By Suleiman Shehu

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Oyo State Command, on Tuesday began training of 200 officers on the use of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) to tackle insecurity.

Mr Iskilu Akinsanya, State Commandant of NSCDC, who declared the training opened in Ibadan, said it had became necessary as a result of the increasing crime rate in the society.

He said the training would assist officers on how to use CCTV for surveillance and analysing situations in order to address insecurity in the state.

According to him, security issues have become very dynamic and gone are the days when officers only pursue criminals with rifles.

He said that security agencies must adopt the use of technology in order to effectively tackle the increasing insecurity in the society.

Akinsanya said that it was essential for officers and men to be alert to their responsibilities and be able to gather and analyse information through the use of technology.

The commandant called on the officers to take advantage of the training and pass the knowledge gained to other officers in their various units.

The NSCDC Commandant General (CG), Abubakar Audi, has emphasised that all the commands nationwide will be connected technologically.

So, from Oyo State Command, we will be reaching and relating directly with them on what is happening in the state and this is why the training is very compulsory and important.

At the end of the training, we expect that the officers will be able to analyse, digest any information gotten accurately, Akinsanya said.

Also speaking, NSCDC Head of training in Oyo State, Assistant Corps Commandant (ACC), Olusola Omotajo, said the training would enhance the performance of the officers on the field.

Omotajo said that the training would educate the officers on how to connect CCTV with internet surveillance and be able to monitor happenings in the society.

According to him, there are some CCTV protocols that are also wireless and can be monitored on the phone with installation of the Apps.

Omotajo said that it was very important for all security agencies to acquire the knowledge to be able to know the happenings in the society and nip crime in the bud. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Usman Baba as Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP).

The Minister of Police Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi, confirmed the development when he addressed State House correspondents in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said that the appointment was with immediate effect.

Buhari had on Feb. 4 extended the tenure of Mohammed Adamu as the Inspector General of Police for three months.

Adamu spent two months and three days during the extended period. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

How insecurity is forcing Nigerians to abandon gold jewellery

By Francisca Oluyole of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The rising spate of insecurity, especially armed robbery, kidnapping and banditry has affected Nigerians attitude to life as everyone struggles to survive crimes gradually becoming part of daily life.

Kidnapping for ransom appears to be more scary as most Nigerians now live in fear of falling victims of the criminal elements.

True to type, Nigerians are devising different ways to survive the challenges and vagaries of this new life with women, traditionally known to be the major patrons of gold jewellery, changing their attitude to the ornament of beauty.

Because it attracts kidnappers they way honey attracts bees, some women have stopped wearing expensive Gold jewellery, while some have quickly sold off theirs to ward off the temptation of wearing them or even being identified as owning them.

Magdalene Okon, a civil servant, said that wearing of gold was not trending as it was in the past, adding that the high cost of gold over the years had made people to invest on land instead of gold jewellery that could be stolen in a twinkle of an eye.

I like wearing sets of gold jewelleries which comprise necklace, earing and bangles. But I have stopped that due to insecurity in the country.

Recently, my uncles little children were kidnapped because their mother is known to own massive gold jewelleries which attracted the kidnappers.

I learnt from this terrible incident and cautioned myself not to be wearing gold for now because the country is no long as safe as before.

Ms Aisha Abubakar, an undergraduate, said that women from the North are well known for adorning gold, such as Saudi gold, 22 carats jewelleries and above.

The surprise is that they hardly wear gold nowadays.

Most women now wear costumes such as Zeconia jewelleries for the safety of their lives.

In the past, my mother cannot do without puting on gold, she is so addicted to gold. But she has sold almost all the gold to pay for our school fees and also settle some debts when the cost of selling the precious metal to dealers became so lucrative.

The gold came as a massive relief. She is the only one taking care of the family due to the death of our father. The product came handy to solve some financial burdens.

My mother now wears costume jewelleries to occasions.

With the security situation getting worse in the norrthern part, some of her friends have deposited their gold in banks while others found alternative options of safeguarding them.

I have just a gold ear ring and chain, but I have stopped wearing them, especially on the campus, due to the fear of the unknown.

Even when I wear them for an outing, I watch my back because they are expensive.

Mrs Bukola Adekola, a 52-year-old civil servant in Abuja, said she could not do without buying the precious metal when they were affordable, just to compete with her friends.

Adekola said that Yoruba women were known for wearing gold.

We invest in gold as future assets not just to put them on.

The last time I bought gold was when a gram was sold for N3,800.

I disposed all the gold I bought at N3,800 per gram last year when a friend told me that a gram was sold at N24,000. It was like I won a jackpot because I sold all the gold I had and I made millions from them.

What is the essence of keeping gold at home when it is getting more dangerous to do so with the current insecurity in the country?

I now wear costumes to occasions and I am okay with that. I have invested the money on children education, business and others, she said.

Mrs Chioma Nnamdi, a Nurse with a private hospital in Lagos, said that her husband wedded her last year with a silver ring due to high cost of gold ring.

We wedded last year September because we planned it before the pandemic set in. Things were very expensive and we resorted to a normal ring. It is not about a gold ring, it is about the union and love we have for each other.

Alhaji Dahiru Abdullahi, a Gold dealer in Abuja, also decried the low patronage of gold due to advent of COVID-19 and the economic melt down in Nigeria and the whole world.

We dont experience rush from customers again, rather, people are bringing the ones they have to the market for sale. Costume jewellery are now in vogue, especially Zaconia.

Zaconia also has second hand value but we dont measure them per gram for sale or when we want to buy from customers unlike gold jewellery.

He said that buying a gram of gold was an asset, adding that many people invested their capital on gold for future security.

According to him, the current price of 18 carat of new jewellery is N26,000 per gram, while the 18 carat of fairly used jewellery is now sold at N19,000 per gram.

He said that 21 carat of new gold jewellery is now N32,000 per gram and 21 carat of fairly used jewellery is sold at N21,000 per gram.

These are current international prices. The amount I sell gold or buy from customers are the same with other gold dealers. We use international standard rate.

We dont cheat customers because they are in need of money and they want to sell their gold. We buy gold according to international rate as at that moment.

The prices fluctuate, but we follow the international rules and standards of selling and buying.

**If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ahmed Ubandoma
The Chairman, Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) and Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, has donated the sum of N50million to the victims of fire disaster in Gusau Market of Zamfara State.

This is contained in a statement by Bagudus Special Assistant on Media, Mr Yahaya Sarki, in Abuja.

Bagudu on behalf of his colleagues, announced the donation when he led some members of the forum on a sympathy visit to Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara in Gusau.

This incidence affected the livelihood of not only the traders but others who patronage the market have become victims of the inferno.

The fire incident is tragic and it sadden me, we therefore found it necessary to show our concern and sympathy to the victims.

So, we are here to express our sincerest sympathies and show our deepest concerns as regards the tragic incident .

He said that the gesture was to compliment the effort of Zamfara State Governor in assisting the victims to restart their business activities as they had lost everything they had laboured for.

This devastating incident regrettably struck at a time when the Zamfara State Governor was working on all fronts to reinvigorate the economy of the state .

Responding, Matawalle commended the Progressives Governors forum for the immeasurable gesture to the government and people of the state .

Matawalle, who took the visitors around the Tudun Wada section of the Market that was most affected by the inferno, thanked Bagudu and his team.

He said that the gesture would go a long way in alleviating the losses of the victims of the inferno.

He said: This is what brotherliness is all about which says , blood is thicker than water. This is an exemplary show of love, friendship, commitment and solidarity he said.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Abdullahi Shugaba

President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) special troops operations for fighting banditry, kidnapping, cattle rusting and other criminalities.

Buhari made the commendation in a message to Operation Hadarin Daji in commemoration Easter in Katsina on Monday.

Represented by the Air Officer Commanding the Special Forces, AVM Charles Ohwo, Buhari thanked the troops for their sacrifices for sustaining peace in the north-western part of the country.

He stated that the celebration was an opportunity not only for bonding with frontline troops but also to promote comradeship and regimentation in the service.

Unfortunately, we are observing this years Easter in a sober mood as we are still searching for two of our colleagues who were involved in an air crash on March 31 and are still missing.

As you might be aware, we also lost some of our colleagues at the Minna axis in the fight against banditry.

This makes the event more significant as we use the occasion to remember our colleagues who have paid the supreme price in the service of our fatherland, he said.

In a remark, the special guest of honour at the iccasion, Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina State, thanked the troops for not relenting in the fight against banditry in the state and the country in general.

Masari pledged that he would continue to assist the troops in their operation to ensure a safe society.

Source: NAN News

By Stephen Adeseye

The Kogi Government on Monday night took delivery of about 16, 900 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine and the inoculation exercise will be flagged off in the state on Tuesday, April 6.

Dr Abubakar Yakubu, Executive Director, Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), led a team of officials from the agency and the Kogi Ministry of Health to receive the vaccines at the Central Medical Store, Lokoja.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after taken delivery of the vaccines, Yakubu said the most awaited COVID-19 vaccines arrived the state from Abuja at about 7:40p.m., saying Kogi was well prepared for it.

The first line of recipients of the vaccines are the health workers The vaccine administration will be followed by the first line workers like the police, military, NSCDC, Customs officials, among others, he said.

Yakubu said that the ministry intended to carry out the campaign as efficient as it could because the state was behind scheduled compared to other states which had almost completed their 10- day mandatory campaign for the administration of the vaccines.

The Executive Director noted that the state was initially expecting about 45,000 doses of the vaccine from the NPHCDA, which accounted for one per cent of the states total population.

However, to our surprise we are being supplied with 16,900 doses now. I think there will be further reconciliation to send the balance of the doses as soon as possible, he said.

Also speaking, Alhaji Acheku Yusuf, Kogi Health Promotion Officer, said the ministry had solicited the support of all relevant stakeholders and is running jingles to ensure adequate sensitisation of the people about the vaccine.

On her part, Mrs Bilikisu Adagiri, the State Cold Chain Officer, said the state was fully prepared for the administration of the vaccines to people above 18 years.

Mr Olumide Ade-Yeye, the Vaccine Security and Logistic Consultant, UNICEF Kogi, said they were happy as a state to be part of those who would participate in COVID-19 vaccination.

Source: NAN News

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Acting Controller-General, Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr John Mrabure, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident that occurred at the Owerri Custodial Centre at the early hours of Monday, April 5, 2021.

The Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Mr Francis Enobore, disclosed this in a statement made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) early Tuesday in Abuja.

Mrabure said that the assignment, which would be carried out in collaboration with other security organisations, has commenced with a Search and Recover Operations to recapture the fleeing inmates.

NAN reports that the Owerri Custodial Centre in Imo had been attacked by unknown gunmen and forcefully released a total of 1,844 inmates in custody.

The attackers, who stormed the facility at about 02:15hrs on Monday 5th April, 2021, gained entrance into the premises by using explosives to blast the administrative block.

They were said to have arrived the centre in their large number in several Hilux Pick-Up vans and Sienna buses armed with sophisticated weapons and immediately engaged the security personnel on duty in a fierce gun battle.

The invaders eventually detonated explosives to gain entrance.

Mrabure appealed to the good citizens of Imo and indeed Nigerians to volunteer useful information that would facilitate the recapture of the fleeing inmates.

He, however, assured the people that the security of custodial centres across the country remained sacrosanct.

He equally directed all officers attached to custodial facilities to remain vigilant at this trying period of the NCoS.

As at the last count, six inmates have so far voluntarily returned to the facility while 35 inmates refused to escape from custody during the attack, he said.

Source: NAN News

Zambian authorities on Tuesday opened an investigation after an Ethiopian Boeing 737 aircraft mistakenly landed at an airport that is still under construction.

To the surprise of construction workers at the Copperbelt Airport in the city of Ndola, the twin-engine cargo jet touched down on the unfinished runway on Sunday.

A few moments later, another Ethiopian Boeing 737 was preparing its landing there too.

Another Ethiopian Airlines plane, a passenger plane, actually almost landed at the same airport under construction a few hours later but went round after the pilot realised that oh no, this is a wrong airport, Zambias Transport Minister Misheck Lungu told dpa on Tuesday.

The minister added that he had ordered an investigation into the incident.

According to initial findings, pilot error was not ruled out.

Copperbelt Airport is a major airport project by Zambia and China and construction has almost been completed.

Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport, which is located nearby, is still operating.

Runways under construction or repair are usually visually marked as closed with a large white X.

However, it remained unclear to what extent this marking was still clearly visible from the air.

Source: NAN News

By Rotimi Ijikanmi

The Federal Government has condemned the malicious celebration of the disappearance of Nigeria Air Force (NAF) fighter jet in Borno on March 31, by some unpatriotic Nigerians.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed at a media briefing on Tuesday in Abuja admonished those that were gloating over the incidence and called for support for the military.

I have read, especially on the social media, some dead-enders who are gloating at the disappearance of the NAF aircraft.

This is abhorrent and condemnable, and couldnt have come from true-born Nigerians.

No patriotic citizen will denigrate his or her countrys military for fighting to protect the nations territorial integrity and ensuring peace and security. None, he said.

The minister called on all Nigerians to support the troops and to continue to remember them in their prayers.

He said the incidence of the missing fighter jet was a confirmation of the sacrifices the military were making for the country.

While we await word from the Air Force on the ongoing search and rescue efforts, this development has once again accentuated the huge sacrifices being made by our men and women in uniform to keep our country safe and to make sure we sleep well at night

Every day, these valiant men and women put their lives on the line, in the ultimate act of sacrifice and patriotism, for the sake of our nation.

When they leave their homes, there is no guarantee they will return.

Yet, they soldier on! This is one of the reasons why we launched a national campaign to seek support for our military and other security agencies in February 2019, he said.

Mohammed, on behalf of the Government, condoled with the NAF on the disappearance of the fighter jet involved in the war against insurgency.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports NAF had reported the fighter jet lost contact in Borno state while on a mission to support ground troops.

The Boko Haram terrorists had released a video purporting they shot down the jet.

The Airforce had, however, refuted the claim by the terrorists contending that the video was doctored

Air Force Spokesman Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet had said in a statement that the Alpha-Jet lost contact with radar in Borno while on interdiction mission in support of ground troops.

He said the plane which had two crew members might have crashed, adding that search and rescue efforts are ongoing.

At this point, the NAF is not ruling out anything regarding the incident. It however remains hopeful that the crew would soon be found and rescued, it said in a statement.

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated the Itsekiri nation on the announcement of a new Olu of Warri, as pronounced by the Iyatsere of Warri Kingdom.

The President, in a statement by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina in Abuja on Tuesday also condoled with the people of Itsekiri nation on the passage of the immediate-past Olu, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Ikenwoli, which had been formally announced.

Buhari prayed that the Olu-designate, Prince Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko, would have a peaceful reign, signposted by massive development of Itsekiri land.

He stressed the need for love and reconciliation after a pulsating race for the throne, noting that peradventure any dissension exists such should be resolved through due process.

The president further maintained that as the Itsekiri nation mourned their departed Olu for three months, he prayed godly comfort for them and a smooth ascendancy for the incoming traditional ruler.

The new Olu of Warri was born on April 4, 1984. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Rotimi Ijikanmi

The Federal Government says some unpatriotic elements are encouraging insecurity in some parts of the country.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed stated this at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mohammed, however, assured that government was resolutely tackling the situation and security will improve drastically in the days ahead.

The truth is that the insecurity in some parts of the country is not organic, so to say.

Some unpatriotic and disgruntled elements are definitely catalysing them.

But these people do not constitute the critical mass that can influence the course of our countrys history, and we must not cede the space to them.

Nigerians must be forthcoming with information that can lead to the arrest and prosecution of these anarchists. Security is the business of all, he said.

Mohammed said the security agencies, acting on the directives of President Muhammadu Buhari were taking concrete actions that will significantly reduce the level of insecurity nationwide.

He assured that the citizens will feel the impact of the security agencies actions in the days ahead.

The minister said the attack on the police headquarters and a correction facility, in which hundreds of inmates were freed, in Imo State on Monday is most unfortunate, dastardly, condemnable and unacceptable.

This attack fits into the growing pattern of inexplicable and anarchical acts by some malcontents, who seem bent on triggering chaos across the land, he said.

He called on all persons of goodwill, especially traditional, religious and political leaders, to speak up against the anarchists before they throw the country into chaos.

Nigerians must fish out those who are acting as agent provocateur for reasons best known to them.

We must not allow them to win, the minister said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has returned N716, 800 found at an auto-crash site at Ozubulu along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway, to the family of the deceased.

Mr Bamidele Ayanwale, the Unit Commander in Oraifite, handed over the sum on Tuesday.

He said that the amount was recovered when the FRSC officers were on a rescue mission after the accident.

Ayanwale said that the money belonging to late Mrs Oparaocha was returned to her son, Mr Chibueze Oparaocha, after a written undertaking with full identification by the Units intelligence officer.

According to him, the FRSC contacted the relatives through the mobile phone of the deceased.

The FRSC boss said that the accident involved a Nissan bus with registration number LSH-517YG and a truck with registration number GGU-83XA.

According to him, seven persons:three males and four females were involved in the crash that happened on March 22, at Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra.

He added that the driver and a passenger in the bus later died.

The FRSC boss said that the crash occurred due to speeding.

He, however, urged motorists to always be patient when driving on the highways in order to avert loss of lives and property.

Chibueze Oparaocha, the son of the deceased, thanked the FRSC for the kindness and honesty.

I was surprised when we got the call to come and collect the money found on my late mother. I did not believe that such a gesture can still happen in Nigeria of today.

I thank the FRSC for their efforts and honesty, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Leonard Okachie

Dr Chidia Maduekwe, the Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation, has advocated mass mobilisation of the citizenry for the promotion of creative and innovative entrepreneurship.

Maduekwe said this on Monday in a keynote address at the third edition of Isingwu Summit held at Umuda Okorocha Isingwu in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia.

He spoke on the theme: Harnessing creative and innovative entrepreneurs from grassroots for community development.

He said the country must embrace the concept of creative and innovative entrepreneurship for it to experience rapid development.

Maduekwe described the concept as the low-hanging fruits for economic emancipation and accelerated national development.

He said the country must bridge all existential gaps as well as widen support structures that promote entrepreneurship.

According to him, this must start right from institutional engagements, policy frameworks and implementation, including the provision of appropriate incentives.

He said that the needed attention must be given to training and capacity building to improve the knowledge base and increase the capability ofthe countrys creative and innovative entrepreneurs.

We must consciously provide the enabling policy environment, without necessarily re-inventing the wheel but by deliberately implementing provisions of policies and laws, Maduekwe said.

The Convener of the Isingwu Progressive Forum/Summit, Rev. Chuks Alozie, described it as a platform, where people assemble to harness ideas and exchange views with comparative advantage for community development.

In furtherance to our development drive, we will also be focusing on human capacity building and encouraging emerging entrepreneurs, he said.

Earlier in his address of welcome, the President-General of the community, Mr Sam Onyesoanyi, thanked the organisers for bringing the developmental initiative to the community.

Highlight of the event was the commisioning of some prominent Nigerians as national and international chaplains by the Divine Institute of Chaplaincy Corps International/United Chaplains State of New York.

The ceremony was performed by Prof. Chris Nwanne, the Commissioner/President of the corps, African Region.

The event witnessed the conferment of awards on some personalities Nigerians in recognition of their positive contributions to community development.

The list of the awardees included Alozie, who was decorated as the Maj. Gen., and Mr Chris Akachukwu (otherwise called Nwa-Abia), as Brig. Gen. of the corps.

Others were the Traditional Ruler of Avu, Eze Michael Okere, Maduekwe, the Commissioner for Finance, Dr Aham Uko, Chief Kingsley Megwara, Mr Aham Eluwa and Mrs Chidinma Uwajumogu. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Igbaugba Ehigimetor

The swimming event of the ongoing National Sports Festival (NSF) tagged Edo 2020 on Monday produced new records.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that new national records were set by swimmers from Delta, Bayelsa and Edo on Day 1 of competition in the event.

Ifiesegba Gagbe of Bayelsa became the new record-holder in the 100m freestyle women with her time of 1:01.54 minute.

She broke the record of 1:02.66min set by Okpilobo of Ondo State at the Lagos 2012 edition of the festival.

Similarly, Uwaje Ilayefa of Edo who came second with a time of 1:01.96 also surpassed the former record-holder time.

A new record was also set in the 200m butterfly women by Deltas Timipamere Akiayefa.

Meanwhile, Bayelsa and Delta have started the rush for gold at the ongoing NSF by winning five gold medals apiece on Day 1 of the festival.

NAN reports that seven of the 10 gold medals won by both states came from the swimming competition.

While Team Bayelsa claimed three gold medalsfrom the pool, Delta won four to close the opening day with five gold medals each.

Team Delta started the day with a gold medal in cycling when Ese Ukpeseraye beat 12 other cyclists to the finish line in the 80km road race for women.

NAN reports that in swimming, the 100m breaststroke men event was won by Foresight Osamezu of Delta with Edo and Cross River winning the silver and bronze medals respectively.

Bayelsas Ifiezegbe Gagbe won the womens 100m freestyle, with Edo winning the silver and Deltas Timipamere Akiayefa winning the bronze medal.

Again, Akiayefa of Delta won her first gold medal of the day after the bronze medal she won earlier.

She raced to the finishing line ahead of Kano state and Bayelsa athletes in the womens 200m Butterfly.

It was another gold medal for Deltain the 50m backstroke women event as Akiayefa won her third medal of the day, the second gold.

Edo and Bayelsa athletes finished second and third respectively.

Team Bayelsa also won two gold medals and a bronze medal in judo to cap a memorable opening day of action at the 20th NSF. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Babatunde Ogunrinde

No fewer than 36 players featured in the first real actions at the Organised Basketball Network (OBN) Academy arena located at Plot 8 Ogombo Road, Ajah, Lekki, in Lagos.

The young players had their feel of the state of the art arena to signal the opening of the basketball academy, put together by Obinna Ekezie, a Nigerian former professional Basketball player.

The players, comprising of 18 girls and 18 boys competed in three-pointer actions, basketball dunking competition and a full cut match.

Ekezie, the CEO of the academy, had made his mark in basketball representing great clubs such as Atlanta Hawks, L. A Clippers, Washington Wizards, Vancouver Grizzlies of the U.S. and many other leagues in Europe.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that his dream was to use his vast experience to get the right attention and the right platform to nurture youths to stardom.

Nigeria youths are talented in the areas of sports, music, art and entertainments.

If we create that platform for them to excel, indeed the sky is just the beginning for them to soar, Ekezie said.

He said that the OBN Academy would also be delighted to work with the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).

He said he was ready to work with other stakeholders to discover and groom young talents across the country.

OBN Academy is targeted at improving childrens skills in basketball and education.

The academy is ready to expose young ones to quality basketballfacilities, which is not available anywhere in the country for young players to learn the game.

The players will also gain more experience through basketball lessons from experienced foreign and domestic coaches.

Also speaking to NAN, Tijani Umar, a stakeholder in basketball said he was delighted to be at the venue to see the state of the art basketball arena for youths development.

He said that ever since he knew Ekezie he had always wanted to do something for Nigeria.

I am proud to see that he is finally fulfilling his dreams by doing exactly what he planned to achieve.

It is a wonderful edifice; indeed this is having the right structure for the development of basketball in Nigeria.

The youths are going to benefit immensely from this, Umar said.

Similarly, Fortunate Emechite, a young female player said that she was delighted to be a part of the opening game.

Emechite hopes to continue to play in the arena.

It is a beautiful arena for young players to learn the game and develop.

We need more places like this because it gives us hope that some people care about our future, Emechite said.

Mrs Blessing Nwachukwu, who brought her son to the academy, said that she was delighted to see such an arena for basketball and was confident that her son would be guided well.

It is a good development and I am proud of what Mr Ekezie has achieved.

The basketball academy will definitely develop a lot of young players for the country, Nwachukwu said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Igbaugba Ehigimetor

Team Edo on Monday evening won the gold medals in the male and female six-a-side cricket event at the ongoing 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) in Benin.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Edo male team won after defeating Kwara while their female team won against Lagos.

Lagos and Akwa Ibom came third in the male and female categories respectively to win the silver medals.

A member of the Edo teams coaching crew, Theophilus Ibodeme, described their success as an act of God and the result of hard work.

We dedicate these gold medals to God Almighty and by His grace, we hope for the best, he stated.

NAN reports that six gold medals are available in the cricket competition, with four of them now left to be struggled for.

They are in the T20 event for male and female, as well as the ODI for both male and female.

Competition in the cricket event will continue on Wednesday.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Usman Aliyu

Downpour, on Monday, disrupted some activities at the ongoing 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) in Benin.

The rain, which started around 4:45 pm forced officials of the sporting fiesta to halt some outdoor games including swimming and tennis among others.

Meanwhile, Edo has won the gold medal of the six-aside cricket event at the festival tagged Edo 2020.

Edo beat Kwara and Lagos to silver and bronze medals respectively.

Also, Rachael Tonjo, the record holder in the swimming event won gold medal for the hosting state.

Tonjo, who is an Olympian told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that it had been her dream winning the most prestigious medal.

That was my dream all through preparation and I am happy my dream has come true.

It is not easy training every time. I have been training for long. You know the games suffered several postponements,she said.

The gold medalist, who noted that she had represented the country at various international sport events, said she hoped to win gold medal at world sport event soon.

I have represented Nigeria at international sporting events like All African games.

I have been to Olympic just like they announced. I was in Brazil in 2016; West African competition.

My hope for some years to come is to win gold medal at world sports event, Tonjo said.

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Afonne

A U.S.-based Mechanical Engineer, Mr Godswill Nwankwo, has declared his intention to contest the seat of the countrys president in the 2023election.

Nwankwo made his intention known on Monday in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He said that his intention was borne out of concerns to build on existing structures and improve the standard of living in the country.

According to the intending presidential aspirant, the country needs to be repositioned economically to retain its status of Africas best economy and Giant of Africa.

Nwankwo, who hails from Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia, also said he would review the countrys constitution and positively review the command structure of the police among others.

When I am elected, my first line of action will be to review the constitution.

Also, the command structure of the police will be reviewed.

There is what we call community policing where you allow people that belong to that community to police or protect the communities that they are serving.

For example, you dont expect an Igbo man to go to Sokoto State and police a community; language will be his or her number one barrier in that kind of structure because he doesnt understand Hausa-Fulani language.

We will want a situation whereby , for instance, people of Sokoto are responsible for their police, Abia communities policed by their people, and in the end you have a state and local government police.

This structure must not be influenced by the Federal Government.

So, my first assignment will be to begin to address the issue of the constitution and come up with recommendations that will work for Nigerians, Nwankwo said.

He said that though he had yet to decide on which political platform to contest, his main obligation would be to the citizenry.

I have been contacted by several political parties. In the end, my sole commitment will be the manifesto, agenda and what I promised Nigerians before the election.

I will not let anything get in the way of my promise when elected and there will be no shackles holding me down from executing my promises.

The 2023 election will be a decision for Nigerians electing a constitutional value that will affect the core values, and the lives of their children and grandchildren.

When I emerge as president, it will be about Nigeria and not PDP, APC, APGA or any political party and so on; I will stop at nothing to see that Nigerians are secured and are prosperous.

I will also ensure that Nigerians are able to access the opportunity we will provide and also able to have access to law enforcement that is supposed to protect them, he added.

Nwankwo added that his manifesto, which can be viewed on Nigeriapresident.com , was crafted to ensure that when he becomes president, Nigerians would be entitled to have equal rights, freedom, liberty, justice and opportunity.

He said that the focal point of his administration would be for every citizen to be happy and safe while going about their lawful duties.

NAN reports that Nwankwo had previously worked for Schlumberger, Halliburton, Baker Hughes INTEQ and several national and multi-national companies both in Nigeria and overseas.

He has a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering with specialisation in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) from Rivers State University.

He also has a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Computer Science with specialisation in Cognitive Artificial Intelligence from Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas.

The aspiring presidential candidate also acquired a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance with specialisation in Private Equity and Investments from the University of Houston CT Bauer College of Business in Houston, Texas. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Abbas Bamalli

Former Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Assembly matters, Abdulrahman Kawu-Sumaila has described the recent attack on the personality of the president in London, United Kingdom as unfortunate and barbaric.

Kawu-Sumaila, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said this in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday in Kano.

According to him, the attack is not only on the personality of the president, but an attempt to diminish the image of the country by some bad elements in the name of politics.

Kawu-Sumaila explained that it was wrong to attack the president with such abusive words.

The verbal attack was far away from politics. It is rather a sign of intolerance.

And this has clearly shown that the woman and her accomplices were only dancing to the tune of some high profile personalities who are desperate in tarnishing not only the good image of President Buhari, but Nigeria as a country.

I want to make it categorically clear that their ill-motive action was against the culture and norms of African people.

And I believe neither Islam nor Christianity will support this kind of barbaric action where people will come out openly abusing their president in the name of politics. This is unfortunate.

He, however, assured that those behind the unfortunate incident would soon be exposed.

Kawu-Sumaila appealed to chieftains of the APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to condemn the attack, which was a serious embarrassment to all Nigerians regardless of party affiliation.

He also urged both APC and PDP stakeholders to do everything possible within the ambit of the law, to prevent future occurrence of such unfortunate incident.

According to him, all those occupying positions in the APC-led government should also strive to protect the integrity of the president and the nation as a whole.

All concerned APC members should put their heads together and address this issue.

We should not let this issue go unchecked, otherwise, some other groups can do worse than this and it will not help matters at all. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Abubakar Ahmed

Three All Progressives Congress (APC) governors on Monday visited Zamfara to inaugurate some projects.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit came amidst reports that Gov. Bello Matawalle was set to dump the Peoples Democratic Party for the APC.

The governors, Alhaji Mai-Mala Buni of Yobe; Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa and Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, each inaugurated houses named after their states.

NAN reports that 18 detached houses were built by Gov. Matawalle to serve as accommodation for state governors and other officials.

Each of the houses was named after the 18 northern states.

While commissioning the Yobe House, Gov. Mai-Mala Buni who is also the National Chairman of the Extraordinary Convention Committee of the APC, commended Matawalle for modernizing the state.

I am particularly impressed by what my brother, Matawalle is doing here in Zamfara in spite of dwindling resources coupled with the security situation faced by the state.

This is the kind of development we need which also translates into the provision of dividends of democracy, Buni noted.

He described Matawalle as a bridge builder, peace maker and dynamic leader who built resilient infrastructure and provided security to the state within a short time.

The governors also commiserated with the government and people of the state over the recent fire disaster which destroyed part of Tudun Wada Gusau market.

Earlier, Gov. Matawalle said the construction of the houses was to provide secure accommodation of international standard to government officials and eminent personalities on official engagements in the state.

He added that the new houses would help in reducing the expenses being incurred by the government in accommodating such visitors in hotels and rented houses.

According to him, the houses were part of the many infrastructural projects provided by his administration to move the state to the next level of development. (NAN)

Source: NAN News