By Ahmed Kaigama
Weeds and rodents have taken over the premises of Steyr (Nigeria) Ltd, Bauchi, one of the four Automobile Assembly Plants established in the country about 40 years ago.

A Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who visited the premises of the company, also observes that the road leading to the factory is now being used for drying of farm produce.

Mr Ibrahim Buba, a staff of the Marketing Department of the company, told NAN that the factory, which used to assemble trucks, tractors and buses at its inception, had become moribund long ago.

Buba said the problems of the company started after its privatization by the Federal Government, which led to transfer of ownership to private individuals.

According to him, staff union and management of the factory are in court over assets and liability, including staff entitlement, among other things.

Another employee of the company who spoke on condition of anonymity, also told NAN that the company stopped production since year 2007.

The source told NAN that he had been a staff since 1980, revealing with nostalgia that during the rosy years, Steyr Motors assembled 5,000 tractors, 2,000 trucks and 2,000 buses per annum, for the Nigerian market.

The source said the government withdrew its shares in the company during the military era, and later sold it to individuals who failed to sustain production.

He explained that as at the year 2007, the company had over 2,000 employees, adding that they had spent over six years now without salary.

Nobody sacked us and no one saved us. We have spent over six years without salary; in fact, three years ago, we had to resort to litigation; we have taken them to court, he said.

Some staff of the company, who also did not want to be mentioned, said the company could still be revived if the government took over the plant and invited capable expatriates to manage it.

Efforts by NAN to secure comments of prominent private stakeholders of the company proved abortive as those in Bauchi declined comment.

Several visits by NAN to the office of Bauchi state Commissioner for Commerce and Industries, Mrs Maryam Begel, did not yield results as she was said to be on official assignment somewhere.

An official of the ministry told NAN that the commissioner is the only person authorised to speak on policy and government-related matters, unless she authorised someone else to speak on her behalf. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

Kwara Government on Sunday said its health insurance scheme is getting a grant support of ,000 from the Jiddah-based Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

Dr Olubunmi Winter, the Executive Secretary of the agency, disclosed this in a statement in Ilorin.

He said the IsDB is supporting the enrolment of 4,500 more indigents to the scheme that is delivering free medical care covering many ailments and surgeries.

Winter stated that the impressive support and the goodwill Kwara is receiving revolve around governments own initial investments in the scheme.

She added that about 10,000 more indigents would soon be added on state sponsorship.

The IsDB grant is another laudable feat since the Governor launched the scheme in September last year. We are hoping for more of these partnerships and interventions, even as we continue with the implementation of the scheme towards achieving universal health coverage in our state.

Once again, we commend the Governor for his continued support and efforts in ensuring that the people of Kwara State have access to quality and affordable healthcare services, she said.

Winter described the initiative as a huge success on account of the governors support, adding that people in the formal and informal sectors have started keying into the programme, including the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.

She also disclosed that beneficiaries of the indigent component of the scheme are spread across the three senatorial districts of Kwara.

Winter also quoted a statement from PharmAccess Foundation as saying that the grant of ,950 will be made available over an 18-month period to support the efforts of Kwara State Health Insurance Agency.

This is through a strategic partnership between PharmAccess Foundation and Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to increase access to basic healthcare services in Kwara.

The grant from IsDB Engage and Transform Fund will be used to finance the annual premiums for 4,500 indigent enrollees and support the quality improvement of 25 healthcare providers for a period of 18 months.

The state government had on its own paid the premiums for 10,000 indigents to the scheme that was officially launched last September.

In February 2021, the huge investments by the state attracted federal governments support that has seen the free enrolment of additional 21,000 indigents to the scheme, she said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Awayi Kuje

Rev. Fr. Lawrence Soja-Anyembugu, the Parish Priest in Charge of St. Johns Catholic Church, Awe, Nasarawa State, has admonished women to inculcate good moral values in their children for societal development.

Soja-Anyembugu gave the task on Sunday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in commemoration of Mothering Sunday.

According to the cleric, if mothers inculcate good moral values in their children, it will not only promote peace in their families but would also ensure speedy development in the country.

The role of mothers to societal development cannot be over emphasised, they are the ones that build up their families in collaboration with their husbands.

It is in view of this that I want to call on mothers to inculcate good moral values in their children for societal development. So that their children can be good future leaders.

Women should be good to their children, their husbands and the society at large.

Mothers should also treat their children and other peoples children well, he advised.

The priest urged women and other Nigerians to always pray for Gods intervention in overcoming their challenges.

Soja-Anyembugu also urged women to respect their husbands in their interest and for the overall development of the country.

He urged women and other Nigerians to live a life worthy of emulation for development to thrive.

Let women and other Nigerians continue to live holy lives in order to inherit the kingdom of God, he said.

The cleric also urged Nigerians to live in peace, be law abiding respect constituted authorities and tolerate one another irrespective of their affiliations.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ijeoma Okigbo

Over 150 children from Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps participated in the UNESCO 2021 International Day of Sport for Development and Peace at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

UNESCO, who collaborated with Tony International Gymnastics (TIG) club, Abuja. engaged children in gymnastics, basketball, tennis and badminton, on Saturday.

Kevin Wilima, a staff of UNESCO, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the fourth edition of the event was aimed at using sports to heal and build confidence in the kids.

Sports is a great instrument for building resilience, confidence and healing, that is why we decided to reach out to the less privileged in our society.

To make it even better, we decided to explore the use of traditional games like ten ten, voom voom and suwe, which the children are familiar with before we moved on to other foreign sports.

Sports is a language where everyone communicates and it is pivotal for improving self-esteem, sustaining peace and for recreation Wilima added.

Wilima also said that the annual event was limited to few participants due to COVID-19.

We usually have more kids than what you see here, but due to COVID-19, we had to reduce the number of children here, he said.

On his part, Anthony Asuquo, coach of TIG club, said he was hopeful that events like this would be frequent to put smiles on the faces of the IDPs.

You can see how happy the children are and how willing they are to do sports and get involved. Children are the future and it would be our undoing we dont nurture them properly, Asuquo added.

Asuquo, who is Nigerias first certified International gymnastics coach, also said the children were drawn from the Wasa and Orozo IDP camps.

The coach called on the government and private sponsors to help better the lives of the less privileged, especially through sports.

NAN reports that the event was expected to hold on April 6, the annual International Day of Sports and Development for Peace but was postponed, due to the commencement of the National Sports Festival in Benin. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Olayinka Owolewa

Dele Aiyenugba, erstwhile Super Eagles goalkeeper, says he is done with the national team, but now focusing on winning the league with Kwara United FC of Ilorin.

Aiyenugba stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin on Sunday.

I dont want to go back to the national team; I am done, he said.

The former Enyimba International FC of Aba goalkeeper, who played 17 times for the national team, between 2005 and 2015 spent 13 seasons in Israel with four teams.

Aiyenugba returned to Nigeria ahead of the 2020-21 season to play for Kwara United and he has been a huge success for the Ilorin-based Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side.

He won the NPFL four times with Enyimba in 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007 and the Federation Cup in 2005; he also won the Nigerian Super Cup in 2003.

The 37-year-old also ruled Africa with Enyimba, winning the African Champions League twice in 2003 and 2004 as well as the African Super Cup two times in 2004 and 2005.

He joined Kwara Stars and played for them between 1998 and 2000 after which he signed for Enyimba between 2001 and 2007.

Aiyenugba moved to Israel in 2007 to sign for Bnei Yehuda and played 294 times for them until 2016, before joining Hapoel Ashkelon in 2016 until 2018 where he appeared 62 times for them.

The former Enyimba goalkeeper played 33 times for Hapoel Iksal between 2018 and 2019 and Hapoel Afula in 2019 until he returned to Nigeria in 2020 to sign for Kwara United FC. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Babatunde Ogunrinde

DTigress point-guard, Promise Amukamara, is very confident the team will be outstanding at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Amukamara said in a statement on Sunday in Lagos that she was sure the team would put up a decent performance Nigerians would be proud of.

This is possible with the right personnel selection and better preparation, in spite of the quality of our Group B opponents.

With many high-profile players showing interest in joining Nigeria in the wake of back-to-back Afrobasket titles, we are sure to do well, she said

Amukamara added that the senior women national basketball teams quarter-finals finish at the World Cup as well as a rising profile on the international stage have helped to make the team.

All seems to be looking good for the team ahead of the Games, the player said.

She expressed the belief that the first five new players invited to the teams camp in Atlanta are great additions who have easily adapted well as members of the DTigress family.

Elizabeth (Williams), Erica (Ogwumike), Amy (Okonkwo), Nicole (Enabosi) and Oderah (Chidom) have all done a great job adapting to our system which looks good.

On the 10-day camp for the team in Atlanta earlier this year, the Charnay Basketball Club player said the exercise provided the players an opportunity to come together.

The France-based player said it had been a long time ago the team were able to meet due to the COVID-19 pandemic which troubled the world in 2020.

On what they were able to achieve while in camp, the 27-year-old who made her debut at the 2018 FIBA Womens World Cup in Spain said: We focused on getting a lot of shots, and we went over our attack and defence.

I think it was just a great time to come together because we havent seen each other since February 2020.

So, it was a good time to come together, get familiar with the new players and the new coaching staff.

Looking at the 12 teams who have qualified for the games, the 2019 Afrobasket winner admitted that DTigress have some solid opponents to face.

With the experience, the new players and team that we have, coach Otis and the rest of the coaching staff will do a great job preparing us to do well, Amukamara said.

Nigeria are currently grouped alongside world number one U.S., France and Japan. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Atletico Madrid thrashed Eibar 5-0 to move three points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday, with champions Real Madrid stumbling to a 0-0 draw at Getafe.

In spite of missing top goalscorer Luis Suarez and record signing Joao Felix, Atletico Madrid dealt bottom-of-the-table Eibar a heavy drubbing.

Angel Correa and Marcos Llorente struck braces either side of Yannick Carrascos goal, to put Atletico on 70 points from 31 games.

The important thing is to be able to win, it keeps you calm for the week ahead, said Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone.

The league season has a very nice run-in and I hope that we can keep growing so it doesnt become monotonous, and Real Madrid and FC Barcelona always win.

Simeones side are starting to recover after a bad run of form that saw Real Madrid and Barca cut down their large lead at the top to virtually nothing.

However Real Madrid, hampered themselves by significant injury and coronavirus problems, with Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, Eden Hazard and others on the sidelines, struggled at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made several excellent saves to earn his clean sheet.

In attack, they created little after Mariano rounded David Soria and found the net but the goal was ruled out for offside.

At the other end, Jaime Mata hit the post for the hosts and Mauro Arambarri came close with a low effort.

Soria kept out Vinicius Juniors header from eight yards towards the end of the first half, with Getafe going on to dominate after the break.

Courtois was forced into a brilliant save from Enes Unal and another fine stop to deny Nemanja Maksimovic.

Real Madrid, who drew with Liverpool in midweek to reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, lacked energy and stamina in the final stages and could not score a late victory.

I think its always hard to play here, we knew what we were in for. But it is what it is, said Real Madrid defender Marcelo, recently back in the team after a long spell as a reserve.

I dont think we lost two points but instead gained a point because its tough here.

I think theres no time to rest, but thats what we have to do, we have to continue and give everything.

Football is like this right now. I dont see myself as a secondary player, Im one of the captains, I have to work every day and who has to play, plays.

Zinedine Zidanes side are on 67 points from 31 games, two ahead of FC Barcelona.

The former champions won the Copa del Rey on Saturday against Athletic Bilbao and saw their league clash with Granada postponed as a result.

Fourth-placed Sevilla came from behind to beat Real Sociedad, who are seventh, 2-1, while a vibrant Villarreal, who are fifth, thrashed Levante 5-1.

Rodrigo Battaglias late goal earned Alaves a crucial 1-0 win over Huesca at the bottom of the table.

The teams are 16th and 17th respectively, level on 27 points with 18th-placed Real Valladolid.

Elsewhere Osasuna earned a 2-0 win over 19th-placed Elche. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Segun

The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership Super Six will kick off with Edo Queens of Benin facing Delta Queens of Asaba on Monday in Ijebu-Ode.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Six is a competition for the top six teams of the 2020/2021 NWFL Premiership after the league was terminated abruptly.

The competition was introduced to determine the two teams which will represent the country at the inaugural CAF Womens Champions League.

The competition will begin on Monday at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode, with the draw held on Sunday.

NWFLs Chief Operating Officer (COO), Modupe Shabi, told NAN after the competitions draw on Sunday the league body was hopeful it would help produce the best teams to represent Nigeria.

Bayelsa Queens of Yenagoa will face Sunshine Queens of Akure, while Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt will battle FC Robo of Lagos to complete Match Day 1 on Monday.

On Tuesday, Match Day 2 action will see Sunshine Queens against Edo Queens, with FC Robo facing Bayelsa Queens, and Delta Queens taking on Rivers Angels.

All the teams will take a rest on Wednesday for a return on Thursday, when Edo Queens will take on FC Robo.

Later that day, Bayelsa Queens will face Rivers Angels, while Sunshine Queens will take on Delta Queens.

Match Day 4 on Friday will see Rivers Angels taking on Edo Queens, with Delta Queens facing Bayelsa Queens and FC Robo against Sunshine Queens.

The competitions final day on Sunday will see the matches being played simultaneously, with Edo Queens against Bayelsa Queens, Sunshine Queens facing Rivers Angels and FC Robo meeting Delta Queens.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed as false, the purported suspension of former Kano State Governor, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso from the party.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan in Abuja on Sunday, the PDP also said former governor of Niger, Babangida Aliyu was also not suspended.

The party was reacting to a document being circulated in which Kwankwaso was queried and suspended by the Kano State chapter of the PDP.

The PDP dismissed the document, saying it wascirculated by some mischievous individuals.

The PDP states clearly that Kwakwanso is not suspended from the party.

It also said, Our party frowns as such fabrications aimed at subverting the stability of our party and trigger disagreements and suspicions within our ranks.

The PDP urges our leaders and teeming members in Kano state and Niger to be at alert, resist distractions and continue to work together.

The party added that any claim of suspension by any individual or group, purporting to be representing any organ of the party at any level, was mere fabrication and should be discountenanced.

It stressed that the provisions of the constitution of the PDP were very clear on the suspension of a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) if and when such occasion arose.

The party cautioned those behind the misleading claims to desist henceforth.

The PDPwill not accept such reckless adventure by such misguided individuals, which is capable of destabilising our party and bringing it to public disrepute.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Precious Akutamadu

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) on Sunday declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the overall winners of the just concluded Local Government Area elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the elections held on April 17, in Rivers state.

Justice George Omereji, the Chairman of RSIEC and the Presiding officer of the concluded election made the declaration at the commissions secretariat in Port Harcourt.

Omereji announced that PDP won in all the Chairmanship positions and the councillorship seats in the 23 Local Government Areas.

He stated that certificates of return would be issued to the winners on Monday, April 19 at the Commissions secretariat.

Omereji urged the elected Chairmen and councillors in the 23 local government areas to ensure good governance to the people. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Olayinka Owolewa

The Kwara chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) says Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq does not interfere in the management of allocations to the local government councils in the state.

The clarification was contained in a statement on Sunday in Ilorin by the unions Secretary, Mr Hotonou Rafiu.

The statement explained that it was not true that the state government was pilfering local government funds.

The Union wishes to inform the general public that monthly allocation to all the sixteen (16) local government councils in Kwara State is being administered by local government representatives.

All the union leaders at local government level are also observers at the monthly allocation meeting, Rafiu said.

NULGE Kwara State chapter wishes to inform the general public and most especially Kwarans that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is not stealing local government fund as captured in a report credited to our national President, Alhaji Ambali Olatunji Akeem.

Rafiu said the misleading report has also been refuted by the NULGE President.

We assert that neither the Governor nor the state government is interfering in the management of local government funds, the NULGE scribe emphasised.

Meanwhile, the state chapter of the union has joined the national secretariat of the NULGE to reject a bill to delist local government from the Nigerian constitution, describing the proposal as outrageous. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Mogbede

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and others criticising the operations of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to allow it efficiently and effectively perform its mandate.

Sen. John Akpanudoedehe, the National Secretary of APC
Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), made the call in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Whether the CBN prints money or not, is not an issue, the apex bank should be allowed to perform its mandate.

The CBN has several ways of creating new money, he said, noting that money supply in the economy was at the appropriate level.

Akpanudoedehe added that the PDP needed to understand how money was created, saying that its utterances concerning CBN operations will create problems for the economy.

He advised the PDP to join hands with the APC to clear the mess it left behind, noting that to destroy is very easy, but to build is a task the APC is committed to.

He said that central banks all over the world printed money during the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009.

The Reserve Bank of the U.S printed dollars to bail out companies that were too big to fail, there is nothing wrong in printing money provided it is well managed.

There is no evidence that the CBN is inefficient in managing the monetary aspect of the Nigerian economy.

Let us not forget that the CBN is banker to government and has exercised such function efficiently and effectively, Akpanudoedehe
said.

He added that the development function of the CBN had resulted in various intervention funds in several sectors of the economy.

He said the APC inherited an economy which showed signs of a recession from 2012, stressing that the economy left by the PDP had no forex to run the system.

According to Akpanudoedehe, looting of our commonwealth was unprecedented during the PDP administration even as productivity declined.

He added that the APC government implemented aggressive fiscal and monetary polices which resulted in the countrys economy exiting recession in 2016.

He said but as the economy was back on the path of positive growth trajectory, came the COVID-19 global health pandemic and sharp decline in oil prices.

This, he said, threw the economy into another problem, adding that the quick intervention of the APC government through the Economic Sustainability Plan fast tracked the recovery from crisis.

Akpanudoedehe said this was to the shock and surprise of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and other stakeholders. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Yakubu Uba

The Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi, has commended the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole combating insurgents in the north-eastern part of the country, saying that President Muhammadu Buhari appreciates their performance.

Magashi made the commendation on Sunday while addressing the troops at the headquarters of the Theatre Command in Maiduguri.

Let me begin by thanking you all with the work you have been doing.

The job you have been doing is highly appreciated by our Commander in Chief of the Armed forces, President Muhammadu Buhari and he said we should come here and talk to you to continue with the effort, Magashi said.

The minister who noted the injuries and lost of lives by some personnel in the course of the assignment, assured them that their losses would not be in vain.

He observed that Nigerian military has distinguished itself in various operations across the world and that of the insurgency would not be different.

You are doing your best and we recognise that.

You have already been baptised, all you need to do is to find the enemy and bring him to his knees.

We have the resources, the equipment to improve your standard and training to be able to do this good job.

We will continue to improve on your welfare and allowances and all what is due to you.

Very soon we will embarked on recruitment of other soldiers and officers so that we can improve the manpower of our armed forces.

Your commanders will brief you on further details of what we discussed with them, Magashi said.

The defence minister who also spoke to newsmen on his visit to assess the fighting spirit of the troops, urged journalists to be patriotic in reporting the military.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ministers entourage included the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Ishiaka Amao.

The minister and his team also visited injured soldiers at 7 Division Gospital.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Mateen Badru

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of one Victor Ebhomenyen for allegedly driving against traffic at Four Point Hotel, Oniru in Lagos State.

Ebhomenyen was alleged to have also assaulted and caused severe bodily injuries on ASP Erhator Sunday at Four Point Hotel, Oniru, Lagos.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Lagos Police Commands Spokesperson, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

He said that the Command deemed it necessary to react and set the record straight regarding the incident that was captured in a video that went viral on the social media on Saturday April 17.

He said two men were repeatedly assaulting an officer on duty and creating a scene on the road at Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

To set the record straight, on April 17 at about 10:30 a.m., one ASP Erhator Sunday and the team attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Command, who were on a convoy movement to drop off policemen at their various beats across the state, blocked and stopped a white Hyundai SUV, MUS 251 EH.

The car was facing the convoy on one way, driven by the suspect, Victor, at Four Point Hotel, Oniru, Victoria Island, LagosState.

When the police stopped the vehicle, the occupants, one Victor Ebhomenye and Etinosa Obaywana, angrily came down, confronted and violently assaulted ASP Erhator Sunday, inflicting severe bodily injuries on him.

The officer, who was armed with his official Ak 47 riffle, displayed a high level of professionalism amidst fierce provocations by resisting the temptation of using his rifle on the suspect.

Adejobi said that the prime suspect, Victor, was in the police custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department Panti, for investigation and prosecution as and when due.

He added that the command was making efforts to arrest his fleeing accomplice, Etinosa.

Adejobi said that the suspects vehicle had been impounded and taken to the Lagos State Taskforce Office, Oshodi, for appropriate penalty according to the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.

He said that the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, had commended the police personnel for their act of maturity, self control, perseverance and professionalism in managing the drama created by the suspect.

The CP also commended the tactical due enforcement of law and order without any infringement on the suspect or any persons human rights during the saga.

Odumosu,therefore,advised police personnel in the command to emulate the professionalism, maturity and perseverance displayed by the assaulted officer and his colleagues despite the provocations exhibited by the suspects and his fleeing accomplice at the scene.

The Police boss,however warned against any violence or attack on the police and other security operatives in the state.

He said that such action would be resisted and erring individuals dealt with according to the provisions of the law. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ahmed Abba

The Yobe state Government has disbursed N75 million empowerment grant to 1,500 female Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) returnees in the state.

Gov. Mai Mala Buni, who disclosed on Sunday in Damaturu, the grant was disbursed with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Yobe state government in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), under the Stabilisation Facility programme, is supporting the 1,500 beneficiaries with the sum of N50, 000 each as startup grant, Buni said.

He also noted that his administration had recently distributed a pair of goats and N10,000 to five women in each of the 178 wards across the state as a deliberate measure to empower them.

Similarly; 3,000 women were supported through the state ministry of Women Affairs with N20,000 each to improve bean cake Kosai, Cincin and Soya beans cake Awara making businesses, Buni added.

He commended the UNDP for partnering with the state government, and supporting resettlement, rehabilitation and recovery programmes to improve the peoples lives.

I also commend the UNDP for supporting the construction of market infrastructure, distribution of farm inputs, rehabilitation of primary schools and equipping the Buni Yadi General Hospital.

No doubt, such humanitarian gestures would go a long way in our post-insurgency recovery process., he said

Buni called on the beneficiaries to make good use of the intervention, to enhance their businesses, promote self-reliance, sustenance and dignity.

In his remarks, Dr. Muhammed Goje, expressed gratitude to Gov. Buni on behalf of the beneficiaries.

He also enjoined the MD Yobe Microfinance Bank and his team to ensure compliance with all terms of the agreement by paying off all the beneficiaries within 72 hours of the launch.

I also want crave your indulgence to ensure accountability in the disbursement process and have a feedback mechanism in case of any problems that may arise in the process. Goje said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Oluwatope Lawanson

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat says Nigerians, irrespective of tribe or religion, must agree to come together as one in order to survive as a nation.

Hamzat made the remark at the Annual Public Ramadan lecture of the State Council of Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, held at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos on Sunday.

The deputy governor noted that there must be unity of purpose as a nation for development to take place.

He urged Muslims and non Muslims alike to live as one and shun all forms of enmity.

According to him, there can be no development in a country if there is insecurity.

The biggest threat to humanity is when there is no peace of mind, therefore, l urge us all to live as one.

There should be no issues of Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa, this must stop.

For peace and development sake, we must unite as one, for united we stand and divided we fall.

If we are united, it will be very easy to solve insecurity as a nation, he said.

Earlier in his goodwill message, Chairman, Lagos State Council of Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Alhaji AbdRahman Salaudeen, urged all Muslim faithful to take wholly, opportunities of the Ramadan to get closer to Allah, seek His favours and perfect godliness toward one another.

Salaudeen said that Ramadan period was a month of favours, blessings and exchange of pleasantries as well as good wishes.

By fasting, we are continually reminded of our trait and dependence upon the Divine, thus leading us to humility, reverence, piety and selflessness.

We develop the holy qualities of empathy and compassion, becoming more aware of our intrinsic connection and oneness as human beings, regardless of borders or labels that creates differences, he said.

Sheik Abdur-Rahman Ahmad, the National Missioner, Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, in his lecture on Insecurity: The Impact on Socio Economic Development of the Nation, charged the government to implement the laws on insecurity as it affected development.

According to the missioner, there cant be security where there is lawlessness.

Ahmad said that impunity, lawlessness, and corruption was fighting back.

Insecurity is a major challenge bedeviling the country and must be tackled before it becomes a national disaster.

Nigeria is blessed with a lot of natural resources, human capital development but all these are taken for granted, he said.

Ahmad urged Nigerians to serve and praise God in truth despite the challenges being faced. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Peter Okolie

Wife of Anambra Governor, Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano, has urged women to evolve measures at stopping the recurring incidents of gender-based violence in the society.

Mrs Obiano made the appeal in a message to Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) in commemoration of Mothering Sunday.

The message was signed by Mr Emeka Ozumba, the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Obiano and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The theme of this years Catholic Mothering Sunday is: The Role of Women In Eliminating Discrimination and Gender-based Violence.

Mrs Obiano, who is also theFounder of Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFE), advised women topromote the culture of tolerance and inclusiveness as a measure.

According to her, everybody is called to be tolerant of one another and to promote equal access to opportunities and resources to everyone both in the family and at community level.

Above all, communication is key to building mutual understanding and bonding among couples.

Thus, with mutual respect, we are able to diffuse tension that arises from minor misunderstanding which if not properly managed leads to outbreak of regrettable violence, she said.

Mrs Obiano described the theme of this years celebration as apt, saying it recognised the central role of mothers in re-enforcing good values to check all forms of discrimination and gender-based violence.

The First Lady advocated the deepening of relationship with children at home by making conscious effort at being their friend rather than someone they dread as well as holding regular discussion and sharing fun times.

Mrs Obiano commended the state governments inclusive approach which had ensured the accommodation of all shades of opinion and recognition of women in the scheme of things.

She congratulated CWO on their special day and urged them to tap inspiration from the unique role of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who remained steadfast in trying times. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), has called on parents and religious leaders to join the agency in tackling drug abuse in the country.

Marwa made the call on Sunday in Abuja at the 18th annual unity Ramadan lecture organised by the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Abuja.

The NDLEA boss, who decried the rising spate of drug abuse in the country, said all hands must be on deck to arrest the ugly trend.

I want to emphasise that the society must be involved in the fight against drug abuse.

Yes, the NDLEA has the mandate to check drug abuse but it must start with proper parenting by the family, parents should take more interests in their children and the type of company they keep.

Religious organisations, schools and traditional institutions also have a great role to play for us to win this war, he said.

He said about 15 million Nigerians were currently into drug abuse and this trend must be checked or else the figure would rise to 35 million Nigerians by 2050.

Marwa explained that the increase in crime and criminality such as kidnapping and banditry could be traced to the use of drugs.

He, however, assured the public that the NDLEA would continue to deploy more proactive measures to prevent, arrest and rehabilitate drug users in the country.

Earlier, Prof. Usman Bugaje, an Islamic scholar, in his lecture with the theme Legacy of Islam called on Muslims to use the Ramadan period to get closer to Allah through supplication and good deeds.

He described Muslims as scholars and innovators who contributed immensely to the early growth of science, medicine and technology.

According to him, Islam propelled the Muslim society in the early centuries to knowledge and research which led to inventions in medicine, machines and modernisation.

He called on Muslims to always distinguish themselves in their fields so as to leave a lasting legacy that others would want to emulate.

The National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah, Sheikh Fuad Adeyemi, in his remarks called on Muslims to dedicate the month of Ramadan to praying for peace and stability of the country.

Islam is peace and Muslims must preach peace, talk peace, act peace and prevent anything that will disturb the peace of the society.

It is only in an atmosphere of peace that we all can practise our religions and invite others to the faith, he said.

Adeyemi said Al-Habibiyyah had lined up a lot of activities during Ramadan such as Tafsir,. lectures and Food Bank programme where about 2,000 people would be fed daily.

The Imam said the organisation would continue to pray and work with relevant stakeholders to make Nigeria a better place.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture with the theme Legacy of Islam was attended by Islamic scholars, politicians, the academia and Muslims from all walks of life.

Source: NAN News

By Yetunde Fatungase

Prof. Kolawole Salako, the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has decried the addiction and obsession of youths to irrelevant fantasy on Facebook and other social media platforms.

Salako, who was speaking at a thanksgiving service to mark his 60th birthday in Abeokuta on Sunday, urged the youth to face their books rather than facebook.

He decried the reluctance of contemporary students to reading their books and facing their studies.

The don noted that todays youths had bastardised the positive impact of technology, thesocial media in particular, by wasting quality times on immoral fantasy that did not add value to their lives and the society.

Unlike our days when we read and researched deeply, todays youths are fond of consulting Google for answers to everything.

As a matter fact I started nursing the ambition of becoming a professor right from my secondary school days.

With determination and trust in God, any youth can achieve his or her dreams, irrespective of daunting challenges, the vice-chancellor said

Earlier in his sermon, the Pastor of Living Spring Chapel, Abeokuta, Kayode Ojo who preached on the theme; Receiving Gods Power describedSalako as a man who feared God and relied on His power, before and now, as vice chancellor.

He described the power of God as dependable, reliable and permanent, saying all other powers are temporal.

Taking his sermon from the Books of John 1: 2 and Zechariah Chapter 9, the cleric charged the congregation to give their all to Christ, in order to have His unrivalled power.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that special prayers were offered for peace, progress and development of the country and for Gods continuous guidance, protection and prosperity of the vice chancellor and his family.

Source: NAN News

By Ariwodola Idowu

Ekiti Government says it is set to commence emission test on vehicles, generators, other petrol and diesel engines in the state.

Mrs Iyabo Fakunle-Okieimen, the state Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, said this in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Sunday.

She explained that the move was part of efforts at battling the effects of global warming and ensuring a healthy environment for people in the state.

Fakunle-Okieimen said that conducting the test was crucial to achieving the goal of reducing air pollutants emitted from the exhaust systems of petrol and diesel engines to a tolerable level.

Quoting the World Health Organisation (WHO), the commissioner noted that harmful emissions from exhausts of engines were major contributory factors to poor air quality.

She said that the poor air quality could cause many killer diseases.

She named such diseases to includelower respiratory infections, tuberculosis, cancers, cerebrovascular and ischaemic heart diseases.

The commissioner explained that these emissions also depleted the ozone layer, allowing the direct radiation of the sun on earth, thus making the environment to experience unnecessary heat.

Fakunle-Okieimen said government would need the support of all stakeholders in ensuring the well-being of the people, just assheassured that officialsfor the test hadbeen directed to be thorough and professional.

Source: NAN News