By Sunday Bassey

Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has directed remedial work on the collapsed Road in Mkpok, Idua, Ediam and Umana Ndon streets in Eket Local Government Area of the state.

The state Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Mr Charles Udoh, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Eket, Akwa Ibom on Saturday.

He said the governor had commenced the process of the remedial work at Mkpok, Ediam, Idua, and Umana Ndon streets in Eket.

Udoh stated that the process was ongoing and the contractors would soon move to site of the collapsed roads in the area.

He advised commuters to avoid the failed areas of the roads as soon as possible, saying that avoiding the bad portions would be safe.

It is safety first, you must be safe, so everybody must avoid the areas as soon as possible, he said.

The commissioner said that himself, Permanent Secretary and other staff of the ministry would be at the site on Saturday, adding that the attention of the ministry was drawn to the collapsed portion of the roads last week.

He warned motorists plying the routes to look for alternative roads, saying that the road was impassable.

NAN reports that the road collapsed in early hours of Saturday during the heavy down pour that started by 10 p.m. on Friday.

Udoh hinted that he was aware of the collapsed house in Mkpok street in Eket. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Habibu Harisu

As water scarcity bites harder, Sokoto residents chase after moving water tankers to get supplies.

The Sokoto Water Board has not been able to pump water through the pipeline network since contractors stopped supplying expensive diesel to pump water.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that because of the unavailability of diesel, the water board resorted to distributing water using tankers that go to households.

Residents have been seen chasing after water tankers at Masallacin Shehu, Atiku UbanDoma, Sabon Birni, Aliyu Jodi and Kofar Kade among other residential areas.

Other residents troop to the Water Board headquarters and to water treatment plants on Illela Road to fetch water.

A source at the Water Board told NAN that aside unavailability of diesel, other logistics like debt owed to contractors supplying water treatment chemicals were challenges being faced.

The source hinted that contractors stopped supply because of unpaid accumulated expenses by the government.

Some residents alleged that the water board was supplying adulterated water through the pipeline network until Thursday when supply stopped totally.

They alleged that the poor quality water was untreated, brownish in colour and had bad taste.

When contacted on phone, General Manager, Sokoto State Water Board, Alhaji Ismaila Umar-Sanda, initially expressed misgivings that newsmen were only out to look for negative issues.

He said newshounds were not approaching the board on its routine activities till things went bad, stressing that all hitches were temporary and efforts were being made to address them.

He added also that there was no Commissioner for Water Resources in the state.

In a statement issued by Malam Muhammad Bello, Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to Gov. Aminu Tambuwal, however, the governor expressed displeasure at the situation.

As Muslims in Sokoto State celebrate sallah, some residents of the metropolis had to cope with shortage of water supply, a situation which prompted the state government to respond swiftly.

Only last week government gave N114 million to the water board to tackle the issue.

It is surprising that the problem still persists; hence the governors decision that the state government will investigate what went wrong, Bello stated. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abubakar Ahmed/Alli Hakeem

Source: NAN News

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Malam Muhammad Bello, says his administration has strengthened enforcement in the bid to tackle reckless driving in the nations capital.

Bello made the disclosure when he received the management of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) led by its Managing Director, Mr Buki Ponle, on a courtesy visit.

The minister also said the administrations officials had arrested many offenders.

Most of the taxis that are in green and white colours in the city are registered, so we have a data base and some of them are uniquely under a specific company.

Some companies have fleets of 300 to 400 vehicles while some have 150 to 200; so we are able to catch up with them.

What we do now in some areas that are notorious and very difficult to have enforcement officers all the times is to create some barriers, the minister said.

According to Bello, offenders are taken to the hospital for psychiatric test to ascertain their mental health while their vehicles are impounded.

The offenders will pay N10,000 for the mental check-up and if the results show that they have psychiatric problem, then we will keep them at the hospital.

However, if it is not a psychiatric case, we will take them to the Vehicle Inspection Officers office where we have a conference room and then they will make them to pay fine.

After paying the fine, the vehicle will be parked there and they will come for lessons on good manners of driving for two weeks, he said.

The minister, who said his administration had been urging the media to embark on naming and shaming of offenders, however, said it had not been receiving the desired cooperation.

Earlier, Ponle had commended the minister for his efforts in ensuring sanity in the nations capital, adding that enforcement was very important.

I am happy you raised this issue of increased surveillance, especially when it comes to enforcement because enforcement is important.

If there is a law and if there is no enforcement, it is just as if there is no law. But when there is enforcement and punishment, you will remember that if you break the law, punishment is awaiting you.

So people will think twice before they break the law. I am happy about that, Ponle said. (NAN)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

Source: NAN News

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has expressed its commitment to partnering with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in sensitising Abuja residents on their expected roles in the protection of critical national infrastructure.

The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, said this when the management of the agency led by its Managing Director, Mr Buki Ponle, paid a courtesy call on the minister in Abuja.

Bello said NAN, being a manager of public information, could use its vast reach to publicise the administrations initiatives, especially the fight against acts of vandalism on infrastructure such as manhole covers, streetlight fittings and rail tracks.

The minister, who emphasised the importance of the manholes in housing critical telecommunication infrastructure, said FCTA was ready to partner with the media on the sensitisation drive.

The critical thing is this issue of sensitisation. I think you (NAN) have a platform really that will be very effective in this sensitisation and we have a lot of materials which we can make available to you.

I wish to inform you that hope is not lost with respect to the issue of manhole covers because we are using a lot of composite materials as an alternative.

We are trying to also strengthen enforcement.

Generally in the past, most people tended to assume it to be just a minor nuisance and crime not knowing that it is a very dangerous one because these manhole covers, especially for the telecommunications docks, are housing a very critical national infrastructure, Bello said.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, said the administration was worried about the negative attitude of some residents toward protection of public infrastructure

Some of our worries had been variously expressed by the minister even at high profile meetings.

Many of us do not show concern for these infrastructure because these things are not removed by angels, but by humans and they do it at times in the glare of people, Adesola said.

He said the administration had experimented with various options to protect manhole covers, adding that it had used a mixture of cement, sand and iron that would not be attractive to the vandals.

Adesola, however, lamented that some of the alternatives had failed to deter vandals.

Ponle, in his remarks, said that NAN would do all it could to partner with the FCTA to ensure that it achieved the lofty objective of enlightening residents on preservation and protection of infrastructure.

The NAN managing director, who said the agency was concerned about removal of manhole covers in the territory, reiterated the determination of the agency to partner with FCTA on advocacy.(NAN)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

Source: NAN News

By George Edomwonyi

Mr Peter Obakhedo, former Editor-in-Chief of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who died in Lagos on June 15, was buried at Apana, Uzairue in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo, on Saturday.

In a funeral sermon entitled Compulsory Appointment, the officiating priest, Pastor Taiye Taiwo, charged Christians and adherents of other religions to realise that every beginning had an end.

According to Taiwo, since it is compulsory that everybody will die, everyone should get ready to meet his or her maker at the appointed time.

Make your decision while alive on where you want to be after death because the opportunity you have today is a gift from God; dont waste it.

Obakhedo came to this world and gave his best, through his profession, to humanity.

Everyone has his or her date with the creator. Everyone must be ready for that day, he said.

Mr Ephraims Sheyin, Head, Lagos Operations of NAN, who represented management at the burial ceremony, described the late EIC as a calm fellow and a colleague he enjoyed working with, especially in Kaduna.

Obakhedo was hard-working and humble. He gave his best to the agency.

Sheyin said that the news of Obakhedos demise shocked NANs Managing Director, Mr Buki Ponle,
and expressed NAN managements condolences to the family.

He quoted Ponle as urging family members of the deceased to take solace in the fact that Obakhedo lived well and served his fatherland with all his strength.

On behalf of the Managing Director and management of NAN who asked me to come and condole with the family of ObaKhedo, we pray the Almighty God to comfort the family and grant its members the fortitude to bear the loss, he said.

The late EICs eldest son, Mr Emmanuel Obakhedo, described his father as a man of integrity, who was not pretentious.

His yes was yes while his no was no. I am forever grateful for he remains a positive male role model in my life.

His warm presence and discerning guidance will be missed, he said.

NAN reports that the burial ceremony will end on July 10 with a thanksgiving service at Redeemed Christian Church of God, Province 3, Apana, Uzairue.

Obakhedo was born in Auchi on Nov 22, 1960 to the family of late Pa Andrew Obakhedo and late Madam Beatrice of Apana, Uzairue.

He joined the services of NAN in December 1989 and rose to the position of a Director in January 2019.

The deceased became NAN EIC in June 2020 and held the position until retirement in November same year.

He worked in various state offices of NAN as well as the Lagos Directorate of the agency, which he headed before becoming EIC.

Obakhedo, a 1984 graduate of University of Ibadan, who died at the age of 61, is survived by his wife, Catherine, three children and three siblings.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Ephraims Sheyin

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it stands by the reports received from its state offices in relation to the party primaries for the Akwa Ibom North West and Yobe North Senatorial Districts.

The commission stated this in a statement issued by Mr Festus Okoye, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, in Abuja on Saturday.

Okoye said that the attention of the commission had been drawn to speculations circulating online on the outcome of some of the recent primaries conducted by political parties and related issues.

He said that in particular, the allegations intended to impugn the integrity of the commission in respect of the Akwa Ibom North West and Yobe North Senatorial Districts respectively.

To set the record straight, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria mandates the commission to monitor the organisation and operation of political parties, including their finances, conventions, congresses and party primaries.

In line with its constitutional and legal obligations, the commission deployed monitors to the various constituencies and received reports of such exercise.

In relation to the primaries for the Akwa Ibom North West and Yobe North Senatorial Districts, the commission stands by the monitoring reports received from our state offices.

For this reason, the commission did not publish the personal particulars of any candidate for the two constituencies at variance with the state reports.

Right now, the commission is funtus officio in the two cases, he said.

Okoye added that aggrieved parties were at liberty to approach the Federal High Court and seek redress as provided in section 285 of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022

On the issuance of Certified True Copies (CTCs) of documents, he said members of staff of the commission had been working hard, including weekends, to meet the deluge of requests received.

He said that as at Friday, the commission had processed 433 requests involving the certification 1,662,776 pages of documents.

The commissioner said that many of the processed CTCs were awaiting collection at the INEC Headquarters by some of the same applicants complaining of delay in its issuance.

Section 29 (4) of the Electoral Act provides that any person may apply to the commission for a copy of nomination form, affidavit, and any other document submitted by a candidate at an election.

The Commission shall, upon payment of a prescribed fee, issue such person with a certified copy of document within 14 days.

Persons applying for CTC of documents should endeavor to act timely and within the ambit of the law,he said.

Okoye said that INEC would continue to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, including the deepening of the deployment of technology to enhance the credibility of elections. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh/Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Some youths under the aegis of the National Youth Forum (NYF) have urged the elites to exercise caution while commenting on the security challenges bedeviling the country.

NYF made the call in a statement signed by its President, Tanko Gambo and Secretary, Jamiu Adigun, on Saturday in Abuja.

The youth group said the statement was in reaction to the comment by a former minister who accused the military high command of failing to proffer solution to the nations security challenges.

According to the group, the former minister also accused the military of being part of a conspiracy to truncate the countrys democracy as well as ignoring an earlier warning on the Kuje attack.

It said the forum, however, commended the former minister for his concern on the situation, saying it reflected the current mood of the nation.

We as youths and students are concerned with what is happening in our dear country.

We are not here to defend anyone but, having studied the situation, we feel that caution and faith are needed to see us through these trying times.

Sincerely, like what our senior brother, the former minister, said, the situation is bad, but it is not hopeless.

The group noted that for some obvious reasons, the military would not come out publicly and say what it was doing to stem the security challenges, but that did not mean it had failed or not doing anything about it.

Just this week, we read that troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralisd some terrorists at Gamage in Borno.

We believe several efforts are being made to restore peace and stability in the country, it said.

The forum said that President Muhammadu Buhari had on several occasions acknowledged the efforts of the military and the successes from the renewed interservice synergy being marshalled by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor.

It dismissed the allegation that the military was working to truncate democracy, saying the military high command had time without number pledged loyalty to democratic rule in the country.

The forum commended the former minister for also acknowledging international dimension to the security situation, adding that the assertion might not be far from the truth.

It called for a united front to face the challenge head on, adding that countries across the world were facing different challenges.

Just this year, there have been more than 300 mass shootings in the U.S., according to the Gun Violence Archive.

The shooting of July 4, parade in Highland Park Ill that left six people dead and dozens injured was one of 14 mass shootings over the long weekend.

There have been just over 100 since a rampage at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, which left 19 children and two teachers dead on May 24.

It acknowledged that the situations abroad might not be an excuse for mayhem in the country.

NYF insists that just like U.S. citizens, we must come together and quash the evil plans by enemies of the country.

We must not cause more harm in trying to proffer solution. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Bridget Ikyado

A U.S.-based Cleric, Pastor Keith Moore, on Saturday said countries success depends on the commitment and forward looking of leaders and the citizenry.

Moore said this as a guest speaker at the 2022 Impartation Conference organised by The Summit Bible Church, Abuja.

He said that leaders, whether spiritual, traditional or those in government, were all creation of God, adding that they deserved their followers loyalty, commitment and fervent prayers, for them to succeed in their onerous assignments.

Moore said that God had already endorsed their leadership before anybody could emerge as leader, as such the need to follow them.

According to the cleric, the call becomes imperative when one observes and considers the way and manner some Nigerians speak ills of their leaders.

The man of God counseled Nigerians to imbibe the idea of offering genuine pieces of advice to leaders rather than running them down.

He said that the coming of Jesus Christ would be more meaningful if we love one another and our leaders committed, transparent, honest and selfless.

Moore advised both leaders and the led to have a level of trust and commitment for societal and economic growth.

He said that as Christians the level of commitment a believer should have was to give his word and keep it no matter the cost. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chidinma Agu/Donald Ugwu

Source: NAN News

By Dorcas Jonah

Hajiya Lami Lau, the National President, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), has felicitated Nigerians and the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.

Lau in her Sallah message, said every true Muslim, especially women, should be grateful to God for the privilege to celebrate the 2022 Sallah, regardless of all challenges

She said that the best way to demonstrate our gratitude to God was to share His blessings with neighbours and show love and kindness to all.

I want to use the occasion to urge all Muslim faithful Nigerians to be steadfast in working and praying for the peace, unity and progress of our beloved country.

The current challenges are painful but this is a passing phase in our historical process of nation-building.

Please do not be carried away by the pageantry of the Sallah celebration, but as mothers, we should use the occasion to reflect and extend our gestures and hands of support to the needy in the society. she said.

Lau emphasised the importance of peace, unity and tolerance amongst the diverse people of the country for growth and development to take place, noting that Nigeria diversity should be a source of strength rather than conflict.

As we join the rest of the world to celebrate this years Sallah, I enjoin you to replicate and demonstrate in your daily lives the lessons and virtues of sacrifice, forgiveness, piety, self-denial and genuine love toward one another which you learnt during the month- long fasting.

I urge you to also take out opportunity, cashing on the spirituality of this festive period to offer special prayers for the nation against the backdrop of the current security challenges.

As mothers, we should pray for all the children, mothers, fathers and brothers that are in the IDP camps as well as those that have been kidnapped.

We should also pray for the economic situation and to lift up our people before God, especially the downtrodden, she said.

Lau also called on Nigerians to pray for those that are struggling to make ends meet as well as the leadership of this country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Source: NAN News

By Angela Atabo

African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL) has launched a report on the root cause of the farmers and herders in the North Central area of Nigeria.

Dr Chido Onumah, Coordinator, AFRICMIL made this known at a roundtable on report of research on the farmers-herders crisis in North Central Nigeria organised by the centre .

According to Onumah, the report is the outcome of a research conducted by Dr Plangshak Musa Suchi and Dr Sallek Yaks Musa, both of the Department of Sociology, University of Jos, Nigeria.

For us in AFRICMIL, we have in the last five years been working with the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation to reinvigorate the vibrancy of our youth in asking questions and taking actions towards realising a better today .

Therefore, this research is of utmost importance in the sense that it speaks to concepts such as good governance ,orderliness ,justice and peaceful co-existence which we have been promoting to make citizens ,especially youths ,imbibe through our advocacy.

We also consider this report important because beyond serving as a vital references material, it will help youths who have mostly been the target of misinformation and tools for social unrests to be accurately informed .

This is on a subject that has been identified as one of the leading causes of violent conflicts in communities in the north-central region, he said.

Reviewing the report, Prof. Oshita Oshita, Executive Director, Ubuntu Centre for Africa Peacebuilding and Development Nigeria, said that the scope of the study covered Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau states in North Central Nigeria.

Oshita said that the farmers and herders crisis phenomenon constituted an obstacle for stakeholders of peace, security and development as it stirs negative sentiments around occupational, cultural, geographic, political and religious dimensions of Nigerias diversity.

A number of socio-economic, cultural and political dynamics have adversely impacted the relations between the itinerant Fulani animal herders and their hosts, the sedentary farming communities.

The researchers identified the immediate triggers of the crisis in the study areas to include; the destruction of food crops by the Fulani herders and/or cattle rustling by other criminal elements.

Oshita said that while farmers attributed most of the incidences of crop destructions to the deliberate acts of mischief by the herders; the herders blamed the incidences of the conflict on the blocking of the marked grazing routes and diminished grazing areas.

He urged stakeholders to employ empirical, rational and economic planning parameters that focus on sustainable development and smart agricultural practices.

A Human Rights Activist, Mojirayo Ogunlana-Nkanga, while presenting on the Root Causes and Consequences of Farmers-Herders Crisis and its Implication on Women and Girls in North Central said that women and girls bear the brunt of the crisis.

Ogunlana-Nkanga said that the gender perspective to the crisis exposes the social impact, economic impact and the political impact on women and girls.

She listed sexual violence, deprivation of livelihood, widowhood and singlehood, health, psychological disturbances, trauma among others as areas the crisis affect women.

She therefore, recommended deliberate gender- focused intervention strategies for women and girls while also considering security/peace plans, and provision of socio-economic infrastructures as measures to cushion the effect.

In her remarks, Ms AngelaOdah, Programme Manager ,Rosa Luxemburg, Stiftung ,West Africa said that the organisation was supporting AFRICMIL to find lasting peaceful resolutions to the crisis.

Odah said that report was a qualitative study carried out through interviews targeting various stakeholders that are directly affected persons living in idp camps by the farmers and herders crisis .

She added that although there were several causes of the farmers and herders crisis ,it could however be addressedif there was political will and if all stakeholders would unit to raise their voices to contribute to fostering peace.(NAN)(nannews.ng)

========

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Bridget Ikyado

U.S. based preacher Keith Moore has advised Christians and Nigerians in general to shun lies and all forms of corrupt practices, for God to intervene and save the country from its prevailing challenges and other satanic devices.

Moore, a guest speaker at the Summit Bible Church Impartation Conference 2022, with the theme Glory to Glory, holding in Abuja, made the call in his teaching on Friday.

The cleric, who is the Founder and President, Moore Life Ministries and Faith Life Church in Branson, Missouri and Sarasota, Florida (U.S.) prayed for increased blessings for Nigeria.

He also prayed God to bless and increase the government with wisdom to lead the country in the right way.

The cleric said that putting God first was the only way a nation would breakthrough during crisis.

He said that the Lord had revealed to him that the solution to the problems bedevilling the nation was for citizens to stop telling and encouraging lies.

From the highest to the least Nigerians and as Christians, we should all stop telling lies. If we encourage lies, the society will be abused. If a nation wants tofight corruption, they shoulddiscourage lying.

If I tell lies in the presence of my fellow pastors or my followers, I have established lying. There is no corruption outside lying.

This is why the Holy Bible says Jesus is the way, the truth and the light. Whoever follows the footsteps of Jesus Christ does not tell lies, he said.

According to him, if someone has no reason to tell lies, he or she cannot be corrupted.

Lie is the mother of corruption.

He said that God expected us to be faithful, and faithfulness entails steadfastness, trustworthiness, reliability, dependable and these all have to do with been truthful.

He said there was no truth aside God.

Moore advised Christians to denounce the devil, the author of confusion, who wanted the society, church andnations in disarray, disorganised and deserted.

In his speech, Andy Osakwe Senior Pastor, The Summit Bible Church, also urged Nigerians to desist from lying, as its consequences may cause harm.

Osakwe said that saying the truth had rewards and blessings, even if not immediate.

He said that in Nigeria and with the challenges faced, the truth and more prayers were rather needed for best results. (NAN)()

BTT/IAA

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Angela Atabo

President of Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologist of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr Nwamaka Lasebikan, has expressed concern over the rise in cancer incidences and the poor management in the country .

Lasebikan made this known in a statement after the conclusion of a one day symposium on Friday in Enugu themed Optimising the Standard of Care for Breast Cancer in Nigeria.

The president said the symposium sought the way forward to cancer care in Nigeria.

She also expresses concern over the slow implementation of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines in Nigeria.

She said that the NCCN guideline was recently adopted by the Federal Ministry of Health as the standard of care for cancer management in Nigeria.

She however, expressed worry over the rising incidence of cancer and its poor outcome even with treatment attributing it, in part, to poor standardisation of evidence based care.

There is the need to close the care gap and generally improve both the quality of life and the clinical outcomes in patients with breast cancer.

This can be achieved through widespread implementation of the harmonised guideline to ensure that breast cancer care is optimal and standardised across Nigeria and Africa as a whole, she said.

The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, represented by Mr Uchechukwu Nwokwu, Associate Director, National Cancer Control Program, re-emphasised governments commitment to fighting cancer.

Government remains committed to providing adequate access to standardised cancer care in the country through programmes such as the ongoing Cancer Health Funds.

The Federal Governments adoption of the NCCN Harmonised Guidelines and the need for healthcare workers to abide by it remains key, Ehanire said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the symposium featured several lectures from seasoned experts in oncology.

NAN also reports that topics such as standardising breast cancer care through guideline adherence, some predictive and prognostic biomarkers in decision making for breast cancer were highlighted.

The West African College of Surgeons among other professors and Oncology consultants were also present .(NAN)(nannews.ng)

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Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

A political and socio-economic advocacy group, Fusion774 has urged Nigerians to vote into power come 2023, candidate with impeccable track record in human capital, economic development and security.

The National Coordinator of the group, Mr Sadiq Jikta, made the call while addressing newsmen on the state of the nation on Friday, in Abuja.

Jikta said the news conference was convened to express the concerns on the economic and security situation in the country, especially at a time the nation is working toward electing new leaders.

He said that both the citizens and political leaders had failed to leave up to their responsibilities, adding that citizens must act fast to make things right towards achieving the country of our dream.

According to him, the upcoming 2023 general election is going to be an opportunity for us to elect leaders that have the capacity to deliver in terms of addressing the economic and security situation of the country.

When we are voting for leaders in the next election lets look at those with the trait of building people, those that has the track record in investing in people.
This is the future we are looking at; we have to get it right this time and we must come out and vote in numbers.

We have to get our Permanent Voter Card (PVC) which is our tool for working out good governance.

Our participation to make things right is going to be the choice decision we are going to make, while electing the right leadership.

We the Nigerian citizens deserve quality governance and we are responsible for it, he said.

Jikta said that Nigeria currently had poor human development index, saying that human resource development plays vital role in the prosperity of every nation.

He said that the nation would achieve a quantum leap, if it invest in human resources and address unemployment among the youth, adding that unemployment remained one of the pressing problems in Nigeria.

The coordinator however, challenged the political parties to convince Nigerians with their roadmap, manifestoes and issue based discussions and not trivialities.

The group will use this opportunity to urge the PDP as a party to base its campaign on issues that affect the life of Nigerians, not attack on persons, like the recent take on the Nigerias Ambassador to Benin Republic Amb. Tukur Buratai on issues that has been duly addressed by ICPC.

We at Fusion774 are using this opportunity to state our unalloyed position on supporting credible candidates with track record of good team selection, completed project, people oriented programmes, human capital building and enduring legacy, he added.

Jikta condemned the recent killing of military officers in Niger State as well as other happenings in Zamfara, Katsina, Plateau, South East and other parts of Nigeria.

He said the recent attack on Kuje Correctional Centre by terrorists leading to the release of suspected dangerous elements into the society had further heightening insecurity precipitation in the country.

He urged the government to live up to its responsibility and double effort to stem the tide.

The coordinator also urged citizens to play active role in addressing insecurity by providing useful information to the security agencies, while calling for more support for community policing or vigilante groups.

He said the group had continued to mobilise citizens from bottom top at local levels and sensitive them on the need for right leadership in the country.

The National Mobilisarion Secretary of Fusion774, Mr Mahmud Abubakar, called for character reformation and value reorientation on the part of the citizens to be able to choose right leaders. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Friday expressed regrets over its inability to transport 1,500 intending pilgrims for the 2022 Hajj.

This is contained in a statement issued by the commissions Assistant Director, Public Affairs Division, Mrs
Fatima Usara, on Friday in Abuja.

She said that the intending pilgrims were nine from Bauchi, 91 from Plateau and 700 from Kano State.

Usara also stated that the commission was saddened over it inability to transport an estimated 750 intending pilgrims from the Private Tour Operators sector.

She said that the commission acknowledged that it owed an unreserved regrets to the intending pilgrims for the 2022 Hajj for the hardships and disappointments experienced during outbound airlift operations to the holy land.

According to her, the commission offers similar apologies to the Federal Government, State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Private Tour Operators, and the public for any embarrassment the situation might have caused.

Sadly, in spite of all efforts to transport all Nigerian intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2022 Hajj, NAHCON was incapacitated in discharging this responsibility.

Majorly due to last minute setbacks that frustrated its plan to conclude transportation of pilgrims by June 27.

Unfortunately, the chartered flights option that gave so much hope to NAHCON and the Private Tour Operators leadership also became a failure as their IBAN accounts failed accreditation by the respective authorities in Saudi Arabia, she said.

Usara said that the numbers of affected pilgrims would not make it to Saudi Arabia before closure of Jeddah airport; hence they are sadly bound to miss this years Hajj.

She assured that all affected pilgrims would get refunded of their Hajj fares, adding that the commission would work towards improving its deficiencies ahead of 2023 Hajj operation.

NAHCON has learnt a lot of lessons and is determined not to have a repeat of the unfortunate situation.

Management knows that no number of apologies can pay for the disappointments some Muslim faithful are currently experiencing as a result. (NAN)
SSI/DE/SH

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Sadiya Hamza

Source: NAN News

By Ismail Abdulaziz

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Source: NAN News

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Source: NAN News

With what the military, Nigeria Navy in particular, has achieved in the Gulf of Guinea, the next step will be to convince the major insurance companies in the world to start doing business with Nigeria.

Ships will be freely plying the route to the advantage of boosting Nigerias blue economy, he said.

Speaking with NAN after the meeting, the minister said it wasa huge compliment coming from Chattam House.

Chatam House is one of the most respected Think Tanks around the world , it was an honour and privilege for meto meet with the Director and some of the Principal member of staff.

We exchanged view on the happenings in Nigeria.

We went further to discuss security, economy and I was amazed about how well informed they were about Nigeria.

I am also impressed about how sympathetic and appreciative of the efforts of this administration in the areas of economy, security and providing infrastructure.

It was a very healthy exchange for both parties, he said

The minister underscored the need for the Nigerian media to report the achievements of the administration rather than playing up the sensational negative news.

He assured that the administrationwouldremain focused to sustain its reputation locally and internationally.

NAN reports that in his continuing engagements with the international media in London, the minister met with The TelegraphBBC Radio, Television Pidgin and Yoruba service.

He said the interactions covered a range of issues security, economy, infrastructure, fighting and corruption.

It accounts for about 4.5 million barrels of oil produced daily in Africa while Nigerias maritime environment constituted about 12 per cent of the Gulf of Guinea thus accounting for over 85 per cent of the total seaward trade with the rest of the world.

The Navy had been given a pat on the back, for significant decline in piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

Swift responses of the Nigerian Navy to illegal activities at the sea was said to have reduced the rate of successful attacks of pirates in Nigerias maritime domain. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Source: NAN News

By Yahaya Isah

The Federal Government has declared Monday and Tuesday as public holidays to mark this years Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Shuaib Belgore, on Thursday in Abuja.

Belgore said the Minister of Interior, RaufAregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated all Muslims and Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora on the occasion.

I call on Muslims to continue to imbibe the spirit of love, peace, kindness and sacrifice, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him).

We should also use the period to pray for peace, unity, prosperity and the stability of the country, considering the challenges of insecurity we face at the moment, Aregbesola said.

The minister assured Nigerians of President Muhammadu Buharis was commitment to the security of lives and properties of all.

Aregbesola, while wishing Muslims a happy Eid-el Kabir celebration, urged Nigerians to take responsibility by reporting any suspicious individuals and criminal activities they observed around them to law enforcement agencies.

This, he said, can be done using the N-Alerts application.

The minister said the N-Alert application was designed to mitigate security challenges with prompt response from security agencies.

As soon as you see something do N-Alerts most especially, during this festival.

He also enjoined all Nigerians to be vigilant and observant of intruders in their communities.

We must all take responsibility for the security of lives and property as we celebrate this years festival.

Aregbesola craved the indulgence of every Nigerians to come together, put their heads, hearts and all they have together to achieve relative peace for harmonious co-existence and put an end to insecurities in Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Benson Iziama/Sadiya Hamza

Source: NAN News

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Malam Muhammad Bello, has explained why his administration is enforcing the policy on parks operation in the nations capital.

He said that his administration decided to revert to the policy in order to ensure the attainment of 40 per cent threshold of green areas in the city.

Bello gave the insight when the management of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) led by its Managing Director, Mr Buki Ponle, paid a courtesy call on him on Thursday in Abuja.

The whole concept of the park policy is to make sure that these green areas within Abuja as a city and to some extent parts of the territory are left green to be able to meet the 40 per cent threshold of green areas.

Abuja was way ahead of many cities in terms of climate consideration and the whole idea was that you develop these green areas to make them truly green with vegetation, with green land, flowers and trees.

That was achieved to a large extent some years back but with population growth of the city and demand for housing and land, if we are not conscious about it then we may derail ourselves and just make it a concrete city, he said.

Bello said that the abuse on green areas had affected the ecosystem, adding that government realised sometimes in the mid 2000 that it was simply impossible to maintain all the green areas.

This, he said, informed the concessioning of green areas to private operators to develop as parks

A park in the real sense of a park like we see in other countries is neat, clean with sidewalks, with areas for playground for children, playground for family members and areas of relaxation.

And everywhere in the world, these parks have opening time and closing time and normally they are done in the day time may be from 8a.m. or in some cases 7a.m. and then by night they close, he said.

The minister stated that almost 95 per cent of those who took parks under concession converted them into structures thereby abusing them and the environment.

Instead of temporary structures using environmental friendly materials they started constructing solid concrete structures.

And instead of making green areas they started creating concrete basement and that totally jettisoned the idea and as time went by, these concrete and permanent structures started to be converted into areas where a lot of things were done wrongly

Parks that were meant to be areas where there will be aesthetics like you see in New York, London and so many other cities in the world gradually were converted into places where criminals stayed there.

Because it is an open public space they will stay there in the night until midnight and after midnight you know what they do in the city.

They create havoc in many of the parks and because the parks owners have not been able over time to invest to maintain it green it became easier for them to stay, the minister said.

According to Bello, Abuja is a city where most people are workers and creating parks in neighbourhoods is to enable families within each neighbourhood to have a place to relax.

But because it became something else,you go there and your handbag is snatched if you are a lady and your phone is not protected because people are under the influence of drugs.

Families cannot even venture into parks even in the afternoon because many people have made it their own abode.

Some of them will go under valleys and erect shanties.

All the laws were there when the whole idea of park policy was initiated in the mid 2000 but as time went by institutions saddled with the responsibility of enforcement and monitoring didnt do their work and that is the crisis we are now facing in the city

Unfortunately as you can see the social media is awash with all kinds negative narrations but I thought I should clarify to NAN as manager of public thought.

You can really understand what the issues are and provide information to our people to understand the message, he said.

The minister revealed that the administration was getting positive feedback from residents, adding that they were appreciative for the enforcement of the policy.

But you know as a country we dont push for our rights.

All the neighbors have been crying in silence, accusing government and complaining in silence but nobody was willing to confront these people in the parks

And now that we are doing our work quietly they will commend us but nobody is coming out publicly to support us, the minister said.

Earlier, Ponle had expressed the readiness of the agency to partner with the FCT administration on advocacy to educate residents to be conscious about their surroundings.

Ponle said it was the responsibility of every citizen to protect what the government had put in place.

Abuja is beautiful and people make it beautiful. The hands construct and can destroy. You use your hands here to construct and reconstruct.

And it is in our own little way to protect what you have built and even without telling us we have been doing that and we will continue to do that, he said.

Ponle also commended the minister for his achievements in the area of infrastructure development and provision of other basic social amenities.

Abuja has changed tremendously to my pleasant surprise and I salute your efforts in that regards. You have done so well that even the blind can see

We think about you everyday in a positive manner because of what we see, what we witness and what we enjoy in the capital city through you, he said. (NAN)
Edited by Mufutau Ojo

Source: NAN News

By Stephen Adeleye

Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi has doled out N7.25 million to support the transportation of 725 youth corps members
of the 2021 Batch B Stream I, who completed their service in the state on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor also gave automatic employment to two members; Jemilu Akpah from Kogi, a physically challenged,
and Mary Aimuan from Edo, who won the prestigious NYSC State Merit Award.

Bello, who spoke at the passing out ceremony of the batch at the Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja, promised to give N10,000 to each of the 725 outgoing NYSC members to support their transportation back to their various destinations.

The governor said that the automatic employment for Jemilu Akpah being a physically challenged; and Mary Aimuan, was for their contributions to the improvement of their host communities.

He thanked the outgoing NYSC members for the sacrifices made toward uplifting the standard of peoples lives.

Your specific contributions in Primary Health Care delivery services, provision of quality education and rural infrastructure and advocacy in Sustainable Development Goals were critical in fostering and promoting governments transformation agenda.

Your deployment to various communities must have endeared you to their custom and tradition and consequently
broadened your perception and understanding of the imperatives of a united Nigeria.

Your post service aspirations should be toward making Nigeria a better place through selfless service, dedication to duty, honesty,
integrity and accountability.

You should be good ambassadors of the scheme and spread the gospel of its good virtues, Bello said.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Idris Musa, commennded the governor for creating enabling environment which ensured the safety and wellbeing of the youth corps members in the state.

Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Mofoluwaso Williams, had commended the NYSC members for their contributions to national development through personal and group Community Service Development (CDS) projects.

She noted that the service year had exposed them to the core values of the NYSC scheme, anchored on patriotism, integrity, efficiency, commitment and teamwork.

She said as you bow out from service today, it is important to reiterate the fact that the era of seeking only white collar jobs is over.

I, therefore, admonish you to put to good use, the various skills that you have been impacted with through the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship
Development programme.

In their separate comments, Akpah and Aimuan, thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve the state, describing it as a rare privilege.

Akpah, who is a writer, specifically commended the governor for his love and passion for persons living with disabilities in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kabir Muhammad/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Source: NAN News