China Police has nabbed more than 34,000 suspects while handling 19,000 food-related criminal cases in 2020 in a crackdown that started in May, the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) said on Monday.

The monetary value involved in the cases amounted to 2.51 billion dollars, the ministry said, adding that more than 9,500 crime dens had been demolished and over 3,100 criminal groups were busted during the period.

The MPS launched the Kunlun 2020 operation in May, targeting violations of food and drug safety laws, intellectual property rights, among others.

During the operation, the police also dealt with more than 4,600 cases and detained over 10,000 suspects for jeopardising drug safety.

Besides, about 8,600 cases related to crimes involving counterfeiting and rights infringement had been solved.

In another development, the countrys Ministry of Public Security also said on Monday that the number of newly identified drug users under the age of 35 dropped by 31.5 per cent in 2020.

Police cracked 64,000 drug-related cases in 2020, down 23 per cent from the previous year, leading to over 92,000 arrests and the seizure of more than 55 tonnes of drugs, according to the ministry.

It said that a total of 427,000 drug users involved in the cases were identified, a year-on-year decrease of 31 per cent.

Close to three million former drug users have not relapsed for three years since rehabilitation.

The majority of Chinese people are satisfied with the countrys efforts to tackle narcotics, citing a satisfaction level nearing 97 per cent in a survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics, the ministry said. (Xinhua/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is deploying all its operational energies in enforcing the use of helmets by motorcyclists across the country, its spokesman Mr Bisi Kazeem has said.

Kazeem, the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO) of the FRSC, said this on Monday in Abuja in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He stressed that the enforcement had reduced fatalities in the event of crash, adding that motorcyclists were vulnerable road users as most of the crashes involving them were fatal.

According to him, the use of helmets reduce damage to sensitive parts of their bodies, including eyes, skull, brain and nose.

As such, the use of helmets does not only make them responsible, but saves their lives in most cases.

Currently, our records show that there is significant improvement in the safety of those categories of road users, he said.

Kazeem also said that the ban on motorcycles on the expressway was still in force, adding that the corps was utilising its workforce in enforcing it.

He said that the ban coupled with the introduction of tricycles had accounted for the reduction in accidents involving motorcycles on the expressway

Most of the bikes you see around are owned by security operatives on duty and they have been admonished to always wear their helmet and so far, so good, the compliance is reasonable, he said.

Kazeem said that the corps had intensified strategic public enlightenment campaigns for road users using conventional advocacy strategies and the mass media. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Vivian Emoni

Mr Ene Baba-Owoh, National Coordinator, Clean-Up Nigeria, a Non-Governmental Organisation, says the recent ban on charcoal exportation by the Federal Government will mitigate environmental challenges in the country.

Baba-Owoh, who is also an environmentalist, made his view known while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

NAN reports that recently, the Minister of Environment, Dr Mohammad Abubakar, announced the ban on exportation of charcoal in the country, saying that it contributed to environmental challenges.

The environmentalist said that production of charcoal increased emissions, thereby causing environmental problems.

Baba-Owoh said that production of charcoal was the first instance that led to land degradation and climate change.

According to him, one of the major causes of climate change in the environment was the destruction of tropical forest as trees were used to produce charcoal.

Production of charcoal encourages more cutting of trees and thus affects our forests.

Deforestation is a permanent destruction of our forests. This can include clearing the land for agriculture, grazing or using the timber for fuel, construction or manufacturing.

Deforestation causes greenhouse gas emissions leading to global warming; however, trees are made to help mitigate environmental challenges in our environment.

So, banning charcoal exportation in the country will go a long way to address climate change and other environmental problems.

Trees provide shelter to man and help in purifying our health; they prevent erosion and act as buffer against climate change, while the forest offers home for plants and animals.

Forest provides natural resources such as herbs, which can be used for medicine and other commercial purposes, Baba-Owoh explained.

He said that studies had shown that about 300 million people lived in forests while over 20 per cent of greenhouse gases carbons were released yearly in the tropical forest.

Baba-Owoh said that studies also showed that the forest alone contributed about 10 per cent to global warming.

He said that constant cutting of trees led to flooding during rainy season, thereby causing loss of lives and properties as well as displacement of indigenous people.

Baba-Owoh said that destruction of the forest exposed people to various diseases which could lead to death.

He urged Nigerians to cultivate the habit of planting more trees and ensuring that any tree cut down was replaced.

Baba-Owoh said that the effort would help to prevent deforestation and destruction of lands and forests in the country. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Alex Enebeli

Some residents of Enugu State have expressed mixed feelings concerning the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination in the State.

Some of them, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in separate interviews, said that they preferred provision of food, security and other social amenities to the vaccine.

Mrs Blessing Eze, a teacher, said she would not take the vaccine on the ground that it was not what Enugu people needed at the moment.

According to her, people in Enugu need food, good road and security to make life better for them.

The way they are going about COVID-19 of a thing, one will wonder if there is coronavirus in the state, but as for me, the vaccine is not for me.

They should give it to politicians and their families, why are they remembering the poor ones now, she said.

Mrs Ngozi Okpara said she preferred free vaccination of Typhoid and Malaria to the COVID-19 vaccine.

Typhoid and malaria kills us more than coronavirus in the country and there is no free vaccine for it.

As for me, I will enquire from my husband as to know if I should take it or not, she said.

According to Chukwuemeka Chioke, a trader, I heard that the vaccine causes headache and weakens the body so l would not take it.

But a nurse, identified as Philomena, said she would take the vaccine since some health workers in the state had died of COVID-19.

I will take it whenever I am called upon to take the jab. Some doctors and health officers had already taken the jab and nothing has happened to them, she said.

Meanwhile, the Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Enugu State, Mr Isaac Onukwube has urged residents in the state to embrace the vaccine.

It is one who is alive that will think of road and food, I know that they are the basic necessity of life but life is the most important thing, he said.

He urged them to disregard death rumors surrounding COVID- 19 vaccine as the vaccine is real and safe.

NAN reports that Enugu State Government had on Wednesday took delivery of 65,000 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Rotimi Ijikanmi

The Federal Government has described the reported formation of Biafra Customary Government by Asari Dokubo as a theatre of the absurd by a joker seeking attention.

Speaking with News Agency of Nigeria on the development in Lagos on Monday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said the President Muhammadu Buharis administration will not be distracted by the absurdity.

I am sure you have heard of the theatre of the absurd, that is the best way I can describe it.

If Asari Dokubo wants to form and run a fathom government, I think he is free to do so.

This administration will not be distracted because we still have a lot to do.

We are not ready to give any attention or time to a joker like Dokubo who is just looking for attention.

We will just take it as one of these entertainment thing.

The beauty about Nigeria is that it is never a dull country, you must have one thing or the other to entertain you, he said.

Dokuboleader of the Niger Delta Peoples Salvation Force reportedlyannounced himself as the leader of the new Biafra Customary Government.

The fathom government was announced with names of some leaders by one Uche Mefor, who claimed to be its head of information and communications. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Folasade Akpan

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has announced the signing of a seven-year 350 million dollar Term Loan Facility to provide financing to OCP Group of Morocco.

The bank made the announcement in a statement it issued in Cairo, Egypt on Monday, adding that the financing was to support the groups expansion plans across Africa.

Prof. Benedict Oramah, the banks President said the partnership was in fulfilment of its mandate of facilitating export development in the continent and promoting intra-African trade and investments.

Oramah was quoted as saying that the Afacility had symbolic value, as it marked the beginning of a productive and close relationship between Afreximbank and OCP group.

We are delighted to announce this facility, as the first demonstration of the strong relationship the bank enjoys with Morocco.

This is an important transaction which supports the development of Africas agricultural capacity.

OCP Groups products, which are tailored to the needs of African farmers will generate broad and deep improvements to the continents ability to compete in international agricultural markets, he said.

The statement said OCP group ranked among the worlds largest phosphate producers, with a strong position across all five continents and exporting to more than 160 clients.

It added that over the last decade, the group had consolidated its position in many African countries and, as an African player, was committed to developing South-South cooperation.

It said it had also placed Africa at the heart of its growth plan to contribute to bolstering the continents agricultural ecosystem, by providing the continent with both the right quantities and qualities of customised fertiliser products.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria recently signed a 1.4 billion dollar agreement with OCP Group of Morocco to produce ammonia and diammonium phosphate in the gas industrialisation strategy.

The project is structured to commercialise Nigerias vast natural gas resources and satisfy Moroccos demand for cost-competitive ammonia.

The agreements are designed to create a clear path for the second phase of the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI) and the creation and operationalisation of a Multipurpose Industrial Platform (MPI) in Nigeria. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Reporters

Safe Haven Football Academy was inaugurated on Sunday in Ikorodu area of Lagos State as part of efforts to develop grassroots sports in Nigeria.

The academy, which is situated at Safe Haven, Legina Estate, near Adamo Town in Ikorodu, was established by Rev. Dele George of the little Saints Orphanage, Lagos in partnership with Daraya Sports, La Liga and Real Betis.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the young players, aged between 10 and 12, along with their officials, were presented to the public at the inaugural ceremony.

Rev. Dele George, in a speech, said that the main goal was to remove vulnerable children/ adolescents, abandoned or orphaned, from the streets.

We want to reform and empower such children.

The academy will stir up the natural and academic abilities of the children/adolescents, while creating a safe environment for the maximisation of their abilities.

The academy will also empower the children/adolescents for prosperous and independent living in adulthood.

The Little Saints Orphanage has, in the past 25 years, rehabilitated, reformed and reintegrated hundreds of orphans in Lagos State. Majority of these children/adolescents have been adopted into wonderful families approved by the government.

The children/adolescents left in the orphanage are currently engaged in academic and vocational pursuits, including sports. They have become the pride and joy of our nation, she said.

George commended La Liga and Real Betis for partnering her orphanage for the football academy, stressing that their efforts would enhance football development in Nigeria.

Mr Desmond Chiji, a representative of La Liga Global Network for Ghana and Nigeria, in a remark, said that the partnership would help the quest to discover and develop talents from the grassroots, adding that the developments would be in stages.

According to Chiji, La Liga has entered into an agreement with Nigeria professional football league where it just concluded a coaching seminar.

He added that La Liga usually organise an under-15 football tournament every year but could not do so this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said that La Liga was a global brand committed to discovering and developing talents in the community.

We want to speak the local language; we dont want to be another league that just came and showed football.

We dont want La Liga to be made up of only Spanish teams. We also want Nigerian teams with different languages.

He said that the U-15 tournament organised every year usually bring out the best out of the teams, with the very best players chosen to go to Spain and train with some of the clubs.

Chiji further said that La Liga had also partnered the Spanish Embassy and different organisations to organise sporting clinics and also develop an engagement with the Nigeria women football league which was also important to developing talents.

He urged the kids to be disciplined and be dedicated in order to get to the higher level, and promised to continue to develop community youths and women grassroots football.

A former Super Eagles player, Mutiu Adepoju, commended the partnership with world international football groups like La Liga and Real Betis, stressing that the academy would improve football development in Nigeria, if sustained.

He called for structures that would encourage grassroots sports development like the Haven Football Academy, urging the children in the academy to be serious and disciplined if they must do well in football.

The Founder of Daraya Sports, Adeniyi Segun, said that his outfit was involved in the project with a view to improve sporting activities in Nigeria, particularly at the grassroots, where the indigents live.

He pointed out that many sports academies in town were not affordable for children of the poor, stressing that only the rich could afford to register their wards in such outfits.

We have come to Nigeria to reach out to the poor and assist them to realise their dream of becoming great footballers and also get educated.

The long term goal of the partnership is to raise awareness for grassroots sports education and provide access to quality training for those that cant afford it, he said.

He assured the coaches of full support, and expressed optimism that the kids would represent
the nation in the next 10 years. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Yahaya Isah

The Nigerian Navy (NN), says the service had redeployed 60 Rear Admirals, 123 Commodores, as well as 74 Captains, following the recent appointments of new Service Chiefs.

A statement by the Director of Information, Naval Headquarters, Commodore Suleman Dahun, stated that the deployment affected a total of 257 senior officers.

According to the statement, those affected included: Rear Adm. Francis Isaac, formally the Navy Secretary, is now Chief of Administration, Naval Headquarters, while Rear Adm. Abraham Adaji, formally Group Managing Director, NN Holdings Ltd., is now the Chief of Training and Operations, Naval Headquarters.

Rear Adm. Danjuma Dogonyaro, moved to Naval Doctrine and Assessment Centre, Lagos as Admiral Superintendent, while Rear Adm. Taiye Imam, has been re-appointed Director of Administration, Naval Headquarters.

Also, Rear Adm. Elkanah Jaiyeola, was also re-appointed Moderator at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, while Rear Adm. Baribuma Kole, was also re-appointed Director, Foreign Liaison Directorate.

Rear Adm. Jatau Luka, moves from Defence Intelligence Agency to Defence Headquarters as Director of Education. While Rear Adm. Raimi Mohammed, formerly Director at Defence Headquarters resumes as the Director of Plans, Naval Headquarters.

Rear Adm. Yaminu Musa, was re-appointed Coordinator, Counter-Terrorism Centre at the office of the National Security Adviser, while Rear Adm. Ibikunle Olaiya, formerly Chief of Training and Operations, Naval Headquarters, is now the Director of Plans, Defence Headquarters.

Rear Adm. Idowu Yusuf, formerly Director of Plans, Naval Headquarters, has been re-appointed as Chief of Naval Transformation, at Naval headquarters

Additionally, Rear Adm. Kamarudeen Lawal, formally Chief of Naval Standards and Safety, resumes as Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command, Lagos. While Rear Adm. Othaniel Filafa, has been re-appointed as Director, Veteran Affairs, Naval Headquarters.

Rear Adm. Abdullahi Adamu, has also been appointed as Chief of Defence Administration, Defence Headquarters. While Rear Adm. Oladele Daji, resumes as commandant, National Defence College, from the Western Naval Command, where he was the Flag Officer Commanding.

Rear Adm. Solomon Agada, who was the Chief Staff Officer, Central Naval Command, has been re-deployed to Naval Headquarters as Director, Peace Keeping Operations. While Rear Adm. Murtala Bashir, formerly Director of Operations, Naval Headquarters, takes over as Commandant Naval War College, Nigeria.

Rear Adm. Bamidele Oluwagbamila, has been re-appointed as Director of Research and Development at the Naval Headquarters, while Rear Adm. Tanko Pani, the immediate past Chief Staff Officer, Western Naval Command, is the new Admiral, Superintendent Naval Ordinance Depot.

Rear Adm. Adeseye Ayobanjo, formerly Commandant Naval War College, moves to Naval Headquarters as Director of Operations, as Rear Adm. Chukwu Okafor, was re-appointed as the Hydrographer of the Nigerian Navy.

While, Rear Adm. Ibrahim Dewu, was re-appointed as the Managing Director, Nigerian Navy Hotels and Suites Ltd., while Rear Adm. Zakariyyah Muhammad, formerly Fleet Commander, Western Fleet, takes over as Director of Recruitment, Reserve and Resettlement, Naval Headquarters.

Rear Adm. Ibrahim Shettima, former Commander, NN Ship BEECROFT, is now the new Managing Director, Naval Building and Construction Company Ltd.

Also, Rear Adm. Monday Unurhiere, the immediate past Deputy Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, resumes at the Headquarters Naval Training Command, as Chief Staff Officer.

Similarly, Rear Adm. Sulaiman El- Ladan, re-appointed as Chief of Naval Engineering, at Naval Headquarters, while Rear Adm. Idi Abbas, formally Commander, NN Ship VICTORY moves to Headquarters, Central Naval Command as Chief Staff Officer.

Rear Adm. Mohammed Abdullahi, was also re-appointed as Commander, Command Naval Drafting. Naval Headquarters, Rear Adm. Istiphanus Albara, a moderator at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS), has been appointed as Director of Communication and Information Technology, Naval Headquarters.

Also, Rear Adm. Samson Bura, formally Commander, NN Ship PATHFINDER, takes over as Director, Air, Naval Headquarters, while Rear Adm. Olusola Oluwagbire, a Directing Staff at the National Defence College, has been appointed Chief Staff Officer, Eastern Naval Command.

While Rear Adm. Mustapha Hassan, formally Commandant, NN Ship QUORRA, takes over as Chief Staff Officer, Logistics Command. and Rear Adm. Baratuaipri Iyalla, who was Director of Projects, Naval Headquarters, is now the new Managing Director, Naval Engineering Services Ltd.

Rear Adm. Kohath Levi, was re-appointed as Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard Ltd. ,while Rear Adm. Patrick Nwatu, formally Principal Staff Officer to the Chief of Naval Staff, is now appointed Deputy Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.

The new Chief Staff Officer, Western Naval Command, is Rear Adm. Habila Zakaria, while Rear Adm. Joseph Akpan, was re-appointed Director Personnel Release, Naval headquarters. and Rear Adm. Olumuyiwa Olotu, resumes at Naval Headquarters as Director of Planning.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Yakubu Uba

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, who is on a one-week operational visit to Borno, said his visit was to enhance the ongoing fight against insurgency in the North East.

Attahiru, who disclosed this while speaking with newsmen, on Sunday, in Maiduguri, said a lot of successes had been recorded with many terrorists eliminated and weapons recovered.

I am here on an operational visit, I will be here for one week.

The essence is to enhance operations, raise morale and motivate the soldiers, to ensure we achieve better results towards the total annihilation of Boko Haram and indeed the insurgency, Attahiru said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the COAS, who had visited troops of Sector 1 and Sector 2 of Operation Lafiya Dole. in Borno and Yobe states, also inspected some building projects at the headquarters of 7 Division, Maiduguri. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Health and Human Services Secretariat has advised eligible Nigerians to take the COVID-19 vaccine to curtail further spread of the virus in the country.

Acting Secretary of the secretariat, Dr Mohammed Kawu, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of (Nigeria NAN), on Sunday in Abuja.

Kawu stated that the country would not be considered safe until 70 per cent of the nations population were vaccinated against the COVID-19 pandemic.

He explained that the brand of COVID-19 vaccine currently being used in Nigeria was safe and efficacious.

According to him, what the vaccine does is to prevent the virus or infection from becoming a disease from the jam in ones system causing damage that will result into disease that will lead either to admission or dead.

That is what the vaccine does and that is why everybody needs the vaccine.

Kawu said people from 17 years and above would require the vaccination because the vaccine would elicit a reaction that produce immunity and antibodies that would fight with the virus, if you eventually get infected so you will not have the disease.

That is the reason why we have to take COVID-19 vaccine.

The President of this country, the Vice President and all the political leaders of this country have taken the vaccine, if it is not safe we are not that bad as to allow our President, governors and other political leaders take this vaccine.

You can be assured that AstraZeneca vaccine is safe. This vaccine is coming from a 21 year old company, established in 1990 in United Kingdom Cambridge.

It is not a Third World vaccine production facility as so many people are saying. AstraZeneca vaccine is produced by the company which is a UK and Swedish based companies, that merged in 1990 to form the company.

Kawu also said that the vaccine was procured from a very reliable source, adding that United Kingdom and other European countries were taking the same vaccine.

UK is presently taking AstraZeneca vaccine in spite of the hitches they got in Sweden and one other country that have withheld the administration of this vaccine.

UK said as far as they are concern they have not seen or heard any side effects that warrants stoppage of the vaccine. The vaccine is as potent and safe as required.

The problem that other countries got was some people develop thromboembolism which is common in UK. Probably a coincidence, probably is one of the side effects they are not sure, he said.

According to him. they want to investigate further with the batch that they are using and the batch is ABC 1530.

And, that is not the batch we are using in this country and that is not the batch UK is using, Italy too is not using it.

So, all these countries, as far as they are concern the one they are using, they have not seen any side effects that warrants stoppage. So, they are okay, they are comfortable.

Let me also tell you the moment this vaccine has been produced it is under trial and testing the sample are send to all regulatory agencies of all countries including our NAFDAC, he said.

According to him, NAFDAC has work on all the vaccines that have been produced in the world in case Nigeria wants to import them.

After importing AstraZeneca vaccine before they were administered NAFDAC had to take sample from this batch that had been produced and processed to investigate the safety and all other parameters and they came out to say that the vaccine is perfect.

So far, as I am concerned as a scientist this vaccine is good, safe and efficacious and I recommend it for myself, family and all Nigerians, Kawu said.

He disclosed that FCT got 219,800 doses of vaccines from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, adding that the priority was to vaccinate all the health workers in FCT.

The acting secretary, therefore, cautioned people against spreading disinformation and unsubstantiated rumours about COVID-19 vaccine.

We should do well to our fellow citizens by feeding them with the correct information and if we do not have the correct information we should keep quiet and ask those that know, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Edeki Igafe

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has advocated for impactful reforms that will make youths in the country more resourceful and competitive globally.

Okowa stated this on Sunday at theChrist Flock World Convention 2021 of Flock of Christ Mission, Enerhen in Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.

The governor, who inaugurated the churchs Youth Dream Centre, called on youths to make use of the centre to better their lives and contribute meaningfully to societal growth.

According to him, the youth represent the future of the country, calling for sustainable efforts to mould them into becoming leaders of tomorrow.

He urged Christians to preach the word of peace to transform individuals to the way of God.

The governor commended church leaders for helping him in charting the path of greatness for the people of the state.

I thank God for the vision of our Presiding Bishop and for the idea of building a centre for our youths.

More than ever, it is time for us to truly communicate with our youths.

Not only the youths of this church but those of the entire country and beyond, because the temptations of these end times are numerous.

Communication will help us to grow a better future, as there is always a tendency for youths to be misled into unprofitable ventures.

If we allow them to continue in that stead, we will be destroying the future of our country.

When individuals are transformed, families are transformed and when families are transformed, communities are equally transformed.

When communities are transformed, the state is transformed and when the states are transformed, the country is transformed, he said.

Okowa called on ministers of God to always have the courage to speak the truth to government and those in authority, when the need arose.

In everything we do, we must realise that we should give account in heaven.

I pray that our church leaders will continue to communicate that to us as leaders in authority, to remember that there is God to be accounted to.

It is my hope and prayer that God will continue to impact on all of us so that in the last days, we have good stories to tell, he said.

Okowa thanked the people of Warri and Uvwie for their patience with government, adding that solutions were in sight on the drainage and road challenges in the area.

He said that the storm drainage projects in Asaba had been a success story, assuring that the people of the two areas would soon heave a sigh of relief from the challenges of flooding.

It is my prayer that we will be able to complete the drainage projects so that we can begin to work on the roads, to ensure sustainability, he said.

Earlier, the Bishop of the church, Simeon Okah, spoke on the message entitled: The God that made these days to be your days of blessing.

Okah said it was Gods intention from beginning that man should live a life of blessings.

He said that Christians were in a time of Gods visitation and blessings, adding that God would make everything beautiful at the right time.

The cleric, who said that Nigeria was Gods project, urged Christians to put their trust in Him, as their pains and sufferings were temporal.

In all my years of ministering, I have never seen anywhere in the Bible where it was written that those who obey God will suffer.

Jesus Christ suffered for us after He had left heaven to die for our sins to give us life in abundance, he stated.

The bishop prayed for Okowa that God would give him the grace to finish his tenure with great achievements in the state. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Stanley Nwanosike

The Zonal Director, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) South-East, Mr Ike Okere, has urged the youth to first acquire a skill or professional competence before going into politics.

Okere gave the advice in Enugu on Sunday at the Enugu Business and Politics Summit with the theme: Mainstreaming Young Credible Individuals in Business and Politics as Panacea for Innovation and Progress.

The conference was organised for youths in honour of the 37birthday of Mr Chukwuma Okenwa, Executive Director of Leadership and Entrepreneurship Advocacy (LEAD) Network.

The FRCN boss said that any youth aspiring for political post must work very hard and get economic independence first before setting out.

According to him, you must get prepared financially and ensure you can feed your family first from your economic independence and when you are done with politics you go back to your previous profession or skill.

Politics is never a profession; it remains a service that last for a set time.

But the skills or professional competence you acquire through education is meant to last for as much as your life time and you continue to feed from it, he said.

Another speaker, Mr Ekene Uzodimma, a renowned young farmer, urged youths to take advantage of farming and its huge profit potentials.

Today, agric produce sells more and we have better pricing and better knowledge on its preservation.

So, I do not see much holding youths back from going into agricultural full time, Uzodimma said.

Speaking, Okenwa said that the summit was meant to create that consciousness among young people that they are not too-young to take up responsibility and they should move beyond the musical and entertainment space.

He said that there was a need for young people to go into business and politics, where young people are largely excluded.

Okenwa, who is a youth mentor and motivator, said: We want them to know that they too can become successful business man or woman as well as a successful politician too.

However, there is a need for them to build credibility and discipline before the public will bank on them to give them sensitive and serious responsibilities such as business and political posts.

No fewer than 200 youths from all walks of life within and outside Enugu metropolis attended the summit, where other youths motivational speakers advised youths on proper use of time and opportunities. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Peter Okolie

Mrs Martha Ibezim, Wife of the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and the Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese, has urged government to strengthen laws abolishing harmful cultural practices against women.

Mrs Ibezim, who is the Presiden,t Mothers Union, Womens Guild and Girls Guild, Province of the Niger, made the call in a statement in Awka on Sunday to mark this years Mothering Sunday.

She said some cultural practices such as female genital mutilation were not only harmful but dehumanising to the women folks in the society.

Mrs Ibezim urged women to rise up against wrong cultural practices, saying that women should not be subjected to such prevalent harmful cultural practices.

She noted that it was always a privilege to be a mother and described Mothering Sunday as a day set aside to honour mothers.

The Archbishops wife described a mother as selfless, loving and one, who sacrifices many of her wants and needs for the wants and needs of her children and others.

Mrs Ibezim urged mothers to live a life of honour and prestige.

She urged women to work hard to make sure that their children and family were equipped with knowledge, skills and abilities to justify their purpose on earth.

Trust and look unto God irrespective of your challenges. Mothers are role models that the society and the younger generation look up to, she said.

The theme of this years 2021 Mothering Sunday was The Name of God is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe, which was taken from Proverbs 18:10. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Aisha Cole

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said it arrested a total of 10,455 traffic offenders in Lagos between January and February this year.

Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide, FRSC Lagos Sector Commander, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

In January 2021, the number of offenders stood at 4,686 with 5,258 number of offences.

In February 2021, the number of offenders was 4,399 while the number of offences was 5,197, the FRSC official said.

He noted that the FRSC was carrying out its operation in Lagos with care to avoid unnecessary tension in view of the sensitive nature of the state.

We have to carry out our mandate of removing rickety vehicles and reduce accident on the high way.

He urged motorists to obtain their drivers licences, saying that the corps would continue to arrest drivers without valid licences.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Nwodofamilyon the passing away of their patriarch, Dr Joe Nwodo.

The president made his feelings known in a condolence message released on Sunday in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu.

The president joined the government and people of Enugu State, the royal family and friends in mourning the loss of a truly remarkable Nigerian and one of the strongest voiceson unity in diversity.

He said: Dr Nwodo played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the country in the nineties and in the murky waters of politics, he clearly understood what it means to bring people together and inspire them to give their best.

President Buhari prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and comfort for family members, including former Gov. Okwesilieze Nwodo of Enugu State.

He also condoled with the immediate past President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodoandtheir sister,Valerie Janet Azinge,and all who admired his disposition to cooperation, reconciliation and justice, as integral parts of nation building. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Joan Odafe

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has called on the Federal and Lagos State Government to compensate victims of the March 2020 Abule Ado pipeline explosion in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adams made the call on Sunday in Lagos at a memorial prayer in honour of those wholost their lives during the pipeline explosion on March 15, 2020.

NAN reports that the event, organised by the Soba Landlords and Residents Association (SLARA), was held at the site of former Bethlehem Girls College where five people, including the Schools Principal, Rev. Sis. Henriatta Alokha, died.

Adams, who is also the Chairman of the Association, said the event was to ensure that memories of the incident; the lives lost, the losses incurred and the damage to the community, was not forgotten.

He added that it was also to remind the government of the promises made to the victims and urged them not to relent in fulfilling them.

According to him, it was unfortunate that the association had to resort to publicly reminding the government of their promises.

He noted that 30 people including the Associations Vice Chairman, his wife and two children, died instantly from the explosion, and over 300 houses were destroyed during the explosion.

The governor was here, even the speaker of the house was here, some South-West governors were here and they made promises to those affected by the disaster that certain amount will be paid as compensation.

We are using this opportunity to appeal to the LASG, as a state with honour and the economic nerver centre of our nation that they fulfill all promises made to the victims, he said.

The federal government should also do something tangible for the victims, he said.

Adams disclosed that the Association had taken legal action against the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) over the disaster.

He appealed to LASG to upgrade the status of the traditional ruler of the community in recognition of his efforts at developing the area.

Also, Vice Chairman of SLARA, Mr Philips Akinduro, urged LASG to help improve the lives of the members of the community by fulfilling its promises to the victims.

He said the state had set up a N2 billion trust fund for the victims with an initial contribution of N250 million and another N200 from The Governors Forum.

Many of our landlords borrowed money to do renovations that you see today.

Many of our members were hospitalised, only few have paid the hospital bills, he said.

Akinduro urged LASG to release monies that had been contributed so far to help cushion the suffering of the victims.

The traditional ruler, Mr Jimoh Agbebeji, said the community was yet to recover from the incident and would appreciate every help rendered to the victims.

He commended Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government for responding to the communitys distress call when the incident occurred. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Jessica Onyegbula

The Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama, on Sunday charged Nigerians to desist from all forms of evil to enjoy Gods enormous blessings.

Kaigama, who gave the charge during his homily, at St Fabians parish Efab- Jabi, in Abuja, stressed that; Unless we raise our eyes in faith to our Lord God, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, we risk being captured by very dark forces.

We must admit that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and the ideals of genuine patriotism to build a nation of our dreams.

He, however, noted that Nigerians in the journey of life had been badly bitten.

We have been wounded by our human passions and inclinations, battered by our concupiscence and propensity to become inhuman to one another on account of religion, ethnicity and politics.

We must ask the question, why are things not working well despite the enormous blessings of God on Nigeria?

Until we desist from greed, injustice, discrimination, myopic view of religion, parochial ethnic interests, instead of the common good, political insensitivity, and the tendency to surreptitiously corner our common patrimony for the benefit of a few, we will continue dancing dangerously on the precipice.

When we fail to be obedient to God and His commandments, we experience pain, sadness and lack of spiritual progress.

The Psalmist tells us: Happy are those who follow Gods law and search for Him with all their hearts (Ps. 119:2), he said.

According to Kaigama, in spite of our sins, St. Paul reminds us that God still loves us and remains generous with His mercy: when we were dead through our sins, He brought us to life with Christ. (Eph 2:4-5).

Sin makes us slaves and wounds us grievously. But in the cross of Jesus we have the antidote which removes the poison of sin from our hearts, he added.

The Archbishop noted that the central point of the Gospel today was that God so loved the world that He sent His only Son to die for mankind.

He further explained that the Gospel began with the story of the ancient serpent that was erected by Moses in the desert, after Israels sin of rebellion against God.

That was not the first time humanity would be bitten by the old serpent; the first was in the Garden of Eden; a bite that changed humanitys attitude of reverence and love of God into disobedience and self-centredness.

God, however, gave us a remedy through the cross of Jesus Christ, and all who raise their heads with faith and look at Him are destined to receive healing and salvation.

That is why St. John tells us; For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him may not perish but have eternal life (Jn. 3:16),

In the midst of the snake bites of hunger, poverty, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, etc., leaving us almost helpless, we must like the Psalmist say, I look up to the heavens, where shall my help come from?

My help shall come from the Lord who made heaven and earth (Ps. 121:1-2), Kaigama added. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Diana Omueza

Mr Kenneth Udeze, the incumbent National Chairman of Action Alliance (AA) party, has been re-elected alongside Mr James Vernimbe as the National Secretary, to run the affairs of the party for another term.

Mr James Vernimbe, the re-elected National Secretary of the party made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Vernimbe said that Udeze emerged winner during the partys convention on Sunday with a total of 160 votes against his only opponent, Mr Uzewuru Nwachukwu, who had five votes.

According to him, a total number of 180 member-delegates were present at the partys convention in its national office in Abuja, however, only 165 delegates were accredited.

The tenure of the present National Executive Committee of Action Alliance expired on March 13, 2021 and in pursuant to articles 13 and 34 of our constitution 2005, as amended, we held a convention.

The convention was to elect new members of the NEC and the mode for the election of the partys national chairman was done by the Option A4, while those for the other positions in the National Executive Committee (NEC) were done by affirmation.

Also certain internal issues were looked into and the following decisions and resolutions were unanimously reached.

The expulsion of Mr Adekunle Rufai Omoaje in Osun state, Mr Olu Omotoso in Oyo and Mr Adeyemi S.O in Oyo from the party for gross misconduct, he said.

Vernimbe told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) via a telephone interview that the list of the National Think Tank Committee (NTTC) of the Party was also ratified.

Those elected included Mr Ibrahim Umar as Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Abdulahi Adamu M, Alhaji Ali Abacha and Dr Samuel Asha as National Vice Chairmen of North West, North East and North Central respectively.

Others were Mr Akitan Micheal, Mr Obinna Nwofoke and Mr Gabriel Baju as National Vice Chairmen of South West, South East and South South, respectively.

Also, Mr Rapheal Onakorere, Mr Ekeng Effion-Effion, Mr Sanusi Ibrahim, Mr Abdulahi Mohammed and Mr Ogumodede Adeloye were elected as Deputy National Secretary, National Treasurer, Deputy National Treasurer, National Financial Secretary and Deputy National Financial Secretary.

Mr Tanko Sulieman, Mr Emmanuel Kyugun, Mr Done Duke, Rev. Dennis Ubani J, Alhaji Idris Jakusko and Mr Malachy Nwaekpe became National Auditor, Deputy National Auditor, National Organising Secretary, Deputy National Organising Secretary, National Publicity Secretary, Deputy PRO and National Legal Adviser.

Mr Ameh Johnson, Mrs Amie Mbadiwe, Hajia Fatima Ndakun, Mr Bonaventure Akabude and Aliyu Idris emerged Deputy National Legal Adviser, National Women Leader, Deputy Women Leader, National Youth Leader and Deputy Youth leader.

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Source: NAN News

By Aisha Cole
Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi says President Muhammadu Buharis major aim for investing in rail construction all over the country is to create employment for Nigerian youths.

Amaechi, who stated this on Sunday in a statement by his Media aide, Mrs Taiye Elebiyo-Edeni, said that all the ongoing projects would contribute to the GDP of the country because they make economic sense.

According to him, the Eastern rail line when it commences will generate between 20,000 and 50,000 jobs aside businesses that will open up along the rail corridor.

Let us look at the economic benefits, in the course of doing the viability of this project, that is when I discovered that there are so much natural resources on that track, iron ore all over the North East, there is Coal between Benue and Enugu.

What this does is that it provides logistics for the movement of such natural resources or value addition. You have access to the sea through a cheap means of Transportation, in the cause of the construction of the rail line from Abuja to Maiduguri is about 1000 km.

The minimum I expect they can employ is between 20,000 and 50,000 workers, if we must achieve it and at the conclusion of construction, imagine how many number of workers will be employed at the industrial park at the seaport.

The essence of the Presidents investment in the project is to create employment, he hopes that we are able to grow the economy of Nigeria through Transportation, create employment in the cause of these infrastructure.

And at the end of the construction, we expect those who do businesses in Nigeria to be able to acquire land and site industries along the rail corridor, Amaechi said.

He said that the most significant rail projects were the Lagos-Kano because it moves 30 million tonnes of cargo per year and the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri route is expected to move about 11million tonnes of cargo when completed.

Speaking on complaints on the fare for Lagos-Ibadan rail corridor, Amaechi stated that rail services was not meant for passengers alone, that cargoes were most important.

He said that the ministry was working on getting funding for Lagos-Calabar, which will commence once there is fund.

Amaechi, however, said that the target of the Ministry of Transportation was to complete the construction of all infrastructure that are of economic benefit to the country at the short and long term.

Source: NAN News

The public demonstration of receiving the vaccine was meant not only to create awareness but also remove doubts and fears in the minds of people who still do not believe in the existence of the virus.

a global COVID-19 Vaccine Access Programme.

defeat sceptics.

he vaccine has been found to be safe and effective in people with various conditions that are associated with increased risk of severe disease.

This includes hypertension, diabetes, asthma, pulmonary, liver or kidney disease, as well as chronic infections that are stable and controlled.

As more data becomes available on duration of immunity after infection, this time period may be adjusted.

Testing for prior infection is not recommended for the purpose of vaccine decision-making, the agency added.

One area of interest addressed by the WHO is the plight of international travellers.

WHOs interim guidance on international travel during the pandemic is clear on this.

On dosage, a protective effect starts to develop 12 days after the first dose, but full protection requires two doses which WHO recommends be administered with a 21 to 28-day interval.

(NANFeatures)

Source: NAN News