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  • Ogun APC congratulates Abiodun on emergence as Southern Governors’ Forum Chairman

    Felicitation
    By Yetunde Fatungase
    Abeokuta, June 25, 2025 (NAN) The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ogun chapter, has congratulated Gov. Dapo Abiodun on his emergence as Chairman of Southern Governors’ Forum.
    This is contained in a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary in the state, Mr Tunde Oladunjoye, on Tuesday in Abeokuta.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum, comprising 17 governors from the southern part of Nigeria, had, on Monday, unanimously elected Abiodun as the chairman and his Anambra counterpart, Prof. Charles Soludo, as vice-chairman.
    Congratulating Abiodun on the development, the APC chairman in the state, Yemi Sanusi, described the governor as “an asset to the nation”.
    Sanusi said that his election was a demonstration of the belief in his capacity and integrity by his fellow governors.
    “On behalf of the state executives, leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun state, I congratulate our dear governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, on your election as the Chairman of Southern Governors’ Forum.
    “Your unanimous election by your colleagues is a demonstration of their trust, confidence and recognition in your leadership capacity and integrity.
    “It is also a clear endorsement of what we already know of you, that you are an invaluable asset to the nation,” he said.
    The chairman pledged the party’s continuous support, loyalty and solidarity to the governor, even in this higher call to serve, and wished him a successful tenure of office. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    YAF/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Man, 40, docked over alleged electric cable theft

     

    Man, 40, docked over alleged electric cable theft

    Theft

    By Funmilayo Okunade

    Ado-Ekiti, June 25, 2024(NAN) A 40-year-old man, Musa Haruna, was on Tuesday, docked in an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged stealing of electric cable.

    The police charged Haruna, with stealing.

    The police prosecutor, Insp Elijah Adejare, told the court that the defendant and others at large, committed the offence on June 17,  at about 10:00 a.m in Ado-Ekiti.

    He alleged that the defendant and others at large, stole electric cable wire valued about at N2 million, property of Adebisi Olufemi.

    The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 302(1) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State 2021.

    He prayed the court for an adjournment to enable him assemble his witnesses.

    The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    Counsel to the defendant, Mr Opeyemi Esan, urged the court to grant his client bail in the most liberal terms.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mr Olarewaju Owoleso, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

    Owoleso said one of the sureties must be a landed owner.

    He adjourned the case until Aug.2, for hearing.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FOA/JPE

    =======

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • Adult literacy: FG calls for collective engagement to reduce gap

    Adult literacy: FG calls for collective engagement toward reducing gaps
    Literacy
    By Funmilayo Adeyemi
    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has solicited stakeholders’   collective engagement to close the literacy gaps among youths and adults in the country.
    The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, made the appeal at a National Stakeholders’ Engagement on Achieving Youth and Adult Literacy on Tuesday in Abuja.
    The event organised by the National Commission For Mass Literacy, Adult and Non- Formal Education (NMEC) has the theme: “Addressing the Challenges of Data Collection, Out-of-School Children/Youths.”
    A report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that Yobe had the lowest literacy level of 7.23 per cent in 2017, Zamfara 19.16 per cent, Katsina 10.36 per cent and Sokoto 15.01 per cent.
    The report showed that Southern states were far better with Imo the highest with 96.43 per cent, Lagos 96.3 per cent, Ekiti 95.79 per cent, and Rivers 95.76 per cent.

    The minister, however, said that there must be an holistic approach toward improving the quality of knowledge and certificate given to the adults and non-formal schools.

    “The stakeholders engagement is to carry everybody along and get the buying in of all Nigerians.
    “The way forward for us is to pay attention to education and this is not only for children but holistic in adults and non-formal education and this education must be backed with certification.
    ” We are trying to see how we can improve the quality of knowledge and certificate that can be given to our adults and non-formal schools.
    “We also want to incorporate skills acquisition into it so that they can also have skills,” he said.
    Sununu added that there was need to begin to create awareness campaign that would help parents appreciate the importance of an educated society.
    “For you to have an educated children,  you must have an educated family.
    “There is a direct relationship of the education of the offsprings to that of the parent,” he said.
    The minister expressed hope in the future of the country, saying that President Bola Tinubu was keen to eradicate low literacy level and education in the country.
    According to him, the president has achieved relative success in this with the return of over 2 million children back to school.
    Sununu said that Imo and Lagos states had remained at the top position of states with high literacy rate and called other states like Zamfara, Yobe and the rest to follow suit.
    Also, the Executive Secretary of NMEC, Prof. Simon Akpama, said the roadmap for the Nigerian Education Sector had provided a strategic framework to tackle literacy challenges head-on.
    Akpama urged stakeholders to harness the diverse expertise and resources to create inclusive and effective educative programmes that would enhance unhindered access to quality education.
    “The population increase contributes to increasing number of out-of-school children and once parental illiteracy is high, it will contribute to increasing the number.
    “We must support government in funding adequately youth and adult literacy.
    “Except this commission is properly funded, we will continue to compound the problem of out-of-school children,” he said.
    Meanwhile, the Chairman, House Committee on Alternative Education, Mr Ibrahim Mustapha, commended the political will of the President toward changing the literacy narrative of the country.
    Mustapha also expressed the commitment and support of the National Assembly in achieving an educated society. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FAK/AOS
    =========
    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

  • Guard bags life jail for sexually assaulting minor in church

    Imprisonment

    By Ngozi Njoku
    Ikeja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has sentenced a security guard, Saviour Udoh, to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting a five-year old minor (name withheld) in a church premises.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Rahman Oshodi sentenced Udoh to lifetime jail on the sole charge of sexual assault by penetration, preferred against him by the Lagos State Government.

    Oshodi, in his judgment, held that the prosecution had been able to prove the charge against Udoh, beyond reasonable doubts.

    He said the court had carefully considered the evidence presented during the trial which included the convict’s confessional statement, the testimony of the prosecutrix (survivor), her mother, the Investigative Police Officer (IPO) and the medical evidence.

    According to him, the crime committed by the convict was a grave one, as it involved the sexual exploitation of a vulnerable child.

    “The  prosecutrix, who was only five years old at the time of the incident, trusted you as ‘Uncle Saviour’ and her mother entrusted you with her care but you breached that trust most disgustingly by sexually assaulting the child in a place of worship.

    “The impact of your actions on the prosecutrix and her family cannot be overstated because the prosecutrix’s mother, in her testimony, stated that she was still taking the victim to the hospital three years after the incident and that the prosecutrix was still having discharges.

    “This statement highlights the long-lasting physical and emotional trauma inflicted upon the child and the ongoing medical issues she faces as a result of your actions.

    “Sexual assault by penetration is a serious offence that attracts a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment under section 261 of the Lagos State Criminal Law (supra) and this severe punishment reflects society’s condemnation of such heinous acts and the need to protect our children from sexual predators,” he said.

    Oshodi said he had considered the aggravating factors such as the age of the prosecutrix, the breach of trust, and the location of the offence in determining the convict’s sentence.

    He said he had considered the mitigating factors, included the convict’s lack of previous convictions and his plea for mercy at sentencing.

    The judge, however, said the aggravating factors far outweighed any mitigating circumstances as the severity of his crime and its impact on the prosecutrix, her family and the larger society could not be ignored.

    “Therefore, having found you guilty of sexual assault by penetration, I now sentence you, Saviour Udoh, to life imprisonment, as mandated by section 261 of the Criminal Law (supra).

    “You will serve this sentence in a Maximum-Security Custodial Centre or wherever the Nigerian Correctional Service may direct you and your name will be added to the register of sex offenders.

    “I hope that this sentence sends a strong message to society that such crimes against children will not be tolerated and that the justice system will hold offenders accountable for their actions,” he said.

    The State Lead Counsel, Mr Babajide Boye, had presented four witnesses to testify against the convict during trial, while the convict and his friend testified for defence.

    The prosecutor told the court that the convict committed the offence on Dec. 12,  2018, at The Redeemed Christian Church of God on Osifila Street, Anifowose, Ikeja, Lagos.

    The prosecution submitted that the convict sexually assaulted the five-year-old girl by penetrating her anus with his fingers.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    NG/JNC
    ========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Court remands 2 men for allegedly raping a teenager

     

    Court remands 2 men for allegedly raping a teenager

    Rape

    By Moronke Boboye

    Ikeja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) An Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday remanded two men in Kirikiri Correctional Centre  for allegedly raping a teenage girl on her way to the mosque.

    The defendants, Micheal Abiola, 20, an auto mechanic, lives at 1, Babalola St., Ilogbo and Tobi Afolabi, 21, an Electrician, lives at 10 Ilogbo road, Lagos.

    They are being tried for conspiracy and rape.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Bola Osunsanmi refused to listen to the defendants’ plea.

    She ordered them to be remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Centre until July 18, for Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) advice.

    The prosecutor, ASP Raji Akeem told the court that the offences were committed on May 29, beside Ilogbo/ Ishashi Bridge, Ajangbadi,Lagos.

    The prosecutor said that the complainant, a 15- year-old girl, was on her way to the mosque for a night prayer when the defendants blocked her.

    The prosecutor said that the defendants dragged her from the road to a secluded place and gang-raped her.

    The offences according to the prosecutor, contravened Sections 137 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MTO/JPE

    =======

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

     

  • Involve more investors in cement production, Ex-commissioner urges FG

    Cement
    By Mercy Neme
    Asaba, June 25, 2024 (NAN) A former Commissioner for Lands in Delta, Mr Raymos Guanah, has advised the Federal Government to encourage further production of cement in the country through involvement of more investors in the sector.
    Guanah made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Asaba.
    Guanah decried the increase in the price of cement from N3,500 to N8,000 in the last four months.
    According to him, while Egypt has more than 50 cement factories, Nigeria has only two or three, adding: “Whereas, the population of Egypt cannot be compared with that of Nigeria.
    ”Second, the core raw materials for cement production are within the country. So we don’t import any raw material to produce cement.
    ”As it is now, we have enough resources to produce cement, but only few companies are utilising them,” he said.
    The former commissioner urged the federal government to encourage more individuals and corporate bodies to go into cement manufacturing.
    He said that the potential investors should be supported by Bank of Industry, commercial banks and development banks, among others, so that the country could have as many cement factories as possible.
    ”Encouraging more cement manufacturing factories in the country will give room for builders and dealers to make choices.
    ”This could also lead to reduction in the price of cement,” he said.
    NAN reports that the price cement, as a major component in the construction industry, has hit the roof, forcing many Nigerians to suspend their projects for the time being.
    Some Nigerians, who spoke with NAN in Asaba on the negative impacts of the cement price increase, said that the development had made it practically impossible for them to embark on any building project now.
    Mr Felix Chigozie, a civil servant, said though he had an ongoing building project, he had to suspend it, for now, because of the high cost of cement and other building materials.
    For Mr Joshua Okeke, a commercial driver, life is very tough now, adding that his main focus presently is how to feed his family and send his children to school.
    ”Though I have it in mind to complete my ongoing building project, it not a priority for now because of the high cost of building materials, particularly cement,” he said.
    NAN reports that while Dangote cement currently sells for N8,200 in Asaba, BUA cement goes for N8,000. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    MOA/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Oyo medical, dental officers not part of ongoing strike- Chairman

    Strike

    By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

    Ibadan, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Dr Solomon Olaoye, the Chairman, Association of Medical and Dental Officers (AMDO), Oyo State chapter, says members of the association are not participating in the ongoing health workers strike in the state.

    Olaoye made the statement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Ibadan.

    NAN reports that members of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) in the state, have been on indefinite strike since May 21.

    The union said the strike, which was declared by the state Chairman, Dr Samuel Adeyemi, followed the state government’s refusal to address the demands of its members.

    In a related development, the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) in the state, on Monday, embarked on a seven-day warning strike to press home their demands.

    MHWUN is demanding that the new hazard allowance being paid to health workers in hospitals should also be paid to other health workers not posted to hospitals.

    Olaoye said that medical and dental officers in the state did not join the ongoing strike because the union had no pending issues with the government.

    According to him, the government has been magnanimous in granting some of their recent requests.

    “Again, the recent outbreak of cholera in neighboring states, especially Lagos, is a major reason we will not think of any confrontation at this time.

    “Our association is also currently engaging the state government to domesticate the recently approved adjusted basic consolidated payment approved by the Federal Government.

    “The association believes in the Gov. Seyi Makinde-led administration’s ability to provide the enabling environment for medical personnel to be productive.

    “While we are in solidarity with our partners in the health industry currently on strike, I plead with them to reconsider their stand and commence negotiation with the government in the interest of the people,” he said.

    The AMDO chairman also called on the Oyo State Government to attend to the genuine requests of the unions through negotiation.

    “This call is necessary to avoid possible unpleasant consequences that may arise in the event of any cholera outbreak,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CC/CEO/AZU

    ==========

    Edited by Chidi Opara and Azubuike Okeh

  • Nigeria’s all-commodity group import index increases by 0.51%- NBS

    Nigeria’s all-commodity group import index increases by 0.51%- NBS

    Commodity

    By Okeoghene Akubuike

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), has said the All-commodity group import index on average increased by 0.51 per cent in the first quarter(Q1) of 2024.

    This is according to the NBS Commodity Price Indices and Terms of Trade for Q1 of 2024 released, in Abuja on Tuesday.

    The report said the increase could be attributed to the changes in import prices mainly in the price of “Vehicles, aircraft and parts thereof; vessels, among others.”

    “Others are mineral products; articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica, ceramic; papermaking material; paper and paper-board articles.”

    The NBS said the All-commodity group export price index on average also increased by 0.39 per cent points in Q1 2024.
    .
    It said the increase was majorly attributed to an increase in the prices of mineral products; and products of the chemical and allied industries.

    “Others are plastic, rubber and articles thereof; and wood and articles of wood, wood charcoal and articles.”

     

    The report said the All Products Terms Of Trade (TOT) index on average decreased by 0.12 per cent points.

    The TOT represents the ratio between a country’s export prices and its import prices.

    The NBS said the All-region group export index increased by 0.39 per cent mainly due to positive changes in the prices of exports to all economic regions.

    The report said the All-region group import index increased by 0.51 per cent points due to increases in import prices from all regions.

    It said the All-region terms of trade on average decreased by 0.12 per cent.

    The report said the major export destinations of Nigeria in Q1 2024 were France, Spain, The Netherlands, India and The United States of America. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OKE/AMM

    =========

     Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Army dismisses claim of recruiting jihadists

    Army dismisses claim of recruiting jihadists

    Recruitment

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Army says audio-visual recording being circulated purportedly suggesting that the army is recruiting Islamic fundamentalists and jihadists is misleading.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said the footage also falsely portrayed an officer calling on Muslim young men to join the military to protect and propagate Islam.

    He said that the narrative depicted in the footage is not in any instance a reflection of the true values and standards of the army.

    “It is targeted at sparking palpable anxiety and fear, sowing discord and mistrust amongst our personnel, eroding public confidence in the integrity of the army,“he said.

    Nwachukwu said it is also targeted particularly among Christian and non-Muslim communities, who might feel their lives and faith are under threat, and ultimately engender religious crisis in the country.

    “The Nigerian army remains steadfast in upholding professionalism and impartiality as an institution devoid of ethnic and religious bigotry.

    “Our operational and administrative processes and actions are guided by the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and not ethnicity or religious sentiments,” he said.

    Nwachukwu urged the public to dismiss this misleading report, which evidently stems from a misconception and lack of understanding about Nigerian Army’s Standing Operating Procedures (SOP).

    He said it was crucial to restate that any deviation from army’s SOP was met with appropriate disciplinary action, regardless of the personnel’s religious affiliation.

    “We call on all citizens to rise above these divisive tactics and stand united.

    “The strength of Nigeria lies in her unity in diversity, and it is this unique national strength and trait that the army seeks to protect while carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.

    “The Nigerian army remains committed to serving and protecting all Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliations.

    “Let us work together to maintain the peace and unity of our great nation,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/JPE

    =======

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

     

     

     

  • Student loan: NELFUND postpones application process

    Postponement
    By Funmilayo Adeyemi
    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Management of Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announce a 14-day postponement of the application process for student loan for state institutions due to low data submissions.
    This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Head, Media and Public Relations of the Fund, Nasir Ayitogo.
    Ayitogo said the decision was necessitated by the failure of several state owned institutions to upload the required student data and fees information to the NELFUND Student Verification System (SVS).
    “To date, only a limited number of state owned institutions have successfully completed the data submission process.
    “These include 20 state universities out of 48, 12 state colleges out of 54 and two state polytechnics out of 49,” he said.
    He acknowledged the efforts of the institutions who had completed their data.
    He however noted that the failure to submit data from the remaining state institutions would pose significant challenges to ensuring a seamless and accurate verification process for student loan applicants.
    He added that the the application window, initially set to open on June 25, 2024, would now commence on July 10, 2024.
    “This extension will provide additional time for state institutions to comply with the data submission requirements and ensure their students can benefit from the Federal Government student loan scheme.
    “To facilitate an efficient and error-free application process, it is crucial that all state institutions provide complete and accurate information.
    “This includes JAMB numbers, matriculation numbers, admission numbers, full names, level, faculties, departments, duration of program, fees and gender of all eligible students.
    “Incomplete or incorrect data submissions will result in application delays and potential disqualification for affected students,” he added.
    He urged all state institutions to expedite their data submission processes and ensure the accuracy of the information provided. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FAK/EAL
    ====
    Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi