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AMAC chairman reiterates commitment to good governance
AMAC
By Philomina Attah
Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Mr Christopher Maikalangu, Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), says he is committed to providing an impactful governance to the citizens of the municipality.
Maikalangu made this pledge while performing the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction and rehabilitation of Lugbe Primary School and Lugbe Chief Palace Township roads on Tuesday in Abuja.
He highlighted the council’s achievements over the past two years, emphasising his commitment to enhancing social amenities across the 12 wards of AMAC.
“Today’s ceremony is a confirmation of my promises towards being responsive to the basic needs of our people.
“The vital role of infrastructure in boosting the economic conditions of the residents is important hence the need for this inauguration.’’
Maikalangu said that, as part of the council’s ongoing roads revolution, over 15 asphalt legacy roads across the council’s three zones were ready for commissioning.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the council’s broader vision to improve the quality of life for its residents through comprehensive infrastructure projects, including rural electrification, water supply, health services and educational development.
The chairman also urged residents to fulfill their civic duties by paying taxes and levies, stressing that such contributions were essential for sustaining and expanding public services.
“These projects will not have been possible if residents fail to pay their taxes and levies to government,’’ he said.
Maikalangu credited his achievements to the support and inspiration provided by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He called on traditional rulers, property owners and other stakeholders to cooperate with contractors and ensure the quality of the work being carried out.
The chairman urged AMAC citizens to protect public infrastructure and report any sub-standard work, and also congratulated all involved and wished for the successful completion of the projects.
The Director of Works in AMAC, Mr Andrew Gaza, while giving overview of the project, expressed his delight and pride at the ground-breaking ceremony.
Gaza highlighted the significance of the developments and praised the efforts of the chairman.
“The project is particularly important to me as it directly impacts my ward,” he said.
He lauded the chairman’s commitment to fulfilling campaign promises and delivering numerous infrastructure projects, including electrification and water supply, within a short period of assuming office.
According to him, Maikalangu is truly a promise keeper and everyone is grateful for his large-hearted service to our community and the entire FCT.
Gaza provided detailed insights into the road projects, which included a 1.5 kilometer stretch with one-side drainage spanning 75 meters.
He emphasised that these developments would significantly benefit the community by improving access to schools, boosting local businesses, and enhancing overall economic and social well-being.
“The road will serve several schools and will integrate our communities further; it will elevate the standard of living and ensure that no one considers resettlement necessary,” he said.
He also listed additional amenities like street lights that would soon be installed along the new roads.
Gaza urged the community to continue supporting the chairman and his cabinet in their efforts to improve infrastructure across AMAC and the FCT.
“Please pray for our leader; he chairman, and his team so that they can continue to deliver on their promises and enhance our city,” Gaza said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
APA/CJ/
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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

June 25, 2024
Zelensky discusses EU accession with German Bundesrat president
Zelensky discusses EU accession with German Bundesrat president
Accession
Kiev, June 25, 2024 (dpa/NAN) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks in Kiev on Tuesday with the president of Germany’s upper parliamentary chamber, the Bundesrat.
During their hour-long discussion, Manuela Schwesig spoke in favour of Ukraine joining the European Union.
The meeting took place just before the official start of Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations in Luxembourg on Tuesday.
In addition to her role in the Bundesrat, Schwesig is also the premier of the northern German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
The Bundesrat represents Germany’s 16 federal states at the national level.
“This is an important day for Ukraine, but also for the European Union.
“The states (of Germany) support this accession,’’ said Schwesig afterwards.
The talks also covered the economy, regional partnerships and military support for Ukraine.
Zelensky expressly thanked the German government for its help, said Schwesig, a member of the centre-left Social Democrats.
She said that the Ukrainian armed forces must now be further supported, particularly with additional air defence systems.
A Patriot missile system currently stationed in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern for training purposes is to be delivered shortly.
“It is now important that it arrives in Ukraine to further protect the population from Russian attacks.
“This is urgently needed now,’’ said Schwesig.
Schwesig announced a German-Ukrainian economic conference in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in the autumn.
The main focus would be on cooperation with her state’s partner region of Chernihiv, north of Kiev, which borders Russia and Belarus.
Schwesig has been president of Germany’s Bundesrat since November 2023, making her the fourth-highest state office holder in Germany.
She is the first head of the upper house of parliament to visit Ukraine.
She had already met with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Parliament Speaker Rusland Stefanchuk and Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko on Monday. (dpa/ NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
COO/AMM
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Edited by Cecilia Odey and Abiemwense Moru
June 25, 2024
Navy arrests vessel, 9 suspects over alleged threat to maritime safety
Arrest
By Sunday Bassey
Ikot Abasi (Akwa Ibom) June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Navy, NNS Jubilee in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom, says it has arrested an unnamed vessel and nine persons over alleged threat to maritime safety in the state.
The Commander, Commodore Martins Fakrogha, confirmed the arrest to newsmen at Helms Jetty in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom on Tuesday.
Fakrogha said that the vessel and the suspects were arrested at about 9.30p.m on Sunday following reliable intelligence information.
“Upon getting the report, we swung into action, we apprehended he vessel which is about 70 meters long and eight meters wide
“Inside the vessel, we discovered six tanks with a capacity of 120,000 litres each, and a total capacity of about 780,000 litres,” Fakrogha said.
Fakrogha further said that although the tanks in the vessels were empty, the movement of the vessel was a threat to the maritime safety of the nation.
“There was no form of safety in the vessel, it is a self-propelled nameless vessel with three inbuilt mantra-made engines.
“It is the duty of the Nigerian Navy to ensure that Nigerian waterways are safe for legitimate business men and women to use, we are committed to this duty,” he said.
The commander urged boat owners and jetty managers in the state to always adhere to safety precautions.
He said that the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, had zero tolerance for martine crime and any form of waterways economic sabotage.
He commended the Joint Tasks Force for its doggedness and resilience in protecting the waterways.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
SDB/KOO/AZU
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Azubuike Okeh
June 25, 2024
Alleged procurement fraud: Court adjourns Emefiele’ trial until Oct. 22
Alleged procurement fraud: Court adjourns Emefiele’ trial until Oct. 22
Emefiele
By Edith Nwapi
Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja on Tuesday adjourned until Oct. 21 for continuation of the trial of the suspended governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele over alleged procurement fraud.
Emefiele is charged with alleged 20-count amended charge, preferred against him by the Economic and financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He was alleged to have engaged in criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence and obtaining money by false pretence, when he served as the apex bank’s boss.
Specifically, the EFCC alleged that the former CBN boss forged a document titled: Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions dated January 26, 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201 and purported same to have emanated from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (AGF).
Besides he is also accused of using his office as CBN governor to confer unfair and corrupt advantage on two companies; April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.
Emefiele in the amended charge was alleged to have, on Feb. 8, 2023 knowingly obtain, by false pretence, 6.2 million dollars by falsely representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation vide a letter dated Jan. 26, 2023 with Ref No. SGF 43/L.01/201 requested the CBN to provide a contingent logistic advance in the sum of $6,230,000 “in line with Presidential directive.”
Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned until Oct. 21 after hearing from the testimony of the 9th prosecution witness (PW9).
He further adjourned until July 8 for hearing of Emefiele ‘s application seeking for the release of his passport to enable him attend to medical appointments.
Earlier, the EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, brought two witnesses PW8 and PW9.
Umar Tilde the 8th prosecution witness (PW8) works with Zenith Bank as Compliance Office.
He told the court that EFCC, requested for account opening documents, statement of account, and certificate of identification for the account of Emefiele
” We responded by submitting the requested documents to the EFCC.
The documents from Zenith Bank, account statement of the defendant and certificate of identification were all admitted in evidence and marked as: Exhibits ED1, ED2 & ED3.
On whether Emefiele had only one account with the bank, he said the letter from the EFCC had different account numbers.
” We responded based on the account numbers supplied,” he said.
The prosecution 9th witness is
Mrs Abibia Ockiya-Ogeleye , a lawyer Principal Partner ,A & A Legal Consociate.
She handled the incorporation matters at the CAC for Architkun Nigeria Ltd.
According to the witness, prior to 2021, the company had two directors.
” I added one person, which is Madam Esther Oyeladun.
” There are three Directors- Omoile Makonbo, Omoile Margaret and Esther Oyeladun.”
The witness added that all she did was given to her by Esther Oyeladun.
After her testimony, Matthew Burkaa, SAN, Emefiele’s counsel told the court that, his client applied for the release of his passport to travel for a medical appointment. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
NEO/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza
June 25, 2024
Makinde reshuffles Oyo cabinet
Cabinet
By David Adeoye
Ibadan, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has effected a minor cabinet reshuffle.
This is contained in a statement issued by Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Tuesday in Ibadan.
According to the statement, Mr Segun Olayiwola, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, has been moved to Ministry of Establishment and Training.
The Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Mr Ademola Ojo was named as the new Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
The Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Mr Adeniyi Adebisi, is to take over the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives.
The postings, according to the statement, are with immediate effect. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
DAK/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
June 25, 2024
Kenya secures $461m to combat HIV, tuberculosis, malaria
Grant
Nairobi, June 25, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) Kenya has announced that it has signed six grants totaling 59.7 billion shillings (about 462 million U.S. dollars) to support programmes targeting HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.
In a statement issued in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, the Ministry of Health said that the three-year grants from the Global Fund, an international financing and partnership organisation, will also be used to strengthen health and community systems from July 2024 to June 2027.
“The total amount for each component includes 232.5 million dollars for HIV, 72.9 million dollars for malaria, 67.7 million dollars for tuberculosis, and 34.6 million dollars for health systems strengthening,” the ministry said.
The Global Fund is a worldwide movement to defeat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
In Kenya, the fund has supported the provision of HIV test kits and antiretroviral drugs to about 1.4 million people.
According to the Ministry of Health, this has led to a significant decline in new HIV infections by 78 per cent, HIV-related deaths by 68 per cent and mother-to-child transmissions by 65 per cent.
“Regarding the tuberculosis program, we have recorded a treatment success rate of 86 per cent.
The ministry had reported that the positivity rate among tuberculosis cases declined from 7.35 per cent in 2021 to 5.6 per cent in 2024.
The ministry added that the malaria programme contributed to an overall reduction in the disease burden, with the national prevalence level declining from 8.2 per cent in 2025 to 6 per cent in 2023.
It aims to reduce malaria incidence and deaths by at least 75 per cent by 2027.
The new grants will enhance the provision of quality care and prevention services for people with tuberculosis, leprosy, and lung diseases.
It has also contributed to achieving Universal Health Coverage through comprehensive HIV prevention, treatment and care.
According to the Global Fund, it invested more than 5 billion dollars annually to fight HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, ensuring a healthier, safer and more equitable future for all. (Xinhua/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
HS/
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Edited by Halima Sheji

June 25, 2024
Atiku urges governors to respect traditional institutions
Respect
By Emmanuel Oloniruha
Abuja, June 25, 2024(NAN) A former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has called on state governors to respect traditional institutions in the country.
Abubakar, in a statement issued on Tuesday, also called for a constitutional reform that would recognise traditional institutions and also define the responsibilities of their offices.
He said that recent developments in the country had seen a growing tendency of state governments to exert influence in distorting the modalities of enthroning traditional stools.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections described the trend as a reality that stared Nigerians in the face from every corner of the country.
He said it was understandable that the institutions of traditional rulers were in the exclusive purview of the state government through the local government authorities.
Abubakar, however, said it must be established that traditional institutions constituted a component of the country’s governance structure.
“Traditional institutions must be protected from the arbitrariness of state governments that threatens their stability.
“When the structure of ascension of traditional rulers is unstable, it will become equally difficult to maintain peace and orderliness in communities.
“Although our constitution, in its current format, does not ascribe any recognition to traditional institutions, our experiences show clearly that they perform enormous roles in the economic life of their domains, as well as maintenance of peace and security in communities,” he said
Abubakar noted that the traditional institutions formed the governance structures before the advent of the colonialists.
“They governed well; the institutions must be protected, preserved and not be destroyed.
“It is, therefore, on this basis that I lean toward the advocacy that calls for constitutional reform that will not just recognise traditional institutions in our body of laws, but also define the responsibilities of their offices.
“This reform is even more important given the collective drive to stem the ugly tide of terrorism and sundry security challenges at the local levels.
“I must also appeal to state governors to accord the necessary respect to the offices of traditional institutions.
“The customs that our traditional rulers represent is the totality of our heritage as a people,” Abubakar said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OBE/KTO/CJ/
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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo and Chijioke Okoronkwo

June 25, 2024
Ways and means securitisation responsible for N24trn debt rise – DMO

The Director-General of the DMO, Patience Oniha

Debt
By Kadiri Abdulrahman
Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Debt Management Office, says the rise in Nigeria’s public debt stock from N97.34 trillion in December, 2023 to N121.67 trillion in March is partly due to exchange rate fluctuations.
The Director-General of DMO, Patience Oniha, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
She was clarifying misconceptions about the recently released update of the country’s total debt profile.
She said that the securitisation of N4.90 trillion as part of the securitisation of the N7.3 trillion Ways and Means Advances approved by the National Assembly was also responsible for the N24.33 trillion increase in the debt stock.
According to her, there is also the interest rate, as well as new borrowing of N2.81 trillion as part of the N6.06 trillion provided in the 2024 budget.
She, however, emphasised that the debt stock included the domestic and external debt stock of the thirty-six states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“The total public debt as at March 31, showed that the total public debt in Naira terms stood at N121.67 trillion compared to N97.34 trillion as at December 31, 2023.
“While detailed information was provided on the data such as the split between external and domestic debt as well as the fact that the debt stock includes the domestic and external debt stock of the 36 states and the FCT, it has become imperative to provide some explanations.
“It is important to recognise the fact that Nigeria has undergone some major reforms which have impacted economic indices such as the dollar/Naira exchange rate and interest rates.
“These two, in particular affect the debt stock and debt service,” she said.
Oniha said that the increase in Naira Terms of N24.33 trillion between the fourth quarter of 2023, and first quarter of 2024, did not strictly represent new borrowing.
She said that the total external debt stock was relatively flat at 42.50 billion dollars and 42.12 billion dollars in the fourth quarter of 2023, and first quarter of 2024 respectively.
“The Naira values were significantly different at N38.22 trillion and N56.02 trillion respectively, representing a difference of N17.8 trillion.
“This explains the perceived sharp increase of N24.33 trillion in the total debt stock in the first quarter of 2024.
“The difference in the exchange rate for the two periods also explains why in dollar terms, the total debt stock actually declined in the first quarter of 2024 to 91.46 billion dollars,” Oniha said.
She said that the debt report was somewhat an improvement from the past, before President Bola Tinubu government.
According to her, if you discount FX impact, the debt is moderate and within normal limit.
She urged the Federal Government to prioritise fiscal retrenchment, while assuring that the various measures to attract foreign exchange inflows would increase external reserves and support the Naira exchange rate. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
KAE/EEE
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Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams
June 25, 2024
Uni-Abuja VC charges new students on hardwork
Uni-Abuja VC charges new students on hard work
Matriculation
By Uche Bibilari
Gwagwalada (FCT), June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja (UniAbuja), Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, has charged the newly admitted students of the university to work hard and shun cultism as future leaders of Nigeria.
Na’Allah gave the charge during the matriculation of over 4,000 newly admitted students, on Tuesday in Abuja.
He urged them to be law abiding in relations with their matriculation oath.
“What we do not accept as a university is a membership of cultism, to which you have taken oath today.
“This is because if you do cultism, we will show you the way out and hand you over to the police because you are a criminal.
“We want to train you to be among the solution of Nigeria not among the problems of Nigeria.
“We frown at any undesirable behaviour even by student to another student; we do not allow bullying or exploitation of any kind. The degree is for learning and character.
“We insist that you must be of good behaviour, if not the university will show you the way out,” he said.
The vice chancellor, who warned the students not to buy any books or handouts from lecturers, added that any student caught would be shown the way out of the institution.
“No lecturer is allowed to sell handouts or books to any student; you can purchase necessary books from the school bookshop.
“They can recommend books and you go and purchase it from anywhere in the world or look for it in the library.
“If you buy a book or handout from class governor that aid lecturers to sell handouts, if you are caught you will be shown the way out,” he said.
He disclosed that the university had completed the sexual harassment policy for the university, which the management approved.
According to him, the sexual harassment policy is a policy that forbids any form of sexual harassment on campus.
“No lecturer or staffs have the right to sexually abuse any student. No staff is accepted to abuse any staff sexually.
“Sexual harassment is not only when they touch you in an appropriate way or when they force you to have sexual emotions with you.
“It is when they verbally abuse you sexually,” Na’Allah said.
He warned students that if they did not report such act and the school found out, they would be treated the same way as the perpetuator.
Na’Allah also disclosed that UniAbuja gives research grants to undergraduate students, to carry out research works and find solutions to national problems and problems of humanity.
He said that the students could embark on so many researches with the supervision of their lecturers, adding that the university would always support them.
“The institution has career and counseling services, where students with any form of emotional or psychological problem can get counselling.
“Our goal is to make you happy and strengthen you, as you carry out your academy programme in the university.
“We encourage you while engaging in your academic pursuit to also participate in sporting activities. We have different supporting equipment here on campus for your wellbeing,” he said.
He urged the students to be of good behaviour and conduct in order to make their parents and the institution proud.
He also said that UniAbuja would continue to provide an enabling environment for their academic pursuit.
Na’Allah, therefore, congratulated the new students for being admitted into the university out of several candidates that chose the university as their preferred choice.
Ms Sandra Adejor, one of the matriculants, expressed joy and satisfaction to be in her preferred school and course of choice, adding that she would make her parents and the school proud. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
UU/DE/AMM
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Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Abiemwense Moru

June 25, 2024
NDLEA secures conviction of 56, arrests 554 others over illicit drugs in Oyo

NDLEA secures conviction of 56, arrests 554 others over illicit drugs in Oyo
Drug
By Olatunde Ajayi
Ibadan, June 25, 2024(NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Oyo State Command, said it arrested 554 suspects for various drug-related offences and secured the conviction of 56 between June 2023 and June 2024.
The NDLEA Commander in the state, Mr Olayinka Joe-Fadile, disclosed this during a rally to commemorate the 2024 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Ibadan on Tuesday.
The United Nations World Drug Day is marked on June 26 every year to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse.
The theme of the 2024 celebration of the event is: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”.
Joe-Fadile said that the theme emphasises the need for evidence-based policies anchored on science, human rights, compassion, and a deep understanding of the social, economic, and health implications of drug use.
He said that the 554 suspects were nabbed for dealing in marijuana, tramadol, diazepam, colorado and other psychoactive substances during the period under review.
“The present situation in the world calls on us to raise more awareness to advocate for investments in prevention and empower our communities to be able to handle drug related issues,” the commander said.
Reviewing the activities of the command in the period under review, Joe-Fadile said, “we seized about 5,388kg drugs from individuals ages between 16 and 72 years.
“We also secured some convictions with punishments ranging from three months to 28 years imprisonment for various offences.
“The command also rehabilitated 22 individuals within the period under review, with seven other people still undergoing rehabilitations in our centre’’.
The commander said that the command was not relenting in the drug war, adding that sensitisation on drug abuse would continue across the 33 local governments of Oyo state.
“Through the campaigns, we have been able to reach about 100,000 people in 307 locations across the state,’’Joe-Fadile said.
He added that the command also destroyed marijuana cultivated on 0.215 acres and another 0.640 hectares of farmland in Ajani village in Ona-Ara local government area of the state.
Joe-Fadile urged the youths to stay off drugs, warning that consumption of hard drugs could lead to untimely and painful death. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
TUN/FEO/AOS
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Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Bayo Sekoni
June 25, 2024