By Obinna Unaeze

Mr Chris Isiguzo, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), on Saturday urged media practitioners to speak against insecurity facing the country to enable the Federal Government to tackle it decisively.

Isiguzo made the call in Minna, Niger, during the 2021 press week/award ceremony organised by the state council of the union.

There is the need for us as journalists to speak against all forms of insecurity and criminality we are facing in Nigeria today.

This will prompt the federal government to tackle the menace decisively, he said.

Isiguzo advised journalists in the country to communicate in such a way that the security challenges would be surmounted by government instead of worsening the situation.

We must protect Nigeria because we dont have any other place to call home.

You can never be comfortable in a foreign land the way you will be in your own land, he said.

The NUJ national president assured the people of the country that the media practitioners would continue to work with government for the protection and development of the nation.

I want to assure you all that we will continue to be the voice of the voiceless and the conscience of the nation, he said.

He decried the worsening security situation in the country and said that it was threatening national unity.

The worsening insecurity we are facing is threatening our national life, he said.

Isiguzo urged the government to do more in protecting the lives and property of the citizens in order to ensure unity and development of the country.

The primary purpose of any government is to protect the lives and property of its citizens, he said.

Similarly, Niger state Gov. Abubakar Bello said that the state government was doing everything possible to equip its media organisations to ensure maximum output from journalists operating in the state.

Bello, represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman, enjoined newsmen to always follow the ethics of the profession in carrying out their jobs toward unity and progress of the country.

Earlier, Mr Abdull Idris, the state Chairman of NUJ, appealed to the state government to fulfill its promise of delivering the vehicle it approved for the council.

We appeal to his Excellency, the executive governor of Niger state, Alhaji Abubakar Bello, to fulfill the promise of delivering the bus he approved for us.

Sir, we need the bus to carry out our daily operations, especially now that we are planning to establish a school for the NUJ in Niger state, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Opeyemi Aremu-Gbemiro

Ekiti State government has given farmers and herders another two-week window to register with the state government or be ready to leave the state.

The two-week grace begins on Sunday, March 22. In February, the state conducted a two-week registration of farmers and herders, but not all those involved seized the opportunity.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Olabode Adetoyi, said in a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday that the exercise was expedient to ensure that all farmers and herders could be accounted for.

He added that the registration was also aimed at ensuring peace between the two groups and bringing incessant clashes between them to an end.

He noted that the exercise was in consonance with the National Livestock Transformation Programme of the Federal Government.

Dr Adetoyi observed that clashes between farmers and herders posed dangers to human and food security, hence the need to take proactive measures to curb the menace.

Special Adviser to Gov. Kayode Fayemi on security matters and chairman, herders-farmers peace committee, retired Brig.-Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana, warned in the statement that whoever failed to register would be treated as a criminal.

Such persons, he said, would be compelled to leave the state.

Director-General, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that identity cards would be issued to registered farmers and herders free of charge. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Six lions were found dead in Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda, a national conservation agency said on Saturday.

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) said the lions are likely to have died of poisoning.

The carcasses of the lions were found last evening at Ishasha sector with most of their body parts missing, UWA said in a statement.

The agency added that eight dead vultures were found at the scene, which points to possible poisoning of the lions by unknown people.

UWA strongly condemns the illegal killing of wildlife because it does not only impact negatively on our tourism as a country, but also revenue generation which supports conservation and community work in our protected areas, the conservation body added.

This is not the first time lions are being killed by poisoning in Uganda.

In 2018, about 11 lions were poisoned to death in the same national park by surrounding communities over accusations that the beasts were killing their cattle.

Officials said before the death of the 11 lions in 2018, Uganda had an estimated 400 lions, with 100 of them residing in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Lions are a key tourism attraction in Ugandas national parks.

Tourism is Ugandas top foreign exchange earner contributing almost 10 per cent of the countrys GDP.

Uganda earns N1.6 billion from nature tourism annually.

Before the COVID-19 outbreak, Uganda was receiving about 1.5 million tourists per year. (Xinhua/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Stanley Nwanosike

The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) on Saturday decried the trend of attacking and gunning down of security personnel in various locations in Anambra within the week.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the attacks happened in Awkuzu, Neni and Ekwulobia axis while the officers were carrying out their legitimate duties.

There were recent attacks and gunning down of security personnel on March 17 involving three policemen and two naval ratings.

Similarly, two offficers of Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) conveying inmates to court from Awka to Ekwulobia were involved on March 19.

The Chairman of CLO in Anambra, Mr Vincent Ezekwueme, told NAN in Enugu that the actions were condemnable and highly terrifying.

It is most despicable and detestable to mindlessly kill security men who have patriotically dedicated and devoted their lives, time and talents towards protection of lives and properties of citizens.

When gold rust, what will happen to the iron. If those constitutionally empowered to protect us are recklessly murdered the future will not only be bleak but no one will be save.

CLO calls for an end to the dastardly act and discreet investigation in order to bring the perpetrators to face the full wrath of law.

We appeal to citizens to respect one of the commandments of God Thou shall not kill.

Remember anyone who kill innocent person will lose not only his life but every things he is and he has, he said.

The CLO boss expressed condolences and sympathy to the bereaved, Nigeria Police, the NCoS Anambra Command and all those affected by the death of the gallant officers.

Ezekwueme said: God Almighty in His mercies should give them fortitude to bear and endure the irreparable and irreplaceable lost. May God forgive their shortcomings and accept them into paradise.

CLO equally calls for establishment of special fund to carter for families of military and para-military personnel who lost their lives; because when one suffers directly, everyone suffers indirectly. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Isaiah Eka

The Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, has urged residents, especially those living in river bank communities to ensure the safety of their houses and property against flooding and windstorm disasters as rains set in.

Ekpo said this at the close of a week-long distribution of relief materials to victims of flood and fire disasters in the state in Uyo on Friday.

He said that the advice has become imperative as the 2021 early rains were marked by thunder storms with a great potential for heavy flooding and destruction, especially in vulnerable areas.

Ekpo, represented by the Permanent Secretary in his office, Mr Nkopuruk Ekaiko, said the distribution of the relief materials should not be seen as compensation for the destruction of the victims property, but as a means of ameliorating the pains of the victims by the government.

He noted that one of the cardinal principles of the Udom Emmanuel administration was to identify and show empathy to the people of the state, especially in times of such disasters.

Ekpo said that the state government was currently embarking on gigantic flood control projects spanning about four local government areas in the state through the collaboration of World Bank and NEWMAP.

The deputy governor said that when these projects were completed, most parts of the state would be spared the ravaging effects of flooding, and therefore urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the relief items.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Luke Peter Udom, and Mrs Helen Nta, thanked the state government for identifying with their plight over the destruction of their property by fire and windstorm as well as the floods of 2020.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that items distributed to the beneficiaries were roofing sheets, nails, mattresses, plastic buckets, mosquito nets, towels and detergents among others. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Temitope Ponle

Amb. Mohammed Arrouchi, Moroccos Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) and Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has lauded the commission for its continued support to member states.

Arrouchi, in a virtual meeting, gave the commendation at the 39th Committee of Experts meeting held on the sidelines of the commissions 53rd Conference of Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in Addis Ababa on Friday.

Arrouchi, who is the outgoing chair of the Bureau of Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, lauded the commission for turning ideas into action through strengthening the capacities of member states.

He said that since elected over two years ago, he had seen the ECAs commitment and success in providing expertise for states to implement agreed resolutions, to advance Africas development agenda.

Even in the context of COVID-19, we have been able to turn challenges into opportunities, as the secretariat undertook studies toward estimating the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic in Africa, notably on the basis of fiscal space, debt profile and external debt. he said.

Amb. Tesfaye Yilma, Ethiopias Permanent Representative to the AU Commission and ECA, said the conference was timely and critical for understanding the complex socio-economic consequences of COVID-19.

Yilma said that Africa had made robust efforts to grapple with the pandemic and to reduce its socio-economic impact.

The current access to vaccines can be considered a good start, but by no means sufficient to make a meaningful impact.

Africa will have to continue to work together in the spirit of Pan-African solidarity and in collaboration with global partners to improve access to vaccines and make a difference in the fights against COVID-19, he said.

A new bureau has since been elected by the conference.

Equatorial Guinea is the new Chair of the Bureau, while Madagascar is the First Vice Presidency.

Zambia is the Second Vice Presidency and Sierra Leone took the Third Vice Presidency.

The Kingdom of Morocco was selected as Rapporteur. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The House of Representatives has pledged support for the armed forces via approval of additional resources, toward achieving success in the ongoing fight against insurgency and other related security challenges.

Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Mr Babajimi Benson, gave the assurance when he led members of the committee on oversight visit to the ministry on Friday.

The Director, Press and Public Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Mr Charles Nwodo, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

Benson noted that Nigerians were expectant of better outcomes from the armed forces, adding that the house of representatives saw the need to support the military through the Ministry of Defence.

According to him, those who have chosen to protect our lives and property as well as the territorial integrity of Nigeria, deserve to be adequately motivated because a well motivated soldier is a function of adequate welfare among others.

He gave assurance that the committee would ensure that soldiers personal and entitlements were prioritised as a motivating factor.

Benson, however, urged the minister to develop a robust information sharing platform to ensure that the public were better informed on the activities of the ministry.

The 9th House of Representatives has resolved to continue supporting the armed forces of Nigeria in ensuring security, peace and prosperity, he said.

Responding, the Minister of Defence Maj-.Gen. Bashir Magashi, commended the lawmakers for their patriotic resolve to complement efforts of the ministry to win the fight against insurgency.

Magashi said the government had to grapple with some challenges in terms of coordination, logistics and pressure on resources in carrying out its mandate.

He said that effective synergy with the National Assembly would spur actions on the efforts of the ministry to achieve its statutory obligations. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ahmed Kaigama

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has urged the Bauchi state government to establish a Rapid Response offices in Alkaleri and Toro Local Government areas, to track illegal immigration into the state.

Dr Lawal Abubakar, Assistant Controller General (ACG), NIS Zone C, Bauchi, made the call during his presentation to the Finance committee of the state Assembly, on a bill for a law to establish the Security Trust Fund, on Thursday, in Bauchi.

He said establishing the office would help to check the influx of herders from the Sahel region and minimize the activities of illegal miners.

The ACG pointed out that the offices would also facilitate the establishment of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) between Alkaleri and Yankari game reserve, to allow for surveillance of grazing routes and mining areas.

He said the Immigration service would also provide intelligence gathering and reporting to end users, as well as improve security consciousness among the people.

Abubakar also stressed the need to include the Immigration service on the Board of Trustees of the fund, to enhance the provision of maximum input and intelligence analysis for the state.

According to him, although Nigeria is a signatory of the African Charter on Transhumance Movement, there were a lot of illegalities committed that posed a security threat to the nation.

The Sahelian route, which covers over 494 km starting from Yobe state through Zaki, Gamawa, Itas/Gadau, Ningi, to Ganjuwa, and connects with Kirfi and Alkaleri local government areas of Bauchi state, was a viable corridor for banditry and the movement of light arms, he said.

Abubakar added that there was a strong correlation between banditry and mining activities, as well as the NIS and the state security trust fund.

Earlier, The Chairman, House committee on finance, Alhaji Danumma Bello, had commended the efforts of the NIS for providing its services in the state.

Bello pointed out that the House appreciated the interest and performance of the NIS towards ensuring the successful promulgation of the Bill. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare says the 20th National Sports Festival in Edo will go ahead as planned from April 2 to April 14 under strict COVID-19 protocols.

Dare also said that the reduced 8,000 athletes and officials for the Games would go through all the necessary COVID-19 protocols.

The ministers Special Adviser (Media), John Joshua-Akanji, quoted him as giving the assurance on Friday in Benin after a facility tour of the venue and meeting with Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo.

Dare said the camp for the festival would open on April 2 while the official opening of the Games would be done by President Muhammadu Buhari on April 6.

He said that said that the ministry was working with relevant health stakeholders to ensure that the COVID-19 safety protocols were observed.

We are working closely with the PTF, NCDC and others to ensure that the necessary support we need in terms of vaccination of athletes, test kits will be available.

We are also toning down the number of athletes that would be participating from 14,000 to 8,000.

I must thank the governor and his deputy for taking the lead on this, he said.

On accommodation of athletes, he said the University of Benin had been secured to host the athletes.

We have been able to get the University of Benin to host our athletes.

There are still some work to be done here which may not be in the radar, but everything is on track I can tell you with certainty that the Edo National Sports Festival will hold, he assured.

Dare said that he had a fruitful discussion with Gov. Obaseki and his deputy on hosting a befitting NSF despite the challenges.

After meeting with the governor and his deputy, we are reassured that we are on track to host a successful National Sports Festival.

All obstacles have been cleared, we are ready for a great festival. The event is coming at the most auspicious time when we are preparing for the Olympics.

This is our local Olympics and we shall make the most of it, the President has given his nod for the Festival to take place, theres no going back, he added.

The Festival had suffered numerous postponement since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and paucity of funds from the Edo state government.

The minister said that a special presentation had to be made to President Buhari for funds to support Edo after the governor declared that the state lacked the resources to host the Festival. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Lizzy Okoji

Insp Aminu Salihu, police outrider to Kogis Gov. Yahaya Bello lost his life in the line of duty on March 15 and on Saturday, his family got some largesse from the governor.

Gov. Bello who paid a condolence visit to the family of the deceased on Saturday in Kubwa, Abuja, offered scholarships to Salihus five children, donated cash and promised the family two houses.

The two houses, to be sited in Kubwa, are for Salihus two widows, his five children and mother.

Gov. Bello said the scholarships would ensure that the five children Salihu left behind were able to continue with their education.

Insp Salihus death came when the nation needed him most; he was a gentleman, diligent and highly professional.

He brought finesse and dexterity to policing. This is a personal huge loss to me and to the country at large, he said.

Responding on behalf of the family, Salihus senior widow, Martha, thanked the governor for identifying and standing by the family at their grieving moment.

She said Salihu had always told his family that the governor was his source of light, noting that the governor just vindicated the deceased by his gesture.

Thank you, your Excellency. Our late husband has told us several times that you are the source of his light and that you have been his hope and that we should continue to pray for you.

Your Excellency, you have demonstrated what my late husband told us about you this morning. Thank you for lighting up our grieving moods.

I pray that whatever you are looking for in this life, God will grant you. No obstacle will stand in your way to deprive you of your hearts desires.

We are very grateful to your Excellency and God Almighty will reward you, Martha prayed in an emotion-laden voice.

Until his death, Insp Salihu was the nations best and most cbrated outrider for many years.

Source: NAN News