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  • Sultanate council: Disregard mischievous groups – Sokoto Govt tells MURIC, VP

    Sultanate council: Disregard mischievous groups – Sokoto Govt tells MURIC, VP

    Sultan
    By Habibu Harisu
    Sokoto, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto state says his relationship with the Sultanate Council remain cordial and urged the  Muslims Rights Concern (MURIC) and Vice President Kassim Shettima, to disregard mischievous groups.
    This is contained in a statement issued by  Aliyu’s spokesman, Malam Abubakar Bawa, on Tuesday in Sokoto.
    He said MURIC’s allegation on a plan by the state government to dethrone the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, was baseless and unfounded.
    ” It is an attempt by mischief makers and enemies of progress to fabricate false and unsubstantiated information, just to create an unfriendly atmosphere and fear in the minds of the law-abiding and peaceful citizens of the state.
    ” We assure MURIC that the present administration just like the previous administrations in the state, cherishes and respect the Sultanate Council long before MURIC was established.
    ” The Sultanate Council which has a long standing historical importance is so  reverred to all the people of Sokoto State, therefore we still hold the  institution in very high regards and esteem, ” Aliyu said.
    According to him, the relationship between the present administration and the Sultanate Council led by respected traditional ruler, Abubakar has been very cordial.
    Aliyu added that his administration always consulted with Sultan on issues affecting the state and his invaluable contributions and inputs are always respected and included in policy implementation.
    He noted that the sacking and transfer of some District Heads made by Sokoto state government was done due some unbecoming behaviours by the affected traditional rulers which they exhibited.
    Meanwhile, Aliyu urged Vice President Shettima, to  disregard the false information on the issue of removal of the Sultan.
    ” The Sultan enjoys all the powers he is entitled to, we never denied him any of his freedom or rights.
    ” We do not need to be told to guard, protect, and promote the Sultan, it is our sole responsibility.
    ” The government and People of Sokoto state cherish and adore the sultanate council and would do everything possible to protect the dignity of the revered institution” . Aliyu said.
    NAN reports that Shettima had on Monday while delivering his speech at the ongoing North West Peace & Security Summit in Katsina State said:”the Sultan is an Institution that all of us in this country need to jealously guard, protect, promote, preserve, and project for the growth of our nation.”“In all developmental issues in this country, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, I want to use him as a point of reference to recognise and appreciate all our royal fathers present here.

    “And to the deputy governor of Sokoto, I have a simple message for you. Yes, the Sultan is the Sultan of Sokoto. But he is much more than that.

    “He represents an idea. He is an Institution, that all of us in this country need to jealously guard, protect, promote, preserve, and project for the growth of our nation,” Shettima said.

    (NAN)

    HMH/SH
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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • China seizes 4.5 tonnes of drugs in border anti-narcotics enforcement

     

    Drugs

    Beijing, June 25, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) Chinese authorities have seized 4.5 tonnes of various drugs in their efforts to combat narcotics at border ports in the first half of this year.

    The National Immigration Administration (NIA) who announced this on Tuesday said the raid led to the arrest of 381 criminal suspects.

    As of Monday, these operations have successfully cracked 284 such drug-related cases, with 59 cases involving drugs weighing over 10,000 grams each.

    The NIA has ramped up its crackdown on drug-related crime in border areas, with a particular emphasis on stemming drug inflows.

    It planned to further implement measures to bolster anti-drug enforcement.

    These included stepping up investigations into violations, tightening control at border ports, targeting drug-trafficking rings and networks, including their leaders, and enhancing law enforcement cooperation with various countries and regions. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/MNA
    ======

    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Maureen Atuonwu

  • Yusuf approves N5 bn fertiliser purchase for Kano farmers

    Yusuf approves N5 bn fertiliser purchase for Kano farmers

    Fertiliser

    By Aminu Garko

    Kano, June 25,2024( NAN)  Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has approved the purchase of fertiliser worth about N5.07 billion to support smallholder farmers in the states

    This move aims to facilitate food sufficiency through massive agricultural transformation.

    According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Tofa, in Kano on Tuesday, the approval was given during the 15th State Executive Council (SEC) meeting.

    “The fertiliser will be distributed across the 44 Local Government Areas to support farmers, especially those in rural areas, to increase crop yields during the 2024 rainy season’’, he said.

    He explained that the fertiliser would be sold to farmers at a subsidised price, demonstrating the governor’s commitment to providing access to quality and affordable agricultural inputs.

    This move follows the governor’s previous purchase of grains worth billions of naira, distributed to vulnerable people in the state to alleviate hardship.( NAN) ( www.nannews.ng)

    AAG/BEKl/KUA

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    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Uche Anunne

  • VIO Chief seeks urgent completion of 13.125km Apo-Karshi road

    Squadron Leader, Vehicle Inspection Office(VIO) Dr Yusuf Suberu

    VIO Chief seeks urgent completion of 13.125km Apo-Karshi road

    Road
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 25, 2024(NAN)The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) has urged the Minister, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike to complete the 13.125km Apo-Karshi Road project for safety and security of lives and property.

    Dr Yusuf Suberu, FCT Squadron leader, Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) Mayors of the Federation made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Suberu said that commuters, who come into Abuja from the neighbouring Nasarawa State on a daily basis, face excruciating pains, caused by the traffic gridlock on the AYA-Nyanya -Mararaba Expressway.

    He said that thousands of people who reside in Karshi, Orozo, Gidan Mangoro, Kurudu, Waru, Madalla, Wassa, Kyami, Takushara, Chorin and other communities, would be direct beneficiaries of the road project if completed.

    He also said that the congestion on the road had caused several incidents and unfortunate occurrences where many lives and property were lost.

    He added that the incidents occurrence, particularly during rush hours alone, was enough reason for the government to complete the road construction.

    He urged that the government should also consider the condition and health of the motorists by ensuring the road construction was completed soon.

    “The pressing issues faced by the residents of Karshi have prompted this call for intervention from Wike as the FCT minister.

    “Road network is a crucial incontrovertible infrastructure for the socio-economic and agricultural development of a nation, providing unhindered access to places of opportunities and services.

    “In many of the developed countries, transportation plays a significant role in the ease of doing business and the government plays an integral role in the implementation and administration.

    “The completion of the Apo-Karshi road is seen as crucial not only for alleviating the suffering of the residents of Orozo-Karshi but also for enhancing the restoration of the Abuja master plan.

    “Numerous abandoned projects in the Kurudu-Orozo-Karshi axis, owned by Abuja residents, have been left incomplete due to the lack of accessible roads to the FCT, “he said.

    Suberu affirmed that with a reputation as a no-nonsense leader, there was optimism that the FCT Mnister would overcome any challenges and ensure the early successful completion of the Apo-Karshi road project.

    He however, acknowledged the impact of the minister’s previous visit to Bwari, which reportedly led to improved security.

    He said “this is also a call for him to visit the Apo-Karshi road site to witness the challenges firsthand.

    “It is believed that his visit can bring relief to the residents, similar to the positive outcomes observed in the Bwari axis.

    “The collective hope is for an end to the suffering of the Orozo-Karshi axis residents and the emergence of smiles on their faces through the minister’s intervention,”he said.

    The Apo-Karshi Road project was inaugurated to Kakatar Limited, an indigenous company, in 2011, with a completion period of 20 months. Meanwhile, it’s been over 13 years, and the project is yet to be completed.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/BEKl/SH

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    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Sadiya Hamza

  • First Lady condoles VP’s wife over mother’s death

     

    By Celine-Damilola Oyewole
    Death
    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has extended her condolences to the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, and her family over the passing of her mother, Hajiya Maryam Albishir.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday by her spokesperson, Bukola Kukoyi, First Lady Tinubu described the loss of Albishir as “deeply painful” for Mrs. Shettima and her family.

    “I commiserate with Hajia Nana Shettima on the demise of her beloved mother, Hajia Maryam. Her passing is undoubtedly a painful one and a great personal loss to you and your family.

    ”During this difficult time, may Allah comfort you and may you find solace in the remembrance of her good deeds and virtues,” she stated.

    The First Lady also extended her condolences to Professor Hafsat Ganduje on the passing of her mother, Hajiya Asiya Gauyama.

    She acknowledged the sorrow that came with losing a mother, saying, “At this time of grief, may Allah comfort you and grant you and the entire family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

    ”May Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her Aljannah Firdaus.” (NAN)

    OYE/TAK/MNA

    Edited by Tosin Kolade/Maureen Atuonwu

     

     

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  • Hunters, forest security receives 19 crime cases in May

    Cases

    By Bosede Olufunmi

    Kano, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) says it received 19 cases of various crimes perpetrated in Kano forests in May.

    The Commander Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) Kano State Command, Abdullahi Al-ameen disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Kano.

    According to him, out of the 19 complainants, 16 had been treated and done with, while three were pending.

    “Most of the cases were on animal theft, child abuse, tricycle theft, kidnapping, phone snatching among others.

    He said the service would do its best to leave up to its mandate, including prevention, detection of crimes and illegal activities perpetrated in the forests.

    “We will continue to partner with relevant stakeholders on community policing,” he said.

    He solicited the cooperation of the public to make the state a zero-free society. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    BO/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Cholera outbreak requires immediate response – says Hotel owners forum

     

    Cholera

    By Priscilla Osaje

    Abuja, June 25,2024(NAN)Mrs Funmi Kazeem, President, Hotel Owners Forum (HOFA), Abuja,  says the recent outbreak of cholera in Nigeria is a public health concern that requires immediate attention.

    Kazeem stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

    According to her, she has advised all hotels and restaurants to prioritise the health and safety of their guests and staff.

    She added that they had put in place some modalities such as enhancing water treatment and quality control measures, regular disinfection and sanitation of all facilities to prevent any outbreak in the hospitality sector.

    The president said that other modalities were proper food handling and storage practices, training of staff on cholera prevention and management and collaboration with health authorities to ensure prompt response to any suspected cases.

    “As a stakeholder in the hospitality sector, I urge all hotels and restaurants to prioritise the health and safety of their guests and staff.

    “We are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our guests and staff.

    ” Let us work together to prevent the spread of cholera in Nigeria,” she said.

    She urged hoteliers and guests to maintain hygiene both personal and environmental.

    It will be recalled that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, in a recent report, said that between Jan. 1 and June 11, it recorded over 1,141 suspected cases with over 65 confirmed and 30 deaths in 96 local government areas in 30 states. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    PO/OJI/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Maureen Atuonwu

  • LASG to divert traffic in Ikoyi  for 4 weeks

    LASG to divert traffic in Ikoyi  for 4 weeks

     

    Diversion

    By Chiazo Ogbolu

    Lagos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government will divert traffic from Alfred Rewane and Osborne roads in Ikoyi for four weeks.

     

    The government will divert the traffic through Osborne Foreshore Estate axis, from June 26 to July 27.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

     

    Osiyemi said that the diversion would  enable the Federal Ministry of Works to carry out the first phase of rehabilitation of the asphaltic sections from Osborne Foreshore Estate to Sura Bridge Ramp.

    “Motorists from Alexander/Glover are advised to use Oba Adeyinka Oyekan Avenue inwards Ikoyi to connect Obalende/Ring Road and access  Third Mainland Bridge to proceed with their journeys.

    “Those from Victoria Island are advised to go through Falomo Roundabout to link Awolowo Road and access Third Mainland Bridge to reach their desired destinations.

    “Alternately, motorists from Victoria Island can  utilize Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue to link Mekunwen Bridge and proceed to CMS/Apongbon Bridge inwards Eko Bridge to access Funsho Williams Avenue to reach their desired destinations.

    Osiyemi gave the assurance that traffic managers would be on ground to minimise inconveniences and ensure steady flow of traffic.

    He urge motorists to be patient and comply with the instructions. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    CAN/OJI/IGO

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    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Ijeoma Popoola

  • No recent confirmation of cholera in C’ River – Commissioner

    No recent confirmation of cholera in C’ River – Commissioner

    Cholera
    By Christian Njoku
    Calabar, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Cross River Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, says there is no recent confirmation of cholera outbreak in the state.

    Ayuk, who was reacting to the recent outbreak of the disease in some states in the country, said this on Monday in Calabar a chat with journalists.

    He said that contrary to some news reports, it was not true that new cases of cholera were detected in the state.

    “The last time there was a confirmed case was in January and that has been addressed, this not withstanding, the state is fully prepared for any emergency response in the current wave of national outbreak.

    “The public health emergency response centre has been activated, while the local government response teams have all been strengthened with adequate capacity, including commodities to handle any emergency.

    “The citizens of the state are advised to adhere to precautionary measures by maintaining good personal hygiene, safe foods and water consumption, as well as avoid crowded environments,” he said.

    The commissioner appealed to residents to report any experience of diarrhoea or stooling, vomiting or other cholera-related symptoms to the nearest health facility in the state.

    He restated the state government’s commitment to the health and well-being of residents.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that about 40 people have been confirmed dead from the disease, while over 500 persons have been affected in the nation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CBN/FON/IKU
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    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Tayo Ikujuni

  • Trans fat elimination is attainable, WHO tells Member States

    Trans fat elimination is attainable, WHO tells Member States

    Fat

    By Cecilia Ologunagba

    New York, June 24, 2024 (NAN) UN World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed optimism that trans-fat elimination is attainable, affordable, and lifesaving.

    Trans fats – or trans-fatty acids – clog arteries, increasing risk of heart attack and death.

    Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality in the world and more than 278,000 deaths per year can be attributed to intake of industrially produced transfat, according to the health agency

    Dr Francesco Branca, Director of the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety at WHO, in a statement on Monday, urged Member States to remain committed to their journeys toward achieving goal.

    A total of 53 countries had best practices policies in place for tackling industrial trans fats in food as of  2023, vastly improving the food environment for 3.7 billion people, or 46 per cent of the world’s population, according to WHO’s report.

    WHO’s report published on Monday  detailed the progress made in eliminating all trans fat.

    This is significant progress compared to the  2018 figure of just six per cent, or less than half a billion people, when the ambitious target to eliminate all trans fat from the global food supply by the end of 2023 was initially set by WHO.

    Given their negative health effects, the current advancements made could save approximately 183,000 lives per year.

    However, progress has been unequal, with the highest remaining burden concentrated in the WHO Africa and Western Pacific Regions.

    The new report summarizes country actions to ban this toxic chemical and make recommendations to achieve global trans fat elimination.

    Remarkable progress has been made in every region of the world towards the WHO’s goal of total elimination of industrially produced trans fats.

    The chemicals are fatty acids that can be found in many fried foods, baked goods, vegetable shortening and margarine.

    In 2023 alone, new best practice policies became effective in seven countries – Egypt, Mexico, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Philippines, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.

    In January 2024, WHO awarded five countries the Validation Certification  for progress in eliminating industrially produced trans fat: Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Saudi Arabia and Thailand.

    However, despite promising trends, progress has been uneven. More than four billion people around the world remain unprotected from this toxic chemical, mainly in the WHO African and Western Pacific Regions.

    Implementing best practice policies in just eight additional countries would eliminate 90 per cent of the global deaths associated with this harmful ingredient.

    “Beyond passing WHO-recommended best practice trans fat policies, ensuring that compliance with these policies is monitored and enforced will be critical to achieve maximized and sustained health benefits of trans fat elimination,”  Branca added.

    The WHO’s new report helps to further the organisation’s efforts towards global trans fat elimination.

    The report urges all countries to enact best practice policies and to better monitor and enforce these policies so that more countries may become eligible for the WHO Validation Certificate.

    The WHO also calls on food manufacturers to eliminate the use of trans fats in product lines and supply chains, even where regulations are not yet in place. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    CIA/IKU

    Edited by Tayo Ikujuni