By Stephen Adeleye

The Kogi Government has said that it is working hard with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the safe return of Mr Pius Kolawole, the abducted Chairman of Yagba West Local Governments Area of the state.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, in Lokoja.

We wish to report, with every sense of sobriety, the unfortunate attack by some gunmen on a Commissioner in the Kogi Pension Commission, Late Solomon Adebayo and also the Chairman of Yagba West LGA, Pius Kolawole, on their way back to the state from Kwara.

We can confirm authoritatively that the unfortunate incident happened shortly after Eruku, Ekiti Local Government, Kwara. Adebayo died as a result of gun wounds sustained from the sad incident.

The whereabouts of the Chairman of Yagba West LGA is still unknown but security agencies in both Kwara and Kogi, as well as local security services are working hard to ensure the safe return of the chairman, Fanwo said.

He noted that in spite of the incident happening on Saturday, the Kogi Government had been circumspect in making official statements in order not to do anything to throw into jeopardy, the efforts of security agencies on the matter.

But it is also incumbent on a responsible Government like ours to speak to our people and assure them that Kogi will spare nothing to remain the safest in the country.

We also wish to caution those making statements which are capable of undermining the security of the state to desist from such an unpatriotic wish for anomie.

It is high time we came together to make our nation safe, secured and governable.

The Government and the people of Kogi are also determined to make Kogi peaceful and safe. Our Government has the backing of the people and the security agencies to keep Kogi safe, Fanwo said.

He further commiserated with the family of the late Solomon Adebayo, the people of Yagba West and the entire Kogi Pension Commission over his demise.

He described the late pension board commissioner as a hardworking and patriotic gentleman who contributed immensely to the states Pension Administration Revolution, saying he would be sorely missed.

We thank all good spirited agencies and private individuals who have stood with us in this dark time.

As a government, we will recommit ourselves to collaborating with neighboring States to ensure security of lives and property. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has reconvened the meeting of the National Security Council, which started on May 30, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the meeting was called by the president to continue deliberations on issues of national security concern.

Those in attendance at todays meeting include Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari.

Others are the Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi and the National Security Adviser to the President, retired Maj.- Gen. Babagana Monguno, as well as the acting Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, Chief of Army Staff; Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, Chief of Naval Staff; Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu, and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amoo, are also in attendance at the crucial meeting.

Source: NAN News

By Naomi Sharang

The Service Chiefs will on Thursday brief the Senate on the security situation of the country.

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, made the announcement at the commencement of Tuesdays plenary in Abuja.

The service chiefs were to appear before the upper chamber on Tuesday but was shifted due to the National Security Council meeting.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the upper chamber had in a resolution on April 27, summoned the Service Chiefs to brief lawmakers on steps taken so far to address rising security challenge in the country.

The Senates resolution was sequel to a Point of Order raised by Sen. Sani Musa (APC-Niger).

The motion was on the activities of bandits and Boko Haram terrorists in some Local Government Areas of Niger and other parts of Nigeria.

Today, the National Security Council is continuing with its meeting that started last week. Therefore, the invited security heads will not be able to come for the briefing.

We are not sure if they will finish their meeting today (Tuesday). We assume it could spill to Wednesday too.

So to be on the side of caution, we have now fixed the date for the briefing to be Thursday, May 6.

I want to appeal to all of us that the briefing will take from the service chiefs and other security agencies and will be very crucial for us to be properly informed, properly guided.

And if there is any request for supplementary budget, we should be able to understand why we should consider and approve such request, he said.

Lawan added that on Thursday, the only item on the Order Paper would be the briefing.

We will do that as a special day for the engagement, the interaction between the Senate and the service chiefs, he said.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ikenna Osuoha

An Owerri based Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), Save Imo, has commended Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo for his efforts towards infrastructure development.

Chief Ebubeagu Ekenulo, an Activist and convener of the group said this in a statement in Abuja..

Ekenulo said Uzodinma had achieved alot in the area of infrastructure in a very short period of assuming office as governor of the state.

He urged sponsors of insecurity in the state to exercise restraint in order not to scare investors away from the state.

We stand by Gov hope Uzodinma on good governance and rapid infrastructure development of Imo and we hereby commend His Excellency on these.

We want to advise the perpetrators and sponsors of attacks to desist as the attacks and banditry are seemingly destroying the economy of Imo and South East, which all of us will suffer.

Investors are now scared to invest their money in Imo. No investor want to invest in a volatile state, he said.

The activist however, called on the governor to prioritise on security, youth development and empowerment to curb youth restlessness in the state.

Ekenulo emphasised the imperatives of ending the militarisation of the state which he said was not the solution to the attacks.

We advise for use of intelligence policing, information gatherings and adoption of technology based tools to checkmate attacks and terrorism.

We advise government to look beyond to fish out the perpetrators of the acts of terrorism against our dear state, he said.

He, however, cautioned opposition parties and other detractors to watch their utterances against inflamatory remarks capable of plunging the state into further crisis, warning them to be prepared to face the consequences if found incriminating.

We urge all men and women of good will in the state to join hands in condemning the bombing of the country home of His Excellency, Gov Hope Uzodinma and other attacks across South East and Nigeria at large, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Jessica Onyegbula

His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan and other Christian clerics have expressed concern over insecurity in the country, urging political office holders to assist government to tackle the menace.

Onaiyekan, who gave the charge during a special thanksgiving programme organised by the Dominion Chapel International Church, on Monday in Abuja, urged politicians to alwaysfulfill their campaign promises.

He stressed that many Nigerian politicians had failed in their responsibilities to the people.

He appealed to them to make the welfare of citizens their priority and protect the sovereignty of the country.

He also urged them to ensure transparency and even distribution of resources as well as embrace federal character in all appointments for justice, fairness and peace.

Onaiyekan, the emeritus Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Diocese, also appealed to religious leaders to lead by example and avoid utterances that could overheat the polity.

He stressed the need for Christians to be the light in all spheres and continue to pray for peace and unity in the country.

The General Overseer, Dominion Chapel International Church, Archbishop John-Praise Daniel, commended the role of Church leaders in promoting peaceful coexistence.

Daniel urged the Federal Government to check the spate of insecurity threatening the sovereignty of the country.

According to him, kidnappings, banditry and other insecurity issues portend danger for the future of the country.

Daniel, who is also the National Deputy President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, reiterated the readiness of the Church to fight against corruption and other vices in Nigeria.

There is no doubt Nigeria will rise again as God is still in the business of turning around hopeless situations for good.

I, therefore, call upon my fellow countrymen to fulfill the biblical condition for the turnaround as stated in 2 Chronicles 7:14.

If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear them from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land, he said.

Also speaking, the General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministry, Apostle Johansson Suleiman, emphasised the need for the Church to stand up and be a voice for the voiceless.

Suleiman said that he believed that with unity and continuous prayers and support of the Church the country would overcome its challenges.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, members of the National Assembly and religious leaders attended the event.

The theme of the occasion is Quest for Credible Leadership In Nigeria. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Stephen Adeleye

The Kogi Government has said that it is working hard with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the safe return of Mr Pius Kolawole, the abducted Chairman of Yagba West Local Governments Area of the state.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, in Lokoja.

We wish to report, with every sense of sobriety, the unfortunate attack by some gunmen on a Commissioner in the Kogi Pension Commission, Late Solomon Adebayo and also the Chairman of Yagba West LGA, Pius Kolawole, on their way back to the state from Kwara.

We can confirm authoritatively that the unfortunate incident happened shortly after Eruku, Ekiti Local Government, Kwara. Adebayo died as a result of gun wounds sustained from the sad incident.

The whereabouts of the Chairman of Yagba West LGA is still unknown but security agencies in both Kwara and Kogi, as well as local security services are working hard to ensure the safe return of the chairman, Fanwo said.

He noted that in spite of the incident happening on Saturday, the Kogi Government had been circumspect in making official statements in order not to do anything to throw into jeopardy, the efforts of security agencies on the matter.

But it is also incumbent on a responsible Government like ours to speak to our people and assure them that Kogi will spare nothing to remain the safest in the country.

We also wish to caution those making statements which are capable of undermining the security of the state to desist from such an unpatriotic wish for anomie.

It is high time we came together to make our nation safe, secured and governable.

The Government and the people of Kogi are also determined to make Kogi peaceful and safe. Our Government has the backing of the people and the security agencies to keep Kogi safe, Fanwo said.

He further commiserated with the family of the late Solomon Adebayo, the people of Yagba West and the entire Kogi Pension Commission over his demise.

He described the late pension board commissioner as a hardworking and patriotic gentleman who contributed immensely to the states Pension Administration Revolution, saying he would be sorely missed.

We thank all good spirited agencies and private individuals who have stood with us in this dark time.

As a government, we will recommit ourselves to collaborating with neighboring States to ensure security of lives and property.

Source: NAN News

By Justina Auta

The organisation, which distributed food items including noodles, rice, salt and garri, also did check-up on the people in Gaube rural community, Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory on Monday.

The Founder, G-WAF, Mrs Laide Awosedo, said at the event that the gesture was in line with the organisations mandate to provide succour and empowerment for PWDs.

According to her, the organisation will also empower three persons from among the PWDs in whichever area of business they desire to venture into.

Awosedo, also living with a disability said the COVID-19 pandemic had further exposed PWDs to poor access to medical facilities, care and economic hardship.

She called on other philanthropists to emulate the gesture as it would reduce the hardship experienced by PWDs, which was further aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

She urged PWDs not to relent or allow disabilities affects their pursuits for economical independence, adding that they should be strong and strive toward excelling in any venture they decided on.

Leader of the medical team, Vivian Oguiebe, a nurse, said the PWDs and other community members were tested for blood sugar, blood pressure, temperature and weight.

Oguiebe, while giving a health talk, stressed the need for regular medical check-up to aide early diagnosis of any ailments for quick medical intervention.

Regular check-ups can help find potential health issues before they become a problem.

Early detection gives the best chance for getting the right treatment quickly, avoiding any complications, she said.

On his part, the Chief of the community, Tanko Gimba, expressed appreciation to the foundation for its supports to the community, particularly PWDs.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ifeanyi Nwoko

A Non-governmental Organisation, International Crisis Group (ICG) has urged the Federal and State Governments to ensure the success of the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP).

In a 26-page report released on Tuesday, with the report by ICGs Senior Communications Officer for Africa, Nicolas Delaunay, the Brussels-based organisation said that apart from ending thethe NLTP will also boost livestock production.

The ICG noted however that two years into the project which is scheduled to last for 10 years, the plan was faced with numerous challenges and no sign of meeting the deadline.

The plans major challenges include inadequate political leadership in promoting the plan, low awareness among herders and persistent misgivings among farming communities as well as delays and uncertainties in the funding of activities and projects.

Other challenges are lack of expertise in federal and state agriculture ministries, for establishing and managing ranches and grazing reserves, as well as widespread insecurity in many states, which is constraining access to some designated project sites.

The situation, the report notes, has been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic which delayed implementation activities in 2020 and also undercut federal and state revenues.

If governments fail to address these challenges urgently, they could delay or even scuttle the plan, leaving the country vulnerable to an escalation of herder-farmer conflict, which could degenerate into wider ethnic, regional and religious violence, it said.

As a way out, the ICG urged government at federal and state level to provide stronger political leadership and step-up public communication in order to improve awareness, dispel misgivings and increase buy-in to the plan.

It also pointed out that addressing insecurity, curbing impunity and rehabilitating communities adversely affected by herder-farmer-related violence in participating states, are vital to creating a secure environment for progress on the plan.

The group urges Federal and state governments to improve on budgetary commitments, expedite the release of funds for projects, and also liaise with international development partners for donor funding and capacity building

Budgetary commitment should be made especially for managing ranches and grazing reserves, and also for ramping up dairy production, meat processing and logistics services.

In preparation for the two million new jobs which the NLTP expects to be created down the livestock value chain, ICG calls on the federal government to avail pastoralists children training programs that would enable them key into the anticipated job opportunities.

In order to ensure the NLTP is sustained through its projected ten-year span, ICG urges federal and state authorities to give the plan firm legal and funding bases, through new legislation establishing livestock sector transformation agencies, as the Plateau state government is already doing, it said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NLTP is a scheme adopted by the National Executive Council (NEC) on Jan. 18, 2019.

It is an initiative designed to partner with interested state governments to provide land for livestock farmers to practice their profession.

Through this programme, livestock farmers, including the controversial Fulani herders (and their employers), will have access to land for ranching. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Femi Ogunshola

Most Gorgeous Girl Nigeria (MGGN) has made its debut with the aim of empowering the girl-child in the country.

Miss Grace Ene, the Chief Executive Officer of MGGN, announced the maiden edition of the beauty pageant at a news conference on Monday in Abuja.

According to her, MGGN is a celebration of youth and empowerment, an important way to convey the true meaning of beauty and the empowerment of all women and girl-child.

She stressed that the MGGN was aimed at creating a formidable voice for the girl-child and making a meaningful impact for them through pageantry.

The girl-child deserves more in our community, there has been terrible conflict that separated families in our country.

It is time to make sure change and transition for peace to reign, we need to ensure the love and peace reign because all of us have only one thing in common, she said.

Ene said that the pageant would be an opportunity to demonstrate at a national that there was no intercultural barrier in spite of not speaking the same language, culture and tradition.

She said we all speak the same language of life, respect and integrity through the pageantry.

She said that the first edition would hold on Oct. 29, with a unique process targeted at spotting young female stars with talents in a bid to accelerate their progress by providing mentorship.

According to her, there is going to be a star prize of a car and cash prizes for the winner, first and second runner up.

She added that there would metric for measuring success, adding that the success would be measured in what the finalists made of their lives.

Ene said that 37 MGGN finalists would be selected, one from each state in the country and the FCT, adding that they would be in the academy for nine weeks before a winner emerged at the grand finale. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Moses Omorogieva

The police in Lagos have arrested 10 suspected traffic robbers terrorising motorists in different parts of the state.

The spokesman for the state police command, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

He said that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Hakeem Odumosu, had rejiggered the commands security strategies.

He said the Strike Team of the command arrested the suspects at Railway Crossing, Ikeja Along.

According to him, the suspects were attacking innocent people and dispossessing them of their belongings.

The image maker said that the police responded to distress calls from victims and arrested some of the suspects during robbery, adding that the others were arrested at their hideouts.

They have confessed to the crime.

The suspects also revealed that they attack their targets with iron rods, guns, cutlasses and charms.

Adejobi said that a gold necklace belonging to one of the victims and some other suspected stolen items including phones and wristwatches were recovered from the suspects.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ketu/Mile 12/Ikorodu Road, Mile 2/Badagry Expressway and Ikeja Along-Iyana-Ipaja/Abule-Egba axis record high rate of traffic robbery.

These areas are known for heavy vehicular traffic.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Hakeem Odumosu, had recently promised to rid the state of criminals, particularly traffic robbers.

According to Adejobi, Odumosu has directed the commander of Rapid Response Squad and other tactical commanders to sectorise the state for easy operations. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army says its troops of Operation Hadin Kai, have successfully thwarted Boko Haram Terrorists attempt to infiltrate into Rann Town in Kala Balge Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno on May 1.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Yerima said that the terrorists in their number attempted to breach the border town but were met with stiff resistance from the troops who engaged them in a fierce fire fight that lasted about an hour.

He said the terrorists withdrew in disarray with a large number of them suffering fatal injuries leaving behind several weapons and ammunition.

According to him, equipment recovered from the terrorists include anti aircraft gun barrel, AK 47 rifle, hand held communication radio and different calibres of ammunition.

Army spokesperson disclosed that troops also engaged another band of terrorists who attacked Ajiri town in Konduga LGA of the state on May 2.

He said that the terrorists entered part of the town, burnt nine houses and killed some innocent residents before they were engaged by the troops deployed in the area.

According to him, the retreating terrorists escaped with various degrees of gun shot injuries while the gallant troops are on their chase.

Unfortunately however, two personnel paid the supreme price in the resulting encounter.

The Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, commended the troops for their resilience and determination to keep their areas free of terrorists activities.

He further charged them to sustain the renewed vigour in discharging their duties, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Oluwabukola Akanni

A consultant clinical pharmacologist, Dr Obaro Michael, says that Nigeria can attain zero-malaria target by year 2030.

Michael of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Ibadan.

He, however, said that eliminating malaria in the country would require strong political will and determined involvement of all stakeholders.

Michael said that vaccines also had the potential to accelerate malaria elimination in the country.

Nigeria has one of the largest burdens of malaria in the world. A malaria vaccine will be the most certain way to eliminate the disease.

Perhaps, Nigeria will be the country that will benefit the most from a malaria vaccine, he said.

According to him, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected some of the significant gains made in reducing malaria cases in the country.

He appealed to the Federal Government to prioritise and strengthen malaria support system, saying that a disease such as malaria should not be ignored.

COVID-19 has impacted negatively on malaria control efforts.

The scarce resources for the control of malaria have been shared with the COVID-19 control efforts.

Currently, the focus of the government and government agencies are on COVID-19 while gains of malaria control achieved before the pandemic are gradually being lost, he said.

According to the 2019 World Malaria Report, Nigeria had the highest number of global malaria cases in 2018 and accounted for the highest number of deaths. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Britains Queen Elizabeth II said reconciliation in Northern Ireland cannot be taken for granted in a statement marking the centenary of when a partition was created between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The anniversary comes at a time of political turmoil for Northern Ireland. Elizabeth said the date reminds us of our complex historyand provides an opportunity to reflect on our togetherness and our diversity.

She added that the establishedpeace between Northern Ireland and the Republic should be credited to political leaders and its citizens, on whose shoulders the future rests.

It is clear that reconciliation, equality and mutual understanding cannot be taken for granted, and will require sustained fortitude and commitment, the queen said.

Her message came 100 years since the state was founded on May 3, 1921.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson followed the same theme, stating the eventwas an opportunity for people to come together.

Arlene Foster, the outgoing first minister for Northern Ireland andleader of the Democratic Unionist Party, did notpublish a statement marking the anniversary but retweeted a message from Economy Minister Diane Dodds,who championed the nations industry.

The calls for people to join together come after a tumultuous few months for Northern Ireland.

Violence was sparkedin April in response toissues surrounding the European Union border, which is in place between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom after Brexit.

Foster last week announced her plans to step down. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Florence Onuegbu

The Tinubu Support Organisation (TSO) on Sunday held a special prayer session for peace and unity to reign in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the prayer session and Ramadan lecture took place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Director-General of the organisation, Aminu Suleiman, said the prayer session was also held for the All Progressives Congress National Leader, Sen. Bola Tinubu, because of his compassionate nature.

Suleiman said that many who knew and appreciated the good things Tinubu had done in Lagos wanted him to replicate the same at the national level.

We need someone like him to rule this country, he has done it in Lagos, that is why we are praying for him; let God give him the chance to come and rule this country. He has feeling for human being, he said.

Suleiman said that there was the need to maintain peace and unity as the way to progress in the country

In his remarks, the Lagos State Commissoner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, said that the prayers for peace and security in the country were very important.

Elegushi said that it was also imperative for Muslim faithful to pray for a good leader ahead of the 2023 election.

Really, we are praying for security, for peace but at the same time, we must pray for us to have a good leader as the president of this country.

That is why we are using this medium to drum support that come 2023, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerge as the president of this country, he said.

Elegushi, who said that peace and love must be allowed to reign, also cautioned those calling for the disintegration of the Nigerian nation.

Earlier in his lecture, the National Missioner of As-Abul Janat Islamic Group, Sheikh Muritadoh Alawiye, admonished the Yoruba to eshew hatred and internal division.

According to him, Lagos State is standing and progressing because successive governments have been following the Tinubu template given since 1999.

Alawiye, who described Tinubu as forgiving, said it was believed that Tinubu could do well for Nigeria, hence, the prayer organised for him. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his condolences over the death of the former Grand Khadi of Bauchi State, Alhaji Ahmad Rufai Ibrahim.

In a condolence message by his Spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Sunday, Buhari described late Ibrahim as a great religious scholar and jurist who left an untainted record of integrity.

He said: The late Grand Khadi was a man of sterling virtues who did his job with the fear of God and dispensed justice impartially.

The president stated that being a judge is a litmus test of a mans integrity and Im proud to say that the late Ahmad Rufai Ibrahim passed this test during his brilliant career in the judiciary.

While extending his condolences to family members and the Bauchi State Government, Buhari prayed to Allah to grant the deceased paradise for his good deeds and forgive his shortcomings. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Gami Tadanyigbe

Food Hygiene Initiative of Nigeria (FHIN), an NGO, has urged the National Assembly to pass the Nigeria Food Safety and Hygiene Surveillance Corps Bill into law to promote food safety and job creation.

The Director-General of the organisation, Dr Jonah Karimu made the call at the closing of a three-day training of 10th Batch of over 400 participants on food safety and hygiene organised by FHIN in Abuja.

Karimu expressed satisfaction over the progress of the bill which has passed second reading, adding that if finally passed, it would go a long way to address poor food handling especially in rural communities.

According to him, the recent deaths in Kano as a result of food poisoning, could be prevented from reoccurring in other states of the federation if the bill is passed into law.

Karimu added that its implementation would also bring about job creation and safe food consumption in the country.

He stressed the need for Nigerians to ensure proper food handling and hygienic food consumption to help promote food safety and healthy living in the country.

He said that the organisation was not aimed at duplicating the work of NAFDAC, SON and other health agencies, but rather to complement their efforts.

According to him, it will act as sister agency strictly on handling raw and cooked food especially at the rural communities.

All food vendors in the country should be registered and captured in a database, so that whenever there is a case of food poisoning, it will be easy to dictate which vendor prepared the food.

Our fight against food and water borne diseases is making progress as we recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Katsina State Ministry of health in this regard.

As we await the report from the committee on Health Care Services, we humbly call on the Government and policy makers to look at the various benefits the country stands to gain if the bill is finally passed.

It is necessary we have an agency responsible for regulating, supervising, training and issuing license to persons participating in raw and cooked food handling business to prevent deaths as result to food poisoning, he said.

The D-G said that food safety had become a dominant factor in governance due to its effects on public health, agriculture, trade and investment, poverty, hunger and tourism.

Karimu said that foods borne ailments had become a global phenomena affecting billions of people who suffered from diseases caused by contaminated and poorly cultivated, handled, processed or cooked food along the supply chain.

However, he maintained that the organisation was also saddled with the responsibility of educating consumers and food handlers on the importance of food safety and hygiene in line with pronouncement from WHO.

This organisation has been aggressively promoting food hygiene standards and practices all over the nation with a specific mandate of ensuring good food for better health.

The importance of this training cannot be over emphasised and our organisation is dedicated to education and training of food handlers, food operators as well as food administration to apply the best hygiene in Nigeria.

We trained them as food hygiene officers to go to the field and educate food vendors and consumers on the dangers of consuming unhygienic food.

The opportunity has exposed the trained participants to a knowledge that would enable them assist health workers in adopting modern techniques of food preservation to reduce food poisoning in the country, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the participants, recruited from all the states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, would serve as food safety and hygiene surveillance corps for the organisation. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ebere Agozie

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment towards return of looted Nigerian assets kept outside the country.

The Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, made this known in a statement issued by Dr Umar Gwandu, his Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations on Monday in Abuja.

Any moment from now, Nigeria will get the return of the 4.2 million pounds seized from the associates of convicted former Governor of Delta, James Ibori.

Sometimes when a country transfers funds, it may take a little more time than expected due to some documentations.

My office and other relevant government agencies will keep the public informed once the Ibori loot is received and confirmed.

He said the federal government is in touch with the government of the United Kingdom on the matter.

Documentations with the banks in different countries often take longer than expected. We anticipated two weeks but we are not in control of the banks, he said.

Malami maintained that the government is working assiduously to make sure that the transfer goes through successfully.

There is neither complacency nor undue delay as efforts are being made to ensure successful transfer of the funds, he assured. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Joan Nwagwu

The Organised Labour says Nigerian workers are opposed to any reform that seeks to scrap the local government system from the Constitution.

The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Ayuba Wabba, said this on Monday in Abuja, in a statement, he jointly signed with President, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr Quadri Olaleye.

It is unfortunate that in spite of the plague of insecurity confronting our country, some politicians are working hard to scrap the local government system.

Organised labour rejects such plans and warns that it would only aggravate the current security challenges in our country.

The absence of services and gainful employment at the very nucleus of economic activities in Nigeria is only an open invitation to apocalypse.

Instead of scrapping the local government councils, we call on government to improve access to local economic centres, he said.

He also urged political leaders to adopt measures to strengthen the structures and operations of local councils in the country through the guarantee of their full autonomy.

He said that the struggle for judicial autonomy had remained a mirage due to the indifference of state governors.

Come to think of it, what other reasons could they give for not allowing the three arms of government to function autonomously if not for ease of corruption?

It has become a case of he who pays the piper dictates the tune, he said.

The labour leader also said that it was regrettable that for about two weeks, activities in the courts have been paralysed due to the problem of the non implementation of the judicial autonomy.

He added that NLC and its affiliates would not hesitate to join the industrial action within the next two weeks if nothing was done.

We also wish to reiterate our full support for the full autonomy of the legislative arm of government as it would boosting democratic experience and deepen democratic culture, he said.

The NLC president also drew governments attention to the poor state of Apapa-Oshodi-Wharf road and the consequent gridlock.

He stressed that government should fix the vital artery for the benefits of economic life. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Jessica Onyegbula

Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja on Sundayurged the entire universalChurch to invoke the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary to end Coronavirus pandemic.

Kaigama, who gave the charge in his homily at St Anthony Jabi in Abuja, stressed that the church should ceaselessly pray against insecurity and other vices across the nation

He said that the Church shouldspecially remember those most affected by the pandemic and insecurity by praying the Holy Rosary personally,

And, to link up to Catholic Shrines around the world where prayers will be going on.

The Holy Father is requesting that during this month of May, the month of Mary,
the entire Church should invoke the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for the end of the coronavirus pandemic.

To specially remember those most affected by the pandemic by praying the Holy Rosary personally and to link up to Catholic Shrines around the world where prayers will be going on, he said.

The Archbishop, who also called for ceaseless prayer against insecurity and other vices, noted that the country was reckoned as one of the most religious nations on earth.

Our places of worship are often filled with worshippers, but our daily actions reflect a wide discrepancy from the tenets of the religions we profess.

In spite of our religiosity, we continue to witness an acute rise in the numbers of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and militants, not to talk of corrupt officials.

We price evil over good, laud violence over peace and personal economic interests over collective nation building.

We arrogantly feel that we are masters of creation and of ourselves, and those, who are comfortable, think that only the poor should worry about God or religion.

Some remember God only when they are in trouble like the Prodigal Son (cf. Lk. 15:11-13). Some cut off themselves from God during difficult moments.

Some live very ungodly lives and yet, expect the world to love and respect human lives and human rights.

The branches that do not bear good fruits are the nominal or indifferent Christians among us. They are tied to Jesus only by an outward profession.

The kind of fruits they bear are what St Paul enumerates in Galatians 5:19-21: immorality, impurity and shamelessness, idol worship and magic, hatred, jealousy, violence, anger, ambition, division, factions, envy, drunkenness, orgies and the like, he said.

Kaigama further said that in the face of rising challenges of all kinds in our nation, we feel duty bound to ask, if those who represent our collective interests in the Presidency, Senate, House of Representative, etc., do make the dividends of democracy come to us,

Or, they are only experiencing the fruits of democracy in their pockets and with their families and friends instead of all Nigerians.

We are faced with consuming insecurity, excruciating poverty, spiralling unemployment and the arbitrary destruction of human lives.

It is very painful and shameful that a country blessed with abundant resources, so endowed with intellectuals, professionals of eminent credentials, and a hard working people should suffer the kind of crippling poverty and social deprivation that give birth to multidimensional violence.

We should ask God for the grace of renewal, fruitful governance and a godly management of our resources, devoid of individualism, nepotism, bigotry and so on, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Babatunde Ogunrinde

The Lagos State Boxing Association (LSBA) has held a reception in honour of its boxers who won medals at the 20th edition of the National Sports Festival held in Edo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the reception was held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos on Saturday.

The Lagos State contingent dominated the boxing event at the sports festival, winning five gold, two silver and one bronze medals.

The victorious boxers are Osoba Abdul-Afeez (team captain), Shittu Afolabi, Dolapo Omole, Olamide Mustapha and Adesodun Michael.

Others are Blessing Oraekwe, Fatima Aronkomola and Gabriel Francis.

Speaking at the reception, Jenkins Alumona, Chairman of LSBA, congratulated the boxers for putting up a spectacular show and towering above their counterparts from other states.

He commended the boxers for being professional, and representing the state in shining colours throughout the festival.

He also lauded the teams Head Coach, Waidi Sobaloju, and the other coaches for preparing the boxers to success in spite ofnumerous challenges.

Alumona disclosed that LSBA was collaborating with the Lagos State Sports Commission to draw up a plan to keep the state boxers engaged every month.

What you boxers have done is to set the ball rolling.

Working with the sports commission, our plan is to change the face of boxing in the state.

We are blessed to have a very strong board; its members have shown that they are a team of action, alongside the sports commission.

Moving forward, one thing I can promise you is that we are not going to be waiting for sports festivals before we take action.

The technical and planning committee of the board has sent a proposal to the Sports Commission. Once it is approved, there is no month you wont be doing something.

As our boxers, we want you to know that we are working very hard for you because you have shown us that with support, you can do very well,Alumona said.

Alumona, however, tasked the boxers to match the action of the administrators by remaining professional and conduct themselves well at all times.

He also disclosed that the package the association had for the boxers would only be revealed after Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, hosts the entire Lagos State contingent.

Also speaking, Sola Aiyepku, Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, lauded the boxers for their performance at the festival.

He also congratulated the coaches and the LSBA for ensuring they prepared the boxing team adequately for the event.

Aiyepku also disclosed that the commission was already planning for the next sports festival scheduled to hold next year in Delta.

Edo wasnt easy, we know the circumstances leading to your departure and we all know what happened, but you all did well.

With what the chairman has told me, when we go with our full house next year, we will double this years feat. So, we are planning for next year already.

After you have done well for the state, you are still going to do well for the country. By Gods grace, those of you who want to become professional boxers will get our support, he said.

Aiyepku also reaffirmed Alumonas statement that the LSBA had submitted its plans to the commission and lauded the board for being visionary, describing that as fantastic.

He pledged the commissions support for the association to achieve its objective of improving the fortunes of boxing, and announced that the commission had granted a space to the boxing board for the development of a gym and training centre.

The chairman has already mentioned the space that we have given.

So many people have come to ask me why we have given boxing a space, but the truth is we are proud of the plans that the board has always put together.

We are determined to support it to make sure that we record good success, Aiyekpu said.

The sports commission boss also encouraged boxers not picked for the sports festival due to paucity of slots, not to feel disheartened.

I will advise them to train properly and make themselves available for selection, he said.

Osoba Abdul-Afeez, captain of the Lagos boxing team, in a remark, thanked the LSBA for organising the training camp where boxers prepared for the games.

The quality of the preparations helped us to triumph and conquer our opponents at the festival, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News