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  • Insurgency: Director confirms more blasts in Gwoza, 18 people killed 

    Insurgency: Director confirms more blasts in Gwoza, 18 people killed

    Blast

    By Yakubu Uba 

    Maiduguri, June 30, 2024 (NAN) Dr Barkindo Saidu, the Director-General of Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has confirmed more blasts in Gwoza and the rise in the number of people killed to 18.

    Saidu said in a situation report obtained by the News Agency  of Nigeria (NAN) that the death comprised adult males, females and children. 

    He added that the first blast by suicide bomber took place at a wedding ceremony,  while the second blast occured at the funeral service of victims when another female suicide bomber rushed into the congregation.

    He stated that “19 people seriously injured were conveyed to Maiduguri in four  ambulances, while 23 others are waiting for military escort in the Medical Regimental Services (MRS) Clinic.

    “I am now coordinating for a chopper tonight. I have mobilised emergency drugs to complement the shortage of drugs in Gwoza.

    “The degree of injuries range from abdominal raptures, skull and limb fractures.

    “I have also received a report that there is a suspected suicide bomber in Pulka,” Saidu said.

    Pulka is a village not too far from Gwoza town. 

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the coordinated attacks, which took many by surprise, was shocking to the people of Borno who experienced such at the height of the insurgency between 2024 and 2014. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    YMU/HA 

    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Ooni inaugurates Ife development institutions, harps on positive transformation

     

    Ooni inaugurates Ife development institutions, harps on positive transformation

    Inauguration
    By Dorcas Elusogbon
    Ile-Ife (Osun), June 30, 2024(NAN) The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, has inaugurated the Ife Development Board(IDB) and Ife Board of Trustees(IBoT) in an effort at repositioning the ancient city of Ile-Ife for growth.

    Oba Ogunwusi also inaugurated the Ife Trust Fund (ITF) at an event held on Saturday at the Royal Court of Ife, in Ile-Ife.

    The traditional ruler charged the leadership of the Ife development institutions on the need to reposition the community for positive transformation.

    According to him, the new Ife leadership arrangement is to bring all stakeholders together to enable them work together in the best interest of the community.

    “We strongly believe in the power of unity and the limitless potential that lies within our community.

    “By embracing change and taking proactive steps towards repositioning ourselves, we are paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.

    “It is my fervent belief that the journey towards transformation is never easy, but with a shared commitment to change and progress, Ile-Ife is poised to overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities.

    “By working hand in hand, residents, leaders and stakeholders can create a community that thrives on inclusivity, creativity and resilience,” the traditional ruler stated.

     

    Oba Ogunwusi charged the development institutions to work together as a tripod so as to realise the Ile-Ife of their dream.

    In his reaction, Chief Alex Duduyemi, the Chairman of the Ife Board of Trustees, appreciated Ooni for chosen them at this time to work for the progress of the city.

    Duduyemi promised that members would leave no stone unturned for the growth and development of the people and the town at large.

    Also, the Chairman, Ife Trust Fund, Mr Soji Awogbade, acknowledged the efforts of Ooni toward ensuring the restoration of the lost glory of the ancient city.

    Awogbade said that members of ITF would work toward establishing an effective Trust Fund and registering it at the Corporate Affairs Commission(CAC).

    The President, Ife Development Board, Mr Gbenga Adefaye, commended Ooni for his fatherly role to ensure that Ile-Ife move forward.

    Adefaye, a former president of Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and former Managing Editor/CEO of Vanguard Newspapers, said that IDB was a new vision to regenerate Ife for peace, progress and prosperity.

    The Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism(NIJ) pledged to take good care of youths and elderly as well as change the narrative of Ile-Ife. (NAN) (www.nannnews.ng)
    EDA/IKU
    Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

  • FCTA, NBRRI conduct integrity test on buildings in Abuja

    Demolition

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has engaged the Nigeria Building and Roads Research Institute (NBRRI) to carry out integrity tests on some buildings located at Guzape District, Abuja.

    Mr Mukhtar Galadima, Director, Department of Development Control, FCTA, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigerian (NAN), in Abuja on Saturday.

    Galadima explained that the move became necessary after a developer, Nicholas Ukachukwu Praco Ltd, demolished a semi-detached duplex building located in an estate at at Plot 456, Guzape, over structural defects.

    He said that the department had sealed the premises and engaged NBRRI to investigate the demolished building, including two other duplexes under construction on Plots 454 and 458, by the same developer.

    “We decided to investigate the integrity of the buildings because the demolition of the one with visible defects was done without the approval of Development Control.

    “This is necessary to forestall recurrence and ensure that all buildings are constructed in line with the provisions of building codes and other safety regulations,” he said.

    Also, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, acting Director-General, FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) told NAN that some passersby alerted the department to the development.

    Wenegieme said that FEMD responded and visited the location along with personnels from the Asokoro Divisional Police Command, Department of Development Control, FCT Fire Service, National Emergency Management Agency and the FCT Red Cross.

    “The passersby made their observations known to the owner of the property, who acknowledged the defects and decided to demolish the structure immediately.

    “There was no loss of lives, and no one was trapped in the building,” she said.

    She assured the department’s timely response to emergencies to avert loss of lives.

    She advised developers to pay due diligence to building codes and engage only professional builders and engineers for quality execution of projects. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/AMM

    =========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • FG commences 250 housing units project in Delta

    FG commences 250 housing units project in Delta

    Housing
    By Edeki Igafe
    Warri (Delta), June 30 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has inaugurated the construction of 250 housing units in Ekpan Community, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
    Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, performed the groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday in Ekpan Community.
    In his remark, Dangiwa said that the housing projects was under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
    He said that the programme was launched in February by President Bola Tinubu, to provide access to affordable housing for Nigerians.
    The minister said that the initiative was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, to stimulate inclusive growth, lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty and build a $1 trillion economy.
    He said that the project was being funded from the N50 billion 2023 Supplementary Budget that Tinubu approved for the ministry, to ensure sustainability, quality, and geographic spread.
    Dangiwa said that the 250 units comprised 50 units of 1-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 150 units of 2-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 50 units of 3-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.
    The minister said that the housing units were designed in a way that would make them affordable for people to acquire, by using organic designs to allow for future expansion, as the income of beneficiaries increased.
    “Today’s ceremony in Delta is a continuation of the nationwide groundbreaking exercise for housing projects under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
    “With this housing programme, we plan to unlock the massive potential of housing development to create jobs, uplift lives, and boost economic development,” he said.
    Dangiwa urged the contractors to ensure they worked according to specification and expressed hope that the project would create over 6,500 jobs for people in various trades.
    “I want to emphasise in very strong terms that we will not tolerate substandard work from any developer. We will explore all necessary legal means to ensure that they deliver as per the contract.
    “We also want the developers to adhere to the timeline and finish within three months, so that we can begin the process of getting Delta indigenes to purchase and move in,” he said.
    In his address welcome, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, thanked the Federal Government for the partnership.
    Oborevwori, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, said that the project would assist in tackling the housing deficit in the state.
    “We are grateful to the Federal Government for including Delta among the 13 states for the commencement of the Renewed Hope Housing Estate Project.
    “In support of this project, the state government provided 25 hectares of land with Certificate of Occupancy, in favour of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development,” he said.
    In his remark, the Chairman, Ekpan community, Mr Victory Iderakpa, thanked the Federal Government and promised that they would provide a conducive climate for the contractors to execute the project. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    EDI/FON/BRM
    =================
    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Shettima reiterates FG’s commitment to security, welfare of citizens

    Security

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Abuja, June  30, 2024 (NAN) Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Saturday in Keffi, Nasarawa State, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the advancement, security and welfare of the citizens.

    The spokesperson of the vice-president, Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement, said Shettima gave the assurance when he led a Federal Government delegation to offer condolences to the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

    The minister lost her mother, Mrs Aisha Sulaiman-Danladi, on Thursday at the age of 66.

    The vice-president, who represented President Bola Tinubu was accompanied by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; and the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa, Dr Emmanuel Akabe.

    Shettima, who said he was there at the instance of Tinubu to commiserate with the family over the demise of their mother.

    The vice-president paid glowing tributes to the late Sulaiman-Danladi and highlighted her positive impact on the community.

    “Everyone I have encountered so far has been showering encomiums on her. May Allah grant her Aljannah Firdaus and may Allah grant the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

    “Death is an inevitable destiny that is hanging on everyone’s neck. But the beauty of her life is that she left behind a legacy of goodwill and respect.

    ” May Allah continue to bless us and grant our country peaceful coexistence, prosperity and progress.

    ” Her demise is indeed a huge loss to us all, and our President is indeed mourning with her immediate family and this community..” Shettima said.

    He further restated the government’s support for the bereaved family and the entire community.

    Shettima said, ” Our strength lies in our unity and shared experiences. Today, we stand together as one nation, one people, sharing in both joy and sorrow.” .

    Responding on behalf of the family, Alhaji Bala Fari, the Dan Ruwatan Keffi, expressed deep appreciation for the high-level visit.

    “We are encouraged to have you all here today, especially thanking Mr President for sending such a strong delegation led by his deputy to console us over the passing away of our mother.

    “We are very grateful and I pray that just as you have all come here to see us, May Allah grant you all journey mercy to your various destinations.

    ” It is not every time that we receive such powerful and big personalities in our community,” Fari stated.

    Other dignitaries at the condolence visit include the immediate former Governor of Adamawa, Sen. Bindow Jibrilla, members of the National Assembly, and traditional rulers, among many others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SSI/BRM

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

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • President Federation Cup: We lost to fatigue – Abia Warriors

    Cup

    By Olanrewaju Akojede

    Lagos, June 30, 2024 (NAN) Abia Warriors Coach, Bethel Orji, said his team’s 0-2 loss to El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri in Saturday’s finals of the President Federation Cup was due to fatigue.

    Orji said this in an interview on the sidelines of their defeat in the finals of the oldest Cup competition in Nigeria, played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-time winners of the old FA Cup, Desert Warriors, defeated the Aba Landlords courtesy of a Nasiru Salihu’s brace.

    Salihu scored in the 32nd minute of the first half and in the 69th minute of the action-packed finals played in front of boisterous football fans.

    Orji, however, said that fatigue and loss of possession were largely responsible for their loss in the encounter.

    “The final was game of the Warriors in which one must emerge as champion. We were unfortunate that things did not go our way especially in the first half.

    “Our footings were wrong and so was our possession, so we paid dearly for that. We had a rather bad game not because El-Kanemi watched our clips, we did not get it right.

    “It may be because the players were carried away with the atmosphere of playing in the finals, but also we did not play to our optimum,” he said.

    On the preparations towards the finals, Orji also said that his players did not have enough rest before Saturday’s finals.

    “In the past one month, we have been on the road playing our league matches and trying to survive relegation, and also playing the FA Cup.

    “Thank God that we survived relegation to the 10th position to face the FA Cup, but towards the final we had a terrible journey around the country.

    “We traveled to Gombe to honour our last league match then traveled to Abuja thinking that the finals will be played there.

    “We were shocked to be told that the finals would now be played in Lagos; so, we had to travel to Lagos on Wednesday night.

    “Truly fatigue had set in because for the past four weeks it has been terrible and unfortunate and today we didn’t get a goal,” he said.

    Also, the coach of El-Kanemi Warriors, Ali Zubair, said that the youthfulness of his team played a determining role in winning the match.

    “I demanded for a group of young talents, ready for success to make a name for themselves.

    “My intentions of gathering younger players to prosecute the season turned out to be positive.

    “Because the team is young, the players have more perseverance and resilience to keep pushing no matter the odds.

    “Although it was not easy, I knew that because of their age advantage they will do well,” he said.

    NAN reports that Abia Warriors had defeated Ilaji FC from Oyo 4-2 in the Round of 64 of the competition.

    The Aba Landlords also defeated Sporting Supreme of Abuja 1-0 in the Round of 32 and Kwara United FC 4-3 on penalties after the match had ended 1-1 in regulation time.

    The team also defeated Sokoto United 5-4 on penalties, after their match ended one goal apiece in regulation time en route the finals.

    The semi-finals of the 2024 President Federation Cup between Kano Pillars and Abia Warriors was also decided through penalties.

    Abia Warriors won 4-3 after the match ended without a goal in the regulation time.

    The three-time winners, El-Kanemi Warriors, also defeated Adamimogo FC from Ondo State 2-0 in the Round of 64.

    In the Round of 32, the Desert Warriors walked over Gombe United FC, who failed to honour the match, while they defeated hard fighting Shooting Stars of Ibadan 1-0 in the Round of 16.

    In the quarter-finals, the Ali Zubair tutored team beat NNL side, Inter Lagos FC, 2-1 and then wrapped up their semi- finals by beating Kano Pillars 4-3 on penalties. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    KOJE/DOE

    =========
    Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

  • Otti visits families of slain policemen in Aba

    Killing
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Aba, June 29,2024 (NAN) Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has commiserated with the families of the two policemen killed in Aba by yet-to-be identified gunmen.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Friday, four policemen were attacked by hoodlums at Opobo Road in Aba, leading to the death of the two operatives, while two others were wounded.

    Speaking with newsmen on Saturday, shortly after visiting the bereaved families as well as the wounded policemen in their hospital beds, Otti described the incident as unfortunate.

    He vowed to smoke out the perpetrators of the heinous crime and gave assurance that they would be apprehended.

    He expressed dismay that the attack took place a few weeks after five soldiers were shot and killed in Obikabia Junction, Aba.

    The governor said that the State Government would change its  strategy in dealing with the issue.

    He said: “We thought that with all what we have done, including rounding up some of the people that were involved in that last attack, that this would not happen again.

    “We have decided to change strategy.

    “We are not going to let this go away without identifying and bringing to book all those who were directly or remotely involved.”

    Otti expressed the confidence that by the time investigations would be over, the State Government would be able to identify the sources of the attacks and address the security threats effectively.

    He assured the people that his administration remained focused on rebuilding the state and would not succumb to any form of  blackmail.

    “We believe that something is wrong and our government is not going to succumb to this kind of blackmail and we are going to fish them out wherever they run to.

    “It is still early in the day but as I said, we’ve started picking up some of the people that were suspected to be involved in the last attack on soldiers and this one we are not going to allow it to die.

    “We are going to follow it through,” Otti said.

    He further said that the government would work with security agencies to unravel the matter as well as secure lives and property in the state.

    He urged the residents to go about their lawful businesses, as  security agencies would continue to intensify their efforts to ensure that the state remains safe and secured.

    “The people know that this government will not rest on its oars.

    “We don’t want people to panic, we don’t want people to be discouraged, government is equal to the task,” Otti said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    INA/BEKl/USO
    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Sam Oditah

  • Ebonyi, NBC partnering to resolve boundary disputes with neighbouring states – Nwifuru

    Ebonyi, NBC partnering to resolve boundary disputes with neighbouring states – Nwifuru

    Disputes
    By Douglas Okoro
    Isiaka (Ebonyi), June 29, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has said that the State Government is doing everything possible to ensure that all inter-state boundary disputes affecting communities in the state were permanently resolved.

    Nwifuru said this on Saturday during a campaign rally for the re-election of the Chairman of the council, Chief Emmanuel Aja, held at Isiaka, the Headquarters of Ivo Local Government Area .

    The governor, represented by his Deputy, Mrs Patricia Obila, said that the government was collaborating with the National Boundaries Commission (NBC) and other relevant bodies to ensure that border communities in the state enjoyed permanent peace.

    He regretted that some communities in Ivo had been embroiled in boundary disputes with their neighbouring communities in Abia.

    He expressed optimism that all the boundary-related disputes in the state would soon be a thing of past.

    Nwifuru said: “Our duty as a government is to ensure that there is peace in every part of the state.

    “I’m aware that Ivo people have some problems in some areas, let me assure you that we are not sleeping.

    “We have contacted the NBC and other relevant bodies involved in boundary matters.

    “Soon, they will be here in Ebonyi to give you that very peace that you demand.”

    The governor thanked the youths for being very peaceful and not engaging in fighting with their neighbours.

    He also thanked the people of the area for being peaceful during the nomination of APC candidates for the upcoming council polls.

    He implored them to sustain the peace during and after the exercise.

    He also called on those who were aggrieved to close ranks with the party and its candidate to usher the party to victory at the election.

    “We couldn’t have come this far without your cooperation had it been that we had some rancour during the primary election.

    “It wouldn’t have been easy. I want to thank you for your understanding and assure you that government will always be there for you,” Nwifuru said.

    He reaffirmed his administration’s  commitment to deepening good governance at the grassroots and emphasised the importance of credible and democratic elections in selecting leaders for grassroots administration.

    In a speech, Aja lauded the governor for his people-oriented government and ensuring that peace and security prevailed in every part of the state.

    He pledge to follow in the footsteps of the governor, if elected, promising to provide genuine and credible leadership for the people of the area.

    “I’m appealing to everyone who feels agrieved to forgive since peace is the only prerequisite for development and there cannot be development without peace.

    “I’m certain that with peace and collective effort, we will surely achieve victory at the poll,” Aja said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the well-attended rally, attracted party chieftains and supporters, including the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Moses Odanwu, and state party Chairman, Stanley Okoro-Emegha, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ODO/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

  • Esu Karu confers traditional titles on Wike, Abass, others

    Esu Karu confers traditional titles on Wike, Abass, others

    Confer

    By Blessing Ibegbu

    Karu (Nasarawa state) June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Esu Karu of Karu Chiefdom, Mr Luka Panya-Baba, on Saturday conferred the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, with the traditional title of Bakuku.

    Panya-Baba conferred the title in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, at the celebration of his 20th Anniversary on the throne as the traditional ruler of Karu Chiefdom.

    He also conferred on Rep. Tajudeen Abass,Speaker, House of Representatives, with the traditional title of Kpatta”, which means ‘Shield’ of Karu Traditional Council.

    He said that the recipients have exhibited exemplary leadership over the years and shown tremendous love and support to the Gbagyi ethnic group.

    Panya-Baba also conferred the traditional title of “Katah” which means ‘Shed’ on Sen. Phillip Aduda, while also awarding the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr Zaphaniah Jisalo, with an Award titled “Outstanding Son of the Gbagyi nation”.

    The Nasarawa State governor’s wife, Hajiya Silifat Sule, was awarded with the traditional title of  “Anyi Koya” of Karu Chiefdom, which means “Women’s mother.

    Dr Lazarus Gaza, an eminent Nigerian, was awarded the title of “Magna” which means instrument.

    Responding on behalf of the recipients, Sen, Adudu appreciated the traditional ruler for the gesture.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Karu is the closest satellite town to the FCT.

    Karu is predominantly occupied by the Gbagyi and Gwandadara speaking people.

    It is highly populated because most workers working in the FCT are resident in Karu (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    BLE/DE/AMM

    ===========

    Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Abiemwense Moru

     

  • NAFDAC commends Tinubu for signing executive order to transform health sector 

    Order
    By Aderogba George
    Abuja, Julne 29, 2024 (NAN) The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commended President Bola Tinubu for recently signing an Executive Order (EO) to transformed the country’s health sector.
    The commendation is in a statement by the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, issued to newsmen in Abuja on Saturday.
    Adeyeye stated that the reform and transformation agenda to make NAFDAC a well-functioning, strong and stable regulatory organisation started when she assumed office six years ago.
    She added that the effort she put into transforming NAFDAC has started paying off, “part of which is what paved the way to signing of the Executive Order to make Nigeria to manufacture its own drugs.”
    The Executive Order, she said, includes several measures such as Zero Tariff and Excise Duties which exempts specified pharmaceutical machinery, equipment, goods and accessories, as well as reduce production costs and make healthcare products affordable.
    She noted that “the Executive Order also gives special waivers on pharmaceutical inputs like Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and other essential raw materials, including those for Long-lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) and Rapid Diagnostic kits.”
    She added that all these products would benefit from zero tariff, excise duties and Value Added Tax (VAT), as well as low prices of essential medicines and medical supplies.
    Adeyeye explained that the Executive Order would also shape and establish framework contracts and volume to guarantee and stabilise local manufacturing of medical products.
    According to her, it will also help in regulatory harmonisation, expedient approvals, develop harmonised implementation framework to guide regulatory agencies in streamlining approval processes.
    She stated that the order would help in implementation and compliance, where agencies like Nigeria Customs Service, NAFDAC, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) would ensure swift implementation.
    Adeyeye said “the waivers and exemptions are valid for two years. The order is vital to the success of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and will encourage local manufacturing, create jobs, stimulate economic growth and reduce dependence on imports.
    “It will ensure reliable supply of essential healthcare products, enhance quality and innovation, strengthen health aystems by address underinvestment and regulatory challenges.
    “The Executive Order will improve service delivery and health outcomes, and enhance resilience to future health crises.”
    The NAFDAC boss noted that the President’s Executive Order underscores the administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s health sector.
    According to her, the Executive Order aligns with the broader objectives of the NHSRII and the Presidential Initiative on Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) approved in October 2023.
    She emphasised that by addressing core challenges and providing clear path for improvement, the Executive Order would set the stage for sustainable and high-quality healthcare system for Nigerians. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AG/BEKl/HA
    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu