By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) has appointed former Gov. Idris Wada of Kogi as Chairman of Screening Committee for its aspirants in upcoming Anambra governorship election.

The party disclosed this in a statement issued by its National Organising Secretary, retired Col. Austin Akobundu, in Abuja on Saturday.

Akobundu saidthat the party also approved the nomination ofSouth East Zonal Secretary of the party, Chief James Ugwu, as Secretary of the screening committee.

Other members of the committee according to Akobundu include: Sen. Ehigie Uzamere, Mrs Martha Bodunrin and Mr Jones Onyereri.

He said that the screening exercise isscheduled for Monday April 12, and Tuesday April 13, at the National Working Committee Hall, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, at 9:00 a.m.

It is expected that the aspirants will exercise exemplary conduct and strict adherence to rules and regulations during the assessment that will justify the confidence reposed in them by the leadership of our party, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Northern governors urgBy Martha Agas

The Northern Governors Forum has urged the Acting Inspector General (IG) of Police, Usman Baba, to take proactive measures in tackling crimes in the country.

The Chairman of the forum, Simon Lalong, made the call in a congratulatory message to the acting IG by his Director of Press and Public Affairs Dr. Makut Macham, on Saturday in Jos.

The Plateau Governor said the forum would give Baba all the necessary support to enable him to provide the leadership needed for implementing proactive policing for the safety of lives and property.

He said Babas appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari was well deserved, considering his track record of diligent service to the nation, across various police formations in the country.

He said: As northern governors, we remain committed to community policing and any other measure that will lead to securing our region which has been bedeviled by different forms of insecurity.

We must work together to adopt new measures that will enable us to overcome these challenges and remain on top of the situation by preventing criminals from carrying out their nefarious activities.

Lalong said the forum was particularly concerned that many farmers in the region were discouraged from cultivating their farms because of criminal activities.
The forums chairman urged the police boss to bring an end to banditary, kidnapping and insurgency in the country.

He wished Baba a successful tenure and called on Nigerians to support him and the entire security architecture of the country for a more secured nation. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Peter Uwumarogie

The Gombe State Government has begun the distribution of palliatives to poor and vulnerable persons in the state, targeting no fewer than 50,000 households.

The inauguration ceremony was done in Dukku Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya, in his remark, stated thathis administration was committed to supporting the poor and vulnerable persons in the state.

Yahaya said that the initiative to distribute the palliatives was as a result of the floods witnessed in some areas of the state the previous year, as well as the emergence of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

He said that the poor and vulnerable were the most hit, wheneverthere were crises, flooding and even the pandemic, hence governments intervention to ensure that they were supported as a way of bringing them relief.

Yahaya added thatthe State Government was targeting no fewer than 50,000 households this year.

He stressed that in 2020, his administration supported a total of 66,000 households, which according to him, translated to 600,000 beneficiaries.

The governor assured that his administrationwould continue to support the poor and vulnerable, adding that the State Government had spent over N771 million to support flood victims in Nafada, Dukku, Funakaye and Yamaltu-Deba LGAs.

Yahaya warned against any attempt to divert the items, directing that the items be onlygiven to the targeted vulnerable persons in line with the intent of the palliatives.

Earlier, Mr Mannassah Jatau, the Deputy Governor, explained that the distribution of theitems would be done with equity and fairness.

The same items here will be the same to be distributed in other wards across the state, he said.

According to him, 2,998 households are to benefit in 10 LGAs for a start.

On his part, the Emir of Dukku, Alhaji Haruna, Rashid II, commended the governor for supporting the poor and vulnerable in his emirate, adding that the items would help in alleviating the sufferings of the people.

One of the beneficiaries, Malam Bappah Aisami, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the items would help him support his household, noting that it came at a time the Ramadan fast was about to begin.

We pray Allah to bless the government for giving us food. I am grateful and happy because the items will help me a lot, he said.

NAN reports that the items distributed included rice, sugar, maize, salt, macaroni, spaghetti and noodles. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By David Adeoye

Gov. Babangana Zulum of Borno says Nigeria will continue to be united in spite of its many challenges.

Zulum said this on Saturday in Ibadan during a courtesy visit to his Oyo State counterpart, Gov. Sheyi Makinde.

The governor appealed to those fomenting trouble in parts of the country to desist forthwith and allow peace to reign, adding that nobody could predict what would happen in times of crises.

He called on the political class to take deliberate steps to preserve the land, protect the environment and ensure the peace and stability of the country.

Zulum cautioned various levels of government and politicians to be mindful of how they handled security issues.

The governor said that he was in Ibadan to receive an award at the University of Ibadan Alumni Association Worldwide.

Zulum said that he had known Ibadan as a peaceful city right from his postgraduate days at the University of Ibadan.

We used to walk freely across the length and breadth of the city of Ibadan, Saki and Oyo and we should notallow sentiments to destroy this very important culture of the great people of Ibadan.

We will continue to stay together, live in peace and harmony for the betterment of Nigeria, he stressed.

Gov. Zulum also commiserated with Makinde over the fire at the spare parts market in Ibadan and the unfortunate Shasha mayhem also in Ibadan between indigenes and non-indigenes.

Responding, Gov. Makindesaid that Nigeria could surmount its current challenges if politicians, irrespective of party differences and ideology forged a common front.

He noted that some other countries had gone through challenges in the past and emerged stronger, adding that he was optimistic that Nigerias case would not be different.

The governor commended Zulum for his steadfastness in holding Borno together in spite of the many challenges he had passed through.

We want to encourage you and to let you know that we are praying for you. By Gods grace, you will succeed. As leaders, we only need to pull together to defeat the problems in the country.

We also want to acknowledge the work that you are doing in your state, especially on the issue of insecurity, he said.

Makinde appreciated the visit and congratulated Zulum for the award conferred on him by the association.

This courtesy visit is timely and demonstrates to the whole world that we are all together in the task of nation building, Makinde said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that prominent among those in the entourage of Gov. Zulum were Gov. Abdulrahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara, Sen. Kashim Shetima, Sen. Ali Ndume and Sen. Abubakar Kyari. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Peter Uwumarogie

The Gombe State Government has begun the distribution of palliatives to poor and vulnerable persons in the state, targeting no fewer than 50,000 households.

The inauguration ceremony was done in Dukku Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya, in his remark, stated thathis administration was committed to supporting the poor and vulnerable persons in the state.

Yahaya said that the initiative to distribute the palliatives was as a result of the floods witnessed in some areas of the state the previous year, as well as the emergence of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

He said that the poor and vulnerable were the most hit, wheneverthere were crises, flooding and even the pandemic, hence governments intervention to ensure that they were supported as a way of bringing them relief.

Yahaya added thatthe State Government was targeting no fewer than 50,000 households this year.

He stressed that in 2020, his administration supported a total of 66,000 households, which according to him, translated to 600,000 beneficiaries.

The governor assured that his administrationwould continue to support the poor and vulnerable, adding that the State Government had spent over N771 million to support flood victims in Nafada, Dukku, Funakaye and Yamaltu-Deba LGAs.

Yahaya warned against any attempt to divert the items, directing that the items be onlygiven to the targeted vulnerable persons in line with the intent of the palliatives.

Earlier, Mr Mannassah Jatau, the Deputy Governor, explained that the distribution of theitems would be done with equity and fairness.

The same items here will be the same to be distributed in other wards across the state, he said.

According to him, 2,998 households are to benefit in 10 LGAs for a start.

On his part, the Emir of Dukku, Alhaji Haruna, Rashid II, commended the governor for supporting the poor and vulnerable in his emirate, adding that the items would help in alleviating the sufferings of the people.

One of the beneficiaries, Malam Bappah Aisami, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the items would help him support his household, noting that it came at a time the Ramadan fast was about to begin.

We pray Allah to bless the government for giving us food. I am grateful and happy because the items will help me a lot, he said.

NAN reports that the items distributed included rice, sugar, maize, salt, macaroni, spaghett

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Aliko Dangote on his 64th birthday, describing him as a key partner and a Corona Warrior, who continues to show consistent faith and belief in our dear country.

The presidents congratulatory message is contained in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Saturday.

In the statement commemorating the birthday of Africas leading philanthropist and industry giant, Buhari noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had placed enormous strain on many nations.

He said: In our case, due to the support and cooperation of citizens like Dangote who display great empathy and sacrifice to mankind in their own ways, the burden has been made somewhat lighter for the citizens and the government.

Buhari also commended the President of Dangote group for giving wings to the aspirations of many youngsters and professionals in Nigeria and the rest of the continent, urging him to continue to do more.

According to him, these exemplary efforts will go down in history and will be remembered by future generations.

He wished Dangote many more years of healthy life and service to nation and humanity. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

A motorcyclist lost his life on Saturday during an accident involving a truck at Akwaeze in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra.

Mr Andrew Kumapayi, Anambra Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Awka.

Kumapayi said the accident, which occurred at about noon, was caused by speeding and wrongful overtaking.

The crash involved an unidentified driver of a Mercedes Benz 911 Truck with registration number KPP273XD, and an unidentified rider of a Kymco motorcycle with registration number AKL172QN.

Eyewitness report indicates that the crash occurred while the speeding motorcyclist tried to overtake the truck and was crushed by the truck driver.

The motorcycle rider was taken to St. Joseph Hospital, Akwaeze by FRSC rescue team from Igboukwu Command and was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, and his body deposited at the mortuary, he said.

Kumapayi said that the driver of the truck had been handed over to the police for further investigations

While condoling with the family of the dead, he urged motorcyclists to avoid unnecessary speeding and to always put on their safety helmet to avoid head injury during traffic crash. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Joan Nwagwu

The Federal Government on Saturday signed a Memorandum of Action (MoA) with striking Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to end the action.

The MoA was the second in a fortnight. The first one was signed on March 31, but was later rejected by the striking doctors.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, said on Saturday in Abuja that the new MoA was signed after a conciliatory meeting between representatives of the Federal Government and those of NARD.

Ngige said Saturdays meeting became necessary to amend the first MoA signed with the striking doctors.

He said that there were irregularities in the payment of salaries of House Officers, adding that while some got double payments, a few had not been paid.

In view of this situation, a five-man committee was set up to harmonise the list of affected officers and they have 72 hours to produce a valid list.

The list will be submitted to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System through the Federal Ministry of Health, Ngige said.

He said health institutions affected by the non-payment of salary shortfalls between 2014 and 2016 and arrears arising from the consequential adjustment on the National Minimum Wage, had been directed to forward their personnel strength.

This is to enable us to accommodate this in the 2021 supplementary budget, he said.

The minister noted that the issue of Hazard Allowance was not peculiar to members of NARD but that it cut across the entire health system.

He said that the Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS) would meet with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on April 12 to examine the Hazard Allowance issue.

The minister added that the NMA, the Joint Health Sector Unions, NARD and other stakeholders would meet on April 14, 2021 with the PCS with their position papers on the issue.

Ngige appealed to NARD to give the conciliation process a chance for industrial peace to prevail by calling off the strike.

NARD President, Dr Okhuaihesuyi Uyilawa, promised to present the latest agreement before members with a view to calling off the strike.

Resident doctors began a nationwide strike on April 1 to demand for improved welfare packages. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Igbaugba Ehigimetor

The host of the 20th edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF), Edo, has emerged the overall winner of the Kickboxing event of Edo 2020 festival.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 139 medals, comprising 36 Golds, 36 Silvers and 67 Bronze event, was rounded up last night with a total of 15 States appearing in the overall medal table.

The host Edo topped the table with 16 Gold, Eight Silver and Seven Bronze medals while Delta placed second with Seven Gold, 11 Silver and Nine Bronze medals.

Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom came third and fouth with the former having Five Gold, Four Silver and Three Bronze medals and the later with Four Gold, Four Silver and Eight Bronze medals.

NAN reports that with Two Gold, One Silver and Four Bronze medals, Imo State emerged fifth on the table while Lagos State followed with One Gold, Two Silver and Three Bronze medals.

Similarly, Kano State had One Gold, One Silver and Four Bronze medals while Rivers had Four Bronze and Four Silver medals to place Seventh and Eight positions, respectively.

Cross Rivers and Oyo States came Ninth and Tenth with One Silver and Two Bronze medals and Seven Bronze medals, respectively.

Anambra State had just Five Bronze medals to place 11th, followed by Ondo with Three Bronze medals, Abia and Kaduna States with Two Bronze medals each to place joint 13th positions.

NAN reports that the FCT and Ogun States also came last on the table with each having just a Bronze medal.

Source: NAN News

Gun salutes rang out across Britain, in Gibraltar and from vessels at sea on Saturday to mark the death of Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II.

Saluting batteries fired 41 rounds at one round every minute from midday (1100 GMT), the Ministry of Defence said.

Buckingham Palace said the prince, also known as the duke of Edinburgh, died on Friday morning at Windsor Castle to the west of London.

Members of the royal family led the tributes to Philip, who was also remembered by leaders around the world.

Pope Francis added his condolences to the royal family on Saturday, remembering his devotion to his family and contribution to education.

Philip is expected to be given a ceremonial royal funeral, but the event will take on a different form due to the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.

During his more than 70 years at the side of the queen, Philip was remembered for his strong sense of duty and remarkable charm.

He was the oldest and the longest-serving consort in British history, as well as being what the queen called her constant strength and guide.

Prince Edward visited his mother the queen on Saturday.

His wife, Sophie, said the Queen has been amazing, the broadcaster BBC reported. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News