Hairdressers and garden centers on Monday reopened in Scotland as the country eases out of lockdown.

As part of its route out of pandemic restrictions, retail stores that may now reopen include hairdressers and barbers, homeware shops, electrical repair shops and vehicle showrooms.

Teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17 can also start playing outdoor sports.

Hairdresser Alan Edwards said he and his clients were super excited about being able to have their hair coloured and cut for the first time in months.

Its absolutely amazing, he told broadcaster ITV. Everyones waiting to have their hair colour done, which is the big thing. It really helps peoples self-esteem.

What weve had to do is reduce the client capacity down to 50 per cent. We have an appointment system, we have all the protocols in order, we have hand sanitizer and we have screens to separate the clients out to make them feel safe, he added.

Hairdressers and barbers reopened in Wales on March 15, while in England they are due to reopen on April 12.

The Northern Irish government has not yet announced when hairdressers and barbers will reopen. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Naomi Sharang

Sen. Abba Moro, the Vice Chairman Senate Committee on Army, has pleaded with the Nigeria Police to step up investigation on attack of Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue.

Moro (PDP-Benue) made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

Ortom was recently attacked in his farm at the outskirts of Makurdi, the state capital.

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G) Mohammed Adamu, had ordered full-scale investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Moro speaking on the investigation said that he was hopeful that the I-G would come up with a report that would fish out the perpetrators of the act.

I dont want to preempt what the police is doing now. The I-G had sent a special task force from the headquarters to go and investigate the activities.

We better wait and see what the report will be like. In the meantime, we thank God that the governor is safe, he said.

He further said that Nigerias security situation is scary noting that it had taken new dimensions.

There are new dimensions that are being introduced now. In the past it used to be the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East. But today you find it has gravitated to a level of banditry and kidnapping and armed robbery that had been a thing of the past.

The lawmaker, however, called on the government to step up activities of security agencies.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chiazo Ogbolu

APM Terminals, Apapa, has acquired seven new forklifts to facilitate customs examination and improve on movement of heavy materials at the terminal.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) ofNigerias leading container terminal operator,Apapa, Mr Steen Knudsen, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos.

Knudsen saidthat the new equipment, including six 5tonns and one 16tonns forklifts, would enhance efficient performance of tasks at the customs examination bay and other units without having to share forklifts with other teams.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the terminal operator had, in 2020, announced an investment of million for 2020-2021 fiscal year.

The amount brought the total investment by the company since 2006 to million (N168 billion), widely seen as the highest investment by any terminal operator in Nigeria.

Knudsen saidthat as part of the companys fleet renewal and expansion programme, it had acquired additional cargo handling equipment, including seven reach stackers, two empty handlers, two mobile harbour cranes MHCs) and four rubber tyred gantry cranes (RTGs).

With the new acquisitions, he said that the company now had 27 RTGs, 13 MHCs), several reach stackers, forklifts, empty handlers and specialised terminal trucks in operation, thus making it the best-equipped port terminal in Nigeria.

The COO added that the terminal had also rolled out a talent development programme which included functional training for all employees.

Our engineering maintenance team are undergoing industrial automation and control training for better optimisation of the latest RTG fleet and other equipment.

The functional training is in phases and it cuts across all departments.

APM Terminals Apapa also recently embarked on massive digitisation of its operations and services through the deployment of 4G LTE wireless network and construction of a new operation command centre to enhance service delivery, he said.

Knudsen expressed the companys commitment to deepening its investment in Apapa to enable it handle increasing volumes at the port.

The additional investments will create capacity to handle growth in the economy to support the Federal Governments efforts on trade growth and improve service delivery across the logistics chain, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Yakubu Uba

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, has urged NAF pilots, technicians and ground troops to remain resolute in the fight against insurgency in the North-East and other parts of the country.

Amao made the call while having anEaster lunch with troops of the Air Component of Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri.

He urged them to sustain the fight against insurgents.

You are all aware of efforts we are making to rescue our pilots and recover crashed aircrafts. We will continue to sustain the efforts.

The sad situation notwithstanding, now more than ever before is the time NAF must show strength, determination, be undeterred and unrelenting until the entire North East is rid of terrorists and criminal elements, Alao said.

The CAS lauded the President and Commander in Chief for his sustain support to NAF and military in general.

Source: NAN News

By Victor Nwachukwu

The Imo command of the Nigerian Correctional Service has confirmed an attack on its facility in Owerri.

The Public Relations Officer of the service in the state, Mr James Madugba, confirmed the incident in Owerri on Monday.

Madugba who said that the event occurred at about 2.00 a.m Monday, also said that many inmates escaped.

He said some operational vehicles of the service were burnt.

He added that the service had yet to confirm the numbers of escaped inmates and damaged vehicles.

We can confirm that the facility was attacked at about 2.00 a.m. Monday with operational vehicles burnt and many inmates at large.

We have yet to confirm definite figures but well make them public as soon as possible , he said.

He, however, called on residents of the state to go about their businesses, as according to him, the situation is under control.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Dorcas Elusogbon

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called on the Oodua descendants all over the world to be in solidarity with the Itsekiri people in the choice of the new Olu of Warri.

The Ooni made the call in a statementby Mr Moses Olafare, the Director of Media

By Ismaila Chafe

The Presidency, on Sunday in Abuja, described as ungodly attempt by Bishop Matthew Kukah to politicise the nations security challenges and the hijab saga in Kwara in his 2021 Easter homily.

A statement by the Presidents Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu noted that Kukah, the Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, had said things that were inexplicable in his Easter massage.

According to the presidential aide, it is wrong for Kukah to have stated that the Boko Haram terrorism is worse than it was in 2015.

Shehu expressed the belief that Kukah did not speak like a man of God.

He, therefore, urged well-meaning citizens to continue to support the ongoing efforts by the Buhari administration to secure the country and move it forward.

The statement read in part: But if you profess to being a man of God, as Father Mathew Hassan Kukah does, ideology should not stand in the way of facts and fairness.

Father Kukah has said some things that are inexplicable in his Easter message.

But, in saying that the Boko Haram terrorism is worse than it was in 2015, he did not speak like a man of God.

Kukah should go to Borno or Adamawa to ask the citizens there the difference between 2014 and 2021, Shehu said.

On the hijab controversy in Kwara, which Kukah also touched on, Shehu pointed out that it was a state matter which the courts of the land had adjudicated on.

They are matters that have appeared in several states as far back as the Obasanjo administration. In all of that, when and where did the name of President Buhari feature?

He (Kukah) is playing partisan politics by dragging the President (Buhari) into it.

An administration that has created a whole ministry, for the first time in the countrys history, appropriating enormous resources to it, to deal with issues of internally displaced persons cannot, in all rightfulness be accused of not caring for them.

Some of the comments are no more than a sample of the unrestrained rhetoric Fr. Kukah trades in, which he often does in the guise of a homily, Shehu said.

Source: NAN News

By Sylvester Thompson

The Minister of State for Science and Technology, Alhaji Mohammed Abdullahi, has said the coronavirus pandemic is a wake-up call for nations to collaborate effectively on science and technology for wealth creation.

The minister made the call at a lecture he delivered to young entrepreneurs and company executives on Sunday in Lagos at the First Immaculate Heart Comprehensive High School.

A press statement made available in Abuja by Maryam Zakaria, Press Secretary to the Minister, stated that the lecture was entitled Technology, As A Key Driver To Nation Building: Opportunities and Collaborations.

The minister, in the lecture, said synergy among nations was necessary to forge public trust in the area of science and technology through knowledge sharing.

He urged developing countries to prioritise Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in their scheme of things.

Today, countries are classified as developed and developed based on economic index and the application of STI, he said.

Abdullahi said that countries which have strong science and technology were the ones that developed faster.

He said that innovation had also become a key driver of economic, industrial development and technology advancement of any nation.

The success of any nation is achieved through the effectiveness of the National Innovation System (NIS), he said.

According to the minister, Nigeria has adopted the STI Roadmap 2017-2030 which embraces nanotechnology, space technology, engineering, chemical technology, biotechnology, leather technology, among others.

He said that the strides the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology had made as a result of the National Leather Products Policy was helping to boost the countrys economy.

He said through leather and textile, Nigeria would be able to develop more sophisticated technologies.

He hinted that the ministry planned to establish National Science and Technology Museum, where historic scientific, technological, artistic and cultural objects, would be displayed for hands-on exhibition.

Visitors will have the opportunity to touch, dismantle and reassemble items on display.

It would also afford children hands-on experience of different scientific processes, Abdullahi said.

Source: NAN News

By Chukwuemeka Opara

The Federal Government has pledged to ensure justice for victims of the recent attacks on three communities of Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi, by unknown gunmen.

Vice President Yemi Osibanjo made the pledge on Sunday in Abakaliki while addressing stakeholders of the state after inspecting the affected communities and the Effium/Ezza-Effium intra-communal crisis.

Osibanjo, who commiserated with the government and people of the state over the unfortunate incident, promised that the assailants would be arrested and duly prosecuted.

I convey the condolences from President Muhammadu Buhari as there is no justification whatsoever for the killings and destruction of property.

The killings must be condemned in its strongest terms as the victims must have lived together for long with those who may have killed them, he said.

The Vice President said that it was the responsibility of federal, state and local governments to ensure that such killings did not occur.

I am, however, pleased that at the Egedegede Community, the political leaders found some facts and evidence which would help security agencies in their investigations.

This would help trace the perpetrators of this terrible act but our duty as political leaders is to maintain absolute peace in areas where we serve as leaders, he said.

He pledged that the Federal Government has beefed security in the affected areas and other parts of the state by deploying additional soldiers and police personnel to the areas.

We need to ensure that relief is sent to the affected areas as the National Emergency Management Agency, among other relevant agencies, would be mobilised to assist the people with relief materials, he said.

Gov. David Umahi thanked the Vice President for accepting to be sent by Buhari to visit the state in its mournful situation.

You must have been reading in newspapers and the social media the amount of insults which South East governors receive for their efforts to ensure the unity of Nigeria.

I thank God that we prevented a serious retaliation when the incident occurred but as the chief security officer of the state, I cannot control the situation if such attack re-occurs, he said.

Chief Martin Elechi, the immediate predecessor of the current governor, urged the Federal Government to immediately stem the spate of killings and destruction across the country as it was becoming embarrassing.

Chief Eni Uduma, Representative of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Ebonyi Chapter, said that the people could longer tolerate the incessant killings and destructions of their property by those suspected to be herders. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Abiodun Lawal

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and renowned Islamic Cleric, Sheik Ahmad Gumi, have called for special courts to prosecute bandits and kidnappers across the country.

They made the call in a communique issued after a closed-door meeting in Abeokuta on Sunday.

They also called on the Local Government Councils, States and Federal Government to work together to return out-of-schools children to classes, adding that education remains key to tackling insecurity.

They said that the special courts would cut the long bureaucracy in dealing promptly with cases of banditry, kidnapping, ransom demanding and unlawful carrying of weapons.

They advised the Federal government to be proactive, secure necessary and updated intelligence to deal with organised crimes as well as have common policy for the Nation.

The Gumi eight-man delegation include: Prof. Usman Yusuf, Tukur Mamu, Dr Umar Ardo, Dr Ibrahim Abdullahi, Suleiman Gumi, Suleiman Yakubu and Buba Mohammed.

Those present on the side of Obasanjo were Agura of Gbagura, Abeokuta, Oba Babajide Bakre and Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria in Ogun , Tunde Akin-Akinsanya.

Other were Chief Imam of Egbaland, Saaddallah Bamigbola and Former Chairman of the Police Equipment Fund, Kenny Martins.

Source: NAN News

By Yinusa Ishola

A former Governor of Ekiti, Mr Segun Oni, has admonished the people of the state to reflect on the significance of Easter and imbibe sacrifice, love and togetherness in order to move the state forward.

In an Easter message he personally signed on Monday in Ado-Ekiti, Oni said it was only through sacrifice, building of strength and togetherness that the desired positive cause of the state could be advanced.

Oni, who acknowledged that God has special interest in the affairs of Ekiti, called for deep reflection on the essence of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ as it applied to existence and togetherness.

According to the former governor, the time has come for the people of the state to resurrect their profound history and the great glory of their knowledge and use them to turn around the fortunes of the state for their common good.

As a distinct homogenous entity that loves and accommodates all, we must come to a place of apposite understanding, make sacrifices, build on our strength, guide our uniqueness and use our God-given intellect and talents to advance the cause of our dear state.

We must never allow the axis of evil to thrive in our dear state; we have a collective duty to fight, defeat and shame the nest of killers.

As we have desired to live the essence of Easter after our Lord Jesus Christ, who is our resurrection and life, let Ekiti be known and called a house of prayers, a fountain of love and a land of honour and blessing.

It is on these premises that I urge the good people of Ekiti to deeply reflect on the essence of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ as it applies to our existence and togetherness, he added.

Source: NAN News

By Gami Tadanyigbe

MIcah Jiba, Member, House of Representative, AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency, has appealed to residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to live peacefully to attract much-needed infrastructural development in the area.

Jiba, who made the call in his Easter message, said that the significance of the season was for every Christian to show an exemplary life of Jesus.

He added that divine evidence had shown that when people turn to God in true supplication, in times of distress, agony, sickness and disappointment, the Almighty God in turn answered prayers.

It is only in a peaceful and conducive environment that business, government activities and the desired infrastructural development can be achieved.

I urge you to use this Easter celebration to reflect on the significance of the FCT as the Center of Unity of our great country.

This is the season to show true neighbourliness and reach out to the needy and the less privileged, who have been impacted negatively by COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

He advised residents to follow all the necessary COVID-19 protocols of constant hand washing, use of alcohol based sanitiser, and observing social distancing.

He described Easter as one of the holiest celebrations for Christians that enabled them to reflect on the way of life of Jesus Christ while on earth to save mankind.

This is one time where prevention is most certainly better than cure and you must therefore, be disciplined and maintain personal hygiene by observing all the guidelines.

He wished the residents of FCT a happy Easter celebration and encouraged them to stay safe throughout the festivity.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By George Odok

Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River has suspended the Chairman of Calabar Carnival Commission, Mr Gabe Onah, from office.

Onahs suspension is contained in a release signed on Monday in Calabar by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Christian Ita.

The governor said that the suspension was with immediate effect.

He however did not state the reason for the suspension of the commissions chairman.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspension is coming two days after the commission held its maiden award night in Calabar. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi has donated N40 million to support the hosting of the 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) holding in Edo.

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, disclosed this in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Mr John Akanji, on Monday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NSF, which had suffered numerous postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic and paucity of funds by the Edo State Government, finally got underway on April 2.

The minister expressed appreciation to the youth loving Kogi governor and the state for supporting the fiesta, which was on the brink of another postponement.

Dare assured that the fund would go a long way in uplifting the youths who are the larger participants at the festival as the ministry will commit the fund to providing feeding, transportation and ancillary support.

The minister expressed optimism that other state governors would emulate Bello in supporting the NSF as a show of their support for the youth.

Over 65 per cent of the athletes are youths for whom the fiesta, dubbed Nigerias Olympics, is a great opportunity to hone their skills and possibly secure tickets to the Tokyo Olympics, he said.

Dare said he had personally called to thank Bello for coming through quickly in support of the Nigerian youths.

The governors support is timely and useful and I thank him on behalf of the youths participating in the 20th National Sports Festival in Edo, Dare said.

NAN reports that the 20th National Sports Festival, which started on April 2 with the arrival of athletes in Edo, will end on April 14.

Source: NAN News

By Temitope Ponle

The Federal Government has urged state governments to domesticate the National Chart of Account (NCoA).

This is to qualify them for performance-based grants under the States Fiscal Transparency Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) Programme for Results 2020 Annual Performance Assessment (APA).

Mr Stephen Okon, the National Programme Coordinator (NPC), SFTAS Programme, made the call in a statement by Mr Ibrahim Mohammed, Communication Specialist, SFTAS Programme Coordination Unit, Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning.

The federal government also advised the states to take steps in qualifying for performance-based grants under COVID-19 related Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) due in 2021.

The SFTAS programme is a 1.5 billion dollars federal government programme for results supported by the World Bank which aims to strengthen fiscal governance at the state level.

Okon was speaking at a one-day NCoA Sensitisation Workshop organised by the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) for the Independent Verification Agent (IVA) on April 1.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the IVA is the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation (OAuGF).

Okon explained that the NCoA provided a standard template approved by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to be domesticated by state governments for the purposes of planning, budgeting, accounting and reporting of their financial transactions.

The adoption of NCoA by state governments will strengthen the countrys national accounting and budget monitoring; promoting greater transparency and accountability at all levels of government, he said.

The programme coordinator said many states still struggle to accurately report according to the set requirements while some had properly domesticated the NCoA in the past.

The Director-General, NGF, Mr Asishana Okauru, explained that the objective of the collaboration is to ensure that no state is left behind.

Every State should get the support it requires to deliver on the agreed reforms, Okauru said.

According to him, 36 states were adjudged to have met the eligibility criterion of preparing their FY19 audited financial statement in accordance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards, and published same online by Aug. 31, 2020.

He, however, added that preparing the 2021 budget in line with the NCoA and publishing it online remained the eligibility requirement for the 36 states to qualify for performance-based grants under the SFTAS 2020 APA and for COVID-19 related DLIs due in 2021.

He noted the IVA would be verifying states compliance with the NCoA requirement for the FY 2021 budget and the 2020 SFTAS Eligibility Criteria.

NAN reports that the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning with the NGF had provided technical assistance in the form of advisory and capacity building training for budget officials across the 36 states.

This is to assist the states with the domestication process.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Jessica Onyegbula

ArchbishopIgnatius Kaigama of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja on Sunday charged Nigerians to pray and rid the nation of corruption and other social vices.

Kaigama, who gave the charge during his homily, atOur Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral in Abuja, stressed that genuine prayer must include praying for your enemies.

He said that Nigerians must have a large heart to be able to love and forgive one another without pre-conditions and to treat all with dignity even if they differ from you.

The Archbishop noted that the polarisation of Nigerians, either along religious or tribal lines, and the over-emphasis of our differences have had far reaching negative consequences that permeate and manifest in almost every facet of life.

Like Mary Magdalene, Peter and John in the Gospel, we must disseminate good news and nothing else; not bad news, not news of violence and despair or the news of division and hate.

Our leaders can bring Nigerians good news; our security agents, public servants, and others must be honest in theirworksand good news will follow. The ordinary citizens can,also individually and collectively, behave with the fear of God and their activities will become good news.

This will only be possible when we accept to stand on the common grounds of our national aspirations, to see in one another: brothers and sisters, beyond unhealthy prejudices and artificial boundaries.

We mustpursue our causes in line with the nations mission statement on its coat of arms: unity and faith, peace and progress.

It is urgent that we put our swords into theirploughshares and spears into theirpruning hooks (cf. Is. 2:4) and embrace one another in love.

Kaigama said that the country had had enough of the impunity, bloodshed and the crimes of kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.

We need today in this nation more patriotic men, youths and, especially, women,who should be allowed to go beyond feeble political participation to bring about a new Nigeria. And by the grace of God, together, we shall succeed, he said.

We need to continue prayers for our brothers and sisters who are still held in captivity by their abductors such as: Leah Sharibu, the remaining Chibok girls, the students of the College of Forestry in Kaduna State.

Let us remember the very sick who are unable to celebrate Easter with us either on account of the COVID-19 pandemic or some other crippling sickness, or because of civil unrest, insecurity, violent attacks by unidentified persons,hardship occasioned by the global economic downturn.

Let us pray that God will intervene in their situations.

I wish all of us the blessings of the risen Lord and may His peace never depart from us and from our nation, he said.

The Archbishop said that Easter Sunday is a total reversal of the gloom of Good Friday. Jesus death which seemed to be a defeat is shown as a triumph, a victory over sin and death.

He added that the celebration of Easter for us is our desire to know Christ and the power of his resurrection, and share in his sufferings by becoming like him in his death to attain the resurrection from the dead (Phil. 3:10-11).

While Christmas is only a mission begun, Easter is a mission accomplished. At Easter, we recount that great mystery that brought the world salvation and completed the story of our redemption.

Therefore, Easter is not simply one feast among others, but the feast of feasts, the solemnities of solemnities.

An expatriate Muslim who brought me an Easter hamper with very warm greetings two days ago asked me what we celebrate at Easter.

I explained that we celebrate Jesuss redemptive suffering and death and the fact that He rose three days after He was buried, we and the whole world are illumined by the light of His resurrection.

For us, that Jesus rose from the dead is not in question, even though the chief priests and the elders bribed the soldiers to tell lies that the disciples stole the body of Jesus at night when the soldiers were asleep (cf. Mt. 28:11-15).

Peter in Acts 2 and in 1 Peter 1:17-21 reaffirms the historical certainty of the resurrection and its dramatic impact on the faith of the early Christian community, Kaigama said.

He also explained that the resurrection is the reason for our faith.

He said that if Christ had not risen, our faith would have been a mere myth; our sacramental celebrations would have been empty rituals and our Christianity would have been an association of mere convenience.

But we know as a matter of conviction, that Christ died, rose and will come again.

In the first reading, Peter reminds his audience that he and the Apostles were witnesses to all that Jesus did both in Judea and in Jerusalem (cf. Acts 10:38-39).

Peter teaches that it is only those who truly experience Jesus who can witness to Him effectively.

Witnessing should be a deliberate and conscious effort to live out the Gospel values of Christ with due diligence and faith, by words and examples wherever we find ourselves: at work, school, home, shopping mall, family meetings or community gatherings.

St. Paul tells us in the second reading to look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is, sitting at Gods right hand (cf. Col. 3:1).

As an Easter people, we must run the Christian race in sincerity and truth and gaze more on heavenly things for the world will one day pass away and heaven shall be our eternal home,

If we must go and make disciples of all nations, (Mt. 28:19-20), Christ must penetrate that sacred space in the innermost part of our being in order to transform us, so that we can experience that burning sensation of faith and say, did not our hearts burn when Christ was speaking to us? (Lk. 24:32), he said.

The Archbishop said that the risen Christ is concerned about our unity, harmony and peaceful co-existence among the multi ethnic and religious people of our country.

He said that we should always pursue national development devoid of rancour, by exploring civilised approaches in addressing real or perceived grievances.

He said, And as the former British Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair, said, our politicians should be ready to be leaders rather than politicians.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria(CBCN) believes that prayer can move mountains, and so, they composed the Prayer for Nigeria in Distress and the Prayer against Bribery and Corruption. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Olukayode Babalola

Sen. Umaru Al-Makura (APC Nasarawa) has urged Christian faithful to use Easter celebration to pray for the unity of Nigeria.

He said this in a statement by his media aide, Mr Danjuma Joseph in Lafia on Sunday.

Al-Makura who felicitated Christians on the occasion of the Easter celebration, urging them to take advantage of the occasion to pray for the unity, peace and prosperity of the country.

He added that aside prayers for unity, Christians must also contribute their quota to the nations building by being patriotic, passionate and making meaningful contributions toward positive development and progress of the country.

Al-Makura, also Chairman, Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Mines, Steel Development and Metallurgy also advised all citizens to learn from the pain, joy, love and care which characterised the period of lent and the Easter celebration.

The lessons from the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as explained in the Holy Bible, is a demonstration of love and selflessness and as beneficiary of his undying love, we must extend same to our fellow humans, he said.

The senator urged the people of Nasarawa and other Nigerians to pray for the successes of the administrations of President Muhammadu Buhari and Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ummul Idris

Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has apologised to Nigerians, especially patients at various government hospitals, over the strike embarked upon by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).

Dr Enema Amodu, the Chairman, NMA, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, made the plea on Sunday in Abuja while addressing newsmen over the NARD strike.

According to him, the association is sorry and wishes to apologise to Nigerians over the action.

The resident doctors embarked on strike on April 1 to press home their demand for upward review of their N5000 hazard allowance, payment of outstanding COVID-19 inducement allowance, among others.

He said we are not insensitive; we hope that government and those in charge of the discussion with NARD will take it seriously, with a view to settling the issues at stake.

To our patients, we are very sorry that you have to suffer this epileptic irregular healthcare service delivery; we have taken an oath to take care of you.

But if a doctor is not in a sound state of mind and is not happy with what he or she is getting from the job, the doctor may not be in right frame of mind to discharge his or her duty right.

And this will invariably affect you; by the time we get placed properly, renumeration and other welfare matters and facilities that we need to serve you, we will be able to serve you better with productive results, he said.

He pleaded with all health workers, pharmacist, nurses, among others, to stop the incessant acrimony and disharmony among them. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Oladele Eniola

Hundreds of fun seekers thronged the Alpha Beach in Lekki, Lagos State, on Sunday to celebrate Easter,the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

A correspondent of NAN who visited the beach reported that people of all ages were seen catching fun at the beach, some entertaining themselves with foods and drinks.

One of the fun seekers, Miss Mofe Ayeni, said that the Easter holiday was a moment to spend time with friends.

I have been looking forward to this season. Its a period to have nice time with friends and relations.

I had been to this place on several occasions in the past and being able to make loads of memories here especially with family and friends,she said.

Mr AdelekeIdahosa, a businessman, said that the break had afforded him time away from work.

I was looking forward to the break so I can get the deserved rest from the stress of work at a serene environment.

Coming to the beach is perfect for me to appreciate nature and the environment. Its so good for the soul he said.

Mr Dotun Alao,a funseeker, said he came to the beach to ease his emotional burdens.

Im justa regular person who comes to the beach so Im just here to have fun and enjoy myself.

Im glad for the public holiday as it has given me more time to come here,enjoy the serene environment and cool my head,he said.

A meat seller, Nuru Abdul, noted that the holding periodsare lucrative for his business.

I have made money from my business today be cause several fun seekers have been patronisingme today.

I wish there can be more public holidays because during festive period, I usually make a lot of money and it makes me happy, he said.

An official of the beach, who pleaded not to be identified because he was not authorised to speak to the press , said that the beach had been attracting hundreds of fun seekers.

The large turnout of people on this beach is a daily occurrence because the beach is clean and of high standard.

Several fun seekers come here on a daily basis to catch fun due to the standard we have maintained over the years, the official said.

However,NAN observed that some of the revellers did not comply withthe safety guidelines and measures on COVID-19 pandemic, as they did not wear their face masks andwere not complyingwithsocial distancing protocol. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Georgina Adegbie

Mustapha Jibril, the Niger State Commissioner for Investment, has urged Nigerian leaders to support youths through sports development initiatives in order to ensure a brighter and peaceful future for them.

Jibril told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja that every leader in Nigeria needs to engage youths in profitable initiatives which would guarantee them a better future.

The Commissioner gave the advice on the sidelines of the maiden edition of the Playing for Peace and Empowerment Initiative (Youth Empowerment Sports).

The programme was held in Abuja on Saturday.

Leaders from all sectors, states, organisations and institutions are to look for various means of engaging our youths.

We have talented youths across the country who we can support in many areas.

When we engage our youths in profitable programmes, we will reduce the rate of unemployment and criminal acts in the country, Jibril said.

He said one of the impacts of such empowerment programmes was that it would attract direct foreign investments in Nigeria.

We should be looking at how we can extract our players to play outside the country so that we can get foreign direct investment.

Im working directly with my state governor, Sani Bello, to see how we can turn sports into a means of investment and to be a foreign income revenue for the country, he said.

Jibril congratulated the organiser of the event, Stanley Ugochukwu, for the great efforts put together.

Im happy with what he is doing and I will support him in my little way,

We pray for a better Nigeria and that can only be achieved if we engage and support our youths in good works, he said.

Usman Ilerika, coach of the National Under-15 Football team, while also speaking with NAN in the same vein, urged rich Nigerians, lovers of football, and philanthropists to assist the youths.

He said this was necessary for the youths to achieve their dreams in football so that they can be useful to the nation.

You will have a good sleep when you meet the needs of youths in your neighborhood and in the country, he said.

The coach said he saw the passion in Ugochukwu 22-years ago when he coached him.

He was one of the Youth Corps members in the Community Development Service (CDS) which I coached during his NYSC scheme.

Passion is the number one thing required to make impact in the life of people and achieve success.

Im always happy to see them have success in football. A lot of youths have benefitted from what we taught them, he said.

NAN reports that the event which was held at the Area 3 football pitch was tagged Seguir Caminando Empowerment Sports and Awards Ceremony.

It was in commemoration of Tuesdays United Nations International Day of Sports for Development. (NAN)

Source: NAN News