/SH
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Gov Sule commiserates with ex-deputy Gov Agara over wife’s death
Condolence
By Awayi Kuje
Lafia, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, has commiserated with former Deputy Governor of the state, Silas Agara over the death of his wife, Mrs Jummai Agara.
Sule, in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Lafia, urged the former deputy to take solace in God over the unfortunate incident.
“I am saddened by the news of the demise of Mrs Jummai Agara, the beloved wife of our former Deputy Governor, His Excellency Silas Agara.
“The loss of life anyway is painful even more so is the death of a partner who had provided support, care and love to her family and wherever she found herself.
“She will be sorely missed,” Sule said.
The governor also prayed God to forgive the shortcomings and for the repose of the soul of ex-deputy governor’s wife.
“I, on behalf of my family and the good people of our state whole heartedly commiserate with His Excellency Silas Agara and the rest of the family.
“Sir, I urge you to take solace in the fond memories and the worthy life Jummai lived.
“My condolences to the entire people of Akwanga Local Government Area in particular and the state as a whole,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that late Mrs Agara died on June 25, 2024, at a hospital in Abuja following a protracted illness. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AKW/FAT/IU
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Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi/ Isaac Ukpoju2 arraigned for allegedly aiding suspect’s escape
Arraignment
By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
Ibadan, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Two men, Babatunde Olawale, 29, and Ganiyat Ariyo, 42, on Wednesday appeared before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan for allegedly aiding the escape of a suspect.
The duo whose addresses were not provided were charged with conspiracy and conduct likely to cause breach of peace, to which they pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Insp. Iyabo Oladoyin, told the court that the defendants allegedly committed the offence between May 17 and June 9 around Ojoo bus terminal in Ibadan.
Oladoyin alleged that the defendants aided the escape of a suspect who the police wanted to arrest for investigations.
She said the defendants conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by committing such acts.
Oladoyin said the offence contravened Sections 516 and 249(d) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The Magistrate, Mrs Adebola Adeola, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N50,000 each with two sureties each in like sum.
She adjourned the case until July 30 for hearing.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
CC/GOM/BRM=================
Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Bashir Rabe Mani
NDLEA leads campaign against drug abuse, trafficking in Ebonyi
Drug
By Christian Ogbonna
Abakaliki, June 26, 2024 (NAN) National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Wednesday led some stakeholders on a road walk against illicit drugs and trafficking in in Ebonyi.
The walk, which took off from Abakaliki Township Stadium and ended at the popular Women Development Centre, was part of activities marking the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Abakaliki.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this year’s Day has as its theme: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”.
NDLEA Commander in the state, Mr Peter Ogar, said that the theme was apt, urging the stakeholders to support the agency’s operatives and invest in prevention of drug abuse in the society.
Ogar said that the road walk was aimed at creating awareness and strategy to properly educate residents of the state on the dangers of drug intake.
He expressed the command’s commitment to clamping down on illicit drugs in the state.
“This year’s celebration is very significant and we have sensitised the people, especially those in the hinterlands. We are urging the men, women and youths to say ‘No’ to illicit drug trafficking.
“The agency seeks to increase the level of awareness concerning drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
“Many people are suffering from drug abuse challenges but do not know how to get solutions. The youth are dying daily due to drug abuse.
The commander said that the public enlightenment was to assist members of the society to live a healthy and drug-free life. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
OOC/NNO/WAS
Edited by Nick Nicholas and ‘Wale SadeeqNEMA, Police strengthen tie on disaster magt.
L-R NEMA DG, Mrs Zubaida Umar during a courtesy visit to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to strengthen existing collaboration between them DisasterBy Philomina AttahAbuja, June 25, 2025 (NAN) The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). and the Nigeria Police Force have resolved to strengthen ties in bolstering disaster management across the countryThe two establishments arrived at the decision when Mrs Zubaida Umar, NEMA Director General paid a courtesy visit on Mr Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police in Abuja.Umar emphasised the critical need for enhanced collaboration between NEMA and the Police, saying, “we are inseparable partners in the onerous task of disaster management.She said the necessity of mutual support, particularly in the face of Nigeria’s protracted crises and the rainy season, which often brings widespread flood disasters, was crucial.“I make bold to say that the Nigeria Police Force is a consistent and reliable ally of NEMA. This visit further reinforces the need for better collaboration between us.“Not long ago, NEMA handed over assorted food items approved by President Bola Tinubu, for distribution to vulnerable persons in all the 36 states and the FCT.“That distribution could not have been a success without the support of the personnel of the Nigeria Police.“I want to use this opportunity to appreciate officers and men of the Nigeria Police who are always readily available in every community of Nigeria to lend a helping hand to NEMA staff members,” she said.Umar further explained that NEMA could not have achieved success in its relief intervention without the support of officers and men of the Nigeria Police
She commended the police for their role in securing disaster sites and supporting NEMA’s relief interventions.Umar, specifically, cited the recent successful collaborations, including food distribution and the repatriation of Nigerians from global hotspots like Ukraine, Sudan, and Libya.The DG called for the full activation of the police’s emergency response teams to work with NEMA, particularly in the 148 high flood risk and 249 moderate flood risk local government areas identified by NIMET and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHS), for the 2024 rainy season.Responding, the IGP thanked NEMA for recognising the efforts of the Nigerian Police in partnership with them over the years.He assured NEMA of police’s corporations and support at all times in saving the lives and properties of Nigerians.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit saw a renewed commitment from both agencies to strengthen their partnership in safeguarding lives and livelihoods across Nigeria. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)APA/ROT========Edited by Rotimi IjikanmiChinese Foreign Ministry refutes U.S. ambassador’s accusation of blocking exchanges
Accusation
Beijing, June 26, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Wednesday rebuked U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns for blaming China for blocking bilateral exchanges.
She urged the U.S. side to take concrete actions to promote these exchanges.
Mao made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked to comment on the criticism from Burns, who reportedly said that China made it “impossible’’ to boost exchanges between the two countries.
Burns made the comments while taking an interview, accusing China of preventing people from attending U.S. embassy events.
Mao refuted Burns’s remarks, noting that they do not conform to the facts, deviate from the important consensus reached by the two heads of state at their meeting in San Francisco.
Run counter to the correct way for China and the U.S… to proceed forward, and are not conducive to the sound and stable development of the bilateral ties.
China has always developed its relations with the U.S. in accordance with the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, and is committed to promoting people-to-people exchanges, the spokesperson said.
Mao added that the Bond with Kuliang: 2024 China-U.S. Youth Festival is currently being held in Fuzhou, Fujian Province.
This is the largest and most diversified youth exchange activity since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the U.S…
Stressing that it is not the Chinese side that is interfering with the cultural exchanges between the two countries, but the U.S. side, Mao said that under the pretext of national security.
The U.S. has unwarrantedly harassed, interrogated and repatriated Chinese students in the United States, causing great harm to the parties concerned.
“We hope that the U.S. side will work with China to promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges with concrete actions and promote the sound and steady development of China-U.S. relations, Mao said. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
COO/EAL
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NDLEA arrests 150 drug trafficking suspects in Nasarawa State
Arrests
By Awayi Kuje
Lafia, June 26, 2024 (NAN) National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says it arrested 150 suspected drugs traffickers in Nasarawa State between July 2023 and June 2024.
Mr Peter Onche-Odaudu, State Commander of NDLEA in Nasarawa made the disclosure at the grand finale of a week-long event to mark the 2024 United Nations International Day Against Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, on Wednesday in Lafia.
Onche-Odaudu said that the suspects comprised of 144 males and six females, while 7,148.95 kilogrammes of illicit drugs were seized within the period under review.
According to the commander, the over seven tons of exhibit seized were made up of 7,037.2kg of Indian hemp, 0.011kg of Cocaine, 0.185kg of Methamphetamine and 111.53kg of sundry psychotropic substances.
“A very significant arrest and seizure is that of 4,037kg of Indian hemp in one fell swoop on Sunday, February 4, 2024.
“This remains the single highest seizure of drugs in the history of the drug war in Nasarawa State. The suspects arrested and the 40-footer truck seized are being prosecuted and forfeited respectively,” he said.
The NDLEA commander in the state also noted that within the period, 117 suspects were convicted and given various jail terms at the Federal High Court, Lafia.
He said that the Command, through its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, sensitised no fewer than 46,802 persons – 27,033 males and 19,769 females in schools, communities, workplaces and motor parks across the state.
“As part of our rehabilitation programme, Eight male clients were taken into our facility, counseled and rehabilitated, 752 arrested suspects, who were obvious drug user, were given brief counselling interventions and released to their families,” he said.
Onche-Odaudu noted that the theme for 2024 drugs day commemoration, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”, was instructive as it tallied with the ideal of UN to prioritise prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation over punishment and incarceration.
He attributed the feat recorded by Command in the drug war in the state to the support from Governor Abdullahi Sule, his wife, Silifat Sule, as well as the encouragement from the Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Retired Brig.-Gen. Muhammed Buba Marwa and other stakeholders in the state.
The NDLEA boss in the state also appreciated officers and men of the Command for their bravery and commitment to the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, which he said had yielded tremendous results in the state.
Onche-Odaudu, however, said that the Command was grappling with daunting challenges of lack of operational vehicles and other logistics.
“Also paucity of funds to run the Command and particularly to procure credible intelligence on the activities of drug dealers, from our confidential Informant or ‘whistleblowers’ in more common parlance, continue to be a cog in our wheel,” he said.
In her remarks, Hajiya Silifat Sule, wife of Nasarawa governor and Special Guest at the event, pledged her commitment and support to NDLEA in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Sule said as a mother, should could not fold her arms an watch the youth waste their lives to drugs.(NAN)
AKW/IU
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Edited by Isaac Ukpoju
