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  • Adamawa Govt. approves Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board’s constitution

    Adamawa Govt. approves Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board’s constitution

    By Talatu Maiwada

    Board

    Yola, June 25, (NAN)Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri has approved the constitution of the State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, with Rev. Theophilus Shadrach and Geoffrey Garba as Executive Chairman and Secretary respectively.

    The approval was announced in a statement, by Mr Humwashi Wonosikou, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, in Yola on Tuesday.

    The Board members include: Rev. Moses Luckson, Rev. Anslemn Kachalla, Rev. Bukar Lala, Pastor Biyasa Abraham, Rev. Joel Lamba, Rev. Stephen Stephen.

    “Other members include; Rev. Pius Ayuba, representing the Southern Zone, Pastor Alfred Sunama representing Central Zone, and Rev. Sixtus Wuylshiri representing the Northern Zone.

    “Also on the list are representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Finance and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

    “I wish the Board members well and urged them to steer the office with decorum and the fear of God, as ordained Ministers,” he stated.

    According to the statement, the Board would be inaugurated on June 27.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

    TIM/EAL
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    Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

  • Widows, others laud foundation over food, grants   

    A cross section of the women during the donation .

     

    Widows, others laud Foundation over food, grants

    Donation

    By Angela Atabo

    Abuja ,June 25,2024 (NAN)Widows and indigent women in Dawaki community of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have lauded the Nikki Udezue Foundation for donating food items and grants to ameliorate their plights.

    They expressed their appreciation during an outreach organised on Tuesday by the Foundation in Dawaki, Bwari area of Abuja.

    The event was sponsored by an individual marking her birthday under the #BecauseICan initiative of Nikki Foundation.

    The founder of the, Nkeiruka Udezue, said after distributing the items that the outreach was sponsored by a Nigerian based in the United Kingdom marking her birthday.

    She said  that the gesture was to help alleviate the sufferings of the vulnerable Nigerians, considering the biting economic hardship.

    “As a Foundation, our core values are transparency and delivering on our mandate of positively impacting the lives of people, especially the less privileged in our society.

    “We are glad that Nikki Udezue Foundation is now collaborating with both local and international donors to assist the vulnerable people.

    “We serve as middlemen between public spirited donors and beneficiaries. Our commitment is that whatever that is sent to us shall be extended to the needy in our society,’’ she said.

    She said that the organisation had carried out many projects for women and children, and encouraged well-meaning Nigerians and governments to do more to assist many Nigerians.

     “We are glad that Nigerians in the diaspora are reaching out to foundations to assist people through grants, clothing and food items.

    “Truly Nigerians are faced with tough times and a lot is needed to help them live,’’ she said.

    Udezue said that  the foundation is currently distributing 20 bags of rice, oil, and other food items with a grant of N20, 000 each to 20 women.’’

    A beneficiary, Ms Sadatu Hussaini, said she was grateful to the foundation for the gesture,  noting that the gifts would help reduce the current difficulties their families were passing through.

    “Some of us don’t even have a cup of rice in our houses, with these items now; my children will eat well today.

    “We appreciate and thank you very much for doing all these for us and God will bless you and the birthday celebrator,’’ she prayed.

    Mrs Ruth James, another beneficiary commended the individual donor as well as the foundation for remembering the vulnerable in these  hard times.

    “We have not been able to buy rice for some time now because of the hike in the price of the commodity since `mudu’ went up to N3, 000 and above, but with this gesture, we will cook rice today,’’ she said.

    Mrs Funke Ojejinro prayed that God would bless the donor and the foundation for the kind gesture.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ATAB/FEO/JPE

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

    Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Joseph Edeh

  • We’re working to make C’River reference point in security – Police Commissioner

    Security
    By Christian Njoku
    Calabar, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Commissioner of Police in Cross River, Gyogen Grima, says the state police command is working hard with other sister security agencies to make the state a reference point in security.
    Grima stated this while receiving the leadership and members of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) who paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Tuesday in Calabar.
    The police commissioner commended Gov. Bassey Otu for creating a conducive environment for security agencies in the state to operate.
    He called on residents to continue to remain vigilant, in spite of the peace and security currently being enjoyed.
    Grima also appealed to journalists in the state to be more conscious while reporting crime, adding that reporting more on what criminals were doing could psychologically give them upper hand.
    “Your publications should motivate the security agencies to do more and not mentally encourage criminal elements in the society.
    “Even if reports of high crime rate are not true, they have the potential to prevent visitors and investors willing to come to the state for business or leisure,” he said.
    The police commissioner described Cross River as a state well-positioned for tourism, being one of the few states that still had its pristine forests and other international standard tourist attractions.
    He appealed to the government and residents of the state to create an atmosphere that would encourage outsiders to see Cross River as a key tourism destination in the country.
    On her part, the Chairperson of NUJ, Mrs Archibong Bassey, thanked the police commissioner for the enhanced security in the state, noting that it would be a disservice if security operatives were not appreciated.
    Bassey noted that few months ago, Cross River became strange to many who grew up in the state, following the high rate of crime and criminality.
    She, however, said that the police commissioner had stemmed the tide since his assumption of office in the state.
    “Although crime has not been totally put to a halt, I believe it is work in progress and we now see prompt response of security agencies during emergencies; this is highly commendable.
    “Many years ago, even at 1 a.m., you could still find people on the roads but now, immediately it is 8 p.m., people are itching to go home due to the security situation.
    “However, it is heartwarming that security agencies are now doing their best to restore security in the state.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Grima, the 44th Commissioner of Police in the state police command, assumed office in May 2023. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CBN/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Kremlin denounces latest EU sanctions as illegal

    Kremlin denounces latest EU sanctions as illegal

    Sanctions

    Moscow, June 25, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) Russia has firmly opposes the package of sanctions adopted recently by the European Union (EU) and considers them illegal, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.

    “We are convinced that this is a double-edged sword and that in many ways these restrictions backfire on the interests of those countries that implement them,” Peskov said.

    He added that Moscow has enough experience in mitigating the impact of such restrictions.

    The Council of the European Union earlier on Monday announced that it has adopted the 14th package of economic and individual restrictive measures against Russia.

    According to a statement released by the council, these measures targeted high-value sectors of the Russian economy, including energy, finance and trade, making it more difficult to circumvent EU sanctions. (Xinhua/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    HS/

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    Edited by Halima Sheji

     

  • Court remands 39-year old farmer for alleged murder

    Remand

    By Onyeje Abutu-Joel

    Makurdi, June 25, 2024 (NAN) A Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday ordered the remand of a 39-year old farmer, Joseph Awua, at the Correctional Centre Makurdi, for alleged murder of one Alexander Terver.

    Awua, who lives at Angbaaye in Guma Local Government Area of Benue, is being tried for alleged criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide and acts of terrorism.

    However, the Chief Magistrate, Mr Kelvin Mbanongun, who did not take his plea for want of jurisdiction, ordered his remand at the correctional facility and
    adjourned the matter until Aug 12, 2024 for further mention.

    Earlier, the prosecutor, Mr Godwin Ato, told the court that the case was reported at the State CID, Makurdi on June 3, in a petition written by Mrs Lucy Terver, widow of the deceased.

    The petitioner stated that some armed men had invaded their house at Pass-Brothers Community, Gboko Road in Guma on May 30, 2024 and attacked her family.

    She said that the armed men shot sporadically at her husband’s room windows, which forced him to come out  and he was killed on the spot.

    The prosecutor said that a mobile phone belonging to one of the attackers was recovered from the crime during police investigation.

    According to the petitioner, further investigation led to the arrest of the defendant while others are still at large.

    Ato said that the offences contravened Sections 97 and 222 of the Penal Code Laws of Benue, 2004, and section 4{2} of the Abduction, Hostage-Taking, Kidnapping, Secret Cult and Similar Activities Prohibition Law of Benue, 2017.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    ONA/KOO/IU
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    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa / Isaac Ukpoju

  • Kebbi reiterates commitment to tackle drug abuse, trafficking 

    Drug
    By Ibrahim Bello
    Birnin Kebbi, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed, Kebbi Commissioner for Information and Culture, says the state government remains committed towards tackling drug abuse and trafficking.
    Ahmed stated this during a road walk to mark the 2024 United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
    Represented by the Wife of Kebbi Governor, Hajiya Zainab Idris, Ahmed said that the current administration had zero tolerance for drug abuse and trafficking.
    He said that the Gov. Nasir Idris-led government had continued to provide the necessary support to relevant stakeholders in order to ensure a successful anti-drug campaign in the state.
    The commissioner said that the state government would continue to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and security agencies to combat drug abuse and trafficking.
    “We shall sustain this campaign and resilience until the target objective has been achieved,” he said.
    Also speaking, Suleiman Usman, the NDLEA Commander in the state, said the agency had been ‘very proactive’ in the campaign against drug abuse and trafficking.
    Usman commended the state government for its support to the agency in the delivery of its role to tackle drug, addiction, trafficking and abuse.
    He said that the state government had continued to provide logistics support to the agency to ensure effective operation.
    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that NDLEA personnel, corps members, youths, students among others participated in the walk which went through major streets in Birnin-Kebbi.
    NAN reports that theme of the advocacy walk is: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IBI/KTO/AZU
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    Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo and Azubuike Okeh

  • WFLA Golf tournament unveils logo

    WFLA golf tournament logo

     

     

    WFLA Golf tournament unveils logo

    Logo

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Lagos June 25, 2024 (NAN) Walk For Love Africa (WFLA) project, a flagship programme under African Union Foundation has unveiled the official logo for its Green Classics Golf Tournament.

    Toni Ukachukwu, WFLA Chairman in a statement in Lagos, on Tuesday said the tournament had been slated to hold on Saturday June 29 at Ikeja Golf Club.

    Ukachukwu said WFLA was saddled with the responsibility of promoting a sustainable Intra-Africa travel, tourism and trade.

    He said the event aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and responsible practices, using sports as one of its pillars under tourism.

    According to him, the logo featured a stylised design incorporating elements of nature, symbolising the harmony between the game and the environment.

    He said the colour scheme reflected the natural world, with shades of green and representing growth, serenity and the planet.

    “The Green Classics Golf Tournament, scheduled for 29th of June at Ikeja Golf Club will bring together business leaders, golf enthusiasts and environmental advocates to raise awareness and funds for sustainable initiatives.

    “The event will feature a competitive golf tournament, networking opportunities and educational sessions on environmental best practices.

    “WFLA is committed to promoting sustainable development and environmental stewardship through the Green Classics Golf Tournament

    “We believe that small actions today can lead to a significant positive impact on ESG and our planet’s future whilst using different programmes to promote travel, tourism and trade ecosystem in Africa and supporting UN SDGs.

    “For us Green Classics is more than a game as it seeks to make environmental impact across Africa using golf which contributes to sequestration and carbon balance,” he said.

    Ukachukwu noted that environmental sustainability was no longer a choice but a business imperative.

    He however, called on corporate brands and well meaning individuals to partner with WFLA on the inaugural WFLA Green Classics Golf Tournament and be part of the movement towards a more sustainable future. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

    PTB/EAL

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    Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

  • Worldwide alcohol consumption declining slowly — WHO

    Worldwide alcohol consumption declining slowly — WHO

    Alcohol
    Geneva, June 25, 2024 (dpa/NAN) People around the world are drinking less alcohol than they used to but the World Health Organisation (WHO) is warning that the reduction is happening far too slowly.

    The WHO reported in Geneva on Tuesday that the organisation’s goal of reducing consumption by 20 per cent by 2030 compared to the 2010 level cannot now be achieved.

    The WHO’s figures suggest per capita consumption worldwide fell from 5.7 litres of pure alcohol in 2010 to 5.5 litres of alcohol in 2019.

    Moreover, it is calling for countries to do more to reduce drinking, including introducing advertising bans and sales restrictions, as well as raising prices through taxation.

    According to the WHO’s figures, Germany is one of the world leaders in alcohol consumption.

    It said that on the average every person over the age of 15 in Germany drank 12.2 litres of pure alcohol in 2019.

    WHO does not provide precise rankings of countries because, it says, there are margins of error in all the figures.

    The organisation is also reluctant to put a figure on how much alcohol can be drunk safely.

    “There is no such thing as risk-free alcohol consumption, ‘said Vladimir Poznyak, head of the relevant WHO department.

    However, the WHO does say that two glasses of wine or two bottles of beer every day is too much.

    According to the WHO’s figures, 22 Per cent of 15 to 19-year-olds worldwide drink alcohol.

    It said that in 2019, alcohol consumption caused 2.6 million deaths, while 209 million people were addicted to alcohol and a further 200 million had at least problematic alcohol consumption.

    Data from more recently than 2019 cannot be reliably analysed, said Poznyak, due to the Coronavirus pandemic. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    COO/HA
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    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Idris, Ribadu task media on better security reportage

    Idris, Ribadu task media on better security reportage

    Reportage

    By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris on Tuesday called on the media to effectively report the successes recorded by Nigerian security agencies especially the Armed Forces to  boost their morale.

    Idris made the call while declaring open a two-day workshop on effective reporting towards strengthening alternative terrorist ideologies for security/defence correspondents in Abuja.

    The training was organised by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (OCTC) and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in collaboration with the National Peace Academy of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution.

    Idris, said it is commendable to note that in advancing the frontiers of the fight against terrorism, the NCTC has sustained a strategy of regular engagement with the media.

    He explained that this approach significantly contributed to shaping public perception and understanding of the complex issues surrounding terrorism and national security.

    “The media holds an immense power to influence the minds, shape narratives, and promote peace.

    “In the fight against terrorism, the media can either undermine or bolster our collective efforts to provide alternatives to extremist ideologies.

    “Through your reports, images, and commentaries, you have the unique ability to educate, inform, and inspire resilience among the public. Therefore, your reporting plays a pivotal role in this endeavor.

    “The media should continue to project successful initiatives and programmes of NCTC and ONSA that counter radicalisation as well as the rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant terrorists into the community,’’ he said..

    Continuing, “I will enjoin the Defence Correspondents/Reporters to work closely with security experts, sociologists, psychologists, and community leaders to provide a multi-faceted perspective on terrorism and its alternatives.

    “At all times, the media should uphold the ethics of journalism by being objective and fair and guard against sensationalism. You must also respect the dignity of victims and affected communities,” he said.

    The Minister also said that sensational reporting could inadvertently glorify terrorist acts and spread fear.

    He added that misinformation and fake news could be as damaging as the terrorist acts themselves and urged the media to avoid such.

    He further reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to free and responsible journalism.

    Also speaking, the National Security Advisor, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, said terrorist groups have continued to provide dysfunctional information through social media platforms, networking sites, and online propaganda, including mainstream and traditional mediums.

    “This is a situation that we must jointly combat to attain a safe and peaceful society that will guarantee sustainable socio-economic development.

    “To achieve this, the media practitioners must produce contents that would counter or prevent the appeals of terrorism and other non-state armed groups.

    “Indeed, there is the need for robust media campaigns against terrorism, violent extremism and all other forms of organised crime that is threatening our corporate existence as a country,’’ he said.

    Ribadu said that the workshop was part of the efforts to respond to the calls by the UN Secretary General’s Plan of Action for member states to develop and implement a national communication strategy.

    “This is to ensure the dissemination of positive content across a wide range of media both traditional and digital platforms to counter terrorist appeals and violent extremist narrative,” he said.

    Also speaking, Dr Bosede Awodola, the Director of National Peace Academy of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, said the media remained the most credible source of news and information dissemination.

    “I have no doubt therefore, that this workshop will upscale the skills of the media personnel present in their techniques of reporting and this will bring the required change to the ways terrorism ideology and activities are reported.

    “The training will further improve state/media relations in our onerous and collective efforts to end terrorism in our society,”  Awodola said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    CMY/FEO/EAL

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    Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Ekemini Ladejobi

  • Alleged N20m fraud: Absence of prosecution counsel stalls trial of CEO, 2 others  

    Alleged N20m fraud: Absence of prosecution counsel stalls trial of CEO, 2 others

    Suit
    By Joy Kaka
    Abuja, June 25, 2024( NAN) The absence of prosecution counsel, Sam Ugbwebulam, on Tuesday, stalled the continuation of trial of Chief Executive of Dampat Nigeria Ltd, Rose Abanum, before a FCT High Court, Zuba, over alleged N20 million fraud.
    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Abanum, and her co-defendants -Anselem Enigwe and Njumor Chukwunwike-  on 12 counts bordering on fraud .
    At the resumed sitting, the defence counsel, Okechukwu Osuwa, informed the court that the prosecution counsel was absent, adding that the matter was for cross examination.
    ” The second witness in the matter was supposed to be cross-examined today, but, in the absence of the prosecution counsel, we ask for an adjournment,” Osuwa said.
    Justice Kezziah Ogbonnaya of the FCT High Court,  Zuba, subsequently adjourned the matter until Oct.16 for continuation of hearing or report of settlement.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the prosecution alleged that Enigwe and Abanum conspired with Dr Patrick Nwaolisa, Chinedu Nwawuibe and Chief Femi Ulokesan, who are at large, and obtained N20 million from Roada Engineering Limited on July 29, 2013.
    The EFCC alleged that the defendants obtained the amount by false pretences under the guise that the Niger Delta Development Commission awarded a contract to Golden Construct Company Ltd to construct the 30 Kilometre Umuagwu Ogbodimibe Umunwawa Road and bridges in Umahia, Abia state.
    Ugbwebulam said that the defendants claimed they would sublet same to Roada Engineering Limited for the said sum.
    He alleged that the defendants forged the Niger Delta Development Commission letter dated April 25, for the said contract purportedly awarded to Golden Construct Company Ltd and acted upon same as genuine to the detriment of Roada Ltd.
    The prosecution said that Abanum, a sole signatory to Dampat Energy Ltd account with Zenith bank, retained the sum of N17 million in the company’s account, which she ought to know was a proceed of crime on July 29, 2013.
    He added that Enigwe retained N1.2 million in his account being money which he ought to know was proceeds of crime and transfered N17 million from his account belonging to Dampat Ltd and N770,000 to one Nwawuibe Chinedu.
    He said Chukwunwike cashed N15.5 million from Dampart Ltd and transferred to Abanum in July, 2013 with the knowledge that the money was a proceed of crime.
    The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of section 8,1(1)(b) and punishable under 1(3)of the Advance Fee Fraud and other related Offences Act.
    The prosecution said the offence also contravened the provisions of sections 363 and 366 and punishable under 364 of the Penal Code.
    The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    JK/AOS
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    Edited by Bayo Sekoni