By Ikenna Uwadileke

Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia on Saturday reiterated the states commitment to enforce the ban on open grazing of cattle in Abia.

Ikpeazu said this during a zoom meeting with newsmen of Abia extraction under the aegis of Abia Media Forum.

The governor said that a bill was already in place to enforce the ban and to check the activities of criminal elements disguising as nomads.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Nigerian governors from the Southern part of the country recently resolved to ban open grazing of cattle in their states.

This was part of the 12 resolutions reached by the governors at their Tuesday meeting in Asaba, Delta state capital.

The governors had said that open grazing of cattle had often caused conflicts between host communities and migrant herders, leading to several deaths and murder in many states.

They also accused some of the herders of committing other criminal acts, including armed robbery, kidnapping and rape.

Ikpeazu said We are now at the point of making sure that we enforce and implement it and even in doing that I must also share what I see as a challenge to the enforcement of that law.

The law is in place and we are taking steps to enforce it.

It has become imperative that we enforce that law strictly because we just noticed that we have big time trouble in our hands.

We have those that we refer to as criminal herdsmen; they are different from the ordinary herdsmen that we have been living with all these years.

We now have in our mist bandits that have infiltrated from the rest of West Africa and other parts of Africa and their assignment is to come here rape, kill and kidnap people for money.

It is now very imperative that we enforce that law, he added. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ayinde Olaide

Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and his wife, Hajiya Aisha, on Saturday, received their second jabs of Astrazeneca vaccine of COVID-19.

Speaking after receiving the jab, Mohammed appreciated the states development partners, the health workers as well as the religious and traditional leaders for the success of the vaccination exercise

According to him, through the collaborative efforts, the state had achieved 97.9 per cent coverage of the vaccination.

The governor called for synergy between the federal and state governments to procure more vaccines for the total coverage of the citizenry.

The governor appealed to some religious faithful, who allegedly refused to participate in the vaccination against COVID-19, to embrace the exercise.

He said that he was surprised to hear that leaders of certain religion refused to present themselves for the vaccination.

Please, we are not expecting this from them because they are the most enlightened among our population.

If they are not presenting themselves, the followers will also not present themselves.

We dont want any exclusion, everyone is very dear to me.

So, I must make sure that they are well secured and protected, the governor said.

Earlier, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, Chairman, Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (BASPHCDA), remarked that some pregnant women were among those who allegedly refuse to take the vaccine jabs.

Mohammed noted that a large number of Bauchi residents were responding positively to the vaccine.

He explained that the state recorded 97.9 per cent vaccination coverage during the first vaccination exercise.

The chairman added that the state had received 55,000 vaccines from the Federal Government for the second COVID-19 vaccination exercise.

We have 97.9 per cent coverage and we have about 55,000 doses of vaccines in our hand today.

However, we are only going to give this vaccination to those that had the first dose.

If you didnt take the first dose, you are excluded from the second dose, Mohammed said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday called on religious leaders to unite in fight against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the novel Coronavirus pandemic.

Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, in a statement in Abuja said Buhari made the call during telephone conversation with the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III.

The Sultan originated the call to felicitate with the President on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast and the observance of the Eid prayers.

The president called for continuous dialogue between the leaders of the two major faiths for peace and stability to reign in the country.

He commended the Sultan for his effective leadership of the Muslim Ummah and credited him with the unity of the community sustained under his watch.

On his part, the Sultan pledged his commitment to the continued existence of the country as one geo-political entity.

He assured the president of the support of the Sultanate in the ongoing efforts to tackle challenges facing the nation. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Uchenna Eletuo

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared a three-day prayer for the peace and unity of the country in the face of mounting insecurity.

The General Secretary of CAN, Mr Daramola Bade-Joseph, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.

Bade-Joseph said that the event which would hold from May 28, until May 30, had become necessary following the spate of insecurity in parts of the country.

He said that the prevailing circumstance had made it imperative to seek Gods intervention to restore peace and progress in Nigeria.

According to him, all participating denominations are expected to gather in the evenings of each of the days set aside for the prayers.

He appealed to CAN members to pray God to give the political leaders in the country the wisdom to do justice and show fairness to all manner of persons irrespective of ethnic group, creed and religion.

We should also pray that the law enforcement officers rise to their responsibilities by providing the necessary security we need in Nigeria, Bade-Joseph said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Gami Tadanyigbe

Some fun seekers in Kuje Area Council, FCT, on Friday called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and theCouncil to establish more recreation parks and gardens in the community.

Speaking in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kuje, they claimed that the absence of recreation facilities made living in the community boring.

Ibrahim Sani, a fun seeker, said it was disappointing for a town like Kuje with rapid growth in population not to have fun facilities, adding that the community was not supposed to lack fun spots.

According to him, the absence of a park is the reason people usually leave Kuje town during festive seasons, saying that there is a need for more recreation spots in the area.

Kuje is not supposed to lack recreation facilities that will bring people together, especially during a period like this.

It kills our joy here, when we leave the satellite town to the central area just to catch fun and celebrate with our loved ones.

People love to have fun, so when you do not have a place to relax within your community you become miserable.

Most people who go to villages do so because there is no place to relax and have fun in their place of residence, he said.

Sule Lamordi, another fun seeker, said that parks and gardens had a way of uniting the people of a particular entity and creating lasting memories that would stand the test of time.

Lamordi also appealed to both government and individuals to build recreation facilities in the satellite town to enhance social development in the area.

When you go to big towns, there is no dull moment for fun seekers, you can go swimming, play music in gardens, meet people of different characters, these are the things that make people happy in communities, he said.

On her part, Mrs Naomi Akpan, a Social Counsellor, however, cautioned fun seekers in the area to observe the COVID-19 protocols and ensure they wear face masks during the celebration.

Akpan expressed concern for the level of non-adherence to social distancing and COVID-19 protocols imposed by the government in the country.

According to her, the essence of the holy month of Ramadan was to task all Ummah on good and compassionate living even after the fasting and the Sallah celebrations.

Ramadan is a month of sacrifice, abstinence and above all, love and care for humanity. I encourage you all to be your brothers keeper.

Look out for your neighbour in the firm belief that he or she too will look out for you; and most importantly always use your facemasks while going out to contain the spread of COVID-19 disease.

As you celebrate Eid-el-fitr, I urge everyone, regardless of religious belief to continue to keep the peace and to live in unity with one another in Nigeria, she said.

NAN reports that some spots did not put COVID-19 protocols in place for those patronising their fun spots.

NAN also reports that the Kuje Area Council Secretariat was deserted on Friday with only security men on duty at the Council gate.

It was observed that most civil servants working in the council are yet to resume work fully after the two days of public holidays to observe the Sallah celebration.

The Federal Government had declared Wednesday and Thursday as public holidays to mark the 2021 Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

The area council, usually a beehive of activities was virtually empty as most offices were locked (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Novak Djokovics Internazionali BNL dItalia quarter-final fixture with Stefanos Tsitsipas was halted by persistent rain on Friday with the world number one a set and a game down.

Reigning champion Djokovic, who is seeking a sixth triumph in Rome, struggled to get going against Tsitsipas and trails 6-4 2-1 ahead of the scheduled resumption of play on Saturday.

The top seed lost serve in the first game and continued to make some uncharacteristic errors which saw him trail 4-1 at one point.

While Djokovic did earn a first break in the sixth game, Tsitsipas stood firm to take the opening set.

He was in total control when again breaking his opponent early in the next set.

However, soon after the Greek had opened up a 2-1 advantage, the worsening conditions led to a pause in proceedings.

Organisers were eventually forced to bring the days play to an end.

Djokovic, who converted just one of his six break-point opportunities, will return to the court on Saturday.

He will need to improve if he is to join Rafael Nadal in the final four.

Nadal exacted some revenge on Alexander Zverev earlier on Friday to reach the semi-finals for a 12th time.

The Spaniard lost to Zverev at the same stage of the Madrid Open seven days ago but responded to questions over his form by easing through this latest encounter.

Nadal, who saved two match-points before beating Denis Shapovalov on Thursday, raced 4-0 ahead in the first set against Zverev and had little trouble seeing the job through.

Aiming for a record-extending 10th title in the Italian capital, Nadal saved all eight break-points he faced in the second set to advance 6-3 6-4 in two hours.

I played more solid than (in) Madrid. Conditions are different, he said in his post-match interview. Here the conditions are a little more normal. I was able to control a little bit more.

Im happy. I played a very solid match with not many mistakes, playing the way that I have to. Its an important victory for me against a great player.

Nadal will face Reilly Opelka for a place in the final, the American beating qualifier Federico Delbonis 7-5 7-6 (7-2) to reach his first ATP Masters 1000 semi-final.

Opelka entered the tournament on a six-game losing streak, but he kept his good run going in Rome by earning the only break of the opening set in the 12th game.

Both players held throughout the second set and it was big-serving Opelka who prevailed 7-2 in the tie-break.

The days other quarter-final between Lorenzo Sonego and Andrey Rublev also fell victim to the bad weather and will get underway on Saturday.(dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Patricia Amogu

Mr Kolawole Banwo, a Development Expert, says adoption of climate resilient farming practices is a major panacea to the present shortage and high cost of food in Nigeria.

Banwo also noted that the high level of insecurity in the country and the upsurge in COVID-19 have disrupted food supply chains making food availability and affordability difficult.

He made the assertions while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

The expert however, added that Non Govermental Organizations
(NGOs) were ever ready to support government in the implementation of laudable projects that would make food available at affordable rates to the people.

As you know, the availability and affordability of food in terms of food security is a function of supply and demand.

Until recently, access to land, farm inputs and affordable financial products, as well as the effects of climate change, such as flooding and rainfall shortages, constituted major challenges to food production, Banwo said.

He noted that the recent high level of insecurity had denied farmers access to their farms and in some cases, harvests.

According to the expert, COVID-19 also disrupted supply chains and food distribution in the country.

These have all combined to cause shortage in supplies and surge in prices.

NGOs have always been involved in advocacy with duty bearers to develop policies and programmes to empower small holder farmers to be efficient in food production by having access to affordable inputs, technologies and markets.

NGOs also develop farmers capacity to undertake climate resilience farming practices for maximum yield and storage to avoid post-harvest losses which worsens supplies, Banwo said.

He said that some NGOs had also facilitated access to low cost credit facilities so that farmers could invest and increase production.

Many NGOs also undertake monitoring and evaluation of government agricultural interventions to ensure they are effective and reach the intended beneficiaries, providing feedbacks for improvement, Banwo said.

He said that the present rise in prices or food inflation, was caused mainly by the national economic downturn.

Banwo noted that this had affected household incomes, jobs, livelihoods and cost of energy, affecting transportation, and could not be addressed in isolation. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Friday Idachaba

Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi has declared his support for financial autonomy for states Legislative Assemblies to enable them to perform their functions without hindrances.

He also said that it would help them to contribute more productively to the nations democracy.

Bello made the declaration when he received Speakers of the Houses of Assembly from the 36 States of the Federation who paid him a courtesy visit on Friday night in Lokoja.

The governor stressed that without a functional legislative arm of government, democracy would be in danger.

He added that there was the need for the Legislature to be given the impetus to perform its functions better.

Financial autonomy to the Legislature will give them needed impetus to perform their functions better and contribute more productively to the nations democracy, he said.

Bello stressed that his administration, from inception, had backed his state Assembly to have its autonomy and used the occasion of the visit to applaud the State House of Assembly for its cordial relationship with other arms of government in Kogi.

Bello called on the Houses of Assembly of other states to borrow a leaf from Kogi on how to work harmoniously with the Executive and the Judiciary Arms for the progress of their respective states.

The governor said that the relationship between him and members of his state legislature went beyond officialdom adding that he had personal and cordial relationship with them to promote unity of purpose.

For a democracy to thrive and serve its purpose, there must be understanding among the various arms of government, particularly between the Executive and the Legislature.

If you remove the legislature, there will be no democracy, he added.

Bello expressed appreciation to the Speakers for the courtesy visit and for identifying with the Speaker of Kogi House of Assembly, Prince Matthew Kolawole, in holding their extraordinary meeting for the first time in Kogi.

Speaking earlier, Kolawole said that the relationship between the Governor and the House started on a rocky ground.

He, however, added that the magnanimity of the governor and desire to serve and advance the state enable them to foster a harmonious and lasting relationship.

He said that financial autonomy of the Legislature was sacrosanct if democracy must thrive and succeed in the country and called on all well-meaning Nigerians to support it, more so as it was a constitutional matter. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ahmed Ubandoma, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Evidently, the First Lady, Aisha Muhammadu Buharis administration in May 2015, the First Lady assembled team of experts from medical, educational and humanitarian background and come up with a workable template to complement governments efforts in responding to the humanitarian crises affecting women and children in the country.

Future Assured has impacted positively on the lives of youths, women and children through her various interventions in the areas of Youths Educational Empowerment Programme (YEEP), Medical Outreaches, Women Empowerment and Support to Victims of Insurgency, Promoting Rights of Women and Children among others.

On July 2016, the First Lady inaugurated the Get Involved an initiative under theFuture Assuredto generate funds for the improvement of the nutritional status of malnourished children and other humanitarian activities across the country.

Mrs Buhari during the inauguration said with collective efforts from the public, no child in Nigeria should lack a good nutritional diet.

During the period, more than N200 million worth of goods was raised and distributed to the needy across the country.

While championing the advocacy for the health and physical wellbeing of the women and children, theFuture Assuredconducted screening for women and the aged to determine the status of their blood pressure, cervical cancer, sugar level, kidney function, HIV and AIDS screening, breast cancer as well as eye check where glasses were provided for those in need.

Children were dewormed to ensure they have good oral hygiene while nutritional supplements were supplied to more than 250,000 nursing mothers. This is in addition to over 100 tonnes of the supplement to the malnourished children across the country.

TheFuture Assuredalso built Maternity Clinics in some states with a view to expanding the network of access to maternity services for women across Nigeria.

On March 1, 2017, the First Lady inaugurated a mobile clinic programme to provide basic healthcare services to the less- privileged, especially those living in rural areas of the country.

Speaking during the inauguration, she said, the idea behind the mobile clinic programme was to respond to the medical emergencies of women and children in the rural communities.

The medical outreach was conducted in the six geo political zones of the country, especially in states like, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun, Cross River, Kebbi,Kogi, Gombe, Oyo, Adamawa, FCT, Benue, Katsina, Enugu, Plateau, Imo among others.

OnOct. 9, 2017, the First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to building alliances with wives of state governors and other stakeholders to strengthen advocacy to eradicate problems associated with Reproductive, Maternal, New-born, Child and Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH N) in Nigeria.

She stressed the need for increase awareness on the importance of providing RMNCAH N services across the state of the federation.

The first lady also inaugurated the Governors Wives Advocacy Coalition (GWAC) to cascade the advocacy down to local government levels.

In the area of Women Empowerment, Aisha Buhari, built a women and youths empowerment centre because she viewed women empowerment as critical to sustaining the family, in light of these, the future assured organised skill acquisition programmes in different states of the federation and provided working tools to over 10,000 women.

On April 28, 2017, the First Lady, through, inducted more than 2200 women with entrepreneurial skills.

The organisation also mobilised women farmers to venture into agriculture and take advantage of the opportunities provided by government in terms of improved seedlings, fertiliser and other agricultural inputs, especially in the area of fisheries, livestock and poultry.

More than 20,000 rice milling machines and 250,000 fish driers were distributed to women farmers as well as organised training for youths in paint making, leatherwork, pedicure/manicure and fish farming.

In the area of education, the First Lady, being the champion and advocate for the girl-child education, organised a Youths Educational Empowerment Programme (YEEP), where she support the youths and girl-child with educational materials for conducive learning in the various schools across the country.

Under the programme, the First Lady assisted large number of youths struggling to transit from secondary schools to tertiary institutions through tutorial classes as well as training them to develop good writing and communication skill.

The First Lady also supported victims of insurgency in the IDPs Camps where at a time she presented a cheque of 55 million to parents of Chibok school girls and Buni Yadi school boys that were killed by the insurgents.

In addition to the humanitarian support, the First Lady is also building a befitting orphanage and school in Maiduguri, primarily to cater for children in the IDPs Camps.

The First Lady also supported victims of child abuse and women who suffered gender-based violence, battery and rape as well as advocated for legal framework to support victims and increase awareness on the need to expose the perpetrators of the act.

The First Lady also made significant achievements in areas of advocacy against the spread of tuberculosis, drug abuse, cancer, HIV and AIDS and other illnesses that hamper the growth of women and children.

On Sept. 4, 2018, in Beijing, China, Aisha Buhari, honoured an invitation by Chinese First Lady Prof. Peng Liyuan, to attend an advocacy meeting on Mother-to-Child transmission of HIV in Africa.

Buhari has committed time and resources to the project by advocating for HIV test for all, especially young intending couples before marriage and organising routine medical checks for pregnant women to ascertain their HIV status so as prevent the unborn child.

On the political front, the first lady participated actively in the electioneering campaigns of her husband, President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a build-up to the 2019 Presidential election,, initiated the Women and Youths Wing of All Progressive Congress (APC) campaign team to support the APC Presidential Campaign Council for the re-election of President Buhari, first in history of electioneering campaigns in Nigeria.

On Dec. 28, 2018, the campaign team was inaugurated by the President which has the first lady as the chairperson and wife of Vice President Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo as the co-chair of the team, which primarily engaged in house-to-house campaign for the re-election of APC Presidential flag bearer.

The event attracted supporters from Kannywood and Nollywood as well as other well-meaning Nigerians.

The outbreak of Coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, witnessed a significant decline in socio-economic activities in the country, however, the First Lady has contributed her quota to the fight against COVID-19 and redirected her humanitarian support to the victims of the pandemic.

On June 2020, the First Ladys efforts in responding to the pandemic.

In addition to this, I also donated some Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and some essential drugs to Nasarawa state government, for the benefit of the good people of the state.

The items included hand sanitisers, surgical face mask, N95 respirator masks, multivitamins, anti-malarial, analgesics, intravenous fluids and oral antibiotics.

Food items were also donated as palliatives to the health care workers, she said.(NANFeature).

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

The Presidency says the person declared wanted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) is not an inlaw to President Muhammadu Buhari as being claimed in some quarters.

Malam Garba Shehu, the Presidents Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, confirmed this in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

ICPC had declared one Gimba Yau Kumo wanted for alleged 65 million dollars fraud.

Kumo, a former Managing Director, Federal Mortgage Bank, got married to Buharis daughter in October 2016 in Daura, Katsina State.

However, the presidential aide disclosed that the (marriage) relationship had since ended some years ago.

The statement read in part: A running story to the effect that the ICPC has declared an inlaw of the President wanted in connection with fraud involving the large sum of money, 65 million dollars to be exact.

This should normaly be an affirmation that our anti-corruption agencies/institutions are truly independent and allowed unfettered freedom by the President. Which in fact is the case.

That a state institution can issue such is a measure of the administrations commitment to accountability, equality and justice.

To set the records straight, the person declared wanted by the ICPC is not an inlaw to President Buhari.

While at some point in time the said fugitive from justice had been linked to a family member in marriage, that relationship has ended some years ago.

It is therefore unfortunate to bring the Presidents family into this case.

It is in our view an attempt to generate views and sell copies of sensational reporting.

The Presidents position at all times is that the law be allowed to take its course.

As is well known of him, President Muhammadu Buhari will not provide any cover for crime, no matter who is involved, the statement read in part. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Kevin Okunzuwa

The Edo Government has suspended all activities of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) in the state indefinitely.

The Secretary to the State Government, Mr Osarodion Ogie, announced the suspension in a statement on Friday night in Benin.

Ogie said the suspension included the proposed election of officials of the State Chapter of the society.

He noted that activities of factions of NCWS, if not checked and harmonised, were capable of breaching the peace and security of the state.

The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to the activities of factions of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) in the State.

The activities of these groups, if not checked and harmonised, are capable of breaching the peace especially in view of the present fragile state of security in the nation.

Consequently, the Edo State Government directs that all activities of the National Council of Women Societies in Edo State, including the proposed State Chapter elections, are hereby suspended indefinitely until pending issues are resolved, the statement read in part.

The government further warned that anyone who disregards the directive would face the law accordingly. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

A political group, Tinubu Vanguard, on Saturday called on Nigerians to imbibe the culture of philanthropy.

The group charged Nigerians to be their brothers keeper as the country tackled economic and security challenges.

The Director-General of the Tinubu Vanguard, Dr Johnny Benjamin, gave the charge in the Abuja National Mosque at the sideline of distribution of food items to indigent members of the society.

Benjamin said that the idea of food distribution was to identify with poor Muslim brethren in the aftermath of the 30 days Ramadan fasting and Eid celebrations.

He called on Nigerians to break ethnic and religious barriers and forge a common front to tackle various national challenges.

This exercise is a mark of solidarity and support for the less privileged members of the Muslim community, he said.

The director-general of the organisation criticised the lingering security challenges across the country.

He, however, commended the government and security agencies for their efforts to restore law and order.

The National Secretary of the group, Mr Jacob Obi, urged the beneficiaries of the humanitarian gesture to reflect and practice all the lessons learnt during Ramadan.

The group offered prayers for security and peaceful coexistence in the country. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chukwuemeka Opara

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ebonyi command, says it has recovered a stolen vehicle on Idembia-Okoffia road in Ezza South Local Government Area of the state.

State Commandant of the corps Lucy Samu said this on Saturday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) while speaking on its efforts to curb crime in the state.

Samu, represented by Mr Emmanuel Uneke, the commands Assistant Public Relations Officer, said that the vehicle is a peach-coloured Toyota Camry car with registration number: Lagos: JJJ 45B.

The commands surveillance team discovered the vehicle on the road which also leads to Ugwulangwu in Ohaozara LGA of the state.

The car is suspected to be stolen and I directed that it should be towed to the commands headquarters in Abakaliki, she said.

The state commandant remarked that according to residents of the area, the vehicle was abandoned on the road since Jan 5.

We, therefore, urge people whose missing car bears such description to come with proof of ownership.

The vehicle has not been vandalised except its boot which surveillance team discovered was open, she said.

She reiterated the commands resolve to curb crime in the state, noting that its personnel were motivated to execute its mandates.

We will continue complementing the state governments efforts to secure the lives and property of the citizens but solicit useful information to accomplish this task. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Folasade Akpan

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), says Nollywood produced 416 movies in Quarter One of 2021 (Q1, 2021) compared to 903 in Q4, 2020.

NBS said this in the Nollywood Movies Production Data Q2 2017 to Q1 2021 published on its websiteon Friday in Abuja.

Although the agency did not give reason for the sharp fall, it stated that the decrease indicated a decline of 53.93 per cent quarter on quarter.

It also said thatthe number of movies produced in Q1 2020 stood at 407, indicating a growth of 2.21 per cent year on year.

The NBS added that Lagos State had the highest number of movies produced by location in Q1 2021 with 149 closely followed by Onitsha with 140 movies.

However, Benin and Bauchi recorded the least with two movies each.

It added that data was provided by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and verified and validated by the NBS. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Cecilia Ologunagba

The UN Secretary-General, Antnio Guterres on Friday issued an urgent appeal for all parties involved the escalation of violence in the occupied Palestinian enclave of Gaza and Israel to immediately cease the fighting.

Guterres, in a statement by his Spokesperson, Stphane Dujarric, called on parties to cease fighting or risk creating an uncontainable security and humanitarian crisis.

The UN chief said: The ongoing military escalation has caused great suffering and destruction. It has claimed scores of civilian lives, including, tragically, many children.

The fighting has the potential to unleash an uncontainable security and humanitarian crisis and to further foster extremism, not only in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, but in the region as a whole, he said.

Guterres, who called for meditation efforts to intensify a cease fire, said the UN was actively involved in such efforts, which are also key to maintaining the lifesaving flow of aid to Gaza.

Similarly, the UN humanitarian affairs coordination office (OCHA) also raised the alarm on Friday over the continued escalation of violence, noting that civilians on both sides were bearing the brunt.

According to latest news reports, the day has seen the most intense exchanges of the week between Israeli Defense Forces and that of the militant group Hamas, which controls Gaza.

The enclave continues to be bombed by Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire, while Hamas rocket barrages continue into Israel.

The UN Security Council announced that it will convene on Sunday for an open meeting to discuss the worsening situation.

Diplomatic efforts are reportedly underway in the region, to negotiate an end to the spiraling violence.

In a statement, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in the region, Lynn Hastings, said some 10,000 Palestinians had fled their homes in Gaza, with limited access to water, food, hygiene, and health services.

Hospitals and access to water and sanitation services depend on electricity, the fuel for which will run out on Sunday.

The Israeli authorities and Palestinian armed groups must immediately allow the UN and our humanitarian partners to bring in fuel, food, and medical supplies and to deploy humanitarian personnel.

All parties must always adhere to international humanitarian and human rights laws, she said.

Meanwhile, The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) said in a statement that it was alarmed by the number of civilian casualties, including children and women caused by the current escalation, calling for end to the destruction of health facilities, schools, and homes across Gaza.

The UN sexual and reproductive health agency in the region said the struggling health sector was already strained after years of protracted crisis further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic with a 20 per cent increase in active cases in April alone

There are currently some 210,000 pregnant and lactating women in Palestine, according to UNFPA. And around 365 women give birth every day 150 in Gaza, 215 in West Bank.

Our immediate priority is to ensure safe delivery for these women and their babies, said UNFPAs Arab States Regional Director, Dr Luay Shabaneh. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Nathan Nwakamma

Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa on Friday, said that the use of electronic voting would end election fraud and electoral violence in the country.

Diri said this at the inauguration of the new Ijaw National Congress (INC) leadership at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa,

The governor said that the hitch-free conduct of the recent INC election indicated that Nigeria can conduct free, fair and violence-free elections in the country.

He, therefore, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adopt electronic voting to avoid conflicts during elections.

The governor noted that the failure of the countrys electoral body to adopt e-voting has led to politicisation of revered state institutions and disrespect to such institutions.

He also said that adoption of e-voting would provide an opportunity for Nigerians in the Diaspora to choose their leaders through the ballot.

I am an advocate and supporter of electronic voting system. Many Nigerians have been denied the right to vote because they are not in Nigeria and cannot participate in choosing their leaders.

It is a challenge to Nigeria. Let the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) be challenged. If the Ijaws can do it, the Federal Government can also do it.

If Ijaws can enfranchise Ijaws in Europe and America to be part of deciding who leads them, INEC can equally do it. It will check violence, criminality and state institutions being politicised, Diri said.

The governor, while advising the new executive council of the apex Ijaw socio-cultural body, stressed the need to advance the cause of Ijaws to achieve equity and fairness in Nigeria.

In his inaugural address, the new INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, assured that the body would work for the progress of Ijaw people.

Okaba also said that the INC fully supported the recent pronouncement by governors of southern Nigeria prohibiting open grazing in the region.

According to him, the organisation would provide the necessary support to ensure adherence to laws aimed at protecting the people and their land against invasion from external forces.

He stated that INC would collaborate with other ethnic minorities that share the same experience with the Ijaws to achieve their dreams.

He said the ethnic group was aware of surreptitious moves by some groups to annex territories in the Niger Delta because of its resources, but that no part of Ijaw would be ceded or conquered.

The INC wishes to use this special occasion to and in an unequivocal term remind and warn such characters that the Ijaw territory was never and will never be ceded or conquered.

We belong only to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Should there be a compelling necessity to pull out of the present Nigeria, we shall go our separate ways in fulfilment of the dreams of our ancestors, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Victor Nwachukwu

The 34 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Obinze, near Owerri, has begun the demolition of unserviceable ammunition and explosives.

The exercise is contained in a statement issued on Friday in Owerri by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Babatunde Zubairu.

Zubairu said the exercise would be conducted by the 82 Base Ammunition Depot, Enugu from May 14 to May 21.

He added that the exercise would take place between 7am and 5pm daily throughout the period.

The people of Obinze and surrounding communities are advised to keep away from the range area during the period of the exercise.

This is not a cause for alarm as the Nigerian Army remains committed to the safety of Nigerians, Zubairu stated. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Suleiman Shehu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operation Unit (FOU), Zone A in Ibadan, has confirmed the death of three persons in clashes between the officers and rice smugglers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than four persons were hit on Thursday in Iseyin area of Oyo state when customs officers shot sporadically in the air after intercepting smuggled goods coming through the borders.

NAN gathered that those hit by stray bullets were residents who were enjoying their Eld-Fitri celebrations.

Reacting to the incident in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday, the FOU Zone A spokesman, Mr Theophilus Duniya, confirmed the death of three persons.

Duniya said that the officers who were on routine patrol intercepted two Nissan Pathfinder SUV vehicles fully loaded with smuggled foreign parboiled rice at Iseyin.

He said that the dare devil smugglers then mobilised themselves with the help of some thugs on Thursday at about 3pm and attacked a Customs patrol, who were on lawful duty at Iseyin.

Duniya said that the mob attacked the officers with dangerous weapons which led to the infliction of serious injuries on two officers.

They attempted to abduct one of the officers that was brutally attacked; who sustained deep cuts on his head and other parts of his body.

The assailants had taken the injured officer with his rifle before his team members who acted in self defence, shot at the suspected abductors leading to the death of three of them before he was rescued and taken for immediate medical attention.

The officers were able to successfully evacuate the intercepted smuggled rice, while the injured officers are currently receiving treatment, Duniya said.

He said the Acting Controller of the Unit, DC Usman Yahaya, was sadden about the avoidable incident and urged community leaders and parents to call their wards and children to order.

Duniya said that the acting controller lamented the criminality of obstructing and attacking officers on lawful duty, describing it as a venture that yields no good for all including the Service.

We appeal for compliance to extant rules and assures of the resolve of our men to remain resolute in discharging their duties in the best interest of Nigerians, Duniya said. (NAN)
SYS/EBI/VAO

Source: NAN News

By Akeem Abas

Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, says the countrys security challenges are surmountable only if Nigerians were determined to tackle it with sincerity.

He made the assertion on Friday in Ibadan at a symposium organised by Hon. Shina Peller (APC- (Iseyin/ Itesiwaju/ Kajola/ Iwajowa Federal Constituency).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Security and Peace Symposium was organised to commemorate Pellers 45th birthday.

Fayemi said that Nigeria could better surmount her security challenges if the people understood the challenges and are committed to transforming Nigeria for the better.

For me, It is a pleasure and privilege to be here to honor Shina, his family and lead generation initiative. We are all here because we believe in a course we need to commit ourselves.

At the moment, we know our country is going through a lot of challenges, but these challenges are not insurmountable. These are challenges we can overcome.

Countries with security situation that are worse than this have overcome it. We can achieve this if we are single-minded.

If we are honest, purpose driven, dedicated and determined, we will put behind all the triggers of violence in the land, he said.

The governor listed some of the causes of insecurity in the country as inequality, poverty and unemployment, and called for intensified efforts at eradicating all.

He said that the best way for youths to contribute positively to their communities was to get themselves involved in politics.

Also Speaking at the syposium, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, the widow of former Gov. Abiola Ajimobi, said that Nigerians have roles to play in ensuring a better Nigeria despite the level of insecurity.

Ajimobi, who congratulated the celebrant, said the symposium offered all the unique opportunity to reflect on the problem that has made the society unsafe.

As Nigerians, we all have different roles to play in public in spite of the level of insecurity in our society.

Todays symposium offers everybody the unique opportunity to reflect on this problem which has made our society unsafe.

It also offers us the opportunity to further interrogate the role of institutions and those saddled with the responsibility of keeping all of us safe.

Vis-a-vis the role expected of us as citizens to complement these hardious part of ensuring a safer society, she said.

Prof. Isaac Albert, an International Security expert, advised the federal government to look inward for solution to security challenges facing Nigeria than seeking support from International Community.

Albert, who was the guest lecturer, said the most important thing is for government to start investing more on approaches that could give the desired results.

The professor of peace and conflict studies at the University of Ibadan, advised that government should engage the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to educate Nigerians on the need for peace in local communities.

The statutotry role of the agency established in 1993 is to re-orientate Nigerians and encourage them to take part actively and freely in discussion and decision affecting their collective welfare.

Politicians claiming that the security of Nigeria was worse than what it is now contributed to the loss of confidence in the future of the country by its citizens.

On the balance, it is argued here that there is a little the international community can do to help Nigeria when the country is not doing enough to help itself.

Hence, what matters most at the moment is for Nigeria now to start investing more on its whole of the nation, society and nation approaches, he said.

He also suggested involvement of traditional rulers in decision making, saying power must be given to local governments and traditional rulers.

NAN reports that among those present at the event were former Gov. Adebayo Alao-Akala, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Olubadan of Ibadanland and Oba Rasheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo.

Others are Hon. Akin Alabi, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, Mr Adebayo Shittu, former Minister of Communications and other well wishers from across the country. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Monday Ajogun

Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo on Friday said that there was no record of Indian COVID-19 variant in the state, as was speculated on social media.

The governor stated this in Benin at a news conference to provide an update on COVID-19 response in the state.

Obaseki was represented by the state Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr Osamwonyi Irowa.

He said that the Federal Government had on April 26, taken precautionary steps by restricting international travel from India, Brazil and Turkey to curtail COVID-19.

We as government, we have reached out to the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) with regards to any Indian variant in Edo and the verified information reveals that the said sample was collected in January.

There is currently no update or report suggestive of any such occurrence or new case of COVID-19 reported within Edo in the past 96 hours.

Edo has witnessed a 12.9 per cent drop in the number of infected persons comparatively, he said.

According to him, there has also been a 23.5 per cent comparative increase in the number of older persons infected with COVID-19 in the two waves of COVID-19 in the state.

Obaseki said that the prevalence of COVID-19 among young persons, especially school children in Edo was low, as it has dropped by 18.5 per cent comparatively for first and second wave.

The governor explained thata total of 54,534 COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction samples for testing, 4,905 persons had been infected with COVID-19 and five persons were currently on treatment, while 4,715 persons had recovered from the disease.

A total of 185 persons have died, with no new case reported in the past 48 hours across the State.

A total of 36,235 persons have been vaccinated across the State with the first dose of AstraZeneca Vaccine accounting for 89.1 per cent of our set target already vaccinated, he said.

Obaseki said that schools should revert to normal session arrangements of 8 a.m. to 2p.m. and enforced no facemask no entry mandate.

He stressed that people must wear masks that completely cover both the mouth and nose, while temperature check to be positioned at entry points into the schools.

He urged all eligible citizens to be vaccinated against coronavirus as soon as possible, describing it as a major step in curbing the pandemic.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on May 4, Federal Government barred passengers coming from India, Brazil and Turkeycoming to Nigeria

The step was part of precautionary measuresto reduce the risk of a spike in Covid-19 infections as concerns over the new wave ofthe disease in some parts of the world continues to mount.

The Federal Government in its statement alsothreatened to impose a fine of ,500 per passenger on any airline that fails to adhere to these instructions to ensure airlines take these new guidelines seriously. (NAN)

Source: NAN News