By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, on Friday in Abuja announced the dissolution of 31 national sports federations.

The minister also immediately announced the constitution of caretaker committees to oversee the federations until elections into their boards.

Following is the full list of members of the caretaker committees:

1. AQUATICS FEDERATION OF NIGERIA
   NAME DESIGNATION
   1 Babatunde Fatai Williams Chairman
   2 Onyeacholom Stephen Augustus Member
   3 Sani Mohammed Secretary-General

2. ATHLETICS FEDERATION OF NIGERIA

NAME DESIGNATION
1 Olamide George Chairman
2 Maria Wophill Member
3 Adisa A. Beyioku Secretary-General

3. BADMINTON FEDERATION OF NIGERIA

NAME DESIGNATION
1 Francis Orbih Chairman
2 Olumide Bamiduro Member
3 Victor Osuoha Secretary-General

4. BASKETBALL FEDERATION OF NIGERIA

NAME DESIGNATION
1 Musa Kida Chairman
2 Prof. Florence B. Adeyanju Member
3 Afolabi Olabisi Omobola Secretary-General

5. NIGERIA BOXING FEDERATION
   NAME DESIGNATION
   1 Gen. Joseph Ayeni (Rtd.) Chairman
   2 Mrs. Uche Julie Netufo Member
   3 Obot Uko Monday Secretary-General

6. NIGERIA CHESS FEDERATION
   NAME DESIGNATION

1 DIG. Sani Muhammed Chairman
2 Bode Durotoye Member
3 Akinyele Dapo Secretary-General

7. NIGERIA CRICKET FEDERATION
   NAME DESIGNATION
   1 Prof. Yahaya Adam Ukwanya Chairman
   2 Prof. Mariamn Suleiman Member
   3 Taiwo Oriss Secretary-General

8. CYCLING FEDERATION OF NIGERIA

NAME DESIGNATION
1 G. Massari Chairman
2 Mohammed Bashir Member
3 Shammah Makpa Secretary-General

9. DARTS FEDERATION OF NIGERIA
   NAME DESIGNATION
   1 Abubakar Gaiya Haruna Chairman
   2 Rita Oyoku Nwaeke Member
   3 Etim Udokang Secretary-General

10. NIGERIA DEAF SPORTS FEDERATION
    NAME DESIGNATION
    1 Alh. U. Nahuche Chairman
    2 Ogundele Olusola Foluke Member
    3 Agbabiaka Lukman Secretary-General

11. FIVES FEDERATION OF NIGERIA
    NAME DESIGNATION
    1 Abubakar A. Dangaladima Chairman
    2 Sheba Victoria Jefferson Member
    3 Salisu Mamman Secretary-General

12. NIGERIA GOLF FEDERATION
    NAME DESIGNATION
    1 Olagunsoye Oyinlola Chairman
    2 Dr. Patrick Uwagbale Member
    3 Almu Umar Lambu Secretary-General

13. GYMNASTICS FEDERATION OF NIGERIA

NAME DESIGNATION

1. Kelvin Erhurnwunse Chairman
   2 Moyosore Ogunseinde Member
   3 Davies Oludare Secretary-General

2. HANDBALL FEDERATION OF NIGERIA

NAME DESIGNATION
1 Samuel Ocheho Chairman
2 Halima Banjeminia Member
3 Muhammed Maigidansama Secretary-General

15. NIGERIA HOCKEY FEDERATION
    NAME DESIGNATION
    1 Sen Abdul Ningi Chairman
    2 Dr Success Anyanwu Member
    3 Rita Mosindi Secretary-General

16. NIGERIA JUDO FEDERATION
    NAME DESIGNATION
    1 Brig. Gen. Z.L. Abubakar Chairman
    2 Prof. A.O. De-Souza Member
    3 Monica Otumola Secretary-General

17. KARATE FEDERATION OF NIGERIA
    NAME DESIGNATION
    1 Silas Agara Chairman
    2 Dare Jegede Member
    3 Adamu Maikano Secretary-General

18. KICKBOXING FEDERATION OF NIGERIA
    NAME DESIGNATION
    1 Yakubu Abubakar Chairman
    2 Dr. (Mrs) Uwaoma Ifeyinwa A Member
    3 Ademisoro Oluwasegun Secretary-General

19 NIGERIA WUSHU KUNGFU FEDERATION
NAME DESIGNATION
1 Adewunmi Adekunle Chairman
2 Amaefule Kathleen Chimezien Member
3 Abbas Wosilat Secretary-General

20. NIGERIA ROWING, CANOEING

Manchester Uniteds 2020/2021 English Premier League (EPL) clash against Liverpool on Sunday was called off after their fans broke into Old Trafford and invaded the pitch during a protest.

The protest was against the Glazer family, who are the clubs owners.

The Red Devils were among 12 clubs which last month signed up for the breakaway European Super League (ESL), which collapsed within 48 hours due to huge, unrelenting pressure.

Those plans brought anger against the Glazer family to a new level, with fans congregating at Old Trafford to demand change ahead of Sundays clash with rivals Liverpool.

But hundreds of supporters got into the stadium and on to the pitch, leading to an initial unspecified delay to the 4.30 pm (1530 GMT) kick-off.

The Premier League said that the safety of everyone at Old Trafford is paramount and confirmation came through from Manchester United at 5.35 pm that the match had been postponed.

Following discussion between the Police, the Premier League, Trafford Council and the clubs, our match against Liverpool has been postponed due to safety and security considerations around the protest today, a club statement read.

Discussions will now take place with the Premier League on a revised date for the fixture.

Our fans are passionate about Manchester United, and we completely acknowledge the right to free expression and peaceful protest.

However, we regret the disruption to the team and actions which put other fans, staff, and the police in danger.

We thank the police for their support and will assist them in any subsequent investigations.

The Premier League confirmed the collective decision to call off the game was taken with security and safety in mind.

We understand and respect the strength of feeling but condemn all acts of violence, criminal damage and trespass, especially given the associated COVID-19 breaches, a statement from the league said.

Fans have many channels by which to make their views known, but the actions of a minority seen today (Sunday) have no justification.

We sympathise with the police and stewards who had to deal with a dangerous situation that should have no place in football. The rearrangement of the fixture will be communicated in due course.

Liverpool - another founding member of the Super League - said they were in full agreement with the decision to postpone Sundays match at Old Trafford.

It is our position that public safety must be the number one factor in any such decision, with the ability to provide a secure environment for the participants, staff and officials being a particular priority, the Anfield club said.

It was clearly not possible for this to be guaranteed today due to a situation which escalated rapidly.(dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says recent attacks on its facilities, if remained unchecked, may affect future polls.

The commission expressed concern, particularly with the ongoing conversion of voting points to polling units, voter registration and the conduct of future elections.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, said this in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, while confirming fire attack on the commissions office in Akwa Ibom.

Okoye said that the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa Ibom, Mike Igini, reported that INEC office in Essien Udim Local Government Area was set ablaze at the early hours of Sunday morning.

He said that the security guard on duty escaped unhurt but the destruction to the building and properties therein was extensive.

Items destroyed include 345 ballot boxes, 135 voting cubicles, megaphones, water tanks and office furniture.

The police, which have also been battling with attacks on its facilities and personnel in the area, are aware of the incident and have commenced investigation, Okoye said.

Source: NAN News

By Florence Onuegbu

National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Bola Tinubu, has called on those clamouring for secession to jettison such idea.

Speaking at the Special Ramadan Prayer Tafsir (Lecture) for Lagos State and Nigeria, held at the Lagos House, Marina on Sunday, Tinubu said that the country was better together than separated.

He said that the war drums some people were beating would result in the disintegration of the country like Sudan and Iraq.

According to him, Nigeria is yet to recover from the effect of the civil war, hence, cannot afford to experience another war.

For clamouring for war, God will not allow Nigeria to experience war. If we say Nigeria should separate, people should remember what war caused in Sudan and Iraq. Such war does not end on time. We are yet to recover from the civil war.

We are better together. I have nowhere I am going. Whoever has experienced war in the past will not pray for such. Nigeria will not separate, its not acceptable to us. Our prayers is for prosperity and more wealth for the country, he said.

Tinubu also commended the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, for their achievements in the state.

He said that the state had witnessed massive developments since the administration of Sanwo-Olu came on board and expressed satisfaction with their performance.

In his goodwill message, Gov. Sanwo-Olu promised to fulfill his campaign promises and deliver on the dividends of democracy.

He said that the state government was in the process of installing 2,000 cameras across the state for security surveillance.

He said that the proposed last mile buses, which his administration would unveil this month (May), would eradicate the menace of Okada riders.

According to him, more funds will be deployed into the state Security Trust Fund to empower police and other security operatives, while technology will be deployed around the state.

The National Missioner, Ansaru-deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdul-rahman Ahmad, also called on those clamouring for the country to divide to have a rethink.

Ahmad said that though insecurity was on the increase, but with constant prayers, change of thoughts and characters by Nigerians, the country would come out of it.

The Islamic cleric encouraged all Nigerians to buy made in Nigeria products to strengthen the naira and the economy.

He urged the Lagos State Government to make examples of lawless commercial motorcyclists, popularly called Okada riders, for peace and security in Lagos.

Ahmad condemned the kidnappings in many parts of the country and advised government to implement the laws on insecurity as it affects development.

For those clamouring to divide the country, maybe you should have a rethink. Ask yourself; where will this clamour for so called independence lead us? We should reinvent this country. Nigeria will be great.

Today are in hard times, these are uncertain times. This is the time men are supposed to be separated from boys. This is the time that regions need to think out of the box.

We are insecure, we are unsure, there is hunger, there is anger and confusion in the land. This is the time we need divine intervention. If we gather and pray till 2023, Allah will not listen to us till we do some things.

This is the time action is required, backed by deep thoughts for today and our tomorrow. We have often blamed leaders but we have to choose the kind of leaders we deserve. Everywhere is unsafe even the police station is not safe. We need to rejig, he said.

Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello (Oniwasi Agbaye), called for more prayers, as what Nigeria was facing was as a result of sins in the country.

Bello said Nigerians should truly love one another, and do away with corrupt practices.

The event was attended by frontline Islamic clerics from all local government areas in the state and the General Officer Commanding 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Gen Abubakar Garba.

Also, the former National Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, business mogul, Aliko Dangote, among others. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Akeem Abas

Sen. Teslim Folarin (APC-Oyo Central) has said that the 9th Senate would achieve restructuring by expunging sick we will remain sick.

That is the truth of the matter. Our mainstay is oil. During this COVID period, there was a time when oil fell to as low as 20 dollars per barrel.

Aviation industry, a major user of oil, is almost grounded. I am not making excuses, we always have our problems, when you add this to it, this is what you will get, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ibironke Ariyo/Yahaya Isah
The Minister of Interior, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, has admonished Squadron Commanders to defend custodial facilities under their watch with maximum force, just as he declared all custodial centres in Nigeria as Red Zones.

Aregbesola gave the instruction while addressing Squadron Commanders of the Nigeria Correctional Services (NCoS) in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ministers directive followed the attack on the Owerri Custodial Centre where over 1,884 inmates escaped from custody on April 5.

NAN also reports that there were also attempted jailbreaks at the Kano and Bauchi correctional centres.

The minister said custodial facilities were symbols of the authority of Nigeria, adding that they were sacred and invaluable formations.

He, therefore, instructed the personnel to guard and defend the facilities with their lives, saying that the safety of custodial centres are in the hands of the service.

According to Aregbesola, these incessant attacks on facilities are no longer happenstances, but coordinated attacks.

I declare, henceforth, all our custodial centres red zones. You (armed personnel) have no excuse at all to allow our facilities to be attacked, either within or from outside.

You are empowered to use any means necessary to defend the custodial centres.

You must use maximum force to hold your ground and prevent the violation of our custodial facilities and the people within, he warned.

The minister, however, maintained that the instruction to use minimal force was no longer tenable in the present situation.

The weapons you carry must be deployed legally to defend the custodial centres.

Anyone who attempts to violate the centres must be made to live to regret it. By the time you make it a death and life matter, that would be the last time anyone would attempt to attack the centres, he said.

Aregbesola charged the personnel to be vigilant, stressing that most of the attacks on custodial centres were carried out with supports from some officers of the NCoS.

It will be difficult or even impossible for a prison to be attacked without the cooperation of officers within, he added.

Aregbesola disclosed that investigation is ongoing into the attack on the custodial centre in Owerri, where close to 2,000 inmates were released by hoodlums.

We will hold the personnel absolutely responsible for any attack on our custodial facilities, going forward, he added.

The minister commended the NCoS officials in Bauchi and Kano for thwarting attempted jailbreaks at their facilities and directed the service to issue letters of commendation to them.

He stressed the significance of custodial centres as the foundation on which societal justice is built, adding that grave and incalculable harm would be done to society if this foundation slipped.

The entire edifice will come crashing down, with dire consequences for all. We are already seeing some of these.

Some of the escaped inmates from Edo have been arrested for committing murder and other crimes. One, in particular, went after those who provided the witness for his conviction, he said.

Earlier, the acting Controller General, NCoS, Mr John Mrabure, had appreciated the minister for his support in attending to issues of the service.

Mrabure said that present realities on ground had occasioned the meeting, adding that jailbreaks and attacks on NCoS facilities are becoming alarming.

Hence, the need to interact with the minister and the service squadrons on the way forward and on how to curb future occurrences, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Stanley Nwanosike

The police command in Enugu State has arrested two suspects who allegedly attacked and hijacked a truck-load of bags of cement within Nsukka-9Mile Expressway in the state.

The command also recovered a small blue-coloured unregistered Mercedes Benz truck; which the suspects planed to offload the bags of cement to.

The commands Public Relations Officer, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Sunday.

Ndukwe said that the feat was achieved by a joint team of police operatives attached to 9th Mile Police Division and personnel of the Nigerian Army, 82 Division, Enugu.

According to him, on April 15 at about 1:35 a.m., Goodluck Samuel, 31, and Ifeanyi Ozo, 30, were arrested along Nsukka- 9th Mile Expressway by 7-up in Udi Local Government Area.

The suspects and others at large, were alleged to have attacked and hijacked from its driver and motor-boy, a Dangotes Sinotruk truck with registration number: GRZ 430 XA loaded with bags of cement en-route Awka, Anambra from Obajana, Kogi.

They demobilised the truck, and were at the verge of trans-loading the bags of cement to a smaller Mercedes Benz truck they used for the operation, when the joint operatives arrested them.

The hijacked truck and goods have been secured, while the said smaller truck has been recovered, he said.

The police spokesman said that further discreet investigation had been ongoing on the matter to arrest other accomplices.

He said that the suspects would be charged to court on conclusion of investigation.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed Aliyu, has appreciated the collaborative supports from sister security agencies and law-abiding residents of the state.

The commissioner also called on residents to remain vigilant and continue to assist the police with credible information required to further curb acts of crime and criminality in the state, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By EricJames Ochigbo

Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi has commended the vigilance group and security agents in Dekina Local Government Area of the state for the arrest of notorious kidnappers.

Bello gave the commendation in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Mohammed, on Sunday after a successful operation where three kidnapped victims were also rescued.

The governor said that the kidnappers had been operating and terrorising communities in the environs.

According to him, the successful fight against criminals in the state is also coming at a time when insecurity is heightened in some parts of the country.

Bello said the gang of notorious kidnappers operating in Dekina Area Council on Sunday met their waterloo on Saturday on Idah Road.

He added that the repel by the Joint Taskforce of Neighborhood watch, vigilantes, hunters and other security agents led to the death of the gang members as three captives were release.

The kidnappers, whose names were Monday Mimiko alias Aneni the law and Abu Billi alias Don German died during crossfire with security personnel while two others escaped with gunshot wounds.

The security team also freed three persons kidnapped by the gang during operation around Egume.

The criminals had been terrorising the Okura axis of Dekina LGA for years engaging in kidnapping and armed robbery.

Confirming the report, Dekina LGA Chairman, Mr Ishaq Okolo, said that he was aware of the operation, noting that the security operatives were acting on the instruction of the governor.

The governor had directed security agents to fish out criminal elements wherever they are in the society.

Okolo urged members of the public to give useful information about criminals to the security agencies noting that all hands must be on deck to ensure a crime-free society, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Monday Ijeh

The Department of State Services (DSS) has warned against unsavoury and inciting statements concerning the country.

The Service noted that some misguided Nigerians had continued to threaten the government, sovereignty and corporate existence of the country.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Service, Dr Peter Afunanya, gave the warning in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

He said notable among the utterances were the unnecessary vituperations and activities of some religious and past political leaders.

Afunanya noted that this group of people had either called for forceful change of government or mass action against it.

According to him, it has been established that the main objective for these is to cause a disintegration of the country.

It is unfortunate that those in the forefront of this are respectable individuals who should be patriotic and not allow their personal ambitions to ruin the nation.

The Service has also noted their desperation and penchant to collaborate with external forces and influences against Nigeria.

They are reminded that even though democracy offers free speech, it does not give room to reckless pronouncements capable of undermining security.

It is instructive to note that the ballot box remains the vehicle of change in a democracy, he said.

Referring to them asself-centred individuals and groups, Afunanya, called on them to stop engaging in acts inimical to the peace and sovereignty of the nation.

Heurged influential personalities to be sensitive to the emerging situations and guard against divisive and inciting utterances that would cause a breakdown of law and order.

The PRO said the Service had recently, invited and cautioned some persons who, he noted, denied their earlier statements or said they were quoted out of context.

He called on the public to be wary of such individuals who incite them in the open, but turn in the secret to retrieve their words after causing damage.

Afunanyareaffirms the unambiguous support of the Service to an indivisible, indisolluble and united country in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

He said the Service would no longer tolerate deliberate machinations by subversive and hostile groups whose agenda was to throw the country into anarchy and to serve the interests of their sponsors.

Afunanya saidthe Servcie was working with other security and law enforcement agencies to ensure the sustainability of peace and internal security of the country. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA ) on Sunday said cutting down of a tree either in private compound or in a public place without permission would attract a fine of N100,000.

Mrs Riskatu Abdulazeez, the Director, FCTA Department of Parks and Recreation, made this known during a tour of the sites where flamboyant trees are planted within the city centre, in Abuja.

She noted that once any tree planted in private houses had grown, it would become a public property that requires the permission of government before its removal.

She explained that government was making efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change on the city and wont allow reckless actions that could further endanger residents lives.

The director noted that after any tree is cut down with the permission of the department, it is also mandatory that two trees are planted as its replacement.

She further explained that even estate developers who remove trees to pave the way for their projects are also compelled by laws to pay and replant the trees.

According to her, trees are not just planted for environmental protection alone, but for beautification and aesthetic appeal.

Abdulazeez noted that nature had made human beings to be dependent on trees for Oxygen while the trees also depend on human beings for Carbon dioxide.

Cutting down of trees is not allowed in the city, we have a penalty. The policy stipulates that if you plant a tree in your compound, once it is grown, it is no more your tree, it has become a public property.

Before such trees are cut down, the permission of the Department of Parks and Recreation must be sought.

Anyone who cuts down tree illegally, depending on the size and age of the tree, such person will pay a fine of N100,000 per tree and will also be compelled to plant a minimum of two trees as replacement.

Even when permission is granted for anyone to legally remove trees, such trees must be replaced with two trees and if there is no space within the place where the trees were removed, the department will provide a place where the trees can be planted.

She stated that trees have enormous benefits and importance for human beings, adding that the oxygen we breathe in is from the trees.

According to her, we breathe out Carbon dioxide which the trees use to live.

Apart from the life the tree gives us, it also douses noise, it reduces glare and mitigates the effects of climate change.

We are all feeling the effects of climate change. It is attributed to the rate at which we cut down trees, leading to deforestation.

As for the housing developers who have been cutting down trees to pave ways for their construction, most of them apply for permission to remove trees and they are also made to pay before removing the trees, she said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Edith Nwapi

Mr Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Sunday said that human rights was key to industrial harmony.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mrs Fatimah Agwai- Mohammed Deputy Director, Public Affairs of the commission in commemoration of the 2021 International Workers Day (IWD) celebrated every May 1.

Ojukwu reiterated the commissions commitment to ensure that human rights principles are mainstreamed into labour practices in various workplaces and amongst labour unions across Nigeria.

This is to ensure sustainable industrial harmony, improved productivity and efficient service delivery.

Mainstreaming human rights in the operations of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as in the private sector holds the key to job satisfaction and increased productivity, Ojukwu said.

According to Ojukwu, it is in this connection that the commission has continued to train and retrain law enforcement personnel, labour force in the MDAs and workers in the private sector.

This is for them to understand and appreciate the need to deploy and mainstream human rights principles and norms while carrying out their official duties.

On the other hand, the Nigerian workers both in the public and private sector should not renege on their own responsibility of delivering quality and efficient services to justify the trust and confidence reposed in them by their employers.

Demand for improvement in the welfare packages of the workforce is a legitimate human response in the light of current challenges facing the workforce, he said.

He added that where resources were not immediately available to address such demands, it behoved on workers to show understanding while pushing for their demands.

Ojukwu enjoined the government and employers of labour to always try to pay just wages that could address the basic needs of workers for industrial peace and harmony.

He commiserated with families of those who lost their relations in the line of duty as a result of hazards associated with their occupation or from natural causes.

We must as a matter of necessity remember them whenever we mark Workers Day, given their sacrifices and contributions to nation building.

The current COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in the death of many people across the globe seriously affected workers especially health workers including Doctors and Nurses.

This calls for comprehensive life insurance policies for Nigerian workers to mitigate the burden of such casualties on any affected family, Ojukwu added. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Kola Adeyemi

Gunmen have killed a Commissioner in the Kogi State Pension Board, Mr Solomon Akeweje, and abducted the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government, Mr Pius Kolawole.

Spokesman of the state police command, DSP William Aya, who confirmed the incident told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Commissioner and Kolawole were travelling in the same vehicle when they were attacked.

He said that police received the report of the attack at about 4:30 pm of Saturday, May 1, and immediately moved to the scene of the incident.

The police spokesman said that the victims were attacked at Eruku, a border community between Kwara and Kogi States.

According to Aya, both Akeweje and Kolawole were travelling back to Egbe from Kwara State when they were attacked by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.

The whereabouts of the abducted Kolawole is unknown as at the time of this report while his abductors are yet to call.

However, the driver of the vehicle survived the attack while the corpse of Akeweje was deposited at the morgue of ECWA Hospital, Egbe. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Kingsley Okoye

President of Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has felicitated with Nigerian journalists as they celebrate this years World Press Freedom Day.

Lawan in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Ola Awoniyi, in Abuja on Sunday said that May 3 was set aside every year to remind governments around the world of their obligation to facilitate and respect press freedom.

He said the commemoration of the day was also to remind journalists the need to respect the ethics of their profession.

Lawan said he was proud that Nigeria had a vibrant media that had always resolutely defended freedom of speech.

Lawan said that freedom of the press enables journalists to effectively discharge their roles as the watchdog of the society and Fourth Estate of the Realm.

I also celebrate the Nigerian journalists for the invaluable contributions and sacrifices that they have made throughout our national history to nation-building and entrenchment of democracy.

I pay tribute to the patriots who have lost their lives in the line of duty and pray that their death will not be in vain.

The Ninth Senate and the National Assembly in general will never pass any law that inhibits the freedom of the press but rather work with the media to further enhance the practice of the profession.

It is in this light that I call on the practitioners to purge their noble profession of the bad eggs whose nefarious activities are denting the credibility and reputation of the mainstream practitioners.

The leadership organs of the profession also need to adopt practical measures to check the activities of the purveyors of fake news.

My belief is that the menace of fake news is capable of eroding the integrity and credibility of the media in general, and this should not be allowed to happen, Lawan said.

The Senate President wished the media a happy celebration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that May 3 acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom and is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.

Just as importantly, World Press Freedom Day is a day of support for media which are targets for the restraint, or abolition, of press freedom.

It is also a day of remembrance for those journalists who lost their lives in the pursuit of a story.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Martha Agas

Rev. Tajan Moltok, Resident Pastor of Shepherd House Assembly International, Jos on Sunday held special prayers to seek Gods intervention on the security challenges confronting the country.

The Cleric, who led members of the congregation in the special prayer session, prayed the Almighty toexpose evil schemes aimed at destabilising the nation.

He urged Nigerians to put their trust in God and remain confident as He would surely intervene.

He begged God to save the Churchs members from becoming victims of satanic operations and remove harm from their ways.

He prayed for favour for the congregation in the month of May, and expressed confidence that God would perfect their heart desires.

Moltok encouraged members of the congregation to have a deep relationship with God in the midst of tribulations, noting that such relationship s the root of their strength.

Nothing on earth should take children of God by surprise; there are accounts of such tribulations in the scriptures, he said.

In his sermon on the theme for the month of May Month of Greatness of Eternity he said that believers must be strong in the Lord and remain steadily in communion with him.

He explained that being strong entailed the conviction to hold unto God no matter the situation, and for believers not to detest themselves no matter the difficult experiences and life disappointments.

Tell your self the truth even if it hurts; it means losing small to gain something bigger and to be aware you will be unable to do it without God, he said.

To become strong in Christ, Christians should study the scriptures to know God. There is power in knowledge. Those that love God are the wisest, he declared. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Christian Ogbonna

Some suspected armed hoodlums on Saturday attacked Abaomege Police Division in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi and carted away valuables and destroyed property.

The Ebonyi Commissioner for Internal Security, Mr Stanley Okoro-Emegha, however confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki on Sunday.

Okoro-Emegha described the attack as worrisome.

The police division was attacked yesterday, Saturday; it is very unfortunate and worrisome. I urge the police to step up strategy to deal with the hoodlums, he said.

Sunday Okafor, an eyewitness and resident in the area, who spoke with NAN, said the incident occurred on Saturday night.

Yes, it happened on Saturday night; the gunmen came and started shooting sporadically; one police officer was shot but we do not know if he is dead.

The gunmen also destroyed police vehicles and a motorcycle at the division and stole some property, Okafor alleged.

Efforts by our correspondent to get the police reaction were abortive, as the Ebonyi Police Command Spokesperson, DSP Loveth Odeh could not immediately answer her calls or respond to text messages. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Solomon Asowata

Electricity consumer groups on Sunday, kicked against the planned review of electricity tariffs for the 11 power Distribution Companies (DisCos) by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

They maintained that there was no justification for any upward review of electricity tariffs due to the current economic realities and challenges being faced by Nigerians.

The groups, the Energy Consumer Rights and Responsibilities Initiative (ECRRI) and All Electricity Consumers Protection Forum (AECPF) made their views known in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

NAN reports that NERC, the regulator of the power sector had in a public notice, announced that it was working on concluding Extraordinary Tariff Review process for the DisCos.

The commission said it would also commence the processes for the July 2021 Minor Review of the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO-2020) which was done every six months.

However, Mr Adeola Samuel-Ilori, National Coordinator, AECPF said minor review was not automatic even if it was done every six months.

Samuel-Ilori said There are provisions to be fulfilled before they can do any review whether major or minor.

In the major review they have to fulfill the provisions of Section 76(1) of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) which states that a licensee can ask for a review premised on what the licensee has spent so far to improve supply.

This also applies to minor review and we cannot say that supply has improved in the last few months based on the DisCos investments in the sector.

As at today, we are generating 5,866MW to serve the whole Nigeria which is almost 200 million people. That cannot be said to be an improvement, he said.

He also argued that there was nothing like extraordinary review in the EPSRA , stressing that what Nigerians needed now was improved supply not tariff increment.

Also, Mr Surai Fadairo, National President, ECRRI said Nigerians were still struggling to cope with the last tariff increment following the major review done in 2020.

Fadairo said The national minimum wage is N30,000 and most states are yet to implement the payment.

There is rising inflation in costs of goods and services. Some Nigerians have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic and are barely holding on.

There is no justification for any increment in electricity at this point in time. We are even thinking of how government can give electricity credits to Nigerians to ameliorate their plights, he said.

NAN reports that NERC had said extraordinary tariff reviews were carried out in instances where industry parameters had changed from those used in the operating tariffs to such an extent that a review was urgently required to maintain the viability of the industry.

The commission said the reviews would put into consideration, changes in inflation, foreign exchange, gas prices and available generation capacity.

NERC said it would also consider Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) required to evacuate and distribute the said available generation capacity in accordance with EPSRA and other extant industry rules. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company Ltd (ABUMTCO) says the cost of maintenance of its vehicles is the major challenge affecting the smooth operation of the company.

Mr Tunde Akintola, Head, Marketing and Communication of the company, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Akintola said that the company had over 200 functional buses that transport commuters within and outside Abuja environs, both in the northern, southern and eastern corridors of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He said that the buses moved directly to the northern corridors which covered Gwagwalada and Kwali Area Councils, down to the Central Area, then from Zuba axis down to the city centre in Berger axis.

He said that the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, had directed the company to ensure that a good number of vehicles were deployed to the city centre to transport people to their offices.

According to him, the company has a number of drivers, vendors, supervisors and administrative staff, who are capable and well trained.

However, cost of maintenance is killing us, it is one of the major challenges facing the company. For example a good tyre of a bus goes for N300,000 and each bus use a minimum of six tires.

You can imagine when you have up to 10 buses that need tyres, apart from the cost of other maintenance, honestly cost of maintenance is a serious issue.

It is serious to the extent that we find it difficult to maintain the buses very well because of the high cost of spare parts. Some of our buses come for maintenance after every three days.

We dont just deployed vehicle with risk like other transport companies. We make sure that all our buses are in good condition and safety before we can move them to the road.

Majority of the buses you have seen parked here are all in good condition when we need them we deployed them, he said.

Akintola, therefore, appealed to the FCT Administration to review the monthly subsidy being given to the company because of the increase in the cost of operations.

He noted that all over the world no transport company like Abuja urban mass could survive without the support of the government because it was not profit making venture.

It is a call to service to assist the citizens, because transportation is drives the economy, if people cannot move from one location to the other it will be difficult for any business to survive.

Presently the price of diesel per litter is 265 to 270, which we use to buy in the past 160 to 170.

For the pass four to five years we have not changed our transport fares and we already have not less than 100 per cent increase on the cost of operations on daily basis.

We still charge N50 from Luge axis to town, we still charge N100 from Zuba to town in which none of the commercial vehicle can do that, Akintola said.

He, however, commended the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, for being very supportive to the company by ensuring the release of its monthly subsidy to augment its operational cost.

Akintola also appealed to the FCT administration to establish terminal in the four corridors of territory to the Abuja urban mass transport company.

He said that Abuja urban mass transport was the safest among all the transport companies in the city, saying even when passengers forget their things they have an assurance that they will get it.

Apart from finance issue, we also have the challenge of conducive environment. No urban transport system can survive under Abuja environment.

For instance in Lagos you have the bus shelter, terminals for this kind of operation, you have bus stop and people that control traffic properly.

But we are still lacking behind here. You get to Berger Bridge, Nyanya and Zuba axis you realised that everywhere is congested and it is a risk.

You remember what happened in 2014 when Nyanya was bombed, so we must be very careful, he said.

He stressed the need for the FCT transportation secretariat to regulate transport in the territory with a view to check the activities of those who constitute security threat to the operations of Abuja urban mass company. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By EricJames Ochigbo

Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi has commended the vigilance group and security agents in Dekina Local Government Area of the state for the arrest of notorious kidnappers.

Bello gave the commendation in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Mohammed, on Sunday after a successful operation where three kidnapped victims were also rescued.

The governor said that the kidnappers had been operating and terrorising communities in the environs.

According to him, the successful fight against criminals in the state is also coming at a time when insecurity is heightened in some parts of the country.

Bello said the gang of notorious kidnappers operating in Dekina Area Council on Sunday met their waterloo on Saturday on Idah Road.

He added that the repel by the Joint Taskforce of Neighborhood watch, vigilantes, hunters and other security agents led to the death of the gang members as three captives were release.

The kidnappers, whose names were Monday Mimiko alias Aneni the law and Abu Billi alias Don German died during crossfire with security personnel while two others escaped with gunshot wounds.

The security team also freed three persons kidnapped by the gang during operation around Egume.

The criminals had been terrorising the Okura axis of Dekina LGA for years engaging in kidnapping and armed robbery.

Confirming the report, Dekina LGA Chairman, Mr Ishaq Okolo, said that he was aware of the operation, noting that the security operatives were acting on the instruction of the governor.

The governor had directed security agents to fish out criminal elements wherever they are in the society.

Okolo urged members of the public to give useful information about criminals to the security agencies noting that all hands must be on deck to ensure a crime-free society, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

Yobe State Government has restated its commitment toward improving the quality of healthcare and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Lawan Gana, said this on Saturday in Kano during a three- day workshop organised by the Yobe State Contributory Health Care Management Agency for the validation and development of implementation plan for the informal sector programme.

Gana said thatensuring good healthcare services for all in the state had been an area of priority for the Gov. Mala Buni administration.

He added that our target is to see majority of our people accessing quality and affordable health care services before the year 2030.

The commissioner revealed that the state government had already enrolled 200,000 civil servants in the Formal Sector Contributory Healthcare Scheme.

He noted that the state government earmarked one per cent of its consolidated revenue to the informal sector scheme to cover poor people who would not be able to pay the premium.

He said that the workshop was organised to develop the implementation roadmap for both the formal and informal sector programmes, as well as monitoring and evaluation plan, including funding opportunities and also to provide opportunities for continuous capacity building.

The commissioner emphasised that participants at the workshop were expected to come out with various strategies that would convince residents of the state to enroll into the informal sector programme.

Gana added that the workshop was organised by the Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency with support from Saving One Million Lives Programme For Results (SOML-PforR).

According to him, health financing is a major priority area in the development of the health sector. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chinenye Offor

The Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mr Folorunsho Coker, says he will use his fresh mandate to accelerate the growth of domestic tourism.

Coker made the statement in Abuja on Sunday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on his reappointment last week as director-general of the NTDC by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said that his immediate desire was to hasten tourism growth and foster socio-economic development of Nigeria, using the tourism value-chain.

Coker described his reappointment as another opportunity to collaborate with critical stakeholders in the tourism sector to deepen growth, using domestic tourism as catalyst.

Coker, 55, was first appointed to the position in March 2017.

He said that domestic tourism needed to be used to accelerate the growth of Nigerias creative sector to galvanise economic growth across other sectors, including agriculture and manufacturing.

My agenda is to drive the mission and vision of the NTDC aslaid out by the Federal Government, he stated.

We will promote domestictourism and ensure sustainable practices that will boost the socio-economic wellbeing of our citizenry as seen in other parts of the world.

The director-general also pledged to continue with the existing template on domestic tourism promotion, deepening digital capacity and ensuring training of tourism practitioners.

He said that he would collaborate with the National Assembly to get lawmakers to enact laws to facilitate tourism growth.

Coker said that he was also looking forward to introducing better welfare packages for employees of the NTDC and ensuring that government provided necessary infrastructure for the tourism industry.

He noted that new laws were needed in the tourism sector to open up the sector and make Nigerians to harness opportunities in the sector.

Laws are needed to reflect contemporary realities in the tourism sector and to promote the best of Nigeria, leveraging on technologies to deepen creativity and entrepreneurship.

We will continue our collaborations with our digital partners to shine light on Nigerias rich and diverse cultural heritage, spectacular nature,bustling cities and our welcoming spirit.

We have a digital framework in the promotion of tourism, information and sharing of the nations culture, partnering with Google Arts and Culture, Facebook and Wikipedia, among others for global reach.

Coker reiterated the commitment of the corporation to sustaining collaborations with the private sector, state governments and international agencies to achieve set goals of the NTDC. (NAN)

Source: NAN News