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  • Jimoh Ibrahim donates N1m to breast cancer patient in Ondo community

    Donation
    By Aderemi Bamgbose
    Igbotako (Ondo State), June 25, 2024 (NAN) Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South Senatorial District at the National Assembly has donated N1 million to a cancer patient, Abiye Ayeyemitan, in Igbotako, Ondo State.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ayeyemitan, a widow and mother of two, had been diagnosed with stage two breast cancer.

    NAN also reports that that the Old Students’ Association of Community Grammar School, Igbotako, had earlier called for donation of N2 million from members and the general public for medical test and chemotherapy for the cancer patient.

    Ayeyemitan, an indigene of Igbotako in Okitipupa Local Government Area, expressed appreciation to Ibrahim for his magnanimity.

    She told newsmen on Tuesday in Igbotako that upon receiving the association’s message and being a member of the alumni of the school, the senator decided to donate the money to her.

    “He (Ibrahim) also urged me to be strong and not lose hope in this my difficult time, assuring me that God would perfect my healing.

    “I am so happy and full of praises to God and appreciation to our senator for his kind gesture,” she said.

    Ayeyemitan prayed God to continue to be with the senator, who is also an indigene of Igbotako, and his family. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    BAA/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Gov. Idris mourns LGSC Chairman, Shehu 

    Gov. Idris mourns LGSC Chairman, Shehu
    Death
    By Ibrahim Bello
    Birnin Kebbi, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi  said he was deeply touched by the demise of the Chairman, Kebbi Local Government  Service Commission (LGSC), Alhaji Mansur Shehu.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls  that  Shehu died on Monday night in a hospital in Abuja of a brief illness.
    In a condolence message  by  his Special Adviser  on Media and Publicity, Yahaya Sarki ,in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, Idris stated that Shehu  was highly saddened by the news of  the passing away of the  LGSC chairman.
    “Late  Mansur Shehu was a dedicated and hardworking person whose tenure as chairman of the commission was momentous and hugely successful.
    “He made invaluable contributions to reform the operations of the local government councils in the state,” the governor stated.
    He prayed to the Almighty Allah to admit him into Aljannah Firdausi and give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
    He had since been buried in Abuja according to Islamic rites. (NAN). (www.nannews.ng)
    IBI/CHOM/BRM
    ===================
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Farmer docked for allegedly making neighbour’s rams escape 

    Farmer docked for allegedly making neighbour’s rams escape

    Ram
    By Blessing Ibegbu
    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) A 37-year-old man, Hassan Isa was on Tuesday arraigned in a Karu Magistrates Court, sitting in Abuja for allegedly loosing his neighbour’s two rams to escape.
    The defendant, who resides at Kugbo, Abuja is being tried for criminal breach of trust, cheating and criminal misappropriation.
    He however, denied committing the said offence.
    The prosecution counsel, Olarewaju Osho told the court that the complainant, Aisha Yusuf of the same address with the defendant reported the matter at the Karu Police Station on June 8.
    According to him, on June 7, the defendant came to her house, and untied her two rams, valued at the sum of N185,000, said he wanted to take them for grazing.
    He said that with intent to cheat the complainant, the defendant returned without the rams, explaining that the rams were missing.
    Osho further added that during police investigation, the defendant could not give satisfactory account of the said ram.
    The offence contraneved sections 312, 322 and 309 of the Penal Code.
    The judge, Ngozi Okonkwo, however, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case until July 9 for hearing (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    BLE/AMM
    =========
    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Marwa blames porous borders for drug trafficking in West Africa

    Marwa blames porous borders for drug trafficking in West Africa

    Drugs

    By Folasade Akpan

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, the Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says the porousness of West African borders contribute to the trafficking of illicit substances in the region.

    Marwa said this in an address on Tuesday in Abuja, during a media conference to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that June 26 every year is set aside to commemorate the day and the theme for 2024 is: “Evidence is Clear, Invest in Prevention”.

    Marwa was represented by Mr Chigbu Chilee, Deputy Commander of Narcotics and the Assistant Director, Drug Demand Reduction Directorate.

    “In West Africa, and specifically in Nigeria, drug trafficking and abuse are often seen as complex issues with deep-rooted social and economic factors.

    “For example, poverty, unemployment, and a lack of educational opportunities contribute to the vulnerability of individuals to drug trafficking and abuse.

    “Furthermore, the region’s porous borders and proximity to major drug trafficking routes make it a vulnerable transit point for illicit substances.”

    Marwa, however, said that the evidence was overwhelming that these activities have devastating consequences for individuals, communities, and societies.

    According to him, investing in prevention is crucial to address the complex challenges of drug trafficking and abuse.

    “Prevention programmes are critical to reducing demand, mitigating the social and health impacts of drug abuse, criminal justice and safety, and ultimately breaking the cycle of addiction.

    “By supporting community-based initiatives, promoting education and awareness, and strengthening law enforcement efforts, we can create a safer and healthier future for all.”

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, while quoting the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, said that the prevalence of drug use in Nigeria was 14.4 per cent.

    Pate, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, said that the figure was equivalent to 14.3 million people between the ages of 15 and 64 years, who use drugs like cannabis, amphetamines, tramadol, codeine, and cocaine.

    According to him, this means that the menace of drug abuse has reached an epidemic proportion.

    “Available statistics states that about 2.5 million drug related deaths occur annually in Nigeria,” he said.

    The Country Representative, World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Walter Mulombo, said that injecting drugs remained a significant driver of infectious diseases globally, with one in every eight people who inject drugs living with HIV (World Drug Report 2023).

    Mulombo, who was represented by Dr Mya Ngo, said that Nigeria with its estimated 200,000 injecting drug users had a prevalence of HIV of 10.9 per cent.

    Also, that it has a prevalence of Hepatitis B of 6.7 per cent and Hepatitis C of 5.8 per cent.

    “However, in the past decade, deaths due to HIV/AIDS infection among drug users have declined; this can be attributed to the deliberate efforts to reach people who inject drugs with harm reduction services.”

    He called on the Federal Government to improve access to drug use prevention, early detection and treatment services for drug use disorders and its related harms as the negative consequences were felt by the individual, their families and the society.

    “These it can achieve through enhanced prevention programmes, scaling up effective treatment and harm reduction services, continuous monitoring as well as proper documentation of the drug use pattern to inform effective service delivery and policy changes.”

    NAN reports that the day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to invest in prevention programmes that address the root causes of drug trafficking and abuse. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FOF/AMM

    =========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Sokoto Assembly: No Bill to dethrone Sultan, only to strengthen Institution

     

    Dethronement

     

    By Muhammad Nasir

     

    Sokoto, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Sokoto State House of Assembly on Tuesday clarified that the lawmakers have received no bill before them seeking to dethrone the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar.

    According to the house, the bill before them only seeks to strengthen the activities of the Sultanate Council of Sokoto.

     

    Alhaji Bello Idris (APC – Gwadabawa North), the House Majority Leader, made this assertion while addressing journalists after the assembly’s plenary session.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that upon resuming from its one-month recess, the assembly deliberated on three Executive Bills.

     

    They included a Bill for a Law to Further Amend the Sokoto State Local Government Law, 2008, to Provide for the Tenure of Local Government Council and for Related Matters.

     

    The second one was a Bill for a Law to Repeal the Sokoto State Prohibition of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Law No. 1 of 2021.

     

    The third one was a  Bill for a Law to Provide for the Establishment of the State Tenancy Control and Safety of Persons Agency.”

     

    Idris emphasised that the current state administration highly values and respects the Sultan and the Sultanate Council and it was committed to protecting the dignity of the revered institution.

     

    “A Bill to dethrone the Sultan for what crime? This could not and will never happen.

     

    “We at the State Assembly have not received any law attempting to remove the Sultan but instead to strengthen his powers, guard, protect, and promote the institution,” he explained.

     

    The house leader urged the public to disregard any reports of an attempt to dethrone the Sultan, describing such information as a mischievous act.

     

    NAN also reports that the three Bills have since passed the second reading at the plenary and have been referred to the House Committees on Local Government, Social Welfare and Human Rights, and Donor Agencies, respectively. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    BMN/BRM

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

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • War College participants’ tour deepens understanding of military dynamics – NAF

    Tour

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has said that the international study tour to Turkiye and Morocco by participants of the Air Force War College (AFWC) would deepen understanding of global geopolitics and military-industrial dynamics.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information of the Service, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Gabkwet said the tour was aimed at equipping the participants with a deeper understanding of the complexities of international politics, security, and interdependence of modern nation-states.

    He said the tour themed: “Military Industrial Complex and National Development: Lessons for Nigeria”, focused on understanding the technological advancements and manufacturing capabilities of the armed forces in the countries.

    Gabkwet said the participants explored how the two nations had leveraged their military-industrial complexes to bolster their national development agenda.

    The statement quoted the Commandant of the College, AVM Gabriel Kehinde, as saying that the study tour provided the participants with a comprehensive understanding of the linkages between military capabilities, technological innovation, and economic progress.

    Kehinde said that by examining the models adopted by Türkiye and Morocco, the college drew valuable lessons that would inform Nigeria’s path towards strengthening its defense industry and fostering sustainable national development.

    He said the participants, upon their return to Nigeria, presented their findings in both oral and written forms.

    According to him, the findings highlighted the unique strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) observed in each country.

    “The insights and lessons learnt will be utilised to guide the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) strategic planning and decision-making processes, as the Service seeks to optimise its own military-industrial capabilities.

    “The successful completion of the study tour underscores NAF’s commitment to fostering highly informed and strategically minded officers, capable of addressing the evolving challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing global security environment,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/CEO/RSA

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

    Edited by Chidi Opara/Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • 2 witnesses testify as EFCC opens case against ex-Gov Obiano

    2 witnesses testify as EFCC opens case against ex-Gov Obiano

    Case

    By Taiye Agbaje

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Two witnesses testified on Tuesday at a Federal High Court, Abuja as Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opened its money laundering case against former Governor of Anambra, Willie Obiano.

    A commercial banker staff, Mr Tochukwu Aloysius Nnadi, and an Onitsha-based business woman, Mrs Chinwe Patricia Egbunam, were led in evidence as 1st and 2nd prosecution witnesses by EFCC’s lawyer, Mr Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, before Justice Inyang Ekwo.

    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.

    When the matter was called, Nnadi, the 1st prosecution witness (PW-1), told the court that he was a bank manager at Awka, the capital of Anambra.

    The witness said: “My lord, as part of our responsibilities, we manage customers’ accounts and interface with various security and anti-graft agencies in terms of enquiry on a customer’s account.

    “We usually comply by providing the requested information.

    “I know the defendant in this matter. He is the immediate past governor of Anambra State.

    “In April 2022, I was informed by our compliance unit that I was needed at EFCC in respect of activities of the past administration of Anambra State.

    “I went there with two of my colleagues. The EFCC told me that my invitation was in respect of an ongoing investigation.

    “I was told that it was because I was the manager of the branch that handled most of the financial activities of the then state government.

    “The state government maintains various accounts with our bank and one of such accounts was for security votes.”

    According to him there was really nothing special about the security votes account.

    “It was like every other account that we managed for the state government.

    “The account was mostly funded by the office of the Accountant General of the state and bulk of the funds came from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.

    “Payments into the account was made on weekly basis and all transactions out of the account were always based on the advice of the account operators.

    “The payments we made out of the account were to various entities and corporate organisations.

    “We supplied documents containing names of all the beneficiaries to the EFCC,” the witness added.

    However, he declined request by the prosecution counsel, Tahir, to mention names of some of the beneficiaries in the open court.

    Nnadi said doing so would amount to a breach of his “oath of secrecy.”

    He said the accounts were mostly funded every week.

    “Cash withdrawals, manager’s cheques, transfers and drafts were instruments that were used to remove the funds, based on instructions from the operators of the accounts.

    “Some of the documents I submitted to the EFCC, included the certified true copies (CTCs) of the statements of account, cover letter for the statements of account, packages used to open the account, as well as certificates of identification for each of the accounts,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the bundle of documents from the bank, totaling 794 pages were tendered and admitted in evidence by the court as Exhibit PW-1 (A1- A 794)

    Another bundle of documents dated June 1, 2023, showing the debits that were made from the accounts, were also admitted in evidence.

    Obiano’s lawyer, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, said his client would reserve his objections to the Exhibits and raise them in his final address.

    When the witness was asked to read to the court, from the exhibit, some of the names on the list of beneficiaries of funds that were transferred out of the account, he mentioned; “Moment of Peace Ventures, Easy Diamond Integrated Links and Nasda Ventures.”

    When being cross-examined, Nnadi told the court that all the transactions that involved his bank, were done in compliance with the mandate on each account.

    He said the mandates were also in accordance with the banking practice.

    Shortly after Nnadi concluded his evidence and was dismissed, Mrs Egbunam.mounted the box and testified in the matter.

    She told the court that she is a trader that specialised in “Turkey wears.”

    She told the court that she had on May 20, received a call that she was needed at the EFCC office over some funds that passed through the account of her company, C.I. Party Ventures Nigeria Limited.

    “When I got to the EFCC, I told them that I did not know anything about the money but that I knew that I told my account officer, Mr. Ugochukwu Otibelu, to help me to upgrade my account to enable me to meet requirement of the Embassy of Turkey.

    “It was to upgrade the account to enable me to be able to travel and the upgrade was for him to help me and post money into my account.

    “My account officer accepted my request and collected my company account and cheque.

    “However, at the EFCC, I was told that about N156. 8 million passed through my account from the Anambra State Government,’ she said.

    While being cross-examined, the witness told the court that the arrangement was for her account officer to facilitate the inflow of funds into her company’s account.

    She told the court that she did not touch the money that was wired into the account as it did not belong to her.

    More so, the witness told the court that the directors of the company’s account were her family members.

    “Outside the fact that the defendant was the governor of Anambra State, I never had any dealings with him,” she added.

    Asked to tell the court about the security situation in the state while Obiano held sway as governor, the witness said: “I currently stay in Anambra. There is usually no movement in the state every Monday because of a sit-at-home order.

    “I know ESN and IPOB and they operate fully in Anambra State.”

    She said during Obiano’s tenure, the former governor worked with organisations and churches to maintain peace in the state.

    “This was because churches, organisations and even mosques were under threat during that period,” the witness added.

    Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until Wednesday for trial continuation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TOA/SH

    =======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • CDS hails military veterans on sacrifices, pledges continuous support

    CDS hails military veterans on sacrifices, pledges continuous support

    Veterans

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has commended the military veterans for their sacrifices and dedication to peace and security of Nigeria and the development of Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    Musa, represented by the Director of Plans, Defence Headquarters, Rear Adm. Ibrahim Shettima, said this at the maiden Armed Forces of Nigeria Veterans Stakeholders Forum, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The forum has the theme, “the Nigerian Armed Forces Veterans in the Next Decade” aimed at enhancing the welfare and future prospects of Nigerian military veterans.

    The CDS said that the significance of the forum was in recognising the dedication and sacrifices of veterans, and emphasised the need for continuous efforts to improve their welfare.

    He said the Federal Government had made recent strides, such as the disbursement of the Security Debarment Allowance, a 20 cent cent increase in pension rates, and the inclusion of veterans in federal palliative programmes.

    He said that the developments were notable achievements under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    According to him, the forum underscores their collective dedication to the well-being of the veterans.

    He commended the ongoing efforts and achievements in veteran welfare, such as various scholarship and educational programmes for orphans, pre- and post-retirement programmes, and medical interventions.

    Musa added that the establishment of a committee to develop a long-term strategic roadmap for veteran administration, with studies conducted in the UK, and planned visits to Egypt and the USA, was additional perspectives.

    According to him, the forum will be addressing several critical issues, including governance in veteran administration, health and well-being, skills development, post-service employment, legal matters, and the protection and security of veterans.

    Musa urged participants to engage in objective and professional deliberations, assuring them that the outcomes would guide future improvements in veteran administration.

    On his part, the Director, Veteran Affairs, Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Danladi Salihu, expressed gratitude to the CDS for the improved veterans’ welfare initiative.

    Salihu said the forum would help in addressing veteran issues, highlighting the collaborative efforts needed to implement the outcomes of the discussions.

    He said the forum signified a giant step towards ensuring the well-being and recognition of Nigerian military veterans, aligning with the armed forces’ commitment to nurturing a professional and people-centric military.

    The National Chairman of Nigerian Legion, retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin, thanked the CDS for bringing the veterans together to interact and share views and experiences.

    Jibrin said the forum was a step in the right direction that would assist the government and their serving colleagues to see through the veterans, what the future held for them.

    He also thanked the government for its efforts towards enhanced welfare of the veterans.

    “This occasion, organised by the Chief of Defence Staff, is to help get together all the ideas that we share to assist them in planning the roadmap for the wellbeing of all veterans and those coming behind us,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/YMU/AMM

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

    Edited by Yakubu Uba and Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Sanwo-Olu celebrates birthday with special children

    Birthday
    By Aderonke Ojediran
    Lagos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Mr Gboyega Akosile, has described the governor as a leader who recognises the needs of the citizens in the state.

    He made the statement at governor’s 59th birthday in Lagos on Tuesday.

    “He recognises the importance of food security in the state and he initiated the widely acclaimed subsidised food market and the Ounje Eko food palliatives to cushion the effects of the economic downturn for the vulnerable people in the state,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that children with special needs were selected from Wesley School of deaf, Addo Inclusive Unit, Ayeteju Inclusive Unit and Army Children Inclusive Unit, among others, to felicitate the governor at the Lagos State House Ikeja.

    “Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the 15th Governor of Lagos State is a good example of Godsend and a perfect description of God-does-not- make mistakes.

    “Calm, humane, urbane, visionary and exemplary in many ways, governor Sanwo-Olu personifies character, giving credence to what we describe as Omoluabi (gentleman)in Yoruba.

    “I remember one of his election slogans — when Lagos speaks, Sanwo-Olu listens — which attracted some criticism from naysayers who believed at the time that no leader would fulfill such a promise,” he said.

    Akosile said that there were several other areas such as the environment, technology and tourism that had stood the governor out.

    “I consider most of these as the real deal because they provide the basis for the future of Lagos and her residents.

    “Lagos State has grown increasingly in global livability index, using some of the above factors as parameters.

    “In Lagos, Sanwo-Olu has risen up to the challenge and has provided leadership,” he said.

    Akosile who is also the Special Adviser Sanwo-Olu on Media and Publicity said “there are many sides to the governor”.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    OAF/KAY
    =======
    Edited by Kayode Olaitan

  • Rainy season: LASBCA moves to avert building collapse

    Rainy season: LASBCA moves to avert building collapse

     

    Building

    By Lydia Ngwakwe

    Lagos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) says it is taking  proactive measures to prevent collapse of buildings this rainy season and ensure safety of Lagos residents.

    The Director, Public Affairs Unit, LASBCA, Mr Olusegun Olaoye, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

    The official said that  rains had negative effects on weak and poorly-constructed structures.

    He said that the agency had increased inspection and monitoring to quickly identify weak structures to prevent  collapse during the rainy season.

    Olaoye said that weak structures were more likely to collapse  during rainy season due to weakened foundations from water exposure.

    He said, “By finding these weak structures early, we call on the owners to repair or demolish them, and if the owners don’t take actions, LASBCA will remove the buildings at the owners’ expense to prevent collapse  and  associated injures and deaths.”

    He advised property owners to have their buildings checked for structural stability and to take actions on any identified problems.

    He added that the agency had identified some distressed buildings and had since published a list of them.

    Olaoye said that the agency had also intensified awareness campaign by educating Lagos residents about the dangers of living in weak buildings.

    According to him, the residents are being educated on how to know a structure in distress.

    He said that the residents were also being encouraged to report any concerns to LASBCA.

    He further said that the agency was working together with  stakeholders to create a stronger network for promoting safety and preventing building collapses.

    He aded that the agency was advocating better drainage systems to reduce water build-up around structures.

    He said: “We are encouraging developers to investigate the ground before building, we are advising on proper roof care to prevent leaks and damage, we are implementing tougher regulations throughout the building process and we are bringing in experts to help enforce building codes.

    “These and many more are the measures LASBCA has put in place to prevent building collapse during the rainy season.’’ (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    LED/IGO

    ========

    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

    08036516651