By Sumaila Ogbaje

Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) on Monday in Abuja, commenced a two-week United Nations Military Observers Training of Trainers Course 1/2022 for participants from African countries.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the course was organised in collaboration with UN Integrated Training Services and United States Global Peace Operations Initiative.

There are 22 participants from Nigeria, Ghana, Benin Republic, Malawi, Liberia, Zambia, Rwanda and Sierra Leone.

The Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim, said the course was designed to equip the trainers with integrated service approach to training through interactive sessions.

Ibrahim was represented by the Deputy Chief of Training (Courses and Examination), Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye,

He said the training would enable participants to deliver training in their respective countries with a view to attaining the UN standard.

He said the course aimed to roll out new specialised training materials for UN mission observers in Africa.

According to him, granting the hosting opportunity to Nigeria portrays that the UN still recognises and values the contributions of Nigeria to global peace and security.

The MLAILPKC has indeed maintained its status in the region for delivering professional and realistic training to potential peacekeepers for multi-dimensional peace support operations.

At United Nations training cycle, the continuous evaluation of training detects training gaps in existing training manuals, of which the integrated training service develops the required corresponding module during periodic reviews.

This is because contemporary peace support operations are increasingly uncertain and complex, he said.

The commandant, MLAKLPKC, Maj.-Gen. Awaul Fagge, said the training would enable participants to deliver realistic training on the roles of military observers in their respective countries.

Fagge said the course would also equip them to meet the challenges associated with the contemporary peace support operations.

He said the role of diplomatic peacekeepers in conflict resolution was usually underscored by the signing of peace agreement by the parties in such conflict.

According to him, to make it effective, peace agreement must be nurtured, monitored and supervised to ensure compliance by all parties to the conflict.

The need to further equip potential peacekeepers with UN military observation in conflict zones, necessitated the rollout of this new cause.

This module was developed by UN Integral Training Services, based on needs assessment conducted on UN peacekeeping operations in general.

At the end of the course, it is expected that you will further expand the number of potential observers in your various countries, he said.

The Team Leader, UN Integrated Training Services, Col. Alexander Simeone, said there was for UN military observers to enhance their capacities to deliver the same course in their countries.

Simeone said the course would also support the UN gender parity strategy 2018-2028 to increase meaningful participation of women in UN peacekeeping operations.

He said it was UN pre-deployment training requirements for the military officers selected to be deployed to peacekeeping mission as military observers.

The essence of the course is to increase the capacity of the member states form Africa to deliver the new specialized training materials to military observers, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Glory Abuh-Adejoh

The National Industrial Court in Abuja on Monday ordered that Emmanuel Ogbeche of the Abuja Enquirer be served originating summons by substituted means in a case brought before it against Ogbeche by Mr Donald Ugwu.

The substituted means as ordered by the court was by way of pasting the summon and hearing notice at NUJ Secretariat, Zone B, 05, E.A Ekukiinam Street, Utako District, Abuja.

The suit instituted by Ugwu of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), claimed the election of Ogbeche as the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council was a violation of the unions constitution.

The suit has as first defendant the registered trustees of the NUJ and Ogbeche as the second defendant respectively.

When the matter slated for mention came up before Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae, the claimants counsel, Mr Michael Okorie informed the court that he had an application.

The counsel submitted that the motion ex-parte which was filed on May 19 was supported by a 6-paragraph affidavit which he deposed to.

The court on its part granted the application by granting leave to the claimant to serve the originating summon and hearing notice on Ogbeche by pasting them on NUJ Secretariat at Utako, Abuja.

The court in addition held that the substituted service would be deemed as proper service being duly served on the second defendant.

The court adjourned the matter until July 25 for mention.

NAN reports that the claimant, an Assistant Editor in-Chief in NAN, is seeking amongst others, an order of the court to set aside the inauguration of Ogbeche as chairman by NUJ on Dec. 4, 2021.

He is also praying the court to declare that the second defendant was neither qualified to contest the said election, nor to become an officer of the union.

The claimant posited that he was the only duly qualified candidate for the office of chairman in the said poll, and urged the court to invoke the constitution and declare him duly elected.

The claimant is also urging the court to determine if the check-off dues of the second defendant were being deducted at source, paid, or remitted monthly by his employer, the Abuja Enquirer.

This is in line with the provisions of Article 4(1) (a) and (b) of the NUJ constitution.

Ugwu is also asking the court to determine if the second defendant not being in good financial standing was legally qualified as a candidate for chairman or any other elective position of the Union.

This is according to the provisions of Articles 4(1)(a) and (b), 2 (a) and 6(7) (a), (b) and (c) of NUJ constitution.

The claimant is also praying the court to determine whether the screening and clearance of the second defendant by the credentials committee not unlawful, unconstitutional, and void.

Ugwu is further asking the court to determine whether the constitution of the union in any of its provisions contemplated any form, way, and manner of payment of check-off dues by financial members other than the way and manner it prescribed.

He is asking the court to declare that the union violated its constitution in the Dec. 4, 2021, FCT Council election.

In addition to the declarative prayers, Ugwu is seeking the court to grant an order to nullify the purported screening and clearance of Ogbeche.

The claimant is seeking another order disqualifying Ogbeche, an order nullifying the purported election, and an order setting aside his purported inauguration as chairman of the FCT NUJ council.

He is also seeking an order of the court for a perpetual injunction restraining Ogbeche from parading himself as the chairman of the FCT Council of the NUJ.

Ugwu is further urging the court to declare him as the sole candidate qualified to contest the office of chairman, the winner, and an order directing the first defendant to immediately swear him into office as Chairman, FCT Council of NUJ. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Uche Anunne

Source: NAN News

By Edith Ike-Eboh and Emmanuel Afonne

The weekly activities of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) started with one of its subsidiary, the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), brandishing an impressive financial record of N12.95 billion profit.

The profit was for the year ended Dec. 31, 2021 representing a 260 per cent increase over its net profit of N3.59 billion in 2020.

Mr Umar Ajiya, the Alternate Chairman of PPMC Board of Directors and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of NNPC Ltd., disclosed this during the companys 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) which held in Abuja.

Ajiya said that the leap in profit was due to the adoption of a commercial mindset in the companys operation, a quality he said was required for survival in todays business environment.

He disclosed that the company also achieved 85 per cent reduction in demurrage cost from 64.9 million dollars in 2020 to 9.46 million dollars in 2021 due to effective vessels/cargo programming and increased PMS demand.

He noted that the figure surpassed the target of 50 per cent demurrage cost reduction that had been set for the year.

Ajiya listed some of the companys achievements for the 2021 financial year to include sustenance of products supply sufficiency, zero fuel queues throughout the year with peaceful industrial harmony, and automation of business processes.

On the outlook for the future, the CFO informed that PPMC was looking at expanding its products portfolio.

Also in the week the NNPC Ltd. got the green-light to sign an agreement with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for the construction of the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, who disclosed this said the Federal Executive Council (FEC) gave the approval at its weekly meeting presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo in Abuja.

Speaking at a press briefing after the meeting, Sylva explained that the cost of the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline was yet to be determined as it was still at the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) stage which normally precedes cost evaluation.

The ministry of petroleum resources presented three memos to the council.

In the first memo, the council approved for the NNPC Ltd. to execute MoU with ECOWAS for the construction of the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline.

This gas pipeline is to take gas to 15 West African countries and Morocco and through Morocco to Spain and Europe.

According to the Minister, FEC also approved the sum of N3.8 billion for the construction of a switch-gear room and installation of power distribution cables and equipment for the Nigeria Oil and Gas Park in Ogbia, Bayelsa State.

He said the park was designed to support local manufacturing of components for the oil and gas industry.

He said the third memo approved by FEC was for various contracts including the construction of an access road and bridges to the Brass Petroleum Product Terminal (BPPT) in the Niger Delta for N10.5 billion including 7.5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT).

Still in the week under review, the Federal Government gave the assurance that works on two of the roads funded by the NNPC Ltd. under Tax Credit Scheme would be completed between January and May 2023.

The projects are Section II of the Suleja Minna Road and the Agaei Baro Road which are for dualisation and construction respectively.

Director Highways Construction and Rehabilitation, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr Folorunsho Esan, gave the assurance during an inspection tour of the roads.

A statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Works and Housing, Blessing Lere-Adams, disclosed that the Ministry was satisfied with the pace and quality of work on the roads.

On the Suleja Minna Road, Esan was quoted as saying: My impression is that the contractor is on the site making progress and we can see the various aspects of work, the earthwork, the pavement work and even the asphalt laying is going on smoothly.

The only challenge is that of security but it is being taking care of with the presence of security agents.

Speaking on the 52-kilometre Agaei Baro Port Road which connects the Lambata Bida highway, Esan said: Work is progressing, 14kilometres have been asphalted, earthwork is up to 32 kilometres and the rest which is about 18 kilometres is still outstanding but we have the assurance that the work will be delivered on target.

The Director said the road when completed would boost the economy of the North Central region in particular and the nation in general as it led to the Baro Port through which goods and services can be brought into the country and exported to other countries.

The two roads were among the other 21 critical roads selected for funding by the NNPC because of their importance to the economy of the nation, especially in terms of the movement of petroleum products across the country.

The contractors working on both projects also expressed confidence that the projects would be completed and delivered on target as funding was readily available.

The Chief Financial Officer of the NNPC Ltd., Mr Umar Ajiya, said within the week that the NNPC-Gas and Power Investment Company (NGPIC) would leverage on the opportunities provided by the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) roadmap for the electricity sector to boost companys cash flow.

This is in line with the current reality of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA),

Speaking at the 2nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the NGPIC, Ajiya, who is also the Chairman of the companys Board of Directors, said NGPIC was determined to harness the potentials in both brownfield and greenfield portfolios to expedite business growth.

He disclosed that having achieved significant milestones in the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Project, NGPIC would soon sign the Financial Closure agreement to commence the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) of the integrated 10,000 Metric Ton Per Day (MTPD) Methanol Plant.

While commending the management and staff of the company for their commitment to the growth and development of the company, Ajiya urged all stakeholders to put in more effort towards improving on the current profit after tax, which stood at 1.81 billion naira for the year ended Dec. 31 2021.

Ajiya listed some of the achievements of NGPIC to include, completion of its 2nd Audited Financial Statements with improved profitability; completion and successful synchronisation of two Gas Turbines for the 450MW Okpai Phase 2 Independent Power Plant at Kwale, Delta State.

Others were the production of additional 320MW from the Phase 2 of the 450MW IPP ready to be wheeled into the national grid; and the take-over of management of Okpai and Afam VI JV IPPs for business profitability, among others.

Speaking on the contributions of the company to the overall objective of the NNPC, the Managing Director of NDPIC, Dr Jamari said efforts were on to position the business entity towards becoming strategic revenue stream, emphasising that NGPIC had enough potentials to increase the bottom line of the nations oil company.

One thing I will assure the public is that by the time we conclude our activities in terms of acquiring some additional power plants and building some others, this and company will be the strongest company in future in the portfolio of subsidiaries of the NNPC Ltd.

NNPC Gas Power Investment Company Ltd. (NGPIC) is a subsidiary of the NNPC Ltd.

It was incorporated on July 21, 2016 and commenced business in 2020 with main focus on power generation and other gas and power investment services.

In the meantime, CEO/GMD NNPC Ltd, Malam Mele Kyari, reiterated his commitment to sustain the strategic energy partnership between Nigeria and Spain.

Kyari disclosed this while addressing Nigerian and Spanish business leaders on investment opportunities in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry, in Madrid, Spain, on the sidelines of President Muhammadu Buharis state visit to Spain, Wednesday.

Buhari had earlier met with the Spanish President, Pedro Sanchez, King of Spain, His Majesty, King Filipe VI, and gave a speech at the headquarters of the World Tourism Organisation (WTO), in Madrid.

During the visit, Buhari said Nigeria looked forward to increasing bilateral relations with Spain, even as he signed bilateral agreements and Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with the Spanish leader, covering areas of prisoner transfer, sports and culture and the economy.

Describing the partnership between Nigeria and Spain as an important one for the NNPC, GMD/CEO said 26 per cent of all LNG produced in Nigeria end up in Spain, while 14 per cent of all Crude Oil produced in Nigeria end up in this country; clearly for us as a business, it is an important market for my company.

Kyari explained that the world would need energy for today and for the future, in industries such as power, IT and automobile.

We know that energy transition is real. We know that net-zero by 2050-2060 is real.

But it doesnt mean zero hydrocarbons in 2050-2060; it means that you are going to have a cleaner use of hydrocarbons, Kyari added.

He said investors must see where their money can come out from and when they invest, they must see that they can recover their cost and make some margin from it.

While noting that in line with global acceptance of gas as a transition fuel, Nigeria had since declared 2021-2030 as the decade of gas.

In our country today, we have a legislation that has clearly created a commercial National Oil Company which will be unveiled by our President in the coming days.

Together with the Spanish business community, I am confident we can build this industry, Kyari said.

Meanwhile, the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) raised Nigerias oil production quota from the 1.772 million barrels per day (mbpd) target approved in June to a new target of 1.799mbpd for July.

A statement issued by OPEC said the decision was taken at its 29th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting.

The new target is 27,000bpd higher than the approved quota for June.

According to the statement, OPEC also adjusted upward the monthly overall production by 648,000bpd for the month of July with a target production of 43.206mbpd.

The statement said: The 29th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting was held via videoconference on June 2.

The meeting noted the most recent reopening from lockdowns in major global economic centres. It further noted that global refinery intake is expected to increase after seasonal maintenance.

The meeting highlighted the importance of stable and balanced markets for both crude oil and refined products.

It said the meeting extended the compensation period until the end of December as requested by some underperforming countries, and requested that underperforming countries submit their plans by June 17.

The statement added that the meeting directed that compensation plans should be submitted in accordance with the statement of the 15th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting.

The figure is 70,000bpd higher than the average crude oil production in April, which stood at 1.35mbpd.

Visit us on www.nannews.ng for more details. (NAN)()

==========

Edited by Ismail AbdulAziz

Source: NAN News

By Angela Atabo

Gov. Yahaya Bello, Presidential candidate on the platform of the All progressives Congress (APC) says it is high time Nigerians deemphasized issue of zoning and focused on electing competent leaders.

Bello, who said this at a media appearance on Sunday in Abuja, advised the elite to lift their knees off the necks of citizens and let Nigerians breath.

According to him, he is in the race to change the narratives of regional politics in Nigeria.

It is high time we deemphasised this issue of zoning. In the country today, all what Nigerians want, for instance, is who will secure them.

Out of the 26 million Nigerians who want to support me, they know I am from the north but by my performance by my desire to serve this country, they are all out there to support me not minding where I come from.

So if Nigerias younger generations can try to deemphasise that dichotomy and we still have some leaders (I refer to them as regional leaders) who are still emphasizing this, then Nigerians and the delegates should shine their eyes.

If you go to America today, you do not care where Biden comes from. If you go to the United Kingdom, you do not know where the Prime Minister comes from.

In the United Arab Emirates, most people do not know where the ruler comes from. So why are we always emphasising this?

It is high time our elite lifted their knees off the citizens of this country and let Nigerians breath. By the special grace of God, I will lift their knees off the necks of Nigerians to make them breath, Bello said.

Responding to the decision of the Northern governors to support a southern candidate as presidential flag bearer, Bello noted that not all northern governors were signatory to the document going round the media.

Bello said that such a move would only cause more division in the country among ethno-religious lines.

If you look at the last convention, when all of us came up with a consensus, you will see how each and every governor endorsed that document.

If you put that side by side with this, that is flying around in the social media you will see a statement first then signatures. It was just concocted to heat up the polity.

I sound a note to all Nigerians, it is just a recipe to dividing the country further along ethnic and regional lines and this has been the bane of development causing a lot of disharmony, Bello said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

==========

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

An Abuja-based telecommunications firm, Lets Talk I.T and Telecommunications Company, says it is working on launching Nigerias first instant messaging application, Lets Talk before the end of the third quarter of 2022.

The Chief Operating Officer of the company, Ms Folashade Ayeni made this known while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

Ayeni said the application was designed by a team of Nigerian software engineers in line with the vision of the National Information Technology Development Agency ( NITDA) for indigenous companies to come into the social media space.

She said: Lets Talk was created out of a need that Nigerians and Africans have.

If you look at it, sometime last year in October, October 4 To be precise, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram crashed. No one was able to use those applications because of one thing or the other.

Many people lost money, several people were not able to reach families, friends, relatives and do business normally, because a whole lot of people have taken business and relationship to the social media.

It crashed for about six hours or so and the reality dawned on us that really, whether it was intentional or not on purpose that we could lose everything.

So, we thought about owning our social media platform; where Nigerians can have guaranteed communications, with outmost security, which is Nigerian owned and indigenous to us and for us in Africa, she said.

Ayeni said the company was aiming to collaborate with NITDA, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other relevant agencies to ensure the success of the application and acceptability by Nigerians.

On the unique features of the app, she said it is end-to-encrypted, allows users to listen and share music, video and audio call, 5,000 member group chat, seven person conference calls and file exchange up to 2GB.

According to her, it also allows for device and cloud caching as well as sharing moments and trends which will give users very pleasant experiences.

She said the application could be downloaded on Google Play and App Store for both android and Apple phones.

Ayeni also explained that the application would be in two parts, Lets Talk Basic which would be a free social media platform while there would be a secondary phase that would be on subscription basis.

Now, there will be Lets Talk social which is the basic one that everybody knows.
You chat, you speak to people, you do video calls do video conference for free, but theres a secondary part of it.

And the secondary part of it is to provide enterprise resource management. So there are people who want to subscribe to that package.

We are talking about ministries, parastatal agencies, businesses, banks and other sectors that can utilise the platform to improve their businesses and services and that is where value comes in, she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Alex Enebeli

Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) has lauded Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for his administrations prudent management of public resources.

NG-CARES is the Federal Government body, saddled with the responsibility of expanding access to livelihood support and food security services and grants for poor and vulnerable households and firms.

The body applauded Gov. Ugwuanyis administration for observing due process in the management of resources and other administrative engagements.

They also lauded Ugwuanyi for enthroning prudence, probity and accountability in the state.

The group gave the commendation when the Management Team of NG-CARES paid an advocacy visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu.

Addressing newsmen, the National Coordinator of NG-CARES, Dr Abdulkarim Obaje, disclosed that they were impressed with what they observed in Enugu State in terms of due process and prudent management of public resources by the government.

He said the group was impressed by the governments commitment to the success of its programme in the state.

Obaje explained that the NG-CARES programme is a 750 million dollars credit facility from the World Bank to cushion the negative impact of COVID-19 on the poor and the vulnerable in Nigeria.

He added that all the 36 states of the federation were participating in the programme, disclosing that each state is entitled to N20 million dollars at the end of the programme in June 2023.

On the outcome of their meeting with the State EXCO, NG-CARES National Coordinator disclosed that the EXCO had given approval for the budget implementation and had also empowered the Chairman of the State-Cares Steering Committee.

Others are the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mrs Adaonah Kene-Uyanwune, to continue to paddle the boat of NG-CARES in the state without necessarily resorting to the EXCO.

Describing the EXCOs approval as spectacular, Obaje pointed out that it would fast track the activities of the body.

We want to commend His Excellency (Ugwuanyi) and of course the State Executive Council (EXCO) for the quality of prudence in management of public resources which we witnessed during this visit.

We are very impressed to note that funds are released only after State EXCO has deliberated on it, and there is due process.

The World Bank is an institution that respects due diligence in management of resources and we saw that exemplified in Enugu State.

This is going into our records as one of the best practices in management of resources. The process put in place here in Enugu is commendable and we must put that in our records.

We are also impressed with the quality of understanding of the processes involved in NG-CARES implementation in Enugu State.

This emboldens the Chairman of the State-Cares Steering Committee, Mrs. Adaonah Kene-Uyanwune.

She is here and we are really impressed with the knowledge she has exhibited and her leadership style.

Obaje expressed confidence that Enugu would be one of the states in Nigeria that would have the highest amount of resources from the World Bank through the Federal Government.

As far as World Bank portfolios under Enugu State is concerned, the finances of Enugu State is in safe hands and we are very comfortable with the process that has been put in place.

Earlier, NG-CARES Team Leader, Dr Martina Nwordu, explained that the delegation was in Enugu on advocacy visit to evaluate what the state government had done so far on the programme.

He said the visit would encourage it to do more towards the full actualisation of the set objectives of the programme.

She stated that the programme was aimed at impacting the lives of the poor and the vulnerable, positively.

On the outcome of their deliberations with Gov. Ugwuanyi and members of the State EXCO, Dr Nwordu said: We are absolutely impressed because this is the first time it is happening.

EXCO gave approvals to the Chairman of the State-CARES Steering Committee on delivery platforms, and this is a very big achievement for Enugu State as regards this programme. (NAN)
(wwwnannews.ng)
Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Mohammed Bello, has presented 12,000 hectares with the Certificate of Occupancy to his aviation counterpart, Sen. Hadi Sirika, to execute the aviation road map.

Bello made the presentation on Friday in Abuja when he led a team from his ministry to pay a courtesy visit on Sirika in his office.

According to him, the vast land will make all aviation facilities to be provided in one location.

We have marked all the land you requested to cater for the second run way, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, free trade zone, retraining facilities and aviation museum.

By law, any government building has to be done with the approval of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

I want to employ you to direct all your relevant agencies that will be involvedin these mega project to ensure that the relevant body of FCT Administrationis part and parcel of , he said.

According to him, every building in Abuja has to go through a certification process through what is called development control.

FCT minister affirmed that the projects would benefit many people as many jobs would be created.

Responding, Sirika thanked the FCT minister and his entire team.

He gave assurance that the land would be used carefully according to the design in the documents presented to the aviation ministry.

According to him, the main aim of the roadmap is to have aviation city with the structures of aviation activities.

Sirika thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment and support toward achieving the objectives of the aviation roadmap.

We thank Mr President who has made such huge land available as a free zone. Lots of development are coming up in that location.

Frankly speaking, the move will improve employment status. Job will be massively created in the city. It will improve tourism and commerce, as well as trade.

I have discussed with the FCT minister that all structures that have no value or hinder general planning of the airport should go, he said.

According to him, the land will be used to construct a second runway, MRO facility, Aviation Leasing Company, a training centre, building of cargo terminal, among others. (NAN) ()

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Kingsley Kubeyinje

Source: NAN News

By Desmond Ejibas

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Iraboh, on Saturday assured of the Federal Governments commitment to rearm the Nigeria Navy with modern warships and weaponry.

Iraboh gave the assurance on the sideline of a Ceremonial Sunset organised by the Nigeria Navy to mark its 66th anniversary held at Nigeria Naval College in Onne, Rivers.

He said the navy had done a lot in safeguarding Nigerias critical oil and gas resources through its dominance at the nations waters and the Gulf of Guinea.

The Nigeria Navy is indisputably a critical contributor to the mainstay of the nations economy hence efforts must be redoubled to build a navy that we all will be proud of.

We need to encourage the navy to guarantee the nations economic prosperity within the context of the prevailing Federal Governments effort to revamp and reposition our economy.

The Federal Government is working assiduously to ensure the navys past operational handicap regarding insufficient equipment becomes a thing of the past, he said.

Iraboh attributed the current peace being experienced at coastal communities across the country to the doggedness of officers and ratings of the navy in synergy with other security services.

I commend the untiring efforts of the navy and the entire Armed Forces for reducing crude oil theft, violent crimes and other illegalities in the nations maritime domain.

The realities of our current security situation have further affirmed the multivalent utility of the Nigeria Navy.

We are indeed proud to acknowledge navy personnels gallantry and service in safeguarding our waters; the Gulf of Guinea as well as their new and expanded continental role, he said.

The defence chief urged the navy to put to good use the new warships and other platforms acquired by the Federal Government in its rearmament programme.

Speaking, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, said the event was an age-long naval tradition used to recognise its achievements and honour fallen colleagues.

He assured of navys commitment to meet its mandate of protecting the nations maritime environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.

According to him, the acquisition of new warships and other equipment has necessitated the need to train and retrain troops to effectively use the different arms.

Concerted efforts are also being made to upgrade the naval fleets to enable us to defend the territorial integrity of our great nation from the sea.

Due to the availability of the newly acquired platforms, on-the-job training will also be accorded a well-deserved status in our career planning.

To this end, increased attention is given to training to keep officers and ratings abreast with modern warfare.

Training curriculums are being reviewed while several training aids and simulators have been continuously procured to join the inventory of the service, he said.

The officer thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for repositioning the navy to be relevant in nation building. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Source: NAN News

By Oluwafemi Ojo

Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has assured that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will have a hitch-free presidential primary election on Monday.

Akeredolu said this in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde on Saturday in Akure.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akeredolu is the Chairman, sub-committee on Security and Compliance for the APC Special Convention and Presidential Primary Election.

He said that the party was ready for the election, adding that work had already commenced at the venue, with security and other necessary activities as priority.

The governor said the APC, being a disciplined political party with disciplined members, would surely have a hitch-free primary.

This is not our first time using this Eagle Square, we have knowledge of the venue already.

We have already started work on the venue, on security and everything. So, We are ready. I think we are good to go.

We are going to have a hitch-free primary. We are a disciplined party and our members will show discipline here on the D-day. he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Joy Mbachi

Mr Felix Odimegwu, Anambra Commissioner for Environment, has reiterated that activities like deforestation, felling of trees without replanting, bush burning and other environmental attack were now a serious offence in the state.

Odimegwu called on the residents to brace up to key behind the ministry, to tackle challenges of working hard by the people to maintain a safe, healthy and clean environment for all.

The commissioner made the call in Awka at a news conference to enumerate the ministry of environment Programme to handle environmental challenges in the state .

He disclosed that the ministry had a well thought out Programme in partnership with other government agencies related to environment on way forward to achieve a safe environment.

Odimegwu said the government had mapped out activities for 2022 World Environmental Day, on June 5, as priority on manifesto of Anambra Governor, Prof Charles Soludo.

The commissioner said that the governor tagged his ideal environment success as a fight to gain clean, greener, planned and sustainable cities, communities and markets that would transform Anambra to a smart state.

He said that some of the activities mapped out by the government included Tree planting which would be inaugurated by Soludo, public awareness symposium, radio commentaries.

I call on people of Anambra to leverage on the opportunity offered by this year world environment day with a theme to raise a consciousness towards adopting safe environmental management practices and good sanitation and hygiene culture that would promote the general well being of all of us as we do not have any other earth but only One Earth, he said.

Mr Michael Ivenso, Chairman, Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) said the agency was aware of the environmental challenges being faced by Anambra people and disclosed that efforts were intensified daily to surmount them.

The project Coordinator said there were over 960 erosion sites in the state and much had been done to control the escalation and advised that people should take ownership of the environment timely.

He said that NEWMAP, with Anambra state erosion watershed and climate change agency, had developed an erosion control and environmental sustainability manual as a simple guide to community based erosion control and climate change.

He said with the urban renewal, grassroots empowerment, community leaders, President-Generals, traditional rulers, faith based organisations and civil societies had a better hope of safer environment.

The sustainability manual would be broken down to the level for all to understand its applicability and adaptation would be easily achieved as the manual would be provided for the locals for acceptability of the Programme.

The environment does not need us , it is us that need the environment, therefore, we need to respect the manual and follow its details to the latter for the common good of us all, he said.

Mr Chido Obidiegwu, Anambra Managing Director, Drainage and Forest Preservation, said government had made more efforts to sustain the programme on ground to ensure a safer environment for all.

Obidiegwu said that the government beggi for collective actions of the people towards sustenance of a safe environment, actions that would only protect and restore earth planet should be engaged always.

Mrs Ify Atorgu, Managing Director Leisure Parks and Beautification, urged the people to develop the habit of planting flowers and trees in the homes, to beautify the state and promote healthy environments.

Mr Peniel Jack, Anambra Coordinator of National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), said it was very important that the message of sensitisation of healthy environment be preached to locals, to give value to maintenance of the environment.

People need to be thought the importance of not deforestation, bush burning, soil excavation , building on water ways and refuse dumps in water ways or on roads amongst other wrong sites, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that many other bodies related to environment and its promotions like environmental health officers were part of the conference.(www.nanews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Muhammad Lawal

The Kebbi State Government has constructed three new nomadic schools in Dandi, Suru and Argungu Local Government Areas of the state to enhance teaching and learning of nomads, an official disclosed.

Alhaji Abubakar Muazu-Dakingari, Chief Press Secretary, Government House, Birnin Kebbi, made this known in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.

He reported Prof. Suleiman Khalid-Jega, Executive Chairman, Kebbi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), as saying this in Birnin Kebbi.

According to the chairman, the schools are located in Gungun-Kuka, Dandi Local Government, Nelpa in Suru Local Government and Tsola-Shago in Argungu Local Government.

Khalid-Jega, who supervised the establishment of the schools, also said that necessary instructional facilities had been provided, including teachers to fast track take-off of academic activities.

The chairman expressed satisfaction with the level of enrolment of nomadic children into the schools.

He said learning had begun in the new schools on the directive of Gov. Atiku Bagudu.

Khalid-Jega said in the course of his statewide community interaction, Gov. Bagudu visited the three Fulani settlements, during which the inhabitants presented requests for establishment of nomadic schools for their children.

Sen. Atiku Bagudu instantly gave approval for the construction of the schools by SUBEB which now culminated to commencement of teaching and learning, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Former Governor of Kogi Idris Wada and Sheik Tajudeen Bello, Imam, Fouad Lababidi Mosque have called on Nigerians to vote responsible leaders in the 2023 general elections.

Wada made the call on Friday at the commissioning of the EFAB Global Estate Mosque, Mbora, Abuja.

He urged Nigerians to immediately collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) and ensure they vote credible leaders in the 2023 general elections.

Nigerians should make sure they register and collect their PVCs, so that they can exercise their civic responsibility.

They should make sure they vote for the right leaders so that things can improve in our country, elections is serious business, we should not joke with it, he said.

The former governor commended the Muslim association at Efab Global Estate for the Mosque project.

Earlier, Imam Bello who led the first Jumat prayer at the Mosque said the new Mosque will further help in the propagation of Islam and its tenets.

He urged Muslims to be upright and vote credible leaders with the fear of Allah that can transform the country for good.

Tajudeen who is also the Chairman, FCT League of Imams admonished politicians to play by the rules and ensure peaceful elections across the country.

Alhaji Abubakar Momoh, Chairman, EFAB Global Estate Mosque said the self sponsored project by the Muslim community in the estate began in 2018.

He called on well meaning Muslims to continue to contribute to the development of the Mosque and the less privileged in the society.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Source: NAN News

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Friday in Abuja disclosed that it had concluded arrangements to commence the transportation of 2022 intending pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on June 9.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, made the disclosure at the signing of an agreement between the commission and three airlines approved to transport Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Hassan announced that the three air carriers that were approved by the Federal Government through the commission were the Azman Air, Max Air and Flynas (Saudi Arabia designated air line).

He urged the airlines to give quality service in line with the standard known in the aviation industry and treat all pilgrims as very important personalities.

Hassan also revealed that by Monday, June 6, the advance team of the commission would be proceeding to the city of Madina and Makkah.

According to him, by the projection of the commission on June 9, the 2022 Hajj inaugural flight of Nigeria will head to Madina.

For us today is indeed historic because is the beginning of the hajj operation of 2022. It is clear to all of us that without flight there can be no Hajj for people living outside the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Intending pilgrims must get to Saudi Arabia before they can perform hajj. For that reason flight is key and very important.

Permit me to use this opportunity to congratulate the successful air carriers all of whom have been with the commission struggle since 2022.

We also hope that those air carriers who didnt succeed this year will have a better time some other time, he said.

Earlier, the NAHCON Commissioner of Operations, Alhaji Abdullahi Hardawa, described the event as epoch after almost three years without Hajj.

He congratulated the successful carriers while urging them to see their selection as a challenge to do their best.

The commission disclosed that the commission had created an aviation monitoring committee saddled with the responsibility of monitoring their performances.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that seven airlines; Max Air, FlyNas, Azman Air, Med-View Airline, Skypower Express, Westlink Airlines and Arik Air, applied for screening.

After rigorous exercise, those selected ranked the best three whose names were forwarded to the presidency for approval before sealing the contract agreement.

States allocated to specific airlines are as follows: Max Air is to airlift pilgrims from 13 states namely-Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau and Taraba.

While Azman Air is entrusted with the transportation of pilgrims from 16 states and the Armed Forces.

The states are Kano, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, Ogun, Ondo, Rivers, and Yobe.

Meanwhile, FlyNas would airlift pilgrims from Edo, FCT- Abuja, Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara- making eight states. (NAN)

Editted by AbdulFatai Beki/Ismail AbdulAziz

Source: NAN News

By Olukayode Babalola

Hajiya Hajara Danyaro-Ibrahim won all the 35 votes at the rescheduled primary election of the All Progressive Congress (APC) into Nasarawa Central constituency in the states House of Assembly.

She defeated the only opponent, the incumbent member of the House, Hon. Ismail Danbaba, who got no vote at the election, held on Friday.

Neither Danbaba, nor his electoral agent showed up at the election.

Announcing the result, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Dr Bala Salisu, said total number of delegates was 35 and all 35 voted.

After she was declared as winner, Danyaro-Ibrahim thanked God for the successful conduct of the election which she said was peaceful, fair, free and devoid of rancour.

This is my fourth time of contesting for the seat in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly.

Delegates decided this time around that it must be Hajara Danyaro-Ibrahim to contest for the seat and represent them.

I thank the people of Nasarawa Central constituency. I hope and pray to win at the general election because that is the wish of the people of Nasarawa Central constituency, she told newsmen. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has confirmed that there was a fire incident triggered by a suspected associated gas reservoir within the vicinity of Caritas University in Enugu.

Mr Gbenga Komolafe, the Commissions Chief Executive Officer, in a statement on Friday said the incident occurred on May 22 but was reported to NUPRC on May 26.

Komolafe said it was confirmed that there was no pipeline right of way in the area but that the incident was caused by the activities of some contractors who were drilling a water borehole on the university premises.

He said on receipt of the incident report, NUPRC and related agencies immediately carried out an investigation and discovered that the incident happened in the process of drilling a water well with a target drill depth of 400 meters for the university.

He said it was learnt that the university engaged the services of HydroGeo Engineering Services for the drilling of water borehole but the job was later sub-contracted to Orange Water Wells Drilling Company.

He said in the course of the drilling, pressurised seepage was encountered after about 200 meter and fumes were gushing out of the drilled hole.

One of the workers who suspected the fumes to be gas seepage reportedly wanted to confirm his suspicion, and in process introduced a source of ignition which led to the fire outbreak.

It was the unfortunate action that provided a stronger basis for the qualification of the fumes as associated gas.

Following the fire outbreak, the drilling contractor swiftly removed the drill pipes, demobilised the rig and immediately notified the Enugu state government of the incident.

The state and federal fire services which were mobilised to the site, battled the fire for more than two days.

The university authority cordoned off the site and restricted access to the area; and directed for the immediate discontinued usage of all facilities within the affected area, including a nearby hall used for examinations, he said.

He further said that the NUPRC representatives, in collaboration with officials of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NNPC, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other related enforcement agencies visited the site on May 27 and May 31.

He said the visit was for preliminary investigation to ascertain the status and gain insight on the cause.

He said it would determine immediate safety and geotechnical measures required to put off the fire and prevent loss of lives, property and damage to the environment.

He said the officials confirmed that no fatality was recorded as a result of the incident, although a staff of the drilling company had sustained first-degree burns.

According to him, the staff was treated and discharged from the hospital.

The preliminary investigation revealed that there is no pipeline right of way in the area.

There is a continuous supply of gas from the underground source evidenced by the continuous fire which is suggestive of the presence of shallow gas which may be associated with coal bed methane gas or gas seepage.

In both cases, it may not necessarily be a reservoir accumulation but associated gas which the drilling process provided a flow line; a development similar to incidents associated with coal mines.

Plans are being finalised by Caritas University to carry out Geophysical Resistivity Survey of the area from June 3 to June 4, to acquire data that will give better insight on the near surface gas concentration in the area and its potential spread.

Also, an all-inclusive stakeholder engagement took place in Enugu on the June 1, for alignment deliberations and mutual commitment to achieve the immediate killing of the fire and stoppage of the gas leakage, he said.

According to him, NUPRC is proactively collaborating with all relevant stakeholders and is determined to deploy appropriate technology to ensure that the fire is put off and the source of gas leakage is sealed.

This, he said would ensure environmental sustainability and safety of lives and property.

He added that the Commission had already identified an indigenous company with verified competence and proven track record in managing related fire incidents.

He said intervention options were being considered which would be finalised after another visit scheduled for June 6. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

===========
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Source: NAN News

By Glory Abuh-Adejoh

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, has fixed June 6 to mention an election dispute between registered trustees of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Donald Ugwu of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The suit has as a second defendant, Emmanuel Ogbeche, Chairman of the NUJ in the FCT.

The court fixed the date following an originating summons that was accompanied by a 29-paragraph affidavit and four exhibits in support of the originating summons filed by Ugwus counsel, Okorie Michael Okorie.

The suit NICN/ABJ/145/2022, to be mentioned before Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae, alleges that the cause of action emanated from the purported election of Ogbeche as the Chairman of the NUJ in the FCT was a violation of the constitution of the NUJ.

The claimant, an Assistant Editor-in-Chief of NAN, is therefore, praying the court to set aside the purported inauguration of Ogbeche as chairman by NUJ on Dec. 4, 2021.

He is also praying the court to declare that the second defendant was neither qualified to contest the said election, nor to become an officer of the union, which was a violation of the extant laws of the Union.

The claimant posited that he was the only duly qualified candidate for the office of chairman in the said poll, and urged the court to invoke the constitution and declare him duly elected.

The claimant, in addition, is urging the court to determine if, by Article 4(1)(a) and (b) of the NUJ constitution, the check-off dues of the second defendant were being deducted at source, paid, or remitted monthly by his employer, the Abuja Enquirer.

Ugwu is equally asking the court to also determine if by Articles 4(1)(a) and (b), 2 (a) and 6(7) (a), (b) and (c) the second defendant, not being in good financial standing, was legally qualified as a candidate for chairman or any other elective position of the Union.

The claimant is also praying the court to determine whether the screening and clearance of the second defendant by the credentials committee inaugurated by the first defendant contrary to the provisions of the constitution was not unlawful, unconstitutional, and void.

Ugwu is further asking the court to determine whether the constitution of the union in any of its provisions contemplated any form, way, and manner of payment of check-off dues by financial members other than the way and manner it prescribed.

He is asking the court to declare that the union violated its constitution in the Dec. 4, 2021, FCT Council election.

In addition to the declarative prayers Ugwu is seeking, he is also praying the court to grant an order to nullify the purported screening and clearance of Ogbeche.

The claimant is seeking another order disqualifying Ogbeche, an order nullifying the purported election, and an order setting aside his purported inauguration as chairman of the FCT NUJ council.

He is also seeking an order of the court for a perpetual injunction restraining Ogbeche from parading himself as the chairman of the FCT Council of the NUJ.

Ugwu, in his final prayer, is urging the court to declare him as the sole candidate qualified to contest the office of chairman, the winner, and an order directing the first defendant to immediately swear him into office as Chairman, FCT Council of NUJ. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

============
Edited by Abiodun Esan/Maureen Atuonwu

Source: NAN News

By Raji Rasak/ Chiazo Ogbolu

Mr Wamkele Mene, the Secretary-General, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, said the secretariat had received a grant commitment of 36 million from the United Kingdom Government for Abidjan-Lagos corridor.

Mene said this during a visit to the Seme-Karke joint border post on Friday.

He said that the grant would be used to address infrastructural challenges on the Abidjan-Lagos corridor.

Mene said that the African Development Bank (AfDB) was also involved in raising funds for infrastructure to make it easier for movement of goods from one country to the other.

He, however, noted that they would focus on equipment that would ensure productivity and efficiency of transit goods .

When I went to a port in Mombasa, they showed me a control room that is digitised for the entire East Africa community, they have equipment that help them to access what is in the truck that is moving from Kampala to port in Mombasa.

So the officer in the control room with a click of a button will see what is in the truck.They did not pay for this with their own money, they mobilised resources, Mene said.

He said that the secretariat would continue mobilise resources to solve the infrastructural challenges within the corridor.

The intervention will include interconnectivity. It may appear as if it is an insurmountable barrier but let us look at what others did and improve on the system they introduced and address these challenges, he said.

Mene said that with the resources being mobilised, the secretariat, would deploy similar system within the Abidjan-Lagos corridor.

That is why we said to the British Government that the grant they made available will be used to address infrastructural needs along the corridor.

We are also working with the Afreximbank to see what intervention and trade facilitation facility they can make available so that we dont rely on the British alone.

We want to take an integrated approach by mobilising those we can influence to bring their resources so that what happened in East Africa can happen here, he said.

Mene said that they were also in discussion with the commissioner for trade in ECOWAS.

He noted that they want to compliment the work they had done to achieve the desired result.

On transit, Mene said that the agreement establishing the AfCFTA had rules on transit, customs procedures, harmonisation as well as trade facilitation.

He said that the rules were very clear.

It is not in anybodys interest to impose additional charges on goods that are on transit because it will not make trade competitive and it will make people think twice about transiting their goods through the corridor.

I am very happy to hear that the illegal checkpoints are being addressed, all officers along the corridor should be grilled to ensure that such does not exist again, Mene said.

He said that they would work with the Customs to address the challenges, noting that it would not happen overnight.

It took the East Africa community about 10 years to reach this level of competitiveness where goods can leave the containership and arrive in Kampala in less then there days.

And in 10 years time, the Abidjan-Lagos corridor, will be the best performing corridor in the African continent, he said.

Also speaking, Comptroller Mohammed Jibo of Seme Command, said that interconnectivty gap was the major issue limiting trade facilitation.

Jibo said that some of the equipment that would enhance connectivity were lying fallow in the command.

Goods on transit into Nigeria are mandated to pay heavy duty and this does not encourage trade on the corridor, multiplicity of checkpoint and dwell time given to Nigerian containers is not fair, he said.

Earlier, Mr Frank Matsaert, the Chief Executive Officer, Trade Mark Africa, contractor in charge of assessing the Abidjan-Lagos corridor, listed key findings that should be followed up as infrastructure, interconnectivity gaps and limited connectivity.

Matsaert said that others were high trade cost, logistics-capacity and professionalism; informal trade highly complex, lack of cross border traders awareness, security concerns and limited corridor approach.

He said that implementing the road map for the corridor would take three phases; phase one would take one to two years; phase two; three to five years and phase three, four to seven years. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

==============
Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Source: NAN News

Zubairu Idris

The Police Command in Kano has restated that the ban on carrying passengers on motorcycles within Kano metropolitan area is still in force.

This is contained in a statement issued by the commands Commands Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna-Kiyawa, on Friday in Kano.

The command wishes to remind the law abiding and good people of the state that the ban on carrying passengers on motorcycles (Achaba/Okada), is still in place.

The command has directed all Divisional Police Officers within Kano metropolitan area to continue to enforce the ban.

Any individual or group that violated this ban will be arrested and prosecuted, Haruna-Kiyawa said.

He also advised motorists to continue to adhere to traffic rules and regulations for their safety and that of other road users.

Teams of Police Surveillance Patrols are mounted at strategic locations along Kano boarders to monitor activities of road users, he added.

The command spokesman urged residents to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station for prompt response and not take laws into their hands.

He assured that rigorous patrols, raids of criminal hideouts and black spots would continue throughout the state.(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

ZI/MZA/JTJ

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed/Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, has charged the newly decorated Deputy Corps Marshals (DCMs) on dedication to service.

Oyeyemi gave the charge during the decoration ceremony of the senior officers on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that two Assistant Corps Marshals (ACMs) Mr Efosa Osawe and Mrs Susan Ajenge, were promoted to the rank of DCMs respectively.

NAN also reports that they were decorated as a reward for resilience and commitment to duty.

Oyeyemi said elevation comes with higher responsibilities, adding that the newly appointed DCMs needed to be more delight, committed and accountable in the discharged of their duties.

According to Oyeyemi, the road to success is quite tough.

He added that the capacity of the human assets of any organisation, particularly at strategic management level was fundamental to the attainment of the goals and mandate of such institution.

This is why no organisation can advance beyond the competence and dedication of its strategic leaders.

Let me charge you to rededicate yourselves to the service of Nigeria as you prepare for higher responsibilities.

In the race to add value to the society and secure our roads, there should be no finishing line.

You must, therefore, redouble your efforts to justify serving the nation in a greater dimension, he said.

Oyeyemi reiterated that promotion of senior officers was premised on their excellent performance and the resolve of the Corps to constantly reward excellence.

He said, as part of the front-line officers, you are also admonished not to forget one of the Corps unfinished projects, which is mentorship.

With your new status, more responsibility for mentorship awaits you as individuals.

The FRSC board Chairman, Mallam Bukhari Bello, assured that the process of promotion was transparent.

Bello said the exercise was conducted under the highest standard of integrity and strict adherence to regimental ethics in line with global best practices in the selection process.

He charged them to be prepared for higher responsibilities and more challenging tasks in the Corps.

You must also try as much as possible to mentor other subordinates for continuity in the offices, he said.

Bello commended the Corps for their commitment to efficient traffic management as demonstrated during the last Easter Special Patrols and the recent Eid-El-Fitri Sallah special operations.

He enjoined all to sustain total enforcement to whatever assignments they were given saying that individual commitment to organisational vision was paramount.

I once again urge all the newly decorated senior officers to rededicate themselves to the challenges of their new ranks.

And they all should fully support the Federal Government to accomplish its change agenda which involves character reorientation and personal sacrifice, he said.

One of the newly appointed DCMs, Osawe, on behalf of the decorated officers, expressed appreciation to the Corps Marshal and the board chairman for the privilege and honour to be decorated to the new rank.

Osawe assured the Corps of total submission to duty, hard work and commitment to service for efficient and effective performance in carrying out the mandates of the agency. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mmaduakolam Gregg/Salif Atojoko

Source: NAN News

By Bosede Olufunmi

Tragedy struck on Thursday at the Gandun Albasa-Bala Burodo line community, a Kano municipality when a 35-year-old mother, Maryam Nura and her three-year-old son, died from fire that razed a building they were dwelling in.

The Kano State Fire Service confirmed the incident in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Saminu Abdullahi, on Friday in Kano.

Abdullahi explainedthat the incident happened on Thursday night.

We received a distress call at about 2:07 a.m. from one Ibrahim Ashiru and immediately sent our rescue team to the scene at about 2:11 a.m, he said.

He said the building, a five-room bungalow of about 75ft by 75ft in dimension, was completely razed down by the inferno.

Abdullahi said though the victims were rescued unconscious and handed over to Insp Shehu Lawan of Kwali Police Station, who rushed them to the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, where the doctors on duty confirmed them dead. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Vincent Obi

Source: NAN News