By Mohammed Tijjani

The Kaduna State Government has said one persons was killed and four others abducted in the attack on Haske Baptist Church at Manini village, in Chikun Local Government Area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gunmen attacked the church at about 9.a.m on Sunday.

The government said Dr Zechariah Dogonyaro was shot dead while Shehu Mainika was injured.

A statement by Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, said the government condemned the attack in the strongest terms, but did not indicate measures being taken to secure the area.

On its part, the Police command in the state, said apart from those killed and injured, the gunmen abducted four worshippers.

The command spokesman, ASP Mohammed Jalige, in a statement, described the attack as unfortunate.

Preliminary investigation conducted so far revealed that, four persons are missing which arouse a suspicion that they might have been kidnapped by the hoodlums.

Two others sustained gunshot wounds, namely; Dr. Zakariya Doga Yaro, a staff of Kaduna State Ministry of Health attached to the Primary Healthcare Center in Rimi village, Udawa, Chikun LGA and Shehu Haruna.

Unfortunately, Dr. Zakariya Yaro died on the spot while Shehu Haruna is currently receiving medical treatment.

Consequently, normalcy has since been restored; security has been beefed up in the area with a view to forestalling reoccurrence of the dastardly attack while concerted effort is ongoing to locate the missing persons.

The Command is deeply saddened by this unprovoked attack on innocent citizens carrying out their legitimate daily routine and commiserate with the affected families, Jalige stated.

Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State branch, has condemned the attack and called on government to act fast to prevent citizens from resorting to self help.

A statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna by its Secretary, Rev. Caleb Maaji, said government must live up to its responsibility of securing the lives and property of all citizens.

Our hearts are saddened over the sorry security situation in our dear state.

It has grown so unfortunate and on a daily basis, insecurity continues to grow worst with no appreciable resistance given the unholy terrorist who have continued to hold our dear state and nation to ransome.

It said that the attacks was a challenge to government to find ways of guaranteeing the security of lives and property of all citizens.

Our hearts goes to the local church at Manini, the Nigeria Baptist Convention and family members of the deceased.

We are appealing to relevant agencies and praying for the safe release of the abducted members and indeed all others in captivity.

We also enjoin all men and women of Goodwill to wake up and do the needful before we are all consumed by the ongoing evil of banditry and kidnapping that has hijacked our country especially Kaduna state, it added. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Abbas Bamalli

The Kano State Consumer Protection Council (CPC) on Sunday in Kano, destroyed 402 tons of substandard, fake, adulterated, expired and unwholesome products seized in three months.

Speaking during the destruction of the items, Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje said the seizure of such quantity of the items was a clear indication that his administration is succeeding in the fight to safeguard the health of the people.

According to him, his administration will not relent in its efforts towards ensuring that the state is free from such illicit products, and drug abuse among the youths.

We will make sure that the state is not only dropping from the high position in drug abuse in the country, but that its free from drug abuse.

We are working towards the establishment of a law that would ensure that those engaged in selling fake, substandard, adulterated, expired and unwholesome products are brought to book with serious punishment, Ganduje said.

The governor also commended the acting Managing Director of CPC, Mr Baffa Danagundi, who doubles as the MD Kano State Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA), for his tireless efforts.

In his remarks, Danagundi said the items being destroyed were seized within the past three months when he took the mantle of leadership.

According to him, upon assumption of duty as the acting MD, the governor instructed him to do everything possible to ensure that those products are no longer in existence in the state.

I wish to inform you that these seizures were carried out during our operations within the past three months, and we made seizures on a daily basis.

In the next three months, I have the confidence that we are not going to make such a seizure because the perpetrators know that we are ready for them and we have arrested some of them.

What you are seeing here, we have one over three of it at our warehouse waiting to be destroyed. And those items we seized are so dangerous to health. he said.

Danagundi further commended Ganduje for approving the recruitment of 100 casual staff, with the release of their one year allowances to the CPC.

According to him, When I became the acting MD, I realised that there was never a time the CPC received up to N10 million. but during my stay, the governor has released N50 million for us to carry out our assignment.

The acting MD further commended all security agencies for supporting the council towards achieving its set objectives. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

As Ramadan fasting enters the thirteenth day, dealers in fruits and dates say the business is booming as prices increase in Kano.

A survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday revealed that the period of Ramadan has increased the demand for different fruits in markets in Kano metropolis.

Some of the dealers told NAN that the consumption of fruits had increased since Ramadan fasting started, with increase in patronage.

Malam Bala Idris, an orange seller in Yanlemo market on Zaria road, expressed delight over the turnover in fruit sales since the Ramadan began.

The season had boosted my sales and on daily basis I make N7, 000 before closing for the day, he explained.

He said a bag of prange now sells for between N13,500 and N14,500 as against N12,000 before the Ramadan while a small bag sold for N9,000 as against N8,000.

Sabo Gezawa, another fruit dealer in the same market corroborated Idris claims.

Since the commencement of Ramadan , our sales has doubled and we are very happy for the development, he explained.

He said pineapple which was sold for N500 few weeks ago, now sells for N800 while a medium sized water melon which was sold for between N400 and N500 now sells for N700.

According to Gezawa, a bunch of banana goes for N700 as against N 500 before Ramadan.

Muhammad Sadik, a date seller, also said he was amazed by the rush for the product since the commencement of the Ramadan fast.

Sadik said he sold more than 10 measures of dates daily, as against less than five before Ramadan.

According him, a measure of dried dates now sells for N1,750 as against N1,500 before the Ramadan while a bag sells for N38,000 as against N36,000.

He said the hike in prices was necessitated by seasonal increase in demand for the produce.

Nasir Abbas, a customer, said that he needed to buy fruits for breaking of his fasting, adding that fruits served as appetiser and energizer.

Another consumer, Bala Isa, said he preferred dates to break his fast in line with the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Oluwatope Lawanson

All Progressives Congress National Leader, Sen. Bola Tinubu, has commiserated with the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, over the death of his elder brother, Alhaji Buhari Abubakar III.

Tinubu, in a condolence message on Sunday in Lagos, prayed for repose of the soul of the late Abubakar.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deceased, until his death, the was the district head of Sokoto North.

Tinubu described the late Abubakar as an excellent community leader and a devoted Muslim, who impacted his people positively.

He contributed immensely towards the propagation of Islam in his domain and beyond.

I express my deepest condolences to His Eminence,Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, over the passing of his elder brother, Alhaji Buhari Abubakar III.

May Almighty Allah console and comfort him and the entire Abubakar family over this loss, Tinubu said.

The former governor of Lagos also prayed that may Almighty Allah give the wife, children and all those he left behind the strength to bear the loss.

May He guide, guard and protect them through this difficult moment.

May Almighty Allah also grant repose of the soul of Alhaji Abubakar. May He admit him toAljanna Firdaus, Tinubu said.

Source: NAN News

By Oluwabukola Akanni

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) says that the high number of preventable malaria-related deaths recorded in the country is unacceptable.

In a statement signed by its national president, Ladi Bala, and national secretary, Helen Udofa, on Sunday, NAWOJ decried the high rate of malaria-related mortalities in the country in the recent past.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Malaria Day is marked annually on April 25.

According to the 2019 World Malaria Report, Nigeria had the highest number of global malaria cases in 2018 and accounted for the highest number of deaths, NAWOJ noted.

The association said that the figure was alarming and unacceptable.

The body noted that this years theme, Zero Malaria, Draw the Line Against Malaria, was an indication that malaria is preventable and that, therefore, every malaria death is unacceptable.

NAWOJ stated that as a country that bears the brunt of the malaria burden, Nigeria should, therefore, be leading the cause to stamp out malaria by 2030.

If we are aiming for zero malaria by this year, there is the need for a strong primary health care system that must ensure access to malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

There is a dire and urgent need for the Federal Government to develop a strong political will toward eliminating malaria in the country.

As individuals, we must also take personal responsibility to eliminate malaria in the country, zero malaria begins with every Nigerian, the women journalists said.

The body called on women groups, non governmental organisations and other concerned bodies to intensify advocacy and awareness campaigns toward eliminating malaria in the country. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Dianabasi Effiong

Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers has strongly condemned the barbaric and dastardly attack on security personnel along Omagwa/Isiokpo/Elele Owerri Road in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.

Wike made this known on Sunday in a statement by his Media Aide, Mr Kelvin Ebiri, in Port Harcourt.

He said: There is no justification for such a heinous and condemnable attack targeted against innocent security personnel on legitimate duty of protecting life and property in the state.

The Government of Rivers State is saddened by the unwarranted callous attack on security personnel. We offer our sympathies to the relatives of those who lost their lives in the attack.

We condemn this heinous act, share the grief of the security agencies and convey our sincere condolences.

The governor, who charged the security agencies to be vigilant, said that the government and people of Rivers are in solidarity with security agencies at this difficult times of this unwarranted and mindless violence.

The governor also demanded that perpetrators of the attack must be fished out and brought to justice.

Source: NAN News

By Justina Auta

Some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) on Sunday, donated free urine malaria test kits to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in the FCT, in commemoration of the World malaria day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Malaria Day is celebrated globally every April 25, to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) 2019 report shows that 229 million cases of malaria and 409,000 malaria-related deaths were recorded in 87 countries with African Region shouldering 94 per cent of all malaria cases and deaths worldwide.

Speaking, Founder, Barr. Sam Otoboeze Foundation (BSOF), Mr Sam Otoboeze, said the gesture aimed at eradicating malaria and reducing the high rate of deaths caused by malaria in the IDPs camps and the country.

We have a lot of concern on health. If we can kick malaria out, we will significantly have reduced the causes of deaths, he said.

Otoboeze explained that the gesture would enable the less privileged in the camp, who are unable to access hospitals for proper diagnosis and treatment, have access to malaria test.

It does not require academic knowledge to do it and can be done anywhere.

So, we feel compelled to contribute to the society by giving it in places where there is prevalence of malaria and when tested, it will be easier to isolate and treat it, he said.

Also, Chairman and CEO of Fyodor Biotechnologies, Dr Eddy Agbo, said the urine malaria test kits was effective and did not require blood sample, reagent, or equipment for diagnosis.

We want to address those areas that need intervention. Mostly the IDPs camp needs a lot of intervention because they dont have a clinic, a laboratory and a lot of their problems is malaria in the camp, he said.

Similarly, Mr Joseph Onus, Founder, Leader Joe 1808 Foundation, stressed the need for all stakeholders to support government efforts at eradicating malaria in the country.

Malaria is a pandemic here, with such technology it will be easier to detect and get accurate results then go for treatment, he said.

On his part, Mr Ikponmosa Success, Executive Director, 360 Childhood and Adult Learning Initiative (360 CAL-Initiative), said the gesture would improve the health status of the people.

He, therefore, stressed the need for a clean environment, clearing of bushes, regular fumigation exercise and availability of antimalarial drugs, to reduce the prevalence of the disease in the country.

Malam Isa Umar, Officer in charge of the Maternal and Child Health Clinic in the camp, expressed appreciation to the organisations for their support, which he said would reduce the cost of seeking malaria diagnosis for the IDPs.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the groups had a talk show on malaria awareness, road walk, and sensitisation exercise.

They also distributed malaria test kits to the clinic at the Area one, Durumi IDP camp.

Source: NAN News

By Philip Yatai

The KAD ICT Hub, will provide access to weather data and forecasting models through digital applications, its Chief Executive officer, Mr Yusuf Bashir has said.

Bashir in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Sunday, said the initiative was established to bridge the digital gap and entrench a culture of innovation in Kaduna State.

He said that the efforts would address climate change and provide ICT solutions to public and private enterprises in Nigeria and West Africa.

He explained that the weather data would be provided in partnership with two innovative companies, Copernic Space and Kanda Weather from the U.S. and Canada, using blockchain technology.

He said that the companies had inaugurated a platform that would enable access to live weather for West Africa.

According to him, the blockchain based solution will increase efficiency of African farmers and may become a significant tool to fight climate change and hunger.

He added that the platform would serve not only the agricultural sector but also insurance, governments, research institutions, and more.

He said that the KAD ICT Hub would use the platform and data to offer various solutions to the public and private sectors in the region.

He said that the hub had partnered with the Kaduna State University, Airforce Institute of Technology and other universities in the country to utilise the platform as a research environment for the institutions and students.

Widespread access to real-time satellite data could become one of the most ground-breaking methods of fighting droughts, fires, and other climate change in Africa and across the world.

Access to weather data and forecasting models through convenient digital applications will facilitate decision-making in agriculture and provide direct and democratised access to critical data, he said.

On his part, the CEO of Copernic Space, Grant Blaisdell, said that Copernic Space and Kanda Weather would deliver African weather data for applications in the region.

Blaisdell added that the partnership would also work to build commercial offerings for insurance companies who put a big focus on analysing potential hurricane risks that originate near the African coast.

From the beginning we are looking to show how truly wide the applications and benefits are of such data when provided in an easily accessible manner.

By applying new models and technologies such as blockchain, we can unlock benefits for users around the world, he said.

He said that Copernic Space allows players of all kinds to access and manage space assets such as satellite data, internet protocol and software under one roof while opening the market to millions globally.

Blaisdell said that powered by smart contracts and token models including non-fungible tokens, Copernic Space facilitates transactions along with space asset transfers such as data licenses between users.

He added that the company provides a decentralised system that removes them from being a custodian or intermediary when it comes to data or value.

We are also working with Kanda to structure data into commercial sets that can be acquired or requested on demand on the Copernic Space marketplace by users around the world, he said.

Mr Nicolas Lopez, Kanda Lead Engineer, said that it was great working with Copernic Space and the KAD ICT HUB to teach students how to collect data and develop interfaces for forecasts.

Weve seen a lot of excitement in space technology and climate monitoring, and it is our mission to continue building low-cost solutions that can be applied anywhere in the world, Lopez said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Aisha Ahmed

The Kano State Government says its targeting over three million children for malaria chemoprevention, from July to October 2021.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Aminu Tsanyawa, disclosed this on Sunday in Kano, while addressing newsmen in commemoration of the World Malaria Day.

He said that the targeted number of children would be about 75 per cent coverage for prevention of non-complicated malaria.

Tsanyawa said the state had administered more than three million doses of the malaria chemoprevention drugs (sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and Amosiaquine), with a view to prevent deaths due to malaria.

He said that as part of commitment to the seasonal malaria chemoprevention, governent had built the capacity of about 23, 629 community Drug Distributors, 2,710 Town announcers and Lead mothers in the state.

The commissioner also noted that in 2020, outpatient attendance relating to malaria in Kano were 3,712, 354 with 2,349, 596 fever cases screened for malaria.

He added that out of the number, 1, 685,925 were diagnosed for uncomplicated malaria, 1,664,991 were treated with ACT, while 1,079 died from the disease.

For the first quarter of 2021, Tsanyawa said, 355,426 individuals were diagnosed with uncomplicated malaria, 352, 363 were treated with ACT while 155 deaths recorded.

He restated the commitment of the Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje -led administration towards prioritising the health sector, thus providing adequate fund for malaria elimination activities in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Malaria Day is celebrated globally on April 25, every year, to create awareness on malaria and discuss ways of preventing the scourge.

The theme for the 2021 commemoration is Zero Malaria- Draw the Line Against Malaria, with the slogan Stand up and take action, aimed at exploring and connecting malaria scourge for elimination. (NAN).

Source: NAN News

By Stella Kabruk

A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Association for Better Organised Nigerian League, has urged the various league bodies in the country to come up with tight finncial regulations for football clubs.

Coordinator of the association, Vincent Akinbami, while addressing newsmen on Sunday in Kaduna, also said the association wanted a proper check on players contracts and local transfers.

This will help increase the cash movement within the league system and among the clubs.

It will also help eliminate a situation where funds will be entering the pockets of club officials and not the clubs themselves, and will keep them circulation of funds within the system, he said.

Akinbami,nwho is also the Vice President of Osun United Football Club of Osogbo, added that since clubs do not want a change, it becomes imperative that the league boards should force a change.

The clubs will not intentionally want to make a change. The league boards must putin place control measures to regulate the clubs, which will help keep and increase funds within the sector.

He pointed out that there was so much leakages in the football sport, and in the running of the system.

Good financial regulations, corporate governance and proper monitoring of players movement, as well as adherence to players contracts will help build the financial status of the clubs and create more employment in the football sector, Akinbami stated.(NAN)

Source: NAN News