By Monday Ijeh

The Inspector General of Police (I-G), Mr Mohammed Adamu, has ordered adequate deployment of police personnel across the country to ensure hitch free Easter celebration.

The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr Frank Mba disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Mba said the order was in line with the commitment of the force to ensure crime free Easter celebrations nationwide.
He called on all State Commissioners of Police (CPs) and their supervising Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) to ensure total security of all public spaces and critical national assets.

Adamu said the deployment would involve both covert and overt operatives, and other operational assets to areas of security interest within the Areas of Responsibilities (AoRs) of the CPs and AIGs.

They are also to ensure confidence boosting, proactive and high visibility patrols are carried out along the highways, motor parks, train stations, airports, worship centres, banks and other financial institutions.

Adequate measures must also be taken to provide a peaceful, crime free and enabling environment for religious, cultural and other socio-economic activities to thrive, he said.

The I-G also directed CPs and their supervising AIGs to ensure proper supervision of the men assigned for these assignments.

According to him, they must be professional and courteous to law abiding citizens but firm and ruthless to criminals.

To this effect, the I-G Monitoring Unit and X-Squad have been given marching orders to monitor and police activities of police officers policing the highways.

This is to ensure respect for the rights of citizens and operational conformity with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Rules of Engagement (RoE) of the Force, he added.

The I-G felicitated with Nigerians, particularly, the Christian community on the commemoration of the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

He commended Nigerians for their support and called for continuous cooperation with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies by providing timely information that would help in the prevention and detection of crime.

Adamu pledged that the police would continue to do all within their powers to ensure safety and security of Nigerians. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Rita Iliya
Niger State Government has assured communities of Bassa, Zumba and others in Shiroro and Munya Local Government Areas under siege by bandits that the Joint Military Taskforce Bases in the area have not been deserted.

The statement by the state government is coming amid fears that the taskforce camps were been deserted and security agents leaving the communities after the recent invasion of military base in Allawa during which six soldiers and a Mobile Policeman were killed.

Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger, who decried the deadly attack and killing, urged the communities to remain calm as the security agents have retreated to re-strategise and not left them completely.

The Military have evacuated the corpses of the gallant officers who died in the faceoff with the bandits and have retreated for a while to re-strategise. They have not left or abandoned the communities, he assured.

He said the increasing banditry and kidnapping in some parts of the state calls for constant re-strategising, stressing that government and the security agencies have remained steadfast and would ensure that the criminals are eliminated.

The Governor commiserated with the Military, the Nigeria Police Force and the communities affected by the activities of the bandits over the death of the six security agents and all the people killed in the area thus far.

The presence of the security agents in the areas have, most recently, frustrated activities of the bandits before the invasion of the military base in Allawa.

The bandits, numbering about 200, attacked the military base, killed six soldiers and a Mobile Policeman, burnt down the base before moving into the communities where they also killed seven people and abducted several others. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ahmed Abba

The Commander, Sector 2 Operation Lafiya Dole, Brig.-Gen. Adamu Nura, has appealed to journalists to prioritise Nigerias national interest in their reporting.

Nura made the appeal, on Friday, while hosting members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), who paid him a courtesy visit in Damaturu.

National interest is more important than any other interests, including public interest; because when you protect national interest, public interest will automatically be covered, he said.

He, therefore, enjoined journalists to always cooperate with security agencies, to protect the national interest in their reporting and avoid giving any form of publicity to terrorists.

Security is everybodys business, without security nothing can be achieved. he said.

He added that the sector was ready to build the capacity of journalists within its jurisdiction, in order to have a harmonious relationship and effective coverage.

Nura added that his doors were open for journalist to report to him any issue that would assist the command in its effort to end insurgency.

The NUJ Chairman, Yobe state council, Mr Rajab Muhammed, commended the Nigeria Army for its relentless efforts at restoring peace in the state.

He also emphasized the need for the army and journalists to strengthen the synergy between them for effective and smooth operation.

Muhammed also appealed to the Army to invest in building the capacity of journalists, being on the front line of the war against insurgents.

The chairman said the state council of the NUJ would soon organise media games, that would incorporate the army public relations unit to symbolise restoration of peace in the state. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Ariwodola Idowu

Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has lauded the military for its plans to establish a Defence Space Communication Satellite Centre in the state.

Fayemi said this while receiving Chief of Defense Space Administration (DSA), Rear Admiral Williams Kayoda in his office in Ado Ekiti.

Mr Olayinka Oyebode, Chief Press Secretary to the governor said in a statement on Friday in Ado Ekiti.

According to him, the governor said the benefits of the initiative to the state was enormous, adding that the state could not afford to miss the opportunity.

Fayemi said that his administration was working towards establishment of a Knowledge Zone where about 1,500 hectares of land has already been procured, adding that the proximity of the satellite centre to the zone was an added advantage.

What I can assure you is that for us, we are absolutely committed to ensuring that this works.

Anyone who has seen the benefit to which institutions like NASA had been put to beyond military utilisation will understand the reason why the State must embrace the initiative.

The military had always been a pioneer in scientific development. The internet came from the military and other big time initiatives have always come from the military.

So if we have an institution that is dedicated to utilising information from space in order to aid our security and also research and development, there is no better place to have it than Ekiti.

At the moment, we are almost finalising, even for our own security here in Ekiti, he said.

Fayemi added: Weve recognised the use of technology and one of the things that weve been doing lately with the office of the National Security Adviser and the Office of the Chief of Air Staff is to get their support for end-users certificate for Orbital Drones.

The Orbit Drones had just been procured and fits into your initiative and hopefully, our vision is that these drones would be produced locally on the basis of the work that you have already embarked on.

Earlier, Kayoda said his command was mandated to drive the military aspect of the state requirements to provide space products in support of operations of the armed forces along with other security agencies to protect the Nigeria cyber space through the Cyber security Centre.

He also commended Fayemi for his various efforts aimed at tackling security challenges facing the nation saying the peculiarity of Ekiti topography helped in the choice of the state for the project.

According to the Chief of Defence Space Administration, the benefits accruable to the state from the project would include employment of over 300 civilians from the state as well as opportunity for the state to host the dedicated satellite military base.

He said the satellite military base would control all armed forces satellite or orbital presence, thereby allowing for more military presence in the state. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Adeyemi Adeleye

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, on Friday, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address all constraints hindering the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

The state Publicity Secretary, Taofik Gani, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Gani was reacting to INECs plan to begin the CVR in June.

There is nothing bad in INEC continuing voter registration, but what is embarrassing is that this continuous voter registration is always announced as if it has intervals.

That should not be; it is not the intendment of that act.

It should be a continuous and uninterrupted registration exercise.

It is for INEC to let people know if they are facing logistics constraints.

Why should they say continuous voter registration while it is not really continuous? he queried.

According to him, the idea of announcing when exercise is starting and when it is ending has betrayed the essence of the exercise.

It should be a continuous exercise and should occur seamlessly.

The party spokesman said that registration, suspension in 2018, would still bring stress to numerous applicants who would seek to register ahead of the 2023 general election.

If it has been a continuous exercise in its real sense, he said, the exercise would not bring pains to people.

Now, people will still have to line up and go through pains to get registered, he said.

Gani urged INEC to ensure that the 2023 elections reflect the will of the people.

INEC, on Thursday, announced that it had fixed June 28, for the resumption of its suspended CVR across the country, with new technology.

The Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, at a news briefing said that the exercise would continue until the third quarter of 2022.

Yakubu also announced that the commission would replace its Direct Data Capture Machine (DDCM), introduced in 2011 for voter registration, with a new technology called, INEC Voter Enrolment Device (IVED).

The registration exercise took place continuously from April 27, 2017, and was suspended on Aug. 31, 2018. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Dorcas Elusogbon

Pastor Timothy Bakare, Zonal Superintendent for Christ Apostolic Church Oke-Ibukun Iloro Zonal Headquarters, has reaffirmed that Jesus Christ is the only hope for mankind.

Bakare made the confirmation during a Good Friday Service at the Christ Apostolic Church Oke-Ibukun Iloro, Zonal Headquarters, on Friday, in Ile-Ife.

He said that God created man in His own image, with the hope of serving Him, but it was a pity that men fall short of the Glory of God, by transgressing against Him.

According to the cleric, God cursed both Adam and Eve including Satan and the curse persists on humans and animals till date.

Woe unto the world, for the adversary was sent to the world.

But Glory be to God that shown mercy unto the whole world, by giving us His only begotten Son, that whosoever believed in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.

If anyone be in Christ, he is s new creature, old things have passed away, they have become new. he said.

Bakare then charged Christians to move closer to Christ and turn a leaf in Him, by genuinely repenting of their sins, so that the death and resurrection of Christ on the cross, would not be in futility.

He urged Nigerians to utilise this period to pray for national security, embrace peaceful coexistence across the country and eschew evil. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Kingsley Okoye

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, on Friday, donated the sum of N8 million to victims of the Yan Harawa market fire disaster in Yobe State.

In a statement by Ezrel Tabiowo, his Special Assistant on Press, Lawan made the donation when he paid a visit to the market in Gashua, Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State.

During the visit, Lawan appealed to the leaders of the Yan Harawa market association to ensure that all victims of the fire incident benefitted equally from monetary donations, irrespective of party affiliation.

He also assured that the Federal Government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) would also support victims of the fire incident.

I hereby donate the sum of N8 million naira. Please, it should be shared equally to all victims affected by the market fire disaster.

Whatever donations you receive, make sure it is shared to all those who are affected irrespective of whatever political party they belong to.

I pray that may we continue to experience peace in this zone, and also in Yobe State and Nigeria, the Senate President said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), in efforts to establish Medical Special Economic Zones in Nigeria, have urged the Federal Executive Council to adopt the concept as a national project.

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, the Managing Director of NEPZA made the remark while formally presenting the concept to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, in Abuja.

In a statement on Friday, by Mr Martins Odeh, Head, Corporate Communications, NEPZA, Adesugba said the medical zones are to be established across the six geo-political zones in conjunction with the IFC, its foreign collaborator.

According to him, in the authoritys attempt to use the zone scheme, to fast track the countrys industrialisation process found it expedient to extend such a mandate to scale-up the countrys healthcare system.

The NEPZA chief executive explained that it was vital for the concept to be adopted, adding that such show of political-will was needed to mitigate the fears and reservations of prospective investors.

The presentation provided a basis and justification for a notation to be made by the minister to Federal Executive Council for its buy-in and support to commence the project.

Adesugba, who also provided introduction and rationale for the project based on the COVID-19 effect.

He added that the prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases in a more threatening manner unequivocally necessitated the urgent need to improve and invest in the countrys healthcare.

He stated that the over two billion dollars capital flight on medical tourism annually was a needless astronomical cost of medical services abroad which had a serious negative effect on the economy.

Adesugba, therefore, explained that the project when brought to limelight would invariably showcase Nigerias potential as a medical tourism destination.

The medical special economic zone remains a tool to reduce medical tourism and to reinstate buoyancy in our economy, he said.

The NEPZA boss also outlined the Authoritys vision for the project with details on the pilot project, benefits to Nigeria, components of the medical zones, criteria for site selection and success.

He also highlighted the steps taken to date which included stakeholder engagement, gazetting of medical special economic zones in third schedule of activities, state engagement and budget allocation and the proposed implementation strategy.

The statistics of this morning indicate that we have lost 2,057 people to COVID-19 but we have lost more to malaria this year as we speak.

We have lost more to TB, HIV so our intention is to put together the kind of scheme that would wholistically address the countrys healthcare challenges.

We have been able to pick some locations and we discovered that its even easier for us because there are some states that have already indicated interest to host the project.

Lagos, Kwara and Katsina States are waiting for the commencement of this great initiative.

While Katsina is on the verge of allotting us 400 hectares of land near the Airport for this scheme, we have taken delivery of large sites in Lekki, Lagos and Kwara respectively, Adesugba said.

Meanwhile, Dr Olumide Okunola, Senior Health Specialist, IFC, said the country should speedily leverage on this project to speed up its structural transformation.

On his part, Adebayo expressed delight on this initiative and promised to take it to federal executive council for consideration.

The event was also attended by Amb. Mariam Katagum, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment and other senior officials of the ministry and NEPZA. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command (WMC), has intercepted cannabis sativa with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N694, 575, 000.

The NCS has also handed the banned substance to the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Comptroller Olugboyega Peters of the WMC said at a news conference on Friday in Lagos that the command also intercepted other items such as rice and bales of clothing with a DPV of N687, 446 000, in the first quarter of 2021.

According to him, in 2020, the command seized over 10 tonnes of cannabis sativa (marijuana) valued at over a billion naira.

Here we are today showcasing another feat of arrest of marijuana by officers and men of the command.

On March 27, our operatives of Coastal and Harbour Patrol (Bar-Beach), on credible intelligence along Ibeche Beach on the high sea, accosted, intercepted and arrested two wooden boats laden with sacks suspected to contain marijuana (HS Code 0602.90 of Common External Tariff (CET).

This is together with six suspects, as empowered by Customs and Excise Management Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, as amended.

The goods together with the suspects were brought to WMC.

Upon physical counting, it was found to be 147 sacks of marijuana with an average of 45kg per sack, giving an estimated total of 6,615kg with a DPV of N694, 575, 000.

Peters said that WMC had collaboration with the NDLEA, adding that NCS handed over the marijuana and the suspects to NDLEA in the interest of national security.

He said that the United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) headed by Miss Siji Song had on March 16, in fulfillment of its promise of installing Teleconferencing CISCO WEBEX equipment, handed over the equipment to the command.

He said that the equipment would aid operations of the command and assist security agencies in fighting piracy in the maritime industry.

The equipment will be fully installed when all the enabling tools are put in place by the service, he said.

Peters said that making the society free of drugs abuse was a collective one, urging that all hands should be on deck to achieve the aim.

You can imagine the havoc the marijuana of this magnitude could have caused in our society if this seizure has not been made.

Let me warn unscrupulous elements to desist from smuggling and look for a legitimate means of livelihood.

Operatives of WMC are always combat-ready to bring smuggling to its barest minimum.

No amount of distraction will deter us from enforcing Federal Governments fiscal policies; we will remain resolute no matter whose ox is gored.

I urge the NDLEA to invite us during the destruction of this marijuana and a copy of certificate of destruction issued to the NCS for record keeping, he said.

Mr Samuel Gazama, Commander, NDLEA, Apapa Special Command, Lagos, said that the cannabis intercepted was the type being cultivated in Ghana which, he said, was more potent than the one grown in Nigeria.

He said that the seizure saved Nigeria and its image.

We want the media to help to sensitive the public on the dangers of what we are trying to stop in our society.

On behalf of the Chairman of the NDLEA, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, we thank the WMC and the controller-general of customs for the new leaf of synergy and cooperation that is really coming up between customs and NDLEA.

Even if we do not have the suspects, the fact that NCS was able to stop this from going into the society, is a big achievement, and I say thumbs up to you and your men. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Rita Iliya

Gov. Abubakar Sani-Bello of Niger has condemned the killing of soldiers, policemen and others in fresh bandits attack in Shiroro local government areas of the state.

Bello in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mrs Mary Noel-Berje, in Minna on Friday assured communities of Bassa, Zumba and others in Shiroro and Munya local government areas under siege by bandits that the joint military taskforce bases in the area have not been deserted.

He allayed the fears that the taskforce camps were being deserted and security agents leaving the communities after the recent invasion of military base in Allawa during which six soldiers and a mobile policeman were killed.

Bello regretted the deadly attack and killing of the security agents and urged the communities not to be apprehensive but to remain calm as the security agents have retreated to re-strategise and not left them completely.

The military have evacuated the corpses of the gallant officers who died in the faceoff with the bandits and have retreated for a while to re-strategize. They have not left or abandoned the communities, he said.

He said the increasing banditry and kidnapping activities in some parts of the state calls for constant re-strategising, stressing that government and the security agencies have remained steadfast and would ensure that the criminals are eliminated.

The governor commiserated with the military, the Nigeria Police Force and the communities affected by the activities of the bandit over the death of the six security agents and all the people killed in the area so far.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that bandits, numbering about 200 attacked a military base, killed six soldiers and a mobile policeman on March 31 in Shiroro local government area of the state.

The bandits also burnt down the base before moving into the communities where they also killed seven people and abducted several others.

Source: NAN News

By Bosede Olufunmi

The Kano State Fire Service says it saved 122 lives and property worth N81.3million in 116 fire incidents recorded in the state in March.

Saminu Abdullahi, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Service, gave the figures in a statement on Friday in Kano.

He however said that 20 lives were lost and property worth N39.6million destroyed by fire during the period under review.

The Service responded to 88 rescue calls and 22 false alarms from residents of the state, he added.

Abdullahi attributed most of the fire incidents in the state to careless handling of cooking gas and use of inferior electrical appliances.

He advised residents to always handle fire with care to prevent outbreaks. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ikenna Uwadileke

Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Orji Kalu, has called for a more united Nigeria as he felicitated with Christians on the occasion of Easter celebration.

Kalu, in his Easter message on Friday in Abuja, described the season as a good opportunity for Christians to embrace the exemplary life of Jesus Christ and teachings of the Holy Bible.

The former governor of Abia urged Nigerians to imbibe forgiveness, sacrifice, piety and brotherhood in their daily endeavours, regardless of ethnic, political and religious differences.

According to him, Nigeria is better of as a united and indivisible entity as proponents of a divided nation dont mean well for the country.

I join our Christian brothers and sisters in celebrating yet another Easter.

We must appreciate God for the gift of life and unending blessings.

This season should be committed to self appraisal as individuals and as a people.

We must reflect on our lives in the service of God and humanity.

Jesus Christ died as a sacrifice for sins of humanity and as such, the world can be a better place to live, if all and sundry, demonstrate love, peace, sacrifice and unity as exemplified by Jesus Christ.

We must be selfless, patriotic and steadfast in our pursuits for sake of national growth and progress.

For us the political class, there is need to further engage and connect with the grassroots in a bid to improve the common lots of the people.

The citizenry must support government at all levels by complementing people at the helm of affairs in order to take Nigeria to enviable heights.

As we celebrate Easter, it is imperative that we shun division, politics of bitterness and social vices, he said.

Kalu, while urging the Christian community to extend the Easter merriment to people of different faiths, wished Nigerians a peaceful and joyous celebration. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

Bishop Emmanuel Badejo, the Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese has urged Nigerians to shun all forms of violence as Christians observe Good Friday.

Badejo gave the charge on Friday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan.

He called on citizens to love one another irrespective of tribal or religious differences.

The bishop pointed out that love was the most powerful tool to eradicate violence and create a better nation.

Love demands that we work towards justice and fairness as it made God to offer his only son to die for mankind.

Leaders in all spheres; governent, religious, traditional, family, business amongst other should make sacrifices for the well being of their people as Christ exemplified by laying down His life for the world.

They should all collaborate and put aside personal or group interest in order to build a better Nigeria, he said.

He urged Nigerians to use the occasion of Good Friday for sober reflection on the violence and incessant killings around the country.

Jesus on the cross, cried for an end to hatred, corruption, greed, violence and discrimination.

God made a world that is good but human beings must stop destroying one another and ultimately, the world, he said.

Badejo said that Nigerians must realise that every life snuffed was a defeat to humanity and work towards peace and justice.

He, therefore, admonished all to repent of all evil in order to enjoy eternal life as God desired through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Stephen Adeleye

CAN chairman in Kogi, Bishop John Ibenu, on Friday urged people in the state to accept and take the COVID-19 vaccine, saying it is safe.

Ibenu gave the advice in Lokoja when officials of Kogi State Ministry of Health and Kogi Primary Health Care Development Agency paid him an advocacy visit preparatory to receiving COVID-19 vaccines in the state.

He said a stakeholders meeting between CAN National President, His Eminence Dr Ayokunle Samson, the Minister of Health, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, NAFDAC and others came to the conclusion that COVID-19 is real.

He said the meeting also concluded that it was safe to take the vaccine.

We listened to many presentations by professionals and we carried out our own investigation and concluded that the vaccine is beneficial to mankind and that everyone should accept it.

He assured Nigerians that CAN would be the number one body to stand against anything that could harm anyone.

He stressed that it was against international standard and health practice to introduce anything that would be harmful to humanity, saying, CAN will never be part of anything that will be harmful to humanity.

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe; there is no trick in it; please let us not be left behind.

Ibenu noted that it was not compulsory to take the vaccine and that those who did not want it could stay away.

It is for the benefit of humanity and we certify it to be okay for everybody, he stressed.

The cleric thanked Kogi State government under the leadership of Gov. Yahaya Bello, for all it had done to save lives in the state since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bishop commended the Ministry of Health and the governor in particular for being very open and practical in handling the issue of COVID-19 from the onset.

As far as COVID-19 is concerned, the Kogi government has taken the most pragmatic approach in addressing the situation from Day One of the virus, Ibenu said.

Earlier, Alhaji Acheku Yusuf, Kogi State Health Promotion Officer, said the visit was on the mandate of Kogi government to seek CANs support on COVID-19 vaccination.

He said that Kogi was expected to receive COVID-19 vaccines very soon, and CAN would be needed as one of the critical stakeholders to educate the people.

We want your support in educating people in Kogi to accept the vaccine, but we must not force anybody to take it, Yusuf said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Kingsley Okoye

Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege has urged Nigerians to use the occasion of the Easter to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice, tolerance and peaceful co-existence.

Omo-Agege, (APC-Delta) made the call in his Easter message on Friday in Abuja.

He also called on Nigerians to renew their commitment towards promoting peace, unity and brotherhood among all groups in the country.

The Delta Central senator said the celebration of the resurrection of Christ should be a constant reminder for people to extend the virtues of selflessness, love and forbearance.

Omo-Agege, therefore, urged Christian faithful to use the season as a period to reflect on their individual and collective roles towards promoting and sustaining the foundation of love, peace and harmony in the nation.

As we remember the death of Jesus and celebrate His resurrection, let us make sacrifices for those around us and renew our commitment towards building a better society.

Let us not be dismayed because with His resurrection, Jesus Christ calls us to proclaim and live the gospel of true love and selflessness.

No nation can make any meaningful progress in an atmosphere riddled with pockets of violence and killings.

We must therefore see this period as a time that presents us the viable opportunity to think about how we can help to steer our nation back on the road to peace, stability and prosperity by working in the spirit of togetherness, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Abbas Bamalli

Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has charged the 206 athletes from the state going for the National Sports Festival in Edo to work hard, show spirit of sportsmanship and win Gold medals.

The governor said this in a statement issued to newsmen in Kano on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the states Deputy Governor, Hassan Musa-Fagge,

Ganduje bade farewell to the states contingents who would be departing on Friday for the Sports fiesta.

Represented by his Deputy, Dr Nasiru Gawuna, Ganduje said that his administration since coming on board in 2015, had given adequate priority to sports to engage the youths to be employed.

The governor congratulated the athletes for being selected to represent Kano State at the Festival.

I am assuring you of the support of our government and the people of Kano State. All we want from you is to make us proud by winning Gold medals.

We are fulfilling our promises for any medal you win at the Sports Festival. Therefore, we are going to be with you in spirit. Ganduje said.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, said the state with a contingent comprising 206 persons is participating in 24 games.

During the last sports festival which took place in Abuja in 2018, Kano came 8th on the overall medals table but this time the team is determined.

Therefore, I am assuring you, we will do much better, he said.

He further said that all arrangements for the camping of the athletes had been completed, fulfilling all COVID-19 protocols and in fact had also undertaken insurance cover for the contingent.

Galadima also highlighted that at the festival, Kano is also representing the North West Zone in five sporting events including Basketball (male and female categories), Handball, Volleyball, Rugby and Field events.

Responding on behalf of the contingent, Coach of the Handball team, Solomon Yola, said they were ready for the largest sports gathering in the country.

He further expressed appreciation to the Kano State Government for the support.

He gave an assurance that, all we have to do is to go out there and make Kano proud. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Angela Atabo

Yiaga Africa and other stakeholders have urged amendment of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 to remove some restrictions on NGOs, faith based organisations and institutions.

A roundtable organised by Yiaga brought together stakeholders from Corporate Affairs Commission, Academia and Civil Society Organisations to identify gaps and chart the way forward in the CAMA Act 2020.

Yiaga Africas Director of Programmes, Cynthia Mbamalu, said that the organisation began its advocacy against obnoxious legislations in Nigeria starting with stakeholders roundtable to review CAMA 2020 for further legislative engagement.

Mbamalu said that Yiaga Africa presented its analysis of act where it identified certain provisions capable of derogating from citizens constitutionally guaranteed rights, including how the Act affected non-state actors, especially NGOs, religious and traditional institutions.

She said that the analysis revealed that CAMA 2020 had been hailed as a huge improvement on the 1990 version as it promotes the ease of doing business and seeks to promote accountability in certain sectors hitherto left at the whims and caprices of certain individuals.

She said that the new CAMA repelled the previous one that we had in 1990 under military regime, the passage of the law was an important thing, because it provided better regulations for ease of doing business.

Together with other associations in Nigeria, we actually observed that there are certain provisions in the existing CAMA which has potential to limit and restrict the operations of CSOs in Nigeria.

These include faith based organisations and media institutions that are registered.

For us, what is important is that yes the law has been passed but it is an opportunity to engage, and our goal is to work with other stakeholders to reveal those specific sections that are problematic and make proposal for further amendments.

This is especially the sections under part F of CAMA, there is already a bill presented at the House of Representatives, proposing amendment to sections 839, of the law, we are hoping there will be another introduction in the senate.

There is no perfect law, so any law that would potentially affect the exercise of fundamental freedom and human rights in Nigeria, we need to ensure that those laws are reasonably justifiable in democratic society.

Mbamalu said that the Act affected non-state actors, especially NGOs, religious and traditional institutions and these were not in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

She however, said, the fact that a law is passed doesnt mean it cannot be amended and we believe there is always opportunity to review our law in tandem with democratic principles.

To ensure that the laws protect and guarantee citizens rights and they truly ensure effective planning for the future of our democracy.

Dr Godwin Malasowe, an academic don from the University of Abuja, who presented Yiaga Africas analysis, recommended the unbundling of corporate laws into smaller and perhaps more effective independent components.

Malasowe also urged the National Assembly to consider the unbundling of the CAMA 2020 into smaller legislations for effective corporate management and better corporate practice in Nigeria.

In his reaction, Assistant Director at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Tolulope Shonike said CAMA 2020 was the largest piece of legislation in Nigeria, so it was not out of place to find complaints about is.

Shonike urged Nigerians to read through CAMA thoroughly and not depend on hearsay as that way they would understand that the law had sufficient safe guards to alienate their fears.

He said that all the CAMA Act was trying to do was to introduce structure in the organisations and not to interfere or restrict them.

We have noted a lot of these complaints about CAMA, let me state here that before the bill became law, there was extensive engagement with stakeholders, this effort started since 2004, it took between that time and 2020 to become law.

He said that registration of organisations and associations was not compulsory since the constitution allowed for freedom of association but however, any registered organisation would be bound by the law.

Source: NAN News

By Grace Alegba

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Ikeja branch has unveiled its mentorship programme to address skill gaps and unemployment in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the mentorship scheme was unveiled by the past and present chairmen alongside members of the society on Thursday night at its combined virtual/physical monthly meeting in Lagos.

NAN also reports that the scheme was for 35 mentees and 15 mentors.

The ceremony was tagged: NSE Ikeja Branch Adigun Arewa Mentorship Scheme (NIBAAMS) 2021 cohort.

Chairman of the branch, Mr Olutosin Ogunmola during his presentation, listed challenges caused by dearth of skills, which made the countrys youths rated as unemployable at some point.

He said that mentorship was the best way to transfer practical knowledge, bridge skill deficit and create mass employment opportunities.

According to him, the mentorship programme will assist engineers who have veered into other fields, but still have interest to reconnect to practical knowledge, and be able to create jobs.

Speaking on the advantages of mentorship, Ogunmola said that those mentored were usually ahead and performed above their peers.

It is a case of not having to reinvent the wheels, by way of taking advantage of those who have gone ahead of you, telling you where not to step, how to go about things, he said.

Ogunmola added that the scheme kick-started by his predecessor about two years ago was aimed at equipping the next generation of engineers with current trends, to make global impact with leading innovations.

He said the scheme was named after the late Adigun Arewa, a past chairman, passionate about mentorship and ran with the vision to impact young engineers while alive.

The next generation of engineers are those that are well prepared, he said.

According to him, the practical skills will be impacted on the mentees to bridge the gap between the classroom theory and actual practice in the field of engineering, to remain useful and relevant in the global space.

The NSE boss added that specific areas were taken into consideration during the selection process and mentees marched with mentors, in their areas of specialisation.

He urged the mentees to make proper use of the scheme to enhance growth and developement.

The mentors which included a past chairman of the branch, Mr Akin Akintola, took turns to share their thoughts on the importance, advantages and benefits of the mentorship programme. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Yahaya Isah
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says intelligent report gathered by its surveillance aircraft, Special Forces, and ground troops indicates that its missing aircraft might have crashed.

A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, stated that the cause of the crash and the whereabouts of the two pilots remained unknown.

According to Gabkwet, the pilots are Flt.-Lt. John Abolarinwa and Flt.- Lt. Ebiakpo Chapele.

Meanwhile, extensive search and rescue efforts were still ongoing by NAF surveillance aircraft as well as NAF Special Forces and Nigerian Army troops on ground.

He added that even at the point they were, NAF was not ruling out anything regarding the incident.

He, however, remained hopeful that the crew would soon be found and rescued.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NAF Alpha-Jet aircraft (NAF-475) went off the radar with two crew members on board on March 31. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chimezie Anaso

The Anambra Police Command says it has arrested four new suspects in connection with the reported attack on Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The commands Spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the fresh arrest in a statement issued in Awka on Thursday.

Ikenga gave the names of the four suspects as Mbah Victor (30), John Olisakwe (21), Chigozie Omeh (20) and Emmanuel Nnobi (28).

The suspects confessed to have actively taken part in the attack and subsequent abduction of the Commissioner for Water and Public Utility, Mr Emeka Ezenwanne, the statement states.

It further states that the command had intensified efforts to rescue the commissioner.

Soludo was attacked by gunmen at a political gathering in his Isuofia home town in Aguata Local Government Area on Wednesday.

It was gathered that three police orderlies attached to him were killed by the gunmen.

The police had earlier confirmed the arrest of one suspect in the wake of the attack.

According to him, Efforts are still ongoing to apprehend other fleeing accomplices, unravel the circumstances surrounding the incidence and bring the suspects to book, he stated.

The command reaffirmed its commitment toward ensuring the safety of residents of the state.

It further called on the people to assist the command with useful information that would help to tackle crime and criminality in the state. (NAN)

Source: NAN News