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  • Be patriotic, respect constituted authorities – Cleric urges Nigerians

    Be patriotic, respect constituted authorities – Cleric urges Nigerians

    Cleric

    By Philomina Attah

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Pastor Gabriel Aboderin, Regional Superintendent, Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Medaiyese Region in Abuja, has called on Nigerians to be patriotic to the nation and respect its constituted authorities.

    Aboderin made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He said that in spite of the challenges facing the country, the citizens must celebrate together, be patriotic to the nation and continue to pray for its greatness.

    He emphasised that the Amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914 was not a mistake

    “It was an act of God for the country to be united as one indivisible entity destined to be great.

    “Our being together is designed by God. And if we appreciate that, it will help us to be patriotic because without one another, we cannot survive.

    “The Lord has brought us together. All that is expected from us is to be patriotic citizens.

    “It is even written in the Bible, Psalm 137, that “if I forget you, Jerusalem, May my right hand forget its skill”.

    “It is when we get to that level in Nigeria that we can think about our future. We need something that helps us to appreciate our togetherness.

    “So, being a citizen of Nigeria should be a thing of pride to us. We are praying to God for that awareness,” he said.

    Aboderin advised Nigerians to always respect constituted authorities, especially the office of the President.

    While reacting to the allegations that President Bola Tinubu was snubbed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, during his inauguration ceremony in Cape Town, the Cleric said the claim was a lie.

    “It was just a false allegation made by some Nigerians on social media.

    “It is even an aberration for anyone to rejoice over any form of perceived disrepute to the Office of the President, which is a symbol, and the highest position in the country.”

    He said that such attitude should not be found among patriots.

    “In America, the Presidency is worshipped like an idol. After each election, they forget all their differences and work towards a common goal to make America a great nation.

    “Nigerians should be looking toward quality governance; it is a terrible thing to seek to rejoice when our President is disgraced somewhere. That is an aberration no one should be identified with,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    APA/ETS

    =======

  • Suspect faces 1st-degree murder in Canada’s mass shooting

    Suspect faces 1st-degree murder in Canada’s mass shooting

    Murder

    Ottawa, June 25, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) 14 year old suspected boy was charged with two counts of 1st-degree murder in a mass shooting outside a school in Ottawa, the Toronto Police Service said.

    The shooting occurred earlier this month in the parking lot of North Albion Collegiate Institute, the police said in a news release.

    The motive of the 14-year-old suspected boy involved in the shooting remains unclear, the police said.

    The boy was scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on Monday, the release said.

    Nine men gathered in the parking lot area after a soccer game and two suspects got out and began shooting at the group before fleeing the area, the police said.

    Delroy “George” Parkes, age 61, was pronounced deceased on the day of the shooting while 46-year-old Seymour Gibbs succumbed to his injuries three days later.

    Another three men suffered gunshot wounds, the police added. (Xinhua/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MERCY/COO/EAL
    ==========
    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Ekemini Ladejobi

  • Old students donate 3 laboratories to alma mater

    Donation

    By George Edomwonyi

    Agbede (Edo), June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Ansar-Ud-Deen Momodu College Old Students’ Association (AMCOSA), Agbede, Etsako West Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo, has handed over three laboratories to the school.

    At Tuesday’s handing-over, the association’s president, Mr Kabiru Musa, said the laboratories, for Chemistry, Physic and Biology practicals, were all equipped with modern facilities.

    Musa added that N10 million was spent on building and equipping the laboratories, including the school’s perimeter fencing.

    “The association re-established the laboratories to meet the immediate and mandatory needs of the school against the exaggerated expectations of people.

    “We are one big family, united by the enormous love of our alma mater and the urgent need to rewrite the once glorious history.

    “The ultimate goal of salvaging the ailing fortunes of the school is the need that ought to justify the means,” Musa said.

    While commending all the members for their financial and spiritual support, Musa called for more.

    He disclosed that the school urgently needed water and toilets, including renovating two classroom blocks.

    He, however, frowned at the inability of the school’s authority to protect some of the association’s projects in the school.

    In his remarks, the Chairman of Etsako West LGA, Marvelous Zibiri, said setting up such significant projects revealed the old students valued their roots.

    “Your positive impact in making teaching and learning meaningful and purposeful will make the present students in the school work hard.

    “It will be an inspiration to the students to learn to be greater achievers because you can only give what you have,” Zibiri said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    GE/MAS

    Edited by Moses Solanke

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  • Man in court over alleged N1.6m fraud

    Man in court over alleged N1.6m fraud

     

     

     

    Alert

    By Olaitan Idris

    Lagos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) One Simon Udokanma, 39, on Tuesday, appeared before a Surulere Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos State, charged with using a fake N1.6 million bank alert to purchase gym equipment.

     

    Udokanma, who resides at No. 90, Shola Martins Olaniyi St., Abule-Egba, Lagos, is facing trial on a four-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining by false pretences, forgery and stealing.

     

    The Prosecutor, Insp Courage Ekhueorohan, told the court that Udokanma and some others still at large committed the offences between April 25 and May 21, at Alawode St., Ikate, Surulere, Lagos. 

     

    Ekhueorohan alleged that Udokanma fraudulently obtained three units of massaging machines, two exercise bicycles, three sets of royal weight plates and three vibrating iron, all valued at N1.6 million.

     

    He said that Udokanma forged and sent Zenith bank transaction alert receipt as payment evidence for the gym equipments to the shop owner, one Fortunate Chidera.

     

    Ekhueorohan said the offences committed contravened sections 287, 314, 363 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

     

    Udokanma, however, pleaded not guilty to the offences when the charges were read to him.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 314 stipulates 15 years for obtaining under false pretences.

     

    The Magistrate, Mrs O.O. Otitoju, admitted Udokanma to bail in the sum of N500,000, with two responsible sureties in like sum.

     

    She ordered that the sureties must provide evidence of a means of livelihood and their addresses should be verified by the court. 

     

    Otitoju, adjourned the case until June 28 for mention. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng )

     

    IOI/AOS 

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    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

  • We’re working to reduce medical tourism – Reps

     

    Tourism

    By Abbas Bamalli

    0803

    Katsina, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The House of Representatives committee on Health institutions, says it is working towards ensuring that the rate of foreign medical tourism by Nigerians is reduced.

    The Chairman of the committee, Mr Amos Magaji, who led members of the committee disclosed this on Tuesday during an oversight visit to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina.

    According to him, the committee is doing its best to see that all the needed facilities, structures, workforce, and other necessary things are provided.

    Magaji, representing Zango Kataf/Jaba Federal constituency of Kaduna State, said that the inspection of the health facilities was to know their conditions and ways to improve them for effective healthcare delivery in the state.

    “One of the visions of the 10th National Assembly is to reduce medical tourism by ensuring that we reposition Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

    “The aim is to make healthcare services affordable and accessible, especially in tertiary healthcare in Nigeria. In doing that, there are things we will address immediately and there are things we will address later.

    “It is quite unfortunate that the government will spend a large amount on personnel costs of N14 billion, and you now have probably a capital project of N2 billion.

    “If the government is spending N14 billion, we should be able to see maybe N20 billion for capital projects,” he said.

    The chairman of the committee also called on the hospital management to always consider the federal character in their employment and appointment.

    “We are also working to end any issues of the National Health Insurance (NHIS) decapitation,” he said.

    He congratulated the hospital for its conversion from Federal Medical Centre to Teaching Hospital, hoping that it would not just change its nomenclature, but also translate into great transformation to fulfill its core mandates of training, research and providing services to the people of Katsina.

    Earlier, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Dr Suleiman Bello said the hospital had carried out several capital projects in the last five years.

    According to Bello, they have modern equipment and we will train consultants and specialists for quality healthcare delivery. (NAN)

    AABS/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Man, 34, docked over alleged possession of stolen sewing machine

    Possession

    By Funmilayo Okunade
    Ado-Ekiti, June 25, 2024(NAN) A 34-year old man, Basiru Mohammed, was on Tuesday, arraigned before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly being in possession of a stolen sewing machine.
    Mohammed, who’s address was not given, is being charged with possession of stolen sewing machine.
    The Police Prosecutor, Insp Olasunkanmi Bamikole, told the court that the defendant committed the offence at about 6.00a.m, on June 21, in Ado-Ekiti.
    Bamikole said that the defendant had in his possession a sewing machine suspected to have been stolen.
    The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 345 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
    He prayed the court for an adjournment to avail him time to study the case file and assemble witnesses.
    Counsel to the defendant, Mr Femi Olarewaju, urged the court to admit the defendant bail, and promised that he would not jump bail.
    The Chief Magistrate, Saka Afunso, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N25,000 with one surety in like sum.
    He adjourned the case until July 16, for hearing.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FOA/EBI/AZU
    ==========
    Edited by Benson Iziama and Azubuike Okeh

  • German politician to pay £12,000 fine for insulting Bavarian leader

    German politician to pay £12,000 fine for insulting Bavarian leader

    Fine

    Deggendorf, Germany June 25, 2024 (dpa/NAN) The leader of the Bavarian state branch of the far-right Alternative for Germany is to pay a fine of 12,000 pounds (12,870 dollars) over insulting comments about Bavaria’s state premier.

    The AfD’s Stephan Protschka derided Bavarian state premier Markus Söder as “Södolf”, an apparent reference to Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler.

    He also called him a “traitor to the country” at a political event on Ash Wednesday in 2023 .

    The local public prosecutor’s office had brought a case against Protschka, but on Tuesday agreed to drop the proceedings in exchange for Protschka’s agreement to pay the fine.

    The dismissal also came after Protschka’s defence attorney made a statement to the court in which he said that the AfD politician did not intend to insult Söder

    The AfD politician intended to make a point in a political debate.

    Protschka did not intend to make allusions to Germany’s dark Nazi era, but instead had picked up on terms used by a previous speaker, his lawyer asserted.

    Protschka now has until the end of August to pay the fine, said the judge.

    In April, the Deggendorf district court had sentenced another speaker at the same event, the Austrian politician Gerald Grosz, to a fine of almost 15,000 pounds for insulting Söder.

    Grosz had used the same terms as Protschka to describe Söder, the leader of Bavaria’s centre-right Christian Social Union (CSU).

    Grosz argued in the court that his statements were satire, and appealed the verdict.

    A court spokesman said the verdict against Grosz was not yet legally binding. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DAMI/SAF/HS

    ========

    Edited by Sarafina Christopher/Halima Sheji

  • Misinformation, fake news as damaging as terrorism – Minister

    Misinformation, fake news as damaging as terrorism – Minister

    Media

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says that misinformation and fake news can be as damaging as the activist of terrorists.

    Idris said this at a two-day workshop on “Effective Reporting: Towards Strengthening Alternatives to Terrorist Ideology” organised by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre – Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The training was organised in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR).

    The minister said that the media commanded an immense power to influence minds, shape narratives, and promote peace.

    He added that the media could either undermine or bolster the collective efforts to provide alternatives to extremist ideologies in the fight against terrorism.

    He said that journalists had the unique ability to educate, inform and inspire resilience among the public through their reports, images, and commentaries.

    According to him, terrorism is not merely a physical threat.

    “It is an ideological battle of the mind with the extremist groups exploiting vulnerabilities and spreading fear,” he said.

    He added that the extremist groups also propagate messages that presented them as fighting for a social cause, in order to further their evil agenda.

    Idris said there was the need to offer compelling, positive alternatives that resonated with the same audiences targeted by terrorists, adding that reporting played a pivotal role in this.

    He urged 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.

    He also challenged journalists to use data and research to back their stories, thereby enhancing credibility and depth.

    “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 and void language that could be construed as biased or inflammatory.

    “Please note that sensational reporting can inadvertently glorify terrorist acts and spread fear.

    “Similarly, misinformation and fake news can be as damaging as the terrorist acts themselves and you must avoid this at all cost,” he said.

    The minister commended the NCTC-ONSA for its proactive efforts in the fight against terrorism as well as the numerous successful rescue operations of kidnap victims, which he said were devoid of publicity.

    He also commended the NCTC for its sustained strategy of regular engagement with the media, in advancing the frontiers of the fight against terrorism.

    This approach, according to him, significantly contributed to shaping public perception and understanding of the complex issues surrounding terrorism and national security.

    Idris reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to free and responsible journalism and pledged continuous support through access to accurate information, regular media briefings, and training opportunities.

    “Together, we can create a strong, united front against terrorism,” he added.

    The Secretary, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Mr Ochiaka Ugwu, commended the centre for the engagement, saying the media had remained committed to the promotion of national security.

    Ugwu said the ungoverned spaces in the country had continued to fuel insecurity in different parts of the country.

    He added that there must be collaboration between the media and the military, security agencies and the authorities to cover those ungoverned spaces. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/AMM
    =========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Avoid excessive speed, night travels to reduce crashes – FRSC

    Speed

     

    By Ige Adekunle

     

    Sango-Ota (Ogun), June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Ogun Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has advised motorists to avoid excessive speed and night travels in order to reduce road crashes on the nation’s roads.

    The FRSC Sector Commander, Anthony Uga, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ota on Tuesday.

    Uga was reacting to an accident that happened around 9.33 p.m. on Monday, on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

    NAN recalls that seven of the 18 persons involved in the accident lost their lives, while the rest sustained injuries.

    The sector commander said the disaster could have been averted, if the driver of the Mazda bus had strictly adhered to an average speed limit.

    He attributed the cause of the incident to excessive speed as the bus driver rammed into a moving truck from the rear.

    “We are appealing to motorists to refrain from speeding and avoid night journeys because of poor visibility which sometimes leads to road crashes.

    “In addition, the passengers should not hesitate to report any erring driver found flouting traffic rules and regulations by calling 122 toll-free number,” Uga said.

    He also admonished motorists against reckless driving and wrongful overtaking, which often lead to crashes and loss of lives and propwrty. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    IGE/MAS

     

    Edited by Moses Solanke

     

     

  • UN launches global principles to combat online hate, urges action

    UN launches global principles to combat online hate, urges action

    Principles

    New York, June 25, 2024 (dpa/NAN) Technology companies must take responsibility and mitigate harm to society, UN Secretary General António Guterres said on Monday, as he launched a set of global principles to combat online hate.

    The principles form a framework for coordinated international action to make information spaces safer and more humane, “one of the most urgent tasks of our time,” the UN said in a statement.

    According to the UN, misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and other risks to the information ecosystem were fuelling conflict, threatening democracy and human rights and undermining public health and climate action.

    “Their proliferation is now being supercharged by the rapid rise of readily available Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, increasing the threat to groups often targeted in information spaces, including children.”

    Guterres said that the principles would empower people to demand their rights.

    “At a time when billions of people are exposed to false narratives, distortions and lies, these principles lay out a clear path forward, firmly rooted in human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and opinion.”

    The principles, however, called on governments, tech companies, advertisers and industry to take responsibility for the spread and monetisation of content that results in harm.

    “Government, tech companies, AI developers and advertisers should take special measures to protect and empower children,” the UN said.

    Those involved in AI development are urged to ensure that applications are designed, deployed and used safely, securely, responsibly and ethically, and uphold human rights.

    A free and independent media and strong protections for journalists, researchers and civil society are also called for, according to the principles. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/HS
    ======

    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Halima Sheji