By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday expressed sadness over the death of Afenifere Spokesman, Mr Yinka Odumakin, describing his death as shocking.

Jonathan in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Ikechukwu Eze, in Abuja, described Odumakin as a courageous patriot and rights crusader who contributed so much to the development of the nation.

In a message titled A Great Voice for Equity is Gone, the former president said that the deceased played active roles in the years of activism that birthed and stabilised civil rule in our country.

I received with sadness the news of the death of Odumakin.

He was a courageous patriot and rights crusader who gave his all to the struggle for a better Nigeria.

He was a great asset for just causes whose considerable contributions to the growth of civil society is not in doubt.

He also acquitted himself as a seasoned journalist and columnist who promoted egalitarianism and social well-being, in his regular essays, he said.

Jonathan said that Odumakin exited the world with rich democratic credentials, having played active roles in the years of activism that birthed and stabilised civil rule in our country.

As a cultural enthusiast, Odumakin lived his short life as a force to be reckoned with in propagating and protecting the interest of the Yoruba people in the larger Nigeria social space.

This is not a time to lose such a strong promoter of the ideals that would progress our nation in the desired direction of a united, just and equitable society, he said.

Jonathan condoled the wife of the deceased, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, other members of his family, the Afenifere sociocultural association and the entire civil society.

I pray God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and bless Dr Okei-Odumakin with the strength of spirit to bear the loss and sustain the crusade for a just society, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians, especially the Christian faithful to take time to pray for unity and peace of the country, as they celebrated Easter.

Abubakar in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, urged Nigerians to love one another, adding that the essence of Easter celebration was not merely to merry but toreflect on the purpose and meaning of love and sacrifice.

Love, because God says we should love our neighbours as ourselves. And sacrifice because love is hardly practicable without an intention to make a sacrifice.

Therefore, on this occasion of Easter celebration, I urge all Nigerians to take time to pray first of all for peace to return to the country and also for unity.

Nigeria is at the precipice of insecurity, poverty and, most unfortunately, disunity. These are challenges, not impediments.

The way to surmount these challenges is to learn from the world when super power countries who are rivals suspended politics to face a common threat in COVID-19.

I believe that when we approach our challenges with a heart of forgiveness and love, humanity will always triumph. This is the lesson that Jesus taught us, Abubakar said.

The former vice president while wishing the Christian faithful a happy Easter celebration, urged them to pray for the military personnel, who were keeping the vigil of daily sacrifice to keep citizens safe.

Abubakar, however, said that 2021 Easter celebration was significant, as it would be the first major national festival to be celebrated after the commencement of the administration of vaccines against the dreaded Corona Virus.

He recalled that during 2020 celebration there was a global lockdown as most countries of the world required that citizens stay indoors and celebrate in low-key, for the first time in many generations.

But the story this year is slightly different.

Now, there are several certified vaccines and Nigeria, having given nearly a million of our population their first doses of vaccination, has joined the league of countries that are pushing back the virus.

But we are not anyway near the safety threshold.

Abubakar, however, urged Nigerians to stay safe by adhering to all the COVID-19 safety protocols of washing hands, wearing face-mask, avoiding crowded places and observing social distance.

Abubakar also stressed the need to appreciate health workers, who like the example set by Jesus Christ, sacrificed their time and in many instances, their lives in the fight against the deadly virus. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Vivian Ihechu

Nestl Nigeria Plc says there is urgent need to tackle iron deficiency in the country as incidence have shown it to be high enough to be a public health issue.

Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Nestl Nigeria, made the disclosure at the concluding session of a three-week virtual training workshop organised for journalists covering Health, Nutrition, Environment and Business.

The programme, which was organised by Nestl Nigeria in partnership with Pan Atlantic University had as its theme:Advancing Nutrition, Health and Environmental Awareness through the Media.

Uwadoka said that iron deficiency is serious issue because iron helps form and oxygenate blood cells and haemoglobin; haemoglobins primary role is to transport oxygen from the lungs to body tissues to maintain basic life functions.

According to her, one needs blood to carry nutrients all around the body and being deficient in that results to poor absorption of food nutrients, lack of energy, anaemia and others.

As part of efforts to tackle iron deficiency in Nigeria and ensure good life for all, Uwadoka said that Nestle Nigeria had concluded plans to unveil a new campaign tagged Live Strong With Iron (LSWI).

The campaign is aimed at educating the public on the need to eat nutritious foods.

The launch comes up on April 7, 2021, in commemoration of this years World Food Day.

We are going to call out the fact that iron deficiency is a public health issue; all stakeholders should be involved to tackle this.

So it is important that we frame the problem, call attention to the problem, and then remove that challenge of low awareness.

Because once we have done that, then we are able to call out the solution, which is the second thing that the campaign wants to do, she said.

Uwadoka said that available statistics in their possession showed that 68 per cent of children under-five years were iron deficient and 37 per cent were stunted.

Also, 58 per cent of women within the representative age of 15 to 49 years were also shown to be iron deficient.

She said the objective of the campaign is to reach at least 50 per cent of Nigerians with increased knowledge and awareness in order to reduce incidence of iron deficiency.

At Nestl, we are committed to enabling people to lead healthier, happier lives by continuously improving our products, providing affordable nutrition for everyone.

Beyond delivering tasty and nutritious products to consumers, we work alongside stakeholders to build strong communities and supply chains while improving livelihoods in communities directly connected to our business activities.

Our Creative Shared Value (CSV) focus areas in Nigeria include Nutrition Education, Building Thriving Communities, Youth Empowerment and Preservation of the Environment, she said.

Also, Akua Kwakwa, Nutrition, Health and Wellness Manager for Nestl Central and West Africa, highlighted the importance of iron and impact of iron deficiency.

Oxygen is the fuel for our bodies. It is responsible for transporting the oxygen from our lungs to all our cells in the bodies to use as fuel.

So, if we dont have enough iron, we are breathing all right, but we are not transporting enough oxygen to our cells for them to do their different functions to produce enzymes to give us energy for our brains work.

Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency both globally and locally and the impact on a childs growth and development is devastating.

Its usually irreversible. The impact on our productivity, on our life expectancy, especially at the time of childbirth is devastating.

It also drives what we call hidden hunger, whereby we still continue to function and see things as normal but we have frequent headaches, weakness, fatigue, and the inability to concentrate.

And when it gets extreme, it can even cause hair loss and dull skin. So the impact of iron deficiency, cannot be underrated, she said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Victor Adeoti

Gov. Gboyega Oyetola of Osun has described the death of Mr Yinka Odumakin, the Spokesperson of the pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, as a great loss to Yorubaland and the nation.

Oyetola, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, in Osogbo on Saturday, commiserated with the Afenifere,the wife of the deceased, the children and the entire family.

The governor saidthe contributions of the deceasedto the enthronement and growth of democracy in Nigeria would not be forgotten.

According to the governor, the late activist was an advocate of justice, fairness, good governance and a better Nigeria.

He said: On behalf of the Government and good people of the State of Osun, I commiserate with the Afenifere Group over the demise of Mr Yinka Odumakin.

I also condole with his wife, Dr Joe, his children and the entire Odumakin family over this tragic occurrence.

The death of Mr Yinka Odumakin is a great loss to Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.

His contributions to the enthronement and growth of democracy in the country will never be forgotten.

It is my prayer that God Almighty will comfort his family and loved ones and grant his soul eternal rest. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Grace Alegba

Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has given a one-month notice extension to those encroaching underneath the Third Mainland Bridge to vacate the Right of Way (RoW).

While inspecting the bridge and other road projects in Lagos State on Saturday,Fashola warned that the encroachers risk forceful eviction after the extension.

He also gave immediate vacation order to mechanics, artisans, businesses and one advertising company constructing a gantry on the RoW of the bridge.

The minister noted that an initial vacation order served on various businesses under the bridge had lapsed.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister, on arrival under the bridge,sensitised block moulders and other artisans on the dangers their activities posed to the infrastructure.

However, leaders of the block moulders and mechanics appealed to the Minister for an extension to enable them to sell off their goods and move out of the place.

He advised Mr Jacob Fayehun, Lagos State Chairman of the National Automobile Technicians Association, to ensure that the vehicles were not returned to the RoW of the bridge.

Consenting, Fashola directed the leader of the Lagos State Task Force on eviction enforcement to release all the defaulting vehicles towed away unconditionally to the mechanics.

He also yielded to the appeal of Mr Olasukanmi Ismail, Chairman of the Block Makers Association to sell-off produced blocks within the extended period before vacating the area.

The minister was, however, furious with a communication company constructing a billboard gantry on the Adeniji end of the bridge,without approval.

Fashola ordered the workers constructing the gantry to close the site and leave to avert legal action.

He advised the foreman to ask the owner of the communication company to resolve the permit issues with the Federal Ministry of Works in Lagos.

He stressed the need to recover the RoW to save the bridge from danger and also prevent illegal activities that are breeding ground for crimes.

The entire right of way of the bridge is not just the top of the bridge but all of the adjoining land that it is sitting on, which was acquired.

By the Federal Highways Act, all of these are under the control of the ministry in charge of public works.

So, any activity on this type of land is a violation of the law if you dont have approval, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quotes the minister as saying.

Speaking on encroachment on the Iganmu Bridge being used by petroleum tankers as sales depots, Fashola said they had earlier been removed, but they returned and solicited media support to solve the problem.

He said media support toward creating awareness would elicit voluntary compliance which was a better measure toward taming the problem.

On the ongoing rehabilitation under the Third Mainland Bridge, the minister said that work was going on under the water on various components on the foundation of the bridge.

What remains to be done on the bridge is a lot of under-water works, a lot of pile repairs and a lot of concrete repairs some of which may be unseen by those just driving through, he said.

The minister hinted that the rehabilitation of the bridge is part of the National Infrastructure Maintenance Programme to repair bridges nationwide.

Also speaking, Mr Emmanuel Adeoye, Director, Highway Bridges and Design said that work on the superstructure that is, top of the bridge had been completed but repairs underneath the bridge would continue for nine months.

We intend to work on the piles that are carrying the bridge.

We have the piles, the pile caps and then we have the piers.

We have identified areas where there are defects and we are going to do a lot of substructures works under the water, he said.

NAN reports that the 11.8km third mainland bridge is the longest of the three bridges connecting Lagos Island with the Mainland.

The bridge was reopened to traffic on Feb. 27,after undergoing another round of repairs from July 2019.

The bridge began from Oworonshoki, linked to the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, ending at the Adeniji Adele Interchange on Lagos Island.

Constructed in 1990, the bridge was adjudged as the longest in Africa until 1996 when a 20.5km 6th October Bridge in Cairo, Egypt was completed. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Oluwatope Lawanson

Human Rights and Political Activist, Mark Adebayo, has urged governors of Southwestern (SW) states and the Federal Government to immortalise the late Yinka Odumakin by naming worthwhile monuments in his memory.

Adebayo, who made the call in a statement on Saturday in Lagos, expressed shock and sadness over the death of the late Afenifere Renewal Group spokesperson.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Odumakin died on Saturday at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital at age 59.

The human rights activist is the Executive Director of Secure World and Liberty Initiative for Peace (SELIP), and also Co-National Spokesman for the Coalition of United Political Parties CUPP.

He said that the governors of SW states and the Federal Government could also establish an annual event in his honour, adding that he deserved it and even more.

Hesaid the news of Yinkas passing was not only shocking and unbelievable but utterly devastating.

The Yoruba nation and the entire Nigeria as a country have lost one of the most brilliant stars in the African constellation. Its sunset at noon.

Yinka was a committed fighter for justice and equity in Nigeria, a cause to which he dedicated himself to up to his last breath.

Let the sun dim its ray, let the breeze still its air, let the sea hold its peace, let the birds chirp in low tones, let the music stop, let mother Africa mourn for she has just lost one of her sterling offspring.

Nigeria, cry for you are bereaved. Yorubaland, wail your heart out for a great son has been taken away from you never to be seen again, he eulogised.

The activist said he was devastated, confused and still in a state of denial but reality could be bitter.

According to him, I have lost a dear friend, an irreplaceable colleague and amotivator.

He noted that the late Odumakin left at a critical junction of Nigerias volatility when his invaluable experience, incredible intelligence and tireless commitment to the noble causes of humanity are desperately needed.

I am yet to think of any worthy replacement to fill the humongous hiatus of honor that your sudden departure has left gaping.

As you have transcended to higher climes, I can only wish you a peaceful journey to yonder, he said

Adebayo gave his condolences to his wife and immediate family, praying that God would grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

It is our loss as Nigerians and our loss as Yoruba nation, its our loss as activists, as friends and colleagues. Yinkas death is a loss to all of us.

Although we mourn now and we will mourn for a long time to come, but Yinka lived a fulfilled, noble, productive and blessed life. His life is worth celebrating.

On this note, l call on all the governors of southwestern states and the Federal Government to immortalise him by naming worthwhile monuments in his memory or establish an annual event in his honour.

He deserves it and even more.

Yinka came, he saw and was more than a conqueror. Journey well, my dear brother and friend, the activist paid his tribute to Odumakin. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Oluwatope Lawanson

The National Coordinator, Yoruba Patriots Movement (YPM), Mr Oladosu Oladipo, has described as a huge loss, the death of the spokesman for Afenifere Renewal Group, Mr Yinka Odumakin.

In a condolence message in Lagos, Oladipo said that Odumakins death was a huge loss to Yoruba people and the entire Nigeria.

He said that the deceased contributed immensely to the political development of Nigeria.

The coordinator described the late Odumakin as a great patriot, who would be missed by many including members of YPM.

May God console his wife and other members of his family.

May his gentle soul rest in peace, he prayed. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Igbaugba Ehigimetor

Ms Edugie Agbonlahor, the Project Manager, Tranport Sub-committee of the National Sports Festival (NSF), says about 120 vehicles were deployed for the movement of athletes and officials at the festival.

Agbonlahor, who disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Benin, said that the vehicles would shuttle between the games villages and festivals venues.

The transport sub-committee head gave the breakdown of the vehicles to include 60 number 44 seaters, with Hiase buses and cars making up the balance.

She stressed that the vehicles would be at the services of the officers and athletes for free, courtesy of Edo Government.

She also disclosed that four designated parking lots have been created around the main venue of the games, Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, to ease flow of traffic around the area.

According to her, the vehicles are deployed to ease movement of those that may not be familiar with the terrain and also to endure that areas are not congested unnecessarily.

So, because they (visitors) are not too use to Benin, they will find it easy running on shuttle.

As for the ease flow of traffic with the venues, games village and city at large, we are working in collaboration with the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) in that regard.

We have designated parking points for cars and buses around the events venues to ensure free flow of traffic.

She further said as part of effort to ease transportation challenges for the officials and athletes, the sub-committee had set up transport information centres at four points.

Agbonlahor said the points included Ring road, Stadium, games villages at Ugbowo and Ekehuan.

NAN reports that the NSF, tagged Edo 2020, have suffered several postponements before it was finally slated to begin from April 4 and end on April 14, due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, although the opening ceremony for the festival had been scheduled for April 6, state contigents have been arriving Edo since Friday.

NAN reports that the 8,000 athletes, scaled down from the initial figure of 14,000, are expected to participate in the two-week sports fiesta. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

A motorist rammed a vehicle into two U.S. Capitol Police officers on Friday, injuring them in an apparent attack.

The attack forced the Capitol and congressional office buildings onto high alert while law enforcement authorities investigated, Capitol Police said.

Capitol police said they responded to reports that someone rammed a vehicle into two officers and a suspect was in custody.

Both officers are injured.

All three have been transported to the hospital, their statement said.

Dozens of police cars, marked and unmarked, raced toward the iconic domed white building, in an unwelcome reminder of the complex being overrun three months ago by thousands of supporters of then-President Donald Trump on Jan. 6.

All roads leading to the complex were blocked by police officers.

A helicopter was seen hovering overhead and observers were ordered to leave the area.

Videos from the scene showed what appeared to be two people on stretchers being loaded into ambulances.

Authorities have begun only in the past couple of weeks to remove the outer ring of high, razor-wire-topped fencing erected around the sprawling Capitol complex after the Jan. 6 rampage.

That assault took place while the House of Representatives and Senate, with the Senate, presided over by then-Vice President Mike Pence, was certifying Democratic President Joe Bidens November election victory over the Republican Trump.

At the time, Trumps supporters shouted slogans including Stop the Steal and Hang Mike Pence as they attacked the Capitol and said they hoped to stop the election certification.

Biden took office on Jan. 20.

Members of Congress were not in Washington on Friday, with both the Senate and House of Representatives in recess for the Easter holiday.

Biden also was out of the city.

He arrived at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland early on Friday afternoon. (Reuters/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Yahaya Isah

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dismissed the claim by the Boko Haram insurgents that they downed the missing NAF Alpha-Jet.

A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, described as fake the videos being circulated on the social media by the insurgents.

In one of the videos, several terrorists, including under-aged children on motorcycles and vehicles, were seen sporadically shooting at an aircraft.

Gabkwet accused the insurgents of doctoring the videos and showing a scene of an exploding aircraft mid-air, supposedly as a result of an enemy action.

Although the videos are still being thoroughly analysed, it is evident that most parts were deliberately doctored to give the false impression that the aircraft was shot down.

For instance, the video clip failed to show the correlation between the sporadic shooting, which even from casual observation was obviously aimed at ground targets, and the sudden mid-air aircraft explosion.

In addition, it is almost impossible for an aircraft to have exploded mid-air, in the manner depicted in the video, and still have a good part of its fuselage, including its tail, intact.

Indeed, an explosive impact of that nature would have scattered the debris of the aircraft across several miles.

Gabkwet stated that it was obvious that the insurgents, in their characteristic manner of employing propaganda, were seeking to claim credit for what was obviously an air accidentthat could have been caused by several other reasons.

He said the propaganda was coming at a time when the capability of the group to inflict mayhem had been significantly degraded by the Nigerian military.

The NAF, however, advised Nigerians to ignore the contents of the videos making the rounds until all investigations as to how the aircraft crashed were completed.

The NAF added that the service remained resolute and would continue to work assiduously in synergy with other sister services to rid the North-East of all terrorist elements.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NAF Alpha-Jet aircraft, NAF-475, went off the radar with two crew members on board on March 31. (NAN)

Source: NAN News