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  • Zimbabwean- American poet celebrates African women

    Mr Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state; Chief Olawanle Akinboboye, Founder of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort and Mr Summy Smart-Francis, Special Adviser on Entrepreneurship and Innovation to Gov Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State during the opening of Èyò by La Campagne in Lagos, on Sunday.
    Zimbabwean– American poet celebrates African women
    Women
    By Taiye Olayemi
    Lagos June 24, 2024 (NAN) In a soothing and thought-provoking performance, Zimbabwean-American Poet and Artiste, U-Meleni Adebo on Sunday celebrated the beauty of African women.
    Adebo who performed during the unveiling of “Èyò by La Campagne” in Ikoyi extolled the uniqueness of the skin of the black women.
    The poet encouraged African women to remain resilient and always stand to protect one another.
    In a blend of spoken word and musical performance she appraised the beauty of every black woman, this was to the excitement of the revellers.
    She eulogised the African women’s inner beauty of self assurance, strength and wisdom, likewise, their radiant skin, hair texture and body shape.
    Èyò by La Campagne is an Afrocentric relaxation centre, established by Chief Olawanle Akinboboye, Founder of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort.
    The opening of the recreational centre was themed “African Beats and Bites”.
    Akinboboye said the facility which comprised of a swimming pool, event centre, performance arena, conference centre, VIP section, art gallery and more, would henceforth be made available for all to unwind.
    He said the recreational centre would hold nightlife event every Sunday night which would be tagged “African Beats and Bites”, where tourists would have access to local African cuisines.
    According to him lovers of nightlife would also be treated to beautiful performaces from renowned African artistes and bands.
    “This is an extension of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, tourists will enjoy wonderful nightlife experience here, accompanied by their choice of any African cuisine.
    “This is still my way of promoting everything African,” he said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Atunda musical entertainment in scintillating performance brought back beautiful and nostalgic memories of music from older artistes, which revealed instructive proverbs and witty sayings as well as morals.
    Other artistes that performed were: Ara Thunder, Olo-Omidan Bata and Tasha. The guests also enjoyed an interesting performance by a group of Eyo Masqueraders.
    Eyo performance during the show 
    (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    PTB/SH
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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • WDD: Drug abuse prevention starts with parents, teachers – Centre

    Executive Director, Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) Rehabilitation centre, Dr Hope Omeiza

     

    WDD: Drug abuse prevention starts with parents, teachers – Centre

    Prevention
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 24, 2024(NAN) Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA), a rehabilitation centre in Abuja, has urged parents and teachers to educate their children, youths, and wards against drug abuse to reduce the risk of mental illnesses and other risky behaviours.

    The Executive Director of the centre, Dr Hope Omeiza, made this known in a message to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking or World Drug Day on Monday in Abuja

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Drug Day event is marked on June 26 every year.

    This year’s theme is “Evidence is clear: Invest in Prevention,”.

    Omeiza said that the aim of this year’s campaign was to raise awareness about the importance of treating people who used drugs with respect and empathy.

    This, he said, included providing evidence-based, voluntary services for all, offering alternatives to punishment, prioritising prevention; and leading with compassion.

    He added that the campaign also aimed to combat stigma and discrimination against people who used drugs by promoting language and attitudes that were respectful and not judgmental.

    He said “in spite of challenges posed by drug abuse among youths, we have no doubt as an organisation that the impact can be mitigated through organised preventive actions.

    “That is why we are leading the campaign to prevent a greater number of younger ones from drug abuse, “he said.

    Omeiza, however, said that children and youths who were not properly informed were at greater risk of engaging in unsafe behaviours and experimenting with drugs.

    He identified parents and teachers as critical to the fight against rising drug addiction among different age groups, especially children, saying that young people who persistently abused substances often experienced problems.

    “Parents and teachers need to pay adequate attention to their children and students. You need to see what they are doing and when they are misbehaving.

    “Preventing illicit drugs begins with you. You are the ones who spend more time with these children, and having a drug free society starts from the home, then the school, “he said.

    He emphasised that the fight against drug abuse should begin with families to help discourage the demand and supply of drugs to safeguard their future.

    He said “policy is very important and so far so good. There have been policies against drugs that are not accepted in society. Now, everybody should be on the lookout for our society.

    ”This is because sometimes, we realise that drugs that have been banned are still being sold, and when such is noticed, the best is to report the matter.

    “We believe that if much effort is put into discouraging demand for drugs, suppliers will find the business no longer profitable and will be forced to switch to other legal business ventures.

    “Parental monitoring and supervision of friendships are also critical for drug abuse prevention,” he said.

    The executive director urged more advocacy against drug abuse, saying that it does not only mean saving drug abusers but also saving the next generation.

    He said that the organisation had been engaging in advocacy and sensitisation programs in building leaders with great attitudinal behavior in society.

    “Now I’ll say information is power. This is the reason we are holding a National Youth conference on June 28 for young people on the dangers of engaging in drug abuse, “he said.

    NAN reports that a report by the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime in Nigeria indicates that 14.4 per cent (14.3 million) of people aged between 15 and 64 years abuse drugs.

    The statistical analysis of the findings of a 2015 nationwide survey of 10,609 respondents showed that alcohol is the drug with the highest prevalence rate, whereas cannabis is the most abused illicit drug.

    The report showed that the drug abuse in Nigeria was prevalent across educational levels and reaches down to the secondary school level.

    The  report showed that drug and substance abuse is prevalent across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.(NAN)

    ICA/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Emirship tussle: Police deploy addittional personnel to 2 palaces in Kano 

    Pmirship tussle: Police deploy addittional personnel to 2 palaces in Kano
    Deployment
    By Aminu Garko
    Kano, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The police have deployed additional armed security personnel to the two palaces housing the contending emirs in the metropolitan Local Government Areas of Kano.
    The outgoing Commissioner of Police, AIG Usaini Gumel, confirmed this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.
    Gumel said, “equipped and armed personnel have been deployed to handle any unforeseen circumstances around the identified areas.
    He explained that the deployment aims to prevent security threats and maintain peaceful atmosphere pending the outcome of the emirship tussle.
    AIG Gumel said that the  command has reinforced its personnel deployment plans to ensure adequate security and peaceful coexistence in the state.
    ” Armed personnel have been deployed to provide security at the Kofar Kudu Palace, residence of Emir Malam Mohammadu Sunusi, and the Nasarawa Mimi Palace, residence of Emir Aminu Bayero.
    The police appeal for public support and urge residents to provide information that could aid in maintaining peace, progress, and political stability.
    The command is committed to providing the required security that will enable all residents to pursue their legitimate activities without threats to lives and property.( NAN) ( www.nannews.ng)
    AAG/SH
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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Police advise Rivers NULGE to suspend planned protest

    Police advise Rivers NULGE to suspend planned protest

     

    Protest

    By Desmond Ejibas

    Port Harcourt, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The police in Rivers have called on the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to suspend its planned protest over the closure of 23 local government council secretariats, citing credible intelligence reports of potential hijacking by hoodlums.

    This is contained in a statement issued by SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s Public Relations Officer,  in Port Harcourt.

    “The police command respects the right to lawful assembly but have received credible intelligence indicating potential infiltration of the planned protest on Monday.

    “Hoodlums plan to hijack the protest and instigate chaos in the state.

    “Consequently, the command advises the organisers to suspend the planned protest to avert any possible breakdown of law and order,” she said.

    Iringe-Koko affirmed the police’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of residents.

    She warned of the imminent arrest and prosecution of anyone or group attempting to disturb the peace.

    “In an effort to ensure public safety, the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed officers to the 23 local government council secretariats to maintain security until the risk of disruption ceases.

    “Comprehensive security measures have been put in place to safeguard lives and property, ensuring unhindered traffic flow and lawful activities across the state,” she added.

    The police spokesperson urged residents to carry on with their daily activities without fear, as the police have implemented tactical measures to guarantee their safety.

    NAN reports that Gov. Siminalaye Fubara on June 20 in a state-wide broadcast, dissolved the councils, citing the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution on the tenure of local government administration.

    He directed the heads of administration in the councils to immediately take charge of the councils’ affairs.

    The governor, who also ordered for the audit of the councils, has since appointed caretaker committees who are operating outside the councils’ secretariats due to their takeover by the police.

    However, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had on June 22 announced that the police would not vacate the secretariats until the courts give final judgment on the tenure of the chairmen. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DES/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Hajj 2024: 2nd flight arrives Birnin Kebbi  

    Arrival
    By Muhammad Lawal
    Birnin Kebbi, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The second flight conveying 430 pilgrims of Kebbi has arrived at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport Birnin Kebbi on Monday morning.
    The plane, an AIRBUS A330 took-off from the Jeddah International Airport, Saudi Arabia at about 9:00p.m. Saudi time and arrived in Nigeria at about 1:20a.m.
    The flight conveyed pilgrims from Argungu and Dandi Local Government Areas of the state as well as some Kebbi Government Officials (KGOs).
    The third plane is expected to depart Saudi Arabia Sunday night and hopefully arrive Nigeria early Monday morning, Nigerian time. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    KLM/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • NUJ warns against attacking journalists, advises FG on rising cost of living

    Journalists

    By Olatunde Ajayi

    Ibadan, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) says the incessant and arbitrary arrest and detention of journalists in their line of duties by security personnel will no longer be condoned.

    This demand, amongst several others, is part of resolutions of the union’s National Executive Committee (NEC) which held its quarterly meeting in Ibadan between Thursday and Saturday.

    In a communique listing the resolutions, released on Sunday by the union’s National Secretary, Achike Chude, the NUJ urged that such actions by security personnel should be stopped forthwith.

    The meeting presided over by the NUJ President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, also cautioned politicians to refrain from attacking journalists on essential duties during the upcoming governorship elections in Ondo state and Edo.

    The union urged urged Gov. Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa to sign into law the Media Enhancement Bill passed by the State House of Assembly recently.

    It frowned at the lingering state of insecurity across the nation, especially kidnapping and violent crimes in the South-East, insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West.

    “NEC also frowns at rising militancy in the South-South, as well as kidnapping in the South-West and cattle rustling and attack on farmlands in the North-Central by herders.

    “We therefore call on the heads of the nation’s security bodies to rise to the occasion and address the situation.”

    The NUJ expressed dismay at the rising cost of living, particularly through increased prices of essential commodities, which is becoming unbearable to Nigerians.

    It thus called on the Federal Government to come up with measures to ameliorate the sufferings being encountered by Nigerians.

    “On this, NEC expressed concerns at the delay in production at the Dangote Refinery which would have eased the present economic hardship in the country .

    “NEC frowns at the incessant vandalisation of power installations supplying electricity to some states of the North-East and other parts of the country.

    ”We therefore call on the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Ministry of Power to immediately restore electricity supply to the affected states.”

    The NUJ further urged Federal and State Governments to urgently intervene regarding the poor state of roads in the country.

    It called on the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA)  to urgently proffer measures to ease the sufferings of motorists.

    The union called for an urgent consideration from the Federal Government to include the South-East among the zones captured in the coastal highway project.

    ”This is because no zone along the coastal line should be sidelined in the project.”

    It equally called on government to address the issue of perennial flooding affecting most parts of the country.

    “NEC requests communities in the flood-prone zones to adhere strictly to the early warnings by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and Federal Ministry of Environment to avoid regrets occasioned by flood disaster.”

    The union appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently resolve all the issues of the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

    “NEC also appeals to the Federal Government to address and resolve pending issues with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the interest of education and Nigerian students.”

    NUJ also resolved to appeal to heads of security agencies to support orphans and widows of deceased security personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of their duties.

    It urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps to regulate the activities of illegal mining in the country to avert further disasters.

    While commending Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for his people-oriented policies and programmes, it expressed its appreciation of the governor for hosting the NEC meeting successfully.

    “The NUJ NEC also urge him to sustain the tempo of development in the state,” the communique stated.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NUJ NEC meeting had in attendance the union’s national, zonal and state leaders.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TUN/OLAL
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    (Edited by Olawale Alabi) This

     

  • Anglican Bishop tasks Nigerian leaders on good governance 

     

    Governance

    By Sunday John

    Lafia, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Rev. Godwin Robinson, Bishop of the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Lafia, has called on Nigerian leaders to provide good governance that would propel steady growth and development in the nation.

    The Bishop, who decried the spate of insecurity and hunger in the nation, made the call during the 2024 Synod of the church, on Sunday in Lafia.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day annual event had brought together leaders of the church to brainstorm, reflect and review its activities as well as the affairs of the nation in general.

    The event also provided opportunity for leaders of the Church to pray for God’s intervention toward enhancing the spiritual stability and prosperity of Nigeria.

    Robinson called on the politicians to privide purposeful leadership that would restore the dashed confidence and hope of the people.

    ”The political class must focus on introducing policies and programmes that will bridge the widening gap between the rich and the poor.

    ”The essence of leadership is not just to amass wealth, but an opportunity to render selfless service to improve the living conditions of the people,”he said

    The Bishop, however, called on Nigerians to be prayerful and should not lose faith in God, in spite of the current challenges.

    Speaking at the event, Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, represented by his Deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, said the citizens had greater roles to play in ensuring good governance.

    The governor noted that given the unrelenting support of the church, the state government would continue to provide people-driven policies that would stimulate growth and development in the state.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

    SDJ/AZA

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    Edited by Polycarp Auta

  • Ogunbote says he’s unsure of his 3SC future

    Contract

    By Olatunde Ajayi
    Ibadan, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Head Coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Gbenga Ogunbote, says he is unsure of what awaits him with Sunday’s ending of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL)

    Ogunbote told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Sunday that his contract with the Ibadan side expired with the club’s last match in the league competition on Sunday.

    The Oluyole Warriors beat Sporting Lagos FC 1-0 in their match day 38 fixture at the Lekan Salami Stadium to finish fourth in the competition.

    Their final standing meant they fell short of clinching a ticket to play on the continent next season, having earlier crashed out of the 2024 President Federation Cup competition.

    The coach however said the club’s management had been making efforts to discuss with him on a new contract, but there had been no concrete offer made and no agreement reached.

    ”There is something on ground, in terms of discussions about the future between them and me, but nothing concrete yet.

    “Presently, my contract has expired. But the club management is currently talking about an extension of the contract.

    “They are already bringing an offer. We have all only been waiting for the final game of the league.

    ”Maybe something will come up in the next few days or weeks. But, for now, I cannot tell anybody what future awaits me at 3SC,” he said.

    Reflecting on the club’s performance in the season, Ogunbote said they gave all their best.

    He, however, regretted that the team could not finish in the top three bracket on the league table.

    “It has been a step forward for the team though, even though it was unfortunate that we could not meet up with the target we set for ourselves.

    “The important thing is that we just need to review the season and take positive lessons out of it.”

    Ogunbote recalled that the club did not start the league well and also got it wrong on some occasions.

    This, he said, really took a great toll on the team, adding that they only picked up during the second round. “But unfortunately there were still some away misses.

    “We were placed around the 12th position towards the end of the first round of the season.

    “We also lost some games on the road, which ordinarily if we had got a point each from them would have made a difference,” the coach said.

    He however lauded title winners Rangers International FC of Enugu, saying “I give it to them. They are not a bad side, because they actually worked for the title.

    “They are a good team with a solid coach and they know what it takes to win the league,” Ogunbote said.

    Also speaking, Sporting Lagos FC Head Coach, Abdullahi Biffo, said the experience gathered in the NPFL would help his club’s management, players and coaches in the 2024/2025 Nigeria National League (NNL).

    ”This will help us to reorganise each department to be able to withstand the pressure of the top-flight league when we return from relegation.

    “We knew we needed to win this match, to give us a chance to escape relegation.

    “But it was a good experience, even though I came into the team just for the last eight games.

    ”I was assigned by the management to fix the problem on ground, but unfortunately I was unable to do so.

    “We all know that the league’s last quarter is always important because that is when the teams targeting continental tickets double their efforts and teams that want to escape relegation will triple their efforts.”

    Speaking on what should be expected of Nigerian clubsides next season on the continent, Biffo said something clinical needed to be done.

    “We all know that Nigerian teams always find it difficult to do well at the continental stage, because the best players from Nigeria do not really stay in the local league.

    “By the time new young players are supposed to come to the national league, they are already elsewhere in Europe.

    “We are only recycling players within clubs in the league.

    “The league authorities need to do something about this to develop our league,” he said.

    He gave league winners Rangers International FC kudos for their performance, saying it was because they started well in the middle of the season and fought bravely to be champions.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TUN/USO/OLAL
    Edited by Sam Oditah and Olawale Alabi

     

  • Kwara United whip relegated Heartland FC 4-0

    NPFL

    By Olayinka Owolewa
    Ilorin, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Kwara United Football Club of Ilorin on Sunday walloped visiting Heartland FC of Owerri 4-0 in their last match of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match was played at the main bowl of the Kwara State Stadium in Ilorin, and the victory was warmly celebrated.

    But this celebration was not because it confirmed the hosts’ continued stay in the NPFL, but because the home fans had the benefit of the presence of Nottingham Forest star Taiwo Awoniyi.

    He had earlier pledged to reward each goal scored by Kwara United with 500,000 Naira.

    Wasiu Alalade opened scores as early as the fourth minute, benefitting from a well-delivered pullout by team captain Afeez Musa.

    Emmanuel Ogbole added the second goal in the 24th minute, with Heartland FC struggling to pick up the bits and pieces of their unimpressive display in the game.

    Garba Abubakar, who replaced Dehinde Ibrahim at the resumption of the second half, contributed in the build-up to the third goal scored by Alao Mohammed.

    The introduction of Shola Abdulraheem and Abbey Benson in place of Ogbole and Rahman Olarewaju respectively, added more impetus to the hosts’ dominance.

    Much later, Omaka Anthony and Godwin Oshagbemi, brought in for Alao Muhammed and Issa Gata respectively, further increased the hosts’ appetite for more goals.

    Oshagbemi justified his introduction when he delivered a masterclass of a goal in the 89th minute for his team to earn Awoniyi’s N2 million cash reward for the four goals.

    Speaking later, Christian Obi, Heartland FC’s Head Coach who claimed his efforts were sabotaged during the season with the allegation of bribe-taking against him, said he was leaving everything to fate.

    He said his future with the team would be decided by the owners of the team with the season having come to an end.

    Obi said the match result made no difference, as they were already relegated even if they had won.

    Kabir Dogo, the Chief Coach of Kwara United, on his part said all credit for their performance should go to their state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the people of the state.

    While he described the outcome of the match as “a victory for the people”, he however said events of the last two seasons were challenging for the club.

    “The club must learn lessons from those challenges, going forward.” Dogo said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OOH/USO/OLAL

    Edited by Sam Oditah and Olawale Alabi

     

     

     

  • Shettima woos Israel on expanding i-FAIR programme

    Shettima woos Israel on expanding i-FAIR programme

    Innovation

    By Fortune Abang

    Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Vice-President Kashim Shettima has implored Israeli government to expand its scope of the Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (i-FAIR) initiative programme to benefit more Nigerian youths.

    Shettima made the call during the meeting/tour of the Innov8Hub centre with Foreign Ministry Director-General of Israel, Mr Yaakov Blitshien, on Sunday in Abuja.

    The vice-president was represented by Mr Tope Fasua, the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs in the Office of the Vice-President.

    He commended i-FAIR initiative sponsored by Israel to have benefited young people, saying it should be scaled-up to enable more Nigerian youths benefit.

    Shettima said, “I think for some of the initiatives we have seen so far, the youth of this country are already taking initiatives to solve problem that they have.

    “Food inflation is 40 per cent as we speak, which is not acceptable, this is what we are actually battling to work-down as quickly as possible.

    “We will be like Oliver Twist; we want some more connection to the rest of the world, some more capita and mentorship with startups in Israel.

    “Such exposure will be good for them to see latest in scientific and technological innovation coming from Israel, which is reputed all over the world for their achievement.

    Blitshien described I-FAIR as one of Israeli flagship programme in Nigeria that had recorded remarkable successes

    “During the i-FAIR ceremony in March, 2024 the vice-president asked us to double the size of the programme.

    “So, I am pleased to announce Israel is committed to the programme together with our partners TETFund, to increase the size. We will be launching it very soon.

    “We are proud to meet the challenge of the vice-president and the government of President Bola Tinubu, we look forward to doing more project together in future.

    “I will be pleased to strengthen the relationship between Israel and Nigeria, and the one to open the institute of Israel to Nigeria,” Blitshien said.

    The Executive-secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, said the programme had been expanded through support from Israeli embassy in Nigeria.

    “We have another programme, where we are trying to have research labs and demonstration farms in our specialised agricultural universities.

    “We are also working in partnership with Israeli scientists and Innov8Hub to help us bring that together,” Echono said.

    For his part, Michael Freeman, Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria, attributed close working relations between the embassy and the Tinubu-led administration for success of the programme.

    Freeman, also Permanent Representative of Israel to ECOWAS, said such partnership resulted in the achievement of various goals and aims of the government.

    “We are really pleased to be working with our partners.

    “We look forward to make a big difference for Nigerians and Israelis, because this is a partnership between our both countries,” Freeman said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FEA/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru