By Yunus Yusuf

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Tuesday received another batch of 174 Nigerians who had been stranded in Libya as they arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

The Acting Coordinator of the Lagos Territorial Office of the Agency, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) of the development in Lagos.

Farinloye said that the Nigerians arrived at the cargo wing of the airport at 3:45p.m. aboard a Boeing 737-800 of Al Buraq Air with registration number 5A-DMG.

He said that the returnees were brought back to the country by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) through a voluntary repatriation programme.

The acting coordinator said that the programme was meant for distressed Nigerians who had left the country to seek greener pastures in various European countries but could not afford to return when their journey became frustrating.

Farinloye said that the returnees comprised 75 male adults, 69 female adults, 12 male and five female children, 10 female infant and three male infants.

He said that 23 among the returnees had minor medical cases.

This year alone, this flight was the 12th recorded in Lagos that brought returnees from Libya, Farinloye said.

He said that so far, about 2, 044 Nigerian returnees from Libya had been assisted back to the country through Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Ikeja this year.

The acting coordinator enjoined the returnees to turn a new leaf in looking for opportunities in the country that are enough for everyone to achieve their desired goals.

We admonished the returnees on the need to realise that theres no country better than Nigeria.

Here you have all the freedom to achieve your potential; looking for greener pastures in foreign lands is no longer a reality, those countries are not better off when you consider the challenges you encounter there and here.

You are encouraged to be positive ambassadors toward advocacy and sensitisation against irregular migration that leave the youths vulnerable to all sorts of abuses and death in extreme cases.

There are ample opportunities for all of us to thrive and live happily in virtuous and God fearing manners in Nigeria without unnecessarily exposing ourselves to undeserved dangers in foreign lands, he said.

Farinloye said that the returnees were received by NEMA, along with other sister agencies such as: Immigration Service, Refugee Commission, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Police. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Mogbede

The forum of Kogi former political office holders says Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of Labour Party is not a threat to the victory of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the 2023 poll.

Alhaji Abdulmumin Sadik, the chairman of the forum said this when he spoke with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

Sadik said that the achievements of Tinubu when he was governor of Lagos State were yet to be beaten by any other governor in the country.

It is there for all to see. Lagos State is like combining the entire South East as one state, the economy of the entire South East is like that of Lagos State.

If Tinubu can transform Lagos State in eight years, he can transform Nigeria, all it takes is the political will which he has, following his antecedence as governor.

You cant compare what Obi did in Anambra as governor to what Tinubu did in Lagos State as governor which had been very consistent.

Obi for me, may have his qualities, but I think for now, he is in the market at the wrong time, because the APC candidate is more credible and has better credentials, he said.

He said that Tinubu as APC presidential candidate, had been tested and proven.

He expressed optimism that with the manner the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC government has been addressing corruption in the country, the menace would be totally curbed soon.

I am sure that Tinubu will address it head-on if he takes charge of the countrys leadership come 2023 with the support of all Nigerians, he said.

He said that the forum plans to create a directorate for youth mobilisation to mentor them on their roles as future leaders of the country.

He said that youths constitute over 60 per cent of Nigerian voters and would be given a voice and be allowed to take their place to contribute to the countrys development.

He said the forum which membership cuts across the 21 local government areas of Kogi, had decided to work together to ensure that opposition parties dont have a place in 2023.

He said although Gov. Yahaya Bello contested the APC presidential ticket against Tinubu at the primary election, the group is now 100 per cent behind Tinubu presidency in 2023.

We intend to get up to 200 votes from each polling units, up to the wards and the 21 LGAs of the state.

If you aggregate all these together, it means we wont have less than 1million votes for Tinubu in 2023.

Kogi is ready for Tinubu/ Shettima ticket and we have decided to come together on one platform to work together for the enthronement of Tinubu presidency in 2023.

Members of the forum include all former and serving government appointees in Kogi from wards to polling units to LGAs, starting from the time of Prince Abubakar Audu, the states first executive governor to date who are grassroots mobilisers.

We intend to get in touch with our colleagues in other states to form same structure to galvanise votes for Tinubu in their respective states to ensure a resounding victory for him in 2023, he said.

He faulted criticism against the partys Muslim-Muslim ticket, saying it was unnecessary.

He said Nigeria is literally in a state of coma and under intensive care unit, adding that all that is needed is to salvage it and bring it out of the present challenging situations, irrespective of tribe or religion.

What is important is to get our people out of poverty and insecurity and to ensure that our people got what they wanted.

What we should be looking at at the moment, is who can bring the country out of its challenges.

Poverty and insecurity do not know if you are a Christian or a Muslim,Tinubu maybe a Muslim, but he has been married to a Christian for over 40 years and religion had not separated them.

Our principal has the credentials to show following his antecedence in Lagos and how he transformed the state and this should be the determinant, not religion, Sadik said. (NAN)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

Source: NAN News

By Florence Onuegbu

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday said the Okobaba saw millers would possibly be moving to the proposed site at Agbowa area of Ikorodu by December.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State said this in Ikorodu at the inspection of ongoing works at the proposed Timberville, Agbowa.

Sanwo-Olu said the project was conceived quite a long time, but his administration was determined to complete it, for the good of the economy.

He said the government had completed a total of 160 two-bedroom flats, as part of the facilities that were available for the potential Okobaba Saw millers that would be occupy the Timberville, Agbowa.

According to him, the construction of the access road is in progress and will be completed soon, as work around the Timberville is 95 per cent completed.

We are happy that within our government, we activated it back and we have spent a lot of money resource to be able to bring it to a usable and convenient situation.

Part of the facilities that are here is for the potential Okobaba Saw millers that are coming here, we have got a total of 160 2-bedroom flats that have been completed.

We have offices that runs into tens. One of the things that we need to do now is extensive clean up, and to be able to put a police post and a small fire service here.

So the saw millers are actually just waiting for us to clean up, to ensure that the place is fully habitable for them to start to move, we have all agreed completely, and in terms of political, we have 110 per cent political will to complete the project, he said.

The governor also said that the Timberville has a plant where byproducts coming out from the mill, from the saw dusts, would be treated for reuse, so that nothing would be wasted.

We have told the contractor, once we have made additional funding available, we are hoping that before the end of this year, we all should sing hallelujah, and bring everybody down here.

We will complete this project, we will relocate all of our saw millers from Okobaba to Agbowa Ikosi, purpose built for them. This place is massive, it is the first of its kind, I dare say in the whole of West Africa, because this is purpose built for saw millers, he said.

Sanwo-Olu said the government would ensure that all necessary equipment were brought in for the saw millers, as this would make their work a lot easier, a lot better, and people could access them.

The President of the Okobaba sawmillers, Alh. Ganiyu Onikeku commended the state government for the initiative, urging the present administration to rehabilitate the road leading to the place.

Onikeku said the project was started by the Babatunde Fasholas administration, adding that when the project was conceived, many members of the association did not believe that the government was serious about it.

He expressed happiness that the project was near completion. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) said on Monday that efforts were in top gear to unite the country through a national summit, ahead of the 2023 General Elections.

Malam Mukhtar Sirajo, President of NIPR, said the event is tagged Citizens Summit for National Integration, Peace and Security.

He said it would be organised in partnership with 70 other organisations drawn from media, labour, ethnic/socio-cultural, professional, religious, women and youth groups.

This summit is a product of research conducted by the Governing Council of the Institute to identify factors responsible for current sad and unfortunate developments in our country, he said.

According to Sirajo, the summit is the fallout of a widening trust deficit at three levels; between government and the citizens, between and among the various ethnic and socio-cultural groups and generally among the citizens.

He said the trust deficit appeared to have weakened the peaceful co-existence of Nigerians and there was need for the summit scheduled for Aug. 24.

Sirajo said the summit will be chaired by the chairman of Access Bank, Mrs Dere Awosika.

He said: We discovered a collapse of core national values, citizens despondency and apathy on issues of national development.

It was therefore, the need to address the identified challenges that birthed the idea of the summit.

It is to promote national cohesion, peaceful co-existence among citizens, rebuild trust and lay solid foundation for a new and prosperous Nigeria.

Today, it is common knowledge that relationships amongst our people are not what they used to be.

Mutual suspicion and antagonism seem to have taken over the place of our once beautiful and relatively peaceful co-existence that was least influenced by ethno-religious and other primordial differences.

Sirajo said that the core of the mandate of the Public Relations profession is the birthing and sustenance of mutually beneficial relationships.

The Institute came to the conclusion that our beloved country needs more than a shot in the arm in this regard, Sirajo said.

The NIPR boss noted that the institute decided to take up the challenge of rebuilding the broken trust among various sections of the country, as no nation can thrive and progress in an atmosphere of distrust.

Sirajo also said that the institute recognised trust and dialogue as key elements in nation-building and had decided to reopen channels of effective conversation.

It is for this reason that we chose the theme of the summit to be, Reopen Conversation, Rebuild Trust.

We are very much aware that the task of rebuilding Nigeria is enormous and demanding, but we are ready to join efforts with government and other well-meaning Nigerians, individuals and corporate, to drive the process to a logical conclusion.

No sacrifice is too much for a nation so blessed and so loved. It is for this reason that we challenge organisations and individuals to always place Nigeria first above personal and any other interests.

There is a need to entrench a culture of social justice for national integration and sustainable peace and there is also a need to develop a new communication culture and thrust for Nigeria.

Furthermore, there is need for effective national mediation, reconciliation and investment in peace building for national integration., he added.

Sirajo stressed the need to re-engage and include the Nigerian youths, women, and people with disabilities in leadership and governance;

There is also the need to strive for balance, equity, fairness, and justice as our way of life, and these are part of what this summit intends to achieve, he added.

Speaking further, Sirajo said there must be change in the way the government engage citizens and the techniques of dialogue if the country must move forward.

He said: Government must learn the modern art of citizens engagement.

The people must on the other hand appreciate the fact that the task of nation building is a collective responsibility in which the citizens too, have a great role to play.

The country belongs to all of us, young and old, men and women, until we realise and internalise this, all of us will remain slaves in the hands of a few. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Source: NAN News

Sen. Iyorchia Ayu, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has no plan to resign his position, Mr Simon Imobo-Tswana, his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, has said.

Imobo-Tswam made the clarification in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

We restate, therefore, that the PDP National Chairman has not resigned and has no plan of resigning. For clarity and emphasis, he was elected for a tenure of four years.

Sections 45 and 47 of the PDP Constitution are clear on the removal and/or resignation of the National Chairman.

Those who dont know this should get copies of the partys Constitution for more information on the matter.

PDP members and the general public are advised to ignore any story of such a phantom resignation, he said.

According to him, the stories purporting that Ayu has resigned, with his resignation letter in hands of a former Senate President, David Mark, is false, and that members of the public should disregard it.

Imobo-Tswam said that with all emphasis, the story was, in its entirety, false, baseless, reckless, inaccurate and a complete work of fiction.

If there is such a resignation, it exists only in the imagination of those who have made themselves available for hatchet jobs, he said.

Imobo-Tswam said that if Ayu had resigned, he would give his resignation letter to the Deputy Chairman (North) and not Mark, adding Section 45 (I and ii) of the partys Constitution was clear on that.

So, where does Mark comes in here, being that he is not even a member of the partys National Working Committee (NWC)

It appears that those who have been procured to blackmail the national chairman out of office are not even aware of what the partys Constitution says about the matter.

We are shocked that such reckless, vicious, mischievous and fabricated falsehood can find prime space in the mainstream media.

But, even more shocking is the fact that otherwise respected media houses have made themselves easy platforms for unscrupulous people to peddle falsehood and run smear campaigns, he alleged.

Imobo-Tswam emphasised that the national chairman, is on a crucial assignment to lead the PDP on a historic rescue mission comes February 2023.

And, he will not be deterred or distracted by media terrorism or political blackmail. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/ Olagoke Olatoye

Source: NAN News

Bridget Ikyado

Most Reverend Oliver Abba has been elected as the new Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, taking over from the outgoing Prelate, Dr Samuel Kanu-Uche.

The outgoing Prelate, Samuel Kanu-Uche, made this known during a media briefing on Monday in Abuja.

The briefing marked the end of the churchs 48th and 13th Biennial Conference with the theme Prepare for the second coming of Jesus Christ which was presided over by the outgoing Prelate.

Until his election, Abba was the Archbishop of Benue and had been in the service of the church for over 30 years.

He would be succeeding Uche Kanu, who would be retiring in November 2022, having served the church for over 45 years.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria Abba said he would continue on the foundation Uche Kanu had led.

We will continue to strengthen the existing four-point agenda and also at this point going to look at the other issues that affect the church and as a nation.

This issue of corruption is almost everywhere and we have to fight it.

I also think the church has to fight corruption much more than the secular society and we are hoping we are going to sanitize the church.

He said that when members are properly brought up in their moral standard, the society will be a happy one.

And so the church has much to do and enable a new crop of leadership.

I want to assure you that we are going to do our best by the grace of God in order to consolidate our efforts and the existing efforts of our fathers.

Our father had done wonderfully well, he has been able to carry us and as a father, he had let us into righteousness and that we became.

The church is not like the secular society where a new organization will come in and they abandon projects.

Our own may not be like that, we will work on existing one and add new designs to it so that we can be richer than before, he said. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Source: NAN News

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Ganon Baker, an international high-performer basketball trainer has called for more technical basketball academies in Nigeria to raise the standard of the game.

Baker made the call on Monday in Abuja at a week-long training clinic for Nigerian coaches and players organised by Sports Renaissance Africa Partners (SRAP).

The renowned U.S certified coach with over 30 decades of experience in the game, stressed the need for technical and systematic coaching to nurture the abundant basketball talents in the country.

He said his visit to Nigeria was to teach kids, players and coaches the rudiments of the game and how to win basketball championships.

I see a lot of talents in Nigeria but they are unpolished, they are inexperienced, they are not secure, unbelievable talents, but it comes down to coaches, to nurture them that is why we are here.

If you have good coaches, you are going to have good players, if you dont have good players may be coaches dont give them enough information.

My experience with African players is that theyre very humble and hungry to win, he said.

Baker said with proper coaching and exposure, a lot more Nigerian players can make it to the U.S National Basketball Association (NBA).

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of SRAP, Relindis Mbu said the clinic is aimed at leveraging on the wealth of tactical experience of Baker to help develop young talents and Coaches in Nigeria.

The real goal of our project is to give tactical training to coaches so they can transfer it and build eco system of basketball in the world, Africa and Nigeria.

The end goal is technical expertise that will bring our athletes to international standard so that they can excel locally and internationally in any where they are. she said.

Baker is one of the most respected premier basketball skill coaches in the World, he is renowned with working with the NBA, WNBA, CBA, Euro League, NCAA, NJCAA, U Sports among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Source: NAN News

The Ministry of Mines and Steel Development says it has achieved giant strides since the advent of the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mr Yunusa Muhammed, the Acting Director, Investment, Promotion and Mineral Trade Department ( IPMT,) disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

Muhammed said that the ministry was able to woo some mining investors into the country in the last four years through the IPMT department.

He said that since the creation of IPMT department four years ago, it had achieved the projections of the Federal Government to address investment of solid mineral sector.

The mining sector is becoming vibrant during President, Muhammadu Buhari administration; IPMT department was created about four years ago to show case the mineral potentials of the country that were neglected for long.

The department promotes and interfaces with industry players within and outside the country; we also bring in solution providers technology, academia and funding managers within and outside this country.

Mining has long gestation period and capital intensive, there is no way we can get fund managers within the country only, we participate in the International roadshow event, such as in Canada, Australia, South Africa where mining is striving, he said.

He said that the IPMT had been able to attract some mining investors such as a Segilola Gold Mining Company, a Canadian investor with an investment portfolio of 900 million dollars.

He said that Segilola had recorded successes in its gold mining in Osun.

He said that Africa Natural Resources company was another company located along Abuja-Kaduna State with an investment portfolio of 600 million dollars working assiduously to commence iron plant soon.

Before the advent of National Integrated Mineral Exploration Programme (NIMEP) , only two exploration companies and a drilling company were existing and there was no technology solution company.

With the advent of NIMEP, we now have over 10 mining exploration companies and over 20 rigs drilling companies all these have created employment in the country.

The ministry have done a lot to improve mining but all cannot be seen within short period, it will take time for the efforts of this current administration to be seen on mining activities.

The Government is also opening up the down stream of the sector, such as six clusters in the six geopolitical zones where value will be added to minerals mined before exportation, he said.(NAN)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), has awarded ISO 9001: 2015 Certification to Techno Oil Limited for complying with best practices and international standards.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ISO 9001:2015 Certification is a quality management systems award bestowed on companies by SON for full compliance with quality standards and best practices in management.

The former presentation of the certificate to the company has been scheduled to hold at its Head Office in Lagos on Aug. 16.

Speaking on the certification, Mrs Nkechi Obi, the Group Managing Director, Techno Oil, in a statement on Monday described the award as another laurel to be clinched by the company.

With this award, Techno Oil will continue to ensure and sustain compliance with both local and international standards at every level of our operations.

We are excited with the award as a recognition of our commitment to best practices and we are ever grateful to SON for being our partner in progress, she said.

Obi described the certification as another milestone to be recorded by the company, having received ISO 9001: 2008 in the past.

This shows our unalloyed commitment to best practices as a company, she said.

Techno Oil Group is an integrated and wholly indigenous conglomerate, having diverse investments in LPG coastal storage and distribution.

The company is also a major player in real estate, fuel terminal facilities, cylinder manufacturing as well as lubricants production and blending. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Source: NAN News

By Ibukun Emiola

: A tweetthat circulated on twitter handle @NAAkufoAddo on Aug. 9, 2022 claimed that the Ghanaian President, Akufo Dankwa Addo, asked Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to give Peter Obi, a Presidential candidate of the Labour Party a chance and seek treatment for his health.

: The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) found out that the twitter handle @NAAkufoAddo that circulated the message doesnt exist on twitter or has been pulled down.

Also, a search on wayback machine and archive-it.org showed that the tweet was not captured.

Information on the account on Twitonomy did show sparing information and suggested the account was deleted because it says User not found but also showed it had 1000 followers.

This is a case of impersonation as the perpetrator used a similar twitter account @NAAkufoAddo that almost resembled that of the Ghanaian President which is @NAkufoAddo

However, the Ghanaian President on his verified handle said the information was false and mischievous with no iota of truth whatsoever in it.

The Ghana High Commission to Nigeria also debunked the claim in a press statement on Aug. 14, 2022.

/

The message came as a means of influencing Nigerians on their choice of Presidential Candidate as Nigeria prepares for its general elections in 2023.

NAN has found that the claim being circulated on twitter is FALSE. (NAN)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Monday Ijeh

Rev. James Nda-Jacob, the Northern Regional Coordinator, Foursquare Gospel Church, has called on Christians to rely on Gods faithfulness in all circumstances.

Nda-Jacob made the call on Sunday in Abuja at the 9th Convocation of the Wuse District of the Church, with the theme: Resting on Gods faithfulness.

He said the current hardship in the country was not enough to doubt God, as He has never promised and failed, especially, those that love Him.

The cleric expressed optimism that God would reverse the decisions that the devil had made concerning the affairs of Nigeria, but urged Christians to remain steadfast.

According to him, when God makes a pronouncement, rely on Him, whether you are on the mountain or in the valley because He is a faithful God.

Nda-Jacob also urged Christians to emulate Abrahim who waited patiently over a long time and never doubted God until he received his miracle.

The cleric said unbelief was a thief of Gods blessing and therefore, urged Christians to be strong in faith and hold firm to Gods promises.

Do not allow situations to make you bitter and angry. Learn to sow into the lives of people in difficulty, like Joseph did while he was in the prison, he said.

In his remark, Pastor Sylvester Oriahi, Chairman, Convocation Committee, said the theme of the 9th convocation was timely in view of the need for Christians to rely on God.

He said there was no better time to rely on God as a nation, families and individuals than the current critical time of insecurity, famine, restiveness and other negative vices.

At a time like this, we must hold on to our faith and continue to be obedient to Gods word and keep looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

As we rely on the faithfulness of God, we shall surmount all the daunting challenges confronting us, because God has assured us that we are more than conquerors, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chidinma Agu/Maharazu Ahmed

Source: NAN News

By Stephen Adeleye

Two support groups of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in Kogi, on Sunday urged youths to vote massively for the candidate.

They are the Southwest Agenda (SWAGA) for Asiwaju Tinubu and the North Central Agenda for Asiwaju 2023 (NCA 23), Kogi chapter.

National Chairman of SWAGA 2023, Sen. Dayo Adeyeye, made the appeal at a rally in Okene, Kogi, aimed at mobilising youths to vote massively for APCs Tinubu/Shettima ticket in 2023.

According to him, Nigeria needs a very dynamic, creative and imaginative leader at this time, and that is Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

He stressed that Tinubu did well as Lagos State governor and he would replicate same feats across the country if elected in 2023.

Asiwaju won the APC presidential primary election with a landslide and that is what will happen again at the 2023 presidential election, by the grace of God.

All the attacks and terrible things people are saying now is because they have already realised that Asiwaju cannot be stopped.

That is why they are doing everything to bring him down, but they will not succeed.

We have enjoyed the enthusiasm, passion and commitment of the people of Kogi.

We have seen the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, Dr Ado Ibrahim, and he has given us his blessings and support for Asiwaju.

We are very much convinced that Kogi people will vote massively for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu come 2023, Adeyeye stressed.

On his part, the NCA 23 for Asiwaju Coordinator and Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Raji, said the event was to sensitise and to mobilise Kogi youths to support Asiwaju come 2023.

We want to encourage the youth to take to the footsteps of Asiwaju because he started as a youth during National Democratic Coalition and became senator as a youth.

We need a leader that can come up with a good template to salvage Nigeria, and it is only Asiwaju that can do that; and also think of the masses, especially the youth.

We want Kogi youths to wake up, get their PVCs and be ready to vote Asiwaju come 2023 so that the youth can assume that seat after eight years, Raji said.

While expressing satisfaction with the turnout of youths at the event, Raji stressed that Tinubu remained a leader that could bring jobs, empowerment and development to Nigeria.

Other dignitaries at the event were the National Secretary SAWAGA-NCA, Hon. Bosun Oladele; National Conveyor, SWAGA, Hon. Ojo Oye; APC State Women Leader and Mrs Funmilayo Samuel, among others.

In their separate comments, Oladele, Oye and Samuel, assured the youths that Tinubu is a leader of vision, passion and action who would make Nigeria better and end its security challenges.

The women leader assured that Tiunubu was hale, healthy and strong to deliver good governance to all Nigerians irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Alli Hakeem

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Renaissance Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has commended Armed Forces of Nigeria for the recent and decisive onslaught against terrorists, bandits and economic vandals across the country.

The group in a statement by its General Secretary, Abdullahi Gombe, on Sunday described the onslaught as timely, proactive and prayers answered.

Gombe said it was an assurance that normalcy would soon return to all parts of the country.

He attributed the ongoing successful military operations to the enhanced synergy being promoted by the Defence Headquarters, adding that Nigerians were united behind the military in the fight against those bent on instilling fear in the populace.

According to him, the evil plot is to instill fear in Nigerians and make us take abnormality as a way of life.

Indeed, the Armed Forces of Nigeria has continued to let the enemies of the country know that their evil desire for the country is unacceptable.

On Sunday we heard that Nigerian Air-force aircraft struck at their gathering at Kurebe in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State and eliminated several terrorists during an important meeting hosted by Aminu Duniya, a Boko Haram terrorist commander.

In same week, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) killed a terrorist kingpin, Alhaji Shanono, and 17 of his foot soldiers in Kaduna State.

Similarly, eight suspected terrorists including their gang leader, Abdulkarim Faca-faca, were killed in a raid by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State on Saturday.

We are also relieved that the bombers of Owo Catholic Church have been captured, he said.

He said the renewed vigor against economic saboteurs under the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, had been yielding fruits.

He hailed the recent court martial of 13 officers and ratings by the authorities of the Nigerian Navy at the Western Naval Command in Lagos for offences ranging from conniving with crude oil thieves and pipeline vandalism and other Maritime infractions.

According to him, it is important to know that naval forces fighting to rid the nations maritime domain of criminality have successfully foiled oil theft, illegal oil bunkering, and pipeline vandalisation and stealing of crude oil.

He said that products worth more than N25 billion since April.

In the Northeast, Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Hadin kai, Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa, confirmed that the kinetic and non-kinetic adopted by the Nigerian military made 14,609 active out of the 70,593 insurgents to surrender to troops.

Indeed, it is reassuring that our armed forces are making this huge sacrifice for the peace of the country.

We, the Renaissance Initiative urge Nigerians to support them, he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Lizzy Okoji

The Ghanaian High Commission in Nigeria has said that President Nana Akufo-Addo did not write the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential flag-bearer, Bola Tinubu to step aside for the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Flag-bearer, Peter Obi.

The Ghanaian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Rashid Bawa, made this known in a statement on Sunday, in Abuja.

Bawa refuted the publications circulating in the media alleging that Akufo-Addo had written Tinubu to give Obi a chance to seek treatment for his health.

He stated that Ghana and Nigeria have had decades of cordial relations in line with the tenets of democratic governance, rule of law, respect for and adherence to the principle of non-interference in the internal political mechanisms of other countries.

To that end, the President of the Republic of Ghana will not interfere in Nigerias internal affairs and politics, as captured in the series of tweets of Tuesday, 9 August 2022, from His Excellencys Twitter handle (@NAkufoAddo).

It is hoped that this added perspective would serve to dispel misconceptions created by the online publication, he stated.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

Fruit sellers in Osun on Sunday described Gov. Gboyega Oyetolas decision to challenge the outcome of the July 16 election in the state at the election tribunal as the best decision ever.

Operating on the platform of the Osun Chapter of the Fruit Sellers Association of Nigeria, they made the pronouncement at an engagement programme organised by the states Civic Engagement Centre in Osogbo.

Chairman of the group, Alhaji Adbulateef Famakinwa, said the people of the state would not allow the outcome of the election to demoralise them, butwould continue to support the governor with prayers.

Famakinwa said the group was confident that the tribunals verdict would be favourable to the governor at the end of hearings.

He noted that the various projects executed by the governor could not go unnoticed and added that the association was solidly behind the governor to reclaim his mandate at the tribunal.

We will not stop praying for the governor to come out victorious at the tribunal.

We are with him and we will support him with everything we have for him to succeed, he stressed.

In his response, the governor thanked members of the group for their support and solidarity.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, the governor said he was confident of victory at the tribunal.

The governor also commended people of the statefor their unflinching and unwavering support, adding thatthe will of God would prevail.

He said the grounds on which he was challenging the election at the tribunal were valid and expressed optimism that justice would prevail.

The governor added the good works he had started would continue and dividends of democracy would continue to be provided for the people.

Gov. Oyetola filed a petition at the election tribunal on Aug. 5 challenging the outcome of July 16 governorship election won by the Peoples Democratic Partys (PDP), Sen. Ademola Adeleke. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Alli Hakeem

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Acha

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, has donated a 12-classroom block and lockup plastic desks and seats to St. Pauls College, Eke in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Onyeama, who made the donation on Saturday, also said that plans had been concluded to build a state-of-the-art library and centre for technology in the area.

The minister said that the gesture was his way of giving back to society through his pet project, Kwusike Foundation.

He said that he was touched by the deplorable condition of the classroom blocks in the school, adding that it was his desire to help his people by promoting education in the state.

Education is very important. Therefore, we have to see that our children are educated and get jobs. As we plan to retire we need to prepare those coming behind us.

We already have the opportunity to attract a technology centre and library through our partners, he said.

Onyeama said that his desire was to expose the people of the area to opportunities that would make them lead more rewarding lives.

The minister said that though his priority was to ensure that the people of the area got the needed education which he described as very important to a successful life, but we will go beyond that.

Employment is difficult but that will not stop us from doing what we will do. We are going to do more for our people.

We will be out of government by next year but I have a foundation which I will use to give back to society, he said.

On the 2023 general elections, Onyeama said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was fired up to do more for Nigerians.

The minister said that the APC was very prepared for the election, adding that he was very optimistic that the party would retain power at the federal level and also do well in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the plastic desks and chairs were 300 pieces each. (NAN)()

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Florence Onuegbu

The Africa Fintech Foundry (AFF) says it is collaborating with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to support 10 startups, to increase the adoption of eNaira in the country.

The Head of AFF, Mr Daniel Awe, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.

He spoke on the sideline of the Semi-Final Pitching of the eNaira Hackathon 2022.

Awe said that the top 10 startups, innovators, entrepreneurs, were part of the over 5,000 startups that registered for the eNaira Hackathon.

He said that there was the need to increase the adoption of eNaira in the country, as it enhanced financial inclusion, supported digital economy and improved economic activities.

eNaira was introduced by CBN in 2021 as a digital currency and a lot of people have asked the question, what is actually the usefulness of this eNaira?

A lot of people have also criticised eNaira, that they prefer cryptocurrency, but the truth is that eNaira is going to be a successful product when there are use cases, when people are able to see problems it is going to be solving, he said.

Awe said that AFF and CBN were collaborating on the hackathon in order to increase the adoption of eNaira.

So the hackathon is a platform where innovators, developers, entrepreneurs, coders come together, to solve problems, to create innovative ideas.

When we layer that on eNaira, it means we brought in different players within the ecosystem developers, coders, innovators, entrepreneurs, to come up with different ideas, different use cases, that they can leverage on eNaira,

This is so that the consumers of eNaira will now see the benefit of eNaira, they will have the opportunity to see the problem that eNaira will solve, he said.

Awe said that CBNs role was just to create the platform for fintech startups and entrepreneurs the ecosystem to leverage to create solutions that would benefit the entire financial services space.

He said about 5,000 players within the fintech ecosystem applied for the hackathon.

Awe said that they were reduced to about 175 teams and eventually 70 for the quarter final pitching.

He said that the semi-final would see 20 teams being selected for the finals, of which the top 10 would be assisted to boost eNaira adoption in the country.

Now, this top 10 potential businesses when they come out of the final of the hackathon, there is a cash prize for them.

I think number one is going to get 5 million eNaira. Number two is getting 3 million eNaira. Number three, 2 million and the remaining, the next ten will get 1 million eNaira.

Afterwards, those top 10 will resume in the AFF accelerator programme, whereby some of them will get some funding to start up their businesses on their ideas, he said.

Awe said that they would be guided by CBN and AFF.

He said that by the time they come up with good business with their innovations, employment would be created and they would increase the adoption of eNaira.

Awe said that there was possibility of wealth that would be created by these people. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Oluwole Sogunle

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Youth of St. Mulumba, Abuja Sub-Council, a faith- based organisation and other stakeholders have called for intensified efforts in preventing the menace of drug and illicit substance abuse in the country.

The President, Youth of St. Mulumba (YSM) Abuja Sub-Council, Mr Ebube Nwaegbu, made the call at the organisations one year anniversary and stakeholders symposium, in Abuja on Saturday.

Nwaegbu said there was urgent need for effective measures to address and prevent drugs and illicit substance abuse, especially among youths in Nigeria.

The theme of the symposium was : Fight Against Drug and Illicit Substance Abuse: the Role of Faith Based Youth Organisation.

He said that any society that wanted to develop must address some of the challenges affecting the youth.

He advised youths to run away from drug abuse which had rigorous effects on their body, personality and future.

I want to admonish Nigeria youths to please run away from drug abuse and make yourself responsible and relevant to the society, as leaders of not just tomorrow but also today, Nwaegbu said.

He said that the programme and its theme were organised to sensitise Nigerians, especially the youth, to the danger of abusing drugs.

The National Project Officer of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Dr Akanidomo Ibanga, who was a guess speaker at the event, also urged faith based organisations to accelerate preventive measures against drug abuse and illicit substance in the country.

Ibanga said that preventive measures were important as rehabilitation centres currently available in the country were insufficient to cater for numbers of those who needed rehabilitation.

He said that currently there were 87 treatment centres with about 2,000 beds, while survey showed that not less than 3,000 persons needed treatment from drugs and substance abuse related issues.

We are calling on the faith based organisations to do their part, basically to continue to invest in evidence based prevention, care and invest in rehabilitation and reintegration of people who are involved in drugs and substance abuse back to the society, he said.

He also called for establishment of dropping centres, where people could easily approach to drop those involved in drug abuse for care, treatment and rehabilitation.

Ibanga also called for inclusive care and rehabilitation, especially for women involved in drug abuse.

Another Guest Speaker, Mrs Oluchi Nweke, urged the youth to reject drug abuse no matter the influence.

Nweke, who is an Assistant Commander of Narcotics (CAN) PSO Treatment and Rehabilitation at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), said that the increasing rate of hard drugs consumption among youths was worrisome.

Nweke said that substance abuse possessed great danger that threatened stability, unity and development of any nation.

She said that drug abuse did not only destroy major organs of the body including brain, heart, liver and kidney, it also affected the well-being of people addicted to it, thereby affecting their contributions to national development and security.

It is increasingly recognised that there is a strong relationship between drugs/substance abuse and national security.

One major element of national security is human security ( Protection of Iives and Property); drug dependency brings about damage of the Central nervous system and other organs of the body.

The dependent individual will not be able to function optimally and as such, lack the ability to contribute to the development of the nation, she said.

Nweke urged government to ensure that territory institutions did not go on strike for students to graduate on time, as well create job for the teeming youths.

She also advised faith based organisations to join the NDLEA in the efforts to get the nation rid of drug and substance abuse.

Prevention of drug abuse and trafficking is everybodys business.Together we can make it and together we can achieve a drug-free society.

The Chaplain in charge of The Knights of Saint Mulumba, Abuja Council, Rev. Fr. Innocent Joji, described drug abuse as a menace that had destroyed many potential leaders.

He said that the menace must be jointly fought by every stakeholder, including faith-based organisation, government and family.

Also parents must watch their wards and if they see any changes in their wards they should quickly send them to rehabilitation centres because the earlier the better, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed his former Personal Assistant on New Media, Bashir Ahmad, as Special Assistant to the President on Digital Communications.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, confirmed the appointment in a letter of appointment addressed to Ahmad, dated July 20, 2022.

In the letter sighted by NAN on Sunday in Abuja, Mustapha said the appointment took effect from July 19, 2022.

Ahmad had resigned his previous position as Personal Assistant to the President in line with the presidential directive urging all political office holders wishing to contest elective office to resign.

The presidential media aide lost his bid to secure the ticket of the All Progressives Congress at the partys primaries for Gaya, Ajingi, Albasu Federal Constituency.

Ahmad had frowned at the way and manner the partys primary was conducted, saying it was fraught with fraud.

NAN reports that the presidential social media handler is believed to be the only presidential aide recalled by the president since the conclusion of the APC primaries.

All the cabinet ministers and presidential aides except Ahmad, who resigned to participate in the APC primaries but failed to secure the party tickets had since been replaced by the president.

Some social commentators who spoke to NAN on the promotion of the media aide to the position of Special Assistant, said Ahmad had successfully handled the social media space as Personal Assistant before his resignation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Source: NAN News

By Cecilia Ijuo

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), says plans are ongoing to deploy drones and other technologically advanced facilities to the countrys borders in its bid to curb smuggling.

The Public Relations Officer of Customs, Deputy Comptroller Timi Bomodi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that technology would help tackle the menace.

He said one of the major efforts in that regard was deploying technology like drones, non intriusic inspection at the borders and a lot of other things that are in the pipeline.

Bomodi said progress had been made with regard to the concession agreement or modernisation agreement with Huawei company and other technical partners in that regard.

According to him, the development will enhance the process of accessing potential danger as well as how to tackle them.

On calls in some quartres for deployment of more manpower at the borders, the Customs spokesperson said the borders were too large to be fully covered by manpower.

if you take everybody that presently works in the military and paramilitary to hold hands across all the borders in Nigeria, you will not be able to come up to ten per cent of our borders.

That is how huge this country is and how tough the terrain which we operate is.

However, we do know that when you introduce technology into the scheme of things, you are going to achieve a lot more.

According to him, there is no doubt that the service has plans to keep expanding its staff base but it is not the individuals that will make the impact that we all desire.

It is the technology that will be deployed to support these individuals that will make the kind of impact we know will go a very long way.

On funding of the service to deliver on its mandate, Bomodi said there was the need for more funding to expand its strategies to curb crime and generate more revenue.

We are talking about innovation in the kind of service that we provide and it cost a lot of money.

We are talking about the welfare of officers which comprises the provision of adequate accommodation, adequate transportation, proper offices and a myriad of other things.

Even vehicles that help them operate under all kinds of terrains in all kinds of environment.

All these things cost money and we cannot say no to that becuase the more we can get the more we will achieve, he said.

NAN reports that Nigeria with a landmass of more than 900,000 square kilometres, shares boundaries with 15 countries.

Some of the countries are the Republic of Niger, Cameroon, the Republic of Benin and the Chad Republic.

Meanwhile, the NCS is an independent body under the supervisory oversight of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning.

It is saddled with the responsibility of collecting customs revenue, facilitation of national and international trade as well as curtailing smuggling activities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Ese E. Eniola Williams

Source: NAN News