Blog

UK is running out of jail space
UK is running out of jail space
Jail
London, June 25, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) Prisons are expected to reach full capacity within days, warned the Prison Governors Association (PGA) in England and Wales on Tuesday.
“As this happens, courts and the police will no longer be able to freely and lawfully detain offenders,” said PGA in an open letter to political leaders in the UK.
“This will put the public at risk, as people who should be in prison are left to roam the streets,” added the PGA.
The latest data released by the UK’s Ministry of Justice shows that the prisoner population in the UK has reached 87,395, just 1,383 short of the total usable operational capacity.
On May 15, the UK government triggered Operation Early Dawn, delaying the start of some court cases across England. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

DAMI/SAF/AMM
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Edited by Sarafina Christopher and Abiemwense Moru
June 25, 2024
Kogi IGR hits N23.5bn — official
Revenue
By Thompson Yamput
Lokoja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service says the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) profile has risen from N6 billion in 2016 to N23.5 billion per annum.
Alhaji Sule Enehe, the chairman of the service, announced this in a stakeholders interactive session held in Lokoja on Tuesday.
Enehe explained that when he came on board as chairman in 2016, the revenue of the state was just about N6 billion per annum.
“But today, within eight years, the revenue profile has leaped to N 23. 5 billion annually helping the state government at providing the desired social amenities to the people.
“the service had in the last eights years transitioned to digital systems for efficient tax processes with a tax guide to simplify tax payments.
“This tax guide can enable tax players to make payments in the comfort of their homes.
“These feats are attributed to the collective efforts and contributions of every stakeholder involved, highlighting the importance of teamwork and community support in achieving financial growth,” he said.
The chairman said that the state government “is judiciously utilising the monies being generated from tax in touching the lives of residents in the state.
“It is obvious the government has provided infrastructure in area of Health, Agriculture, education and Road projects”.
Enehe said that the stakeholders interactive meeting was aimed at collecting feedback from businesses regarding challenges being faced, with the goal of conveying the information to the state government.
The chairman further said that the meeting was also intended to help in the design of policies that would foster a more business-friendly environment, showcase how state funds are utilised.
Dr Olubunmi Ajayi, Director, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Other Revenues, urged tax payers not to pay cash to revenue officials.
“Your not paying cash to tax officials will greatly help in eradicating all forms of illegality within the system.
“Our taxpayers remain our valued assets in generating the necessary funds for social and economic development of the state, as they perform their civic responsibility in paying their tax obligations,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the session is “Continuous Engagement for Effective Tax Administration”.(NAN(www.nannews.ng)
TYC/KAY
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Edited by Kayode Olaitan
June 25, 2024
Customs official dies during meeting at NASS, Reps mourn
Customs official dies during meeting at NASS,Reps mourn
Death
By Femi Ogunshola
Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN)The House of Representatives has expressed shock over the death of a Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) officer at the National Assembly in Abuja ,while attending a committee meeting.
Rep. Akin Rotimi, Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said, in a statement on Tuesday, that the death came as a rude shock to the lawmakers.
“It is with deep sadness and regret that we confirm the passing of an esteemed official of the NCS who was at the National Assembly for an engagement with a House Committee.
“During the engagement, which occurred around 1.00 p.m. on June 25, the official developed sudden health complications”,he said.
According to him, in spite of the immediate and diligent efforts of first responders and medical personnel at the National Assembly Clinic, he unfortunately passed away.
He said the official’s name would not be disclosed at this time,out of respect for his family.
According to him, the House extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased during this difficult time.
“We recognise the significant contributions he made to the Nigeria Customs Service and to our nation
“The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, expressed his condolences, saying the House is deeply saddened by the sudden loss of a dedicated public servant.
“Our hearts go out to his family during this difficult time.”
Rotimi said the House would support efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident, adding that it would cooperate fully with all relevant authorities to ensure all necessary protocols were followed.
The House spokesman said that further information would be provided on the incident, calling for patience and respect for the privacy of the family during the period of mourning.(NAN)www.nannews.ng
ODF/BHB
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Edited by Buhari Bolaji
June 25, 2024
Akpabio dismisses claims of new aircraft for Tinubu, Shettima
By Kingsley Okoye
Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has dismissed claims that the Senate proposed new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Akpabio, in a statement on Tuesday by Jackson Udom, his Special Assistant on Print Media, gave the clarification during a condolence visit to Sen. Tahir Monguno over the death of his father.
The president of the Senate said the report attributing the comment to him on the purchase of a new aircraft was not true.
According to Akpabio, the report is from propagandists and fifth columnists.
He said the Senate was focused on delivering legislation that would support actualisation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Akpabio, who expressed satisfaction with the present security situation in Borno state, urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the present administration.
His words: “I want to dispel the rumour that you are hearing that the Senate President said he will buy a new plane for the President and his Vice, irrespective of the fact that Nigerians are hungry or whatever.
“I never said that. I was actually in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
“It is the handiwork of propagandists and fifth columnists, who never see anything good in what we are doing.
“Be rest assured, pray for the government, have patience and be assured that the combination of Tinubu and Shettima will bring wealth and prosperity to all.
“I am happy to see that peace has returned to Borno, as a result of the hard work of President Bola Tinubu.
“I want to tell the good of people of Borno to continue to support the administration.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
KC/KTO/AMM
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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo and Abiemwense Moru

June 25, 2024
NDLEA arrests 100 suspects, seizes 290kg of illicit drugs in C’River
Drug
By Ehigimetor Igbaugba
Calabar, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Cross River Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says it arrested no fewer than 100 suspects across the state between January and June over alleged illicit drug offences.
The State NDLEA Commander, Rachael Umebuali, said at a press briefing in Calabar on Tuesday that the command also seized 290kg of illicit drugs within the period under review.
Umebuali said that the briefing was part of activities to commemorate the 2024 United Nations Day against Drug Abuse and Trafficking.
She listed the seized illicit drugs to include, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, diazepam, tramadol, and cannabis sativa.
The commander expressed displeasure at the escalating level of drug consumption and trafficking in the state, and the country at large.
She identified Ikom, Abi, Biase and Calabar South as the local government areas with high drug abuse prevalence rates.
Umebuali said that the challenge of drug abuse had evolved into a significant social issue with consequences on security, economy and the overall welfare of the population.
“This has undeniable connections to the rise in insecurity, which is having negative impacts on peace and the economy nationwide.
“Armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, rape, and other violent crimes are attributable to the consumption of illegal drugs,” she said.
The commandant urged the government, corporate bodies and people with a desire for change to join forces with the agency to eliminate illicit drugs in the society.
He said that the command also used the week to visit places of worship to carry out anti-drug sensitisation campaigns.
“Our intention is that they will in turn sensitise their children and wards on the fight against illicit drugs.
“Drug abuse in the state is so high that we need to do a lot. We cannot do this alone without the collaboration of other agencies and the media,” she said.
Umebuali commended the state government for its support to the agency in the discharge its duties in the state.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ESI/CEO/AZU
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Edited by Chidi Opara and Azubuike Okeh

June 25, 2024
GO-CARES distributes inputs to 125,729 farmers in Gombe
Inputs
By Hajara Leman
Kwami (Gombe State), June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Gombe State Fadama GO-CARES has begun distribution of farm inputs and assets to 125,729 farmers, to encourage agricultural productivity.
The farmers are being supported under the fourth phase of the Fadama GO-CARES programme of the state Ministry of Agriculture.
The Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Salihu Baba-Alkali said this during the inauguration of the distribution exercise on Tuesday at Kwami town in Kwami Local Government Area of the state.
He said the gesture would support poor and vulnerable farmers in line with the agenda of Gov Inuwa Yahaya led administration, to alleviate poverty and enhance create wealth creation.
Baba-Alkali said the Fadama GO-CARES had impacted the lives of 47,482 persons and executed 32 viable projects since inception in the state.
He listed the projects to include farmer support services, construction of earth dams, access roads, culverts and drainages as well as upgrade of water and sanitary facilities,
According to him, the focus is to leverage on agriculture to create employment opportunities and enhance food security.
“Today, we are here to inaugurate the fourth phase that targets a total of 125,729 direct beneficiaries.
“Out of the number 42,300 beneficiaries will receive support as follows: 28,500 will receive agricultural inputs; 5,000 will receive agricultural assets, while 8,800 direct beneficiaries of rural infrastructure, where earth dams, culverts and drainages will be rehabilitated,” he said.
Baba-Alkali lauded the state governor for providing the necessary fund and commitment to ensure the smooth implementation of the programme which to empower younthe and women to become self-reliant.
Dr Barnabas Malle, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, said the distribution was a continuous exercise to enhance participation in the programme and warned against diversion of the commodities.
The gesture, he said, would go a long way towards improving the social and economic wellbeing of the beneficiaries.
Also speaking, Dr Babayo Makka, the Coordinator, FADAMA GO-CARES implored farmers who were yet to benefit from programme to exercise patience, noting that the distribution was being done in phases to mobilise participation in the programme.
He said the intervention was part of the government’s effort towards improving the lives and economic fortunes of the poor and vulnerable persons in the state.
“The state government has made giant stride to boost food security, enhance agricultural productivity and improve the quality of life of rural communities.
“The infrastructure being provided will not only improve the health and wellbeing of the communities, but also stimulate economic growth and development.
“I wish to appreciate the government of Gombe State for the timely release of funds to support the activities of the GO-CARES programme across the various delivery platforms,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Magaji Babawuro said the support would aid his farming activities.
Babawuro said he had given up hope of cultivating his farmlands as he could not afford exorbitant prices of fertilisers and farm inputs.
“The input came at a time I seriously needed it because I had no hope of farming but with this input, I will now return to my farm and not be idle at home,” he said. (NAN)( www.nannews.ng)
HUL/RSA
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Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali
June 25, 2024
Sanwo-Olu dissatisfied with Lagos State Water Corporation’s performance

Sanwo-Olu dissatisfied with Lagos State Water Corporation’s performance

Water
By Aderonke Ojediran
Lagos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has solicited partnerships from stakeholders in the public and private sectors in tackling water resource management challenges.
Sanwo-Olu made the appeal on Tuesday at the Fifth Lagos International Water Conference in Lagos.
The conference had the theme: ” Financing Water and Sanitation for a Greater Lagos”.
The governor expressed dissatisfaction that Lagos State Water Corporation had not been innovative enough to create solutions to water resourcecmanagement challenges in the state in spite of international trainings of its staff.

“We have had several World Bank best trainers.

“They have been trained in best institutions but that has not put solutions on the table for us, that has not resolved the challenges that we have.

“Water, as Fela said, has no enemy, but it has got a lot of enemies because we are all not sincere or serious and true to ourselves.

“We all need to ask ourselves how well we are playing these roles. How well are we moving from lip service to being able to resolve the issues?” Sanwo-Olu asked.
Sanwo-Olu said that water remained important to the government and people of Lagos State.
“In the last five years, this administration has been dedicated to financing this conference with discussions as to how to straighten water resource management.
“Our focus includes regulating the water sector, promoting public/ private partnerships; we believe this will fill the gaps and foster operational efficiency of Lagos State Water Corporation.
“We want to move away from talk to action, we want to move to action. It is the fifth year we are coming for the water conference. I want to see the outcomes and the outputs.
“We have increased our spending in this sector, we appreciate how Denmark and the Netherlands have collaborated with us.”
He said that if the state government had not been proactive, the recent outbreak of cholera in the state would have become a pandemic.
The Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, also called for more public/private partnerships in order to find permanent solutions to water resource management problems.
” I am proud of Lagos and its strides.
“We need more collaborations between the private and public sectors, we need each other to find solutions,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference held at the Eko Hotel and Suites on Victoria Island. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
OAF/IGO
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

June 25, 2024
Cancer registry 90% complete, ready in 6 months- NICRAT
Cancer registry 90% complete, ready in 6 months- NICRAT
Registry
By Folasade Akpan
Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government says that the proposed National Cancer Registry aimed at aiding the centralising cancer data in Nigeria is ninety per cent complete and will be ready in six months.
The Director-General, National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Aliyu, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja, during a national workshop on Population-Based Cancer Registration.
The workshop was organised by NICRAT, African Cancer Registry Network (ACRN) and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
According to Aliyu, the Federal Government is desirous of establishing an updated, standardised cancer registry.
“This is so that any time there is need for information regarding cancer incidence, prevalence, morbidity and mortality; it will just be a click away.
“We are going to have a decentralised cancer registry in NICRAT like a kind of a dashboard, where on real time basis you can be having all information.
“If there is any increment in the incidence or mobility, morbidity and mortality, it will appear there.
“So the platform for the cancer registry is almost 90 per cent completed, so we are looking at within the span of five to six months to complete all the processes.”
Aliyu also said that what was obtainable presently was a mix of key population, but because of the large population of Nigerians, more population based cancer registry was more appropriate which the agency was working on.
The Coordinator, ACRN, Dr Maxwell Parkin, said that having cancer registries in Africa were important because they would give all the information needed on what’s going on in the cancer space in the continent.
According to him, in Africa, the network of cancer registries only consists of about 35 registers in 22 countries.
“So it’s only about half the countries in Africa that have functioning cancer registry.
“Here in Nigeria, there are about four or five cancer registers that are members of our network, but there are many more registries.
“The idea now is that NICRAT is going to work with us to improve the situation, strengthen and increase the number of cancer registries in Nigeria.”
He, however, said that there were many things to be done to build a network in registers in Nigeria for many years.
Parkin also said that government’s involvement was very important because the registers are there to help understand the nature of cancer problems, the priorities and what needed to be done.
Speaking about registry regulations, he said that not many countries in Africa have regulations at the moment, adding that it was becoming essential now to have a proper regulation for cancer registration.
“To say that we should treat it like other infectious diseases, where people have a duty and the regulations require them to notify cancer cases to the cancer registry.
“So at the moment that only occurs in two other countries, South Africa and Rwanda, and Nigeria is going to be the third country in Africa to have such a regulation in place.”
Prof. Emmanuel Ezeome, Director, Cancer Registry, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), said that the workshop was already addressing the challenge of training for key personnel that carry out the data collection.
According to him, without it, there will not be a reliable data.
He also said that within the registries there were funding issues, which the different hosting institutions needed to address.
“Meetings like this help us to brainstorm on how the individual registrars can support themselves to the activities through their research, but especially research through the engagement with companies that have stake in cancer management.
“So when they do that, then we know how to sustain the registries in different centres and then how they can now get us reliable data.
“The other issue is that without a reliable census in this country it will be difficult to calculate the rate of cancer in the country.
“So, we are using this opportunity to also plead with the government that it’s high time the national census is conducted.”
Ezeome said that whatever was being done in the different cancer registries, with a census the country would be able to have a baseline to use in calculating incidences and mortality rates.
He added that the cancer register would also help in different things that were relevant in cancer control and planning. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
FOF/AMM
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru
June 25, 2024
Protest: Lagos APC youths condemn attack on party chairman
Protest: Lagos APC youths condemn attack on party chairman
Condemnation
By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Youth Wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Badagry Division, Lagos State, has condemned Monday’s attack on the State Party Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, during a protest at the party secretariat in Ikeja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that some members of the party in Alimosho had,during the protest,attempted to manhandle and beat him before the intervention of security agents.
The protesters were allegedly angry that members of the caucus they belong were not recognised at a meeting ,convened by Ojelabi to reconcile disagreeing groups in the local government area.

Mr Moses Aina, Public Relations Officer of APC Youths, Badagry Division and Legislative House Leader , Oto Awori Local Council Development Area, in a statement on Tuesday,said the attack on the chairman was unacceptable.
“It has come to our attention that some members of APC from Alimosho recently carried out an attack on the State Chairman of our great party, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi.
“This act is both condemnable and unacceptable.
“As APC youths from Badagry Division, we strongly condemn this act of violence and call on the leadership of our party to investigate the matter.
“We urge the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of the party to take swift action against those that would be found to be culpable in this uncivilised act,” Aina said.
According to him, if anybody or group within the party has any problem with the leadership of the party, such should follow due process by bringing the matter to the knowledge of the party for amicable resolution.
“Resorting to jungle justice such as launching an attack on the state chairman of our great party leaves much to be desired and can never help in solving misunderstanding,” he added.
Aina said that the APC, under the leadership of Ojelabi, had a reputation for hard work and adding value .
“We will not allow an ugly and unholy behaviour from some disgruntled elements to tarnish the image and reputation of our ever-performing party.
“We will not tolerate any form of violence or intimidation within our party.
“We must uphold the principles of our party and ensure that those who violate them are held accountable,” he said.
The councilor, representing Ward D in the LCDA, said Badagry Division would continue to stand in solidarity with Ojelabi and the leadership of the APC in Lagos.
He called on all members of the party to remain peaceful and refrain from any form of violence.
“Let us work together to build a stronger and better APC for the good of Lagos State and our great nation.
“Let us all stand together and work as a team towards a better future for ourselves and generations to come,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AYO/BHB
Edited by Buhari Bolaji
June 25, 2024
Institute urges stakeholders to address flooding
Institute urges stakeholders to address flooding
Flooding
By Sarafina Christopher
Abuja, June 25, 2024(NAN) The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, has urged relevant stakeholders to take proactive measures to address the issue of flooding and prevent the loss of lives and property.
Mr Nathaniel Atebije, the President of the institute, stated this during its 6th annual conference on Tuesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference is t “What shall we say: gains or pains of democracy”.
He said that the Federal Capital Territory and other areas are back to another regime of flooding due to poor drainage systems among others.
“The flooding which ensued yesterday as a result of the downpour was speculated to have drowned some lives in a popular residential estate in Abuja.
“Poor drainage systems have made the location flood-prone and vulnerable during the rainy season,”he said.
Atebije said that actions designed to solve the problem are being impeded by court orders at the expense of human lives.
“What value do we place on human lives as a nation? Can the value of that whole estate be equated to the lives lost?
“We hereby call on Judges to consider the safety of human lives when granting orders to retain inconsistent developments.
“This is an indicator of the need for continuous engagement with the various stakeholders in human settlements development.
“For Judges, and anyone for that matter, to make decisions that are favorable to environmental sustainability, they must be enlightened about physical planning and human settlements development.
“We particularly emphasise that the Federal Capital Territory and other affected areas need to take decisive measures on disaster preparedness and management,”he said.
Atebije called on the government to put aside the relative success of its first year in office, to see the pains and agony of its population.
“We must empathise with the tears running down the cheeks of Nigerians and focus on the years ahead.
“This will bring a lot of gains, diminish a lot of pains, and then we can truly look forward to handing unto our children a banner without stain,”he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)
SAF/JPE
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Edited by Joseph Edeh

June 25, 2024