NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
House wife docked for allegedly stealing food stuff
General News

House wife docked for allegedly stealing food stuff

192 total views today

Theft
By Bosede Olufunmi
A 20-year-old, housewife, Fatima Abdullahi, was on Monday docked in a Kano Sharia Court for allegedly stealing food stuff and N250,000 cash belonging to her employer.
The defendant, who lives in Unguwar Uku, Kano, is charged with theft.
The Prosecution Counsel, Zahradeen Abubakar, told the court that the case was reported on May 6 at Hotoro Police station by Yusuf Hassan, the complainant.
Abubakar said the defendant works at the complainant’s house as a helper.

The defendant however pleaded guilty to the charge.
The judge, Malam Umar Lawal admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N30,000 with one surety who must be a blood relation.
Lawal adjourned the matter until June 19 for summary trial.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza

UNICEF, Sokoto Govt. Launch Digital Skills Training Centre for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children
Education

UNICEF, Sokoto Govt. Launch Digital Skills Training Centre for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children

299 total views today

Education
By Habibu Harisu
The Sokoto State Government has on Tuesday inaugurated a digital skills training centre to empower Almajiri children and out-of-school adolescent girls in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative is in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and supported by ELEVA Foundation.

Gov. Ahmad Aliyu in his remarks during the inauguration said that the effort was a significant one to tackle educational disparity and promote digital inclusion among residents.

Aliyua also said that the initiative tagged ”Digital Village” was designed to equip underserved youths with essential digital skills, as well as prepare them for opportunities in an increasingly technology-driven world.

He expressed gratitude to UNICEF and ELEVA Foundation for its ongoing support, particularly in education and nutrition in the state.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to uplifting vulnerable groups and ensuring inclusive development across the state.

Speaking at the event, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Jabi, lauded the governor’s administration for the visionary approach and development-focused leadership.

Abubakar reaffirmed the traditional institution’s unwavering support for the governor’s Smart Agenda, a comprehensive nine-point development plan.

UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Ms Cristian Munduate, described the Digital Village as a structured learning hub, offering training sessions three times a week.

”By equipping these underserved children with digital skills, we are building their capacity to thrive in a tech-driven world,” she said.

Munduate, who was represented by Micheal Juma, UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Sokoto, said the digital village was designed to improve access to quality learning opportunities by leveraging technological literacy and youth innovation trough structured training sessions.

She said the centre targets 250 children in first cohort, with local languages, foundation literacy, vocational, numeracy and livelihood skills tailored into the curriculum.

According to her, the village will serve as safe space for mentorship and life skills development toward boosting economic independence and social inclusion.

”It will also serve as pivotal move towards empowering vulnerable youth with essential digital and vocational skills,” she added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that stakeholders as well as various leaders in the state who were present at the event pledged their commitments to the success of the centre. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deborah Coker

Don urges NUC to incorporate virtual space for varsity accreditation
Education

Don urges NUC to incorporate virtual space for varsity accreditation

313 total views today

Don
By Henry Oladele

Prof. Ibrahim Olateju of the Department of Management Technology, Lagos State University (LASU), has called on the National Universities Commission (NUC) to incorporate virtual space as a criterion for programme accreditation in Nigerian universities.

He made this appeal during the 106th edition of the LASU inaugural lecture series held at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, LASU, Ojo, on Tuesday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture was themed: ‘Balancing Innovation and Stability in Project Quality Management: The Roles of Challengers and Defenders for Sustainable Development.’

Prof. Olateju emphasized that the NUC should integrate virtual space into the accreditation process for university programmes.

“The NUC should identify and integrate virtual spaces as one of the criteria for programme accreditation within our universities.

“This will ensure that institutions are equipped to offer and manage online and hybrid learning environments effectively,” he said.

He further stressed the importance of continuous quality appraisals throughout the training period across all disciplines.

“This approach ensures ongoing assessment and improvement, rather than relying solely on end-term evaluations.

“The practice of using a specified calendar for one-off examinations as the primary method of student appraisal should be discouraged.

“Instead, a more holistic assessment approach should be adopted and also revise the appraisal ratio,” he said.

Prof. Olateju recommended reversing the current 30/70 appraisal ratio in favor of continuous assessments, proposing a 70/30 split.

“This shift will provide a more accurate reflection of students’ abilities and consistent performance over time.

“Each university should establish an examination bank to serve as a repository for examination questions.

“This resource will support the standardisation and improvement of assessment practices across institutions,” he added.

He believes these recommendations will foster a more dynamic and accurate assessment system, ultimately enhancing educational quality and better preparing students for future challenges.

Speaking on the lecture theme, Prof. Olateju explained that quality management involves overseeing all activities and tasks required to maintain a desired level of excellence.

“This includes four key components: quality planning, quality assurance, quality control, and quality improvement.

“The goal of quality management is to ensure that an organisation, product, or service consistently meets specified specified standards, as well as customer and regulatory requirements,” he said.

He noted that quality management in Nigeria is evident in organisations that have adopted international standards to improve their operations.

“Research on quality management in Nigeria highlights the impact of various practices on organisational performance,” he said.

On project management, Prof. Olateju highlighted the significant role of smart technologies in enhancing sustainability.

“These technologies provide real-time data for decision making, decrease operational defaults, and have notable economic and environmental advantages.

“By integrating these roles within quality management frameworks, organisations can optimise processes, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance sustainability.

“This dual focus not only mitigates the cost of poor quality but also positions organisations as leaders in delivering value and fostering innovation.

“Ultimately, viewing quality as a strategic asset that drives sustainable growth and development helps align business practices with global goals,” he said.

He concluded that such organisations contribute meaningfully to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and secure long-term success. (NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Foundation trains media officers, filmmakers, content creators on educational impact
Entertainment

Foundation trains media officers, filmmakers, content creators on educational impact

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By Veronica Dariya

World Changers Media International Foundation, an NGO, has trained more than 25 media officers and content creators on production of impactful educational stories and documentaries for humanity.

Dr Janice Collins, the Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, urged participants at the Abuja workshop to create narratives with lasting positive difference.

Collins, also the Director, Institute of International Journalism at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, Ohio University, USA, advised content creators to ground their stories on truth and facts

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised in collaboration with the African International Documentary and Festival Foundation (AFIDFF), for filmmakers and producers.

She emphasised that storytelling should drive social responsibility, spark social change, and deepen audience connection with key social issues.

“We must be able to humanise our stories by bringing attention to an element that is affecting society in order to bring about a positive change.

“Do not forget to enforce your professional ethics and conduct as a journalist or storyteller; seek the truth and report it, minimise harm, be accountable and transparent,” Collins said.

She mentioned that with a creative strategy, business acumen, and diverse funding can generate sustainable income from storyteller and documentary production.

Her foundation, she noted, is committed to empowering media professionals to create positive change, amplify marginalised voices, and improve the lives of the most vulnerable.

She said that her team worked to support and creates platforms for voices and stories that need to be heard and be included in the global narrative.

In her remarks, the Director-General, AFIDFF, Mrs Malame Mangzha, told NAN that the workshop targeted public relations and media officers from partner organisations of the foundation.

She said: “We picked our participants from media departments of organisations we have been working in partnership with for the past few years.

“We deemed it fit and important to empower these officers and our new generation content creators, to create contents that could drive impact in communities and the society at large.

“While they could also be generating income in the process. However, our expectation at the end of the day is to see them tell their own stories with their own voices, in their own narratives.”

Mangzha also said that the two-day interactive workshop was designed to equip participants with practical skills in creative storytelling and production.

She added that it would include hands-on training, collaborative exercises, and real-time feedback to help participants’ crafts and expand their creative vision.

NAN reports that participants at the workshop included personnel from various organisation such as the National Commission for Museums and Monument, National Troupe of Nigeria, National Park Services.

Also present at the event are, National Film and Video Censor Board, social media content producers among others. (NAN)
Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Halima Sheji

NCS denies releasing poisoned rice seized from smugglers in Seme 
Economy/Business

NCS denies releasing poisoned rice seized from smugglers in Seme 

821 total views today

Rebuttal

By Raji Rasak

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has dismissed the allegation of releasing poisoned rice seized from smugglers, which had reportedly resulted in multiple deaths in the town.

The spokesman for the command, CSC Isah Sulaiman, denied the allegation in a statement on Sunday in Seme, Lagos.

According to him, the attention of the command has been drawn to the widely circulated unfounded and baseless allegation claiming that they seized and distributed bags of rice without the knowledge of the purported owner.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that fear had gripped the residents of Seme border and Badagry communities on Wednesday following reports that contaminated rice, allegedly released by the NCS had caused multiple deaths, including that of a soldier.

The unverified claims suggested that the rice was cursed by its original owner after being seized and redistributed without his knowledge.

According to local sources, bags of rice confiscated by the NCS were later released into the market without the owner’s knowledge

Sulaiman said the allegation also claimed that the owner allegedly invoked traditional powers leading to the death of individuals, including a soldier at Badagry.

“The Command wishes to categorically state that this narrative is entirely false, misleading and does not reflect the reality of the matter.

“The command has always adhered to NCS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for disposing of seized goods, which is guided by transparency, due process, and strict adherence to extant laws and guidelines.

 “It is instructive to say that no incident within the Command’s Area of Responsibility (AoR) or among personnel corroborates the false claims of deaths resulting from rice consumption linked to the NCS,” he said.

Sulaiman, however, said some unscrupulous elements were wearing the garment of journalism to disinform members of the public with baseless, fictitious and malicious accusations to score cheap points instead of the social responsibility they were supposed to uphold.

“We urge the public to disregard this unfounded story and refrain from spreading false information that could incite fear or tarnish the image of the security agencies working tirelessly to safeguard the nation.

“The Seme command, under Dr Ben Oramalugo, remains committed to its mandate of revenue generation, suppressing smuggling, and facilitating legitimate trade professionally in accordance with extant government fiscal policies and laws,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Bank SMS charge increase: Customers opt for e-mails
Business

Bank SMS charge increase: Customers opt for e-mails

308 total views today

SMS
By Ginika Okoye

Some bank customers, especially those of Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) say they will opt for electronic mail alert from their banks to cut costs and reduce charges on their accounts.

Some of the customers who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, said they would deactivate the Short Message Services (SMS) transaction alert linked to their accounts.

Mrs Dorathy Azinge, a customer of GTCO, described the increase in SMS charges as exploitative.

Azinge said that in spite of various transaction charges debited from her bank account on a daily basis, the bank still increased SMS charges.

”This move of increasing SMS charges is very exploitative even though they cited telecommunication charge.

”What about all the numerous unwarranted debits that I get from my account, and they are using telecommunication increase as yardstick to increase theirs.

”GT will remove different charges from my account until they give me minus balance,” she said.

Another GTCO customer, Ms Elizabeth Abu, said she would visit her bank to opt for her transaction alerts to be sent to only her e-mail address.

Abu who complained about the reduction in her capitalised interest on her account, said the numerous debits were becoming frustrating.

”It does not make sense for the bank to charge me for a transaction I did and also charge me for the alert they sent.

”It means that customers are the ones paying heavily for all these services.

” These charges are reflecting on the profits declared by these banks and we are the ones paying for this,” she said.

Mr Clement Arubu, a customer with First HoldCo Plc, said he received various transaction debit alerts from his bank totalling N1, 050 monthly.

Arubu said the debits were huge, especially when calculated between 10,000 customers of the bank.

”Most customers receive these alerts and neglect them because to them, the money is small but when you debit the same money from about 10,000 customers then, you can be sure that the money is huge,” he said.

Mrs Catherine Itoha, a customer of GTCO, said the bank had yet to reverse over N20,000 debited from her account through various failed Point of Sale (PoS) transaction since about 11 months.

Itoha urged some banks and their staff to adopt principles of fair practice in handling their customers.

”Customers are the reason why banks are in existence so, we deserve to be treated fairly.

”GTB debited me in about four different transactions that I did but up till now, they did not reverse any of these monies.

”I visited the bank, filled forms, spoke to their staff personally but still the issue was not resolved since last year.

”If this money did not go to a staff, it means it is part of their profit,” she alleged.

Mrs Esther Arthur, a Fidelity Bank customer alleged that some of the banks were making profits from charges on customers for their transactions.

Arthur described the situation as sad and frustrating

”I withdrew N10,000 from a First Bank Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and the machine showed me that I will be charged N100 because it wasn’t my bank.

”When I finished the transaction, to my greatest surprise an alert came into my phone and when I checked it, it was an alert of N630.00 against the N100 on-site ATM charges that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) instituted.

”This is so sad,” she said.

Mr Augustine Ode, a Zenith Bank customer, appealed to the CBN to check excesses of some banks that were allegedly defrauding customers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that GTCO had informed its customers of the SMS transaction alert fee increase from N4 to N6 per message.

The bank had said that the adjustment was due to a recent increase in telecom rates.

GTCO also informed its customers who preferred not to receive transaction alerts via SMS, to update their preferences by completing the transaction alert form on the bank’s website and send to gtbankmailsupport@gtbank.com. (NAN)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Mother’s Heartbreak: Woman Accuses Doctor of Stealing One of Her Twins
General News

Mother’s Heartbreak: Woman Accuses Doctor of Stealing One of Her Twins

586 total views today

Theft
By Cecilia Odey

A mother, Mrs Eunice Bright said her joy of welcoming twins into the world has turned into a painful ordeal filled with confusion and heartbreak.

She has accused Dr Timothy Zeje of Divine Reign Clinic, Sauka, Abuja, of stealing one of her babies shortly after delivery-a claim the doctor denies.

Narrating her ordeal to newsmen in Abuja, Bright said she began her pregnancy hopeful and excited.

According to her, early scans at Divine Reign Clinic confirmed she was carrying twins, a joyous revelation she eagerly shared with her husband.

“I did my scan at the hospital, and Dr Zeje told me I was carrying twins. This was confirmed again the following month,” she recounted.

She said her anticipation turned to shock on June 11, 2022, when she underwent a Caesarean section at the clinic when after the surgery, she was handed only one baby.

“I asked for my twins, but my husband told me only one child was given to him. I was shocked,” she said.

Bright was told the second baby was sick and placed on life support, but later a nurse informed her the baby had died shortly after birth.

“They said the doctor stopped them from telling me because I was still recovering.

I am still struggling to come to terms with the loss and why my husband who had been in the hospital was not informed and handed the dead child for burial.”

Bright said her grief deepened when she later saw a baby with the doctor’s wife who looked exactly like her missing child, even sharing distinctive dreadlocks.

“I noticed the baby looked just like mine, when we confronted the doctor, he refused to release my child.”

Advocates like Mr DonClem Enamhe of “Who is Who in the Northern Cross River State” have expressed support for Mrs Bright, calling for a DNA test to establish the truth and ensure justice.

“No Nigerian should be intimidated or denied their rights, regardless of social standing.

“Mrs Bright’s story shines a light on the vulnerability of mothers and the critical need for transparency and accountability in healthcare.”

He pledged his organisation’s support to family to ensure that justice is done in the matter.

When contacted, Zeje told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that he was aware of the allegations against him but denied it.

He told NAN that the matter was being handled by the Criminal Investigation Department of Nigeria police, FCT Command. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
(NAN)
Cecilia Odey/Uche Anunne

Senate constitutes 18-member committee to oversee emergency rule in Rivers
Politics

Senate constitutes 18-member committee to oversee emergency rule in Rivers

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Committee
By Naomi Sharang

The Senate has set up an 18-member committee to oversee the implementation of emergency rule in Rivers, following the suspension of democratic government in the state.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, made the announcement at the resumption of sitting on Tuesday after the Easter recess.

Akpabio stressed the need for a committee like that of the House of Representatives for oversight of the functions of the Sole Administrator and the Rivers State Government under emergency rule.

He named the chairman of the committee as the Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, and the Deputy Minority Whip, Sen. Rufai Hanga.

Other members are: Sen. Adamu Aliero (PDP- Kebbi), Sen. Osita Izunaso (APC-Imo), Sen. Osita Ngwu (PDP-Enugu), Sen. Kaka Shehu (APC-Borno), Sen. Aminu Abbas (PDP-Adamawa) and Sen. Adetokunbo Abiru (APC-Lagos).

Sen. Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC-Ondo), Sen. Sani Musa (APC-Niger), Sen. Simon Lalong (APC-Plateau), Sen. Asuquo Ekpeyong (APC-Cross River), Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) are also members.

The remaining members are: Sen. Ireti Kingibe (LP-FCT), Sen. Onyekachi Nwaenboyi (APC-Ebonyi), Sen. Idiat Adebule (APC-Lagos), Sen. Ede Dafinone (APC-Delta) and Sen. Mohamed Maidori (APC-Jigawa), while Mr Charles Bala will serve as the Clerk/Secretary of the committee.

“If there is need to review, it will be after further consultations with our colleagues. But in the meantime, they have to get to work immediately,” Akpabio. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Wale Sadeeq

FEC approves variation, dualisation of inherited road projects
General News

FEC approves variation, dualisation of inherited road projects

312 total views today

Approval

By Salif Atojoko

Mr Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, has announced the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval for alterations to the scope of several inherited road projects across the country, within available funds.

Umahi made this statement while briefing State House Correspondents after the fifth FEC meeting on Monday.

He explained that the first approval was for the 15-kilometer Section One of the Akure-Eta-Ogburu-Ijo-Ekiti border to Ikere-Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State, which extends into Ondo State. The project will be dualised at a cost of N19.407 billion.

The Minister noted that the second project approved by FEC was the rescoping and variation of the 375-kilometer Sokoto road, which runs through Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna.

He added that this road, awarded at the end of the last administration, would be dualised and divided into four sections, with the first section being constructed from Sokoto to Zamfara by SKCC using reinforced concrete.

He further explained that the second section of the project, spanning 175 kilometers in the Zamfara axis, was awarded to Setraco at N105 billion.

“In line with FEC’s approval, we had to review the contract, but within the available funds of N105 billion. We rescoped it to 82.4 kilometers, plus six bridges, for the same contract sum of N105 billion,” Umahi said.

He also referenced another similar project, the 105-kilometer Maiduguri-Mongonu Road in Borno, awarded on July 3, 2018.

“Phase one, which covers 30 kilometers, has a contract sum of N21 billion. The second phase will commence once the first section is completed and will be brought before FEC,” he explained.

He said other FEC-approved projects include the Abakaliki-Afikpo flyover in Ebonyi, awarded at N25 billion, and the construction of Ikoga Road and Atan-Alapoti-Ado-Odo Road in Ogun, which were awarded for N37.045 billion.

“The rescoped 77-kilometer Enugu-Onitsha Road has been awarded for N150 billion. Part of the ongoing Enugu-Onitsha Road project is being carried out by MTN under tax credit.

“Also, the Benin-Shagamu-Ore Road project has been awarded for N187 billion to CBC.

“Another major project approved by FEC is the 7th Axial Road, initially approved by the last administration for funding by the China Exim Bank.

“When we were in China, Mr President presented two projects to the President of China: the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road and the 7th Axial Road.

“This project is 50 kilometers long, with five kilometers of bridges.

“It is an evacuation corridor that will transport goods from the Lekki Deep Sea Port, including those from the Dangote refinery and fertiliser plant,” said Umahi.

He further explained that the 7th Axial Road would link to Ekpe and the Shagamu-Ore Road, providing an exit for goods to the 17 southern states and other northern states in the region.

The project, he said was approved for 651.7 million dollars.

“In addition, the Council approved phase one of the Aba-Ikot-Ekpene Road for N30.23 billion, ratified the rehabilitation of Ebute-Ero Outer Marina Shoreline, originally awarded at N114 billion but revised to N176.495 billion, and approved the rehabilitation of the Chamnuman section of the Gombe-Yola Road in Adamawa.

“In addition, the Council approved phase one of the Aba-Ikot-Ekpene Road for N30.23 billion and ratified the rehabilitation of Ebute-Ero Outer Marina Shoreline. Originally awarded at N114 billion, the project was revised to N176.495 billion.

The Council also approved the rehabilitation of the Chamnuman section of the Gombe-Yola Road in Adamawa, which has been rescoped into phases. The first phase was awarded at N9.253 billion in favour of CGC.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

NIMC inaugurates NIN authentication service
General News

NIMC inaugurates NIN authentication service

324 total views today

Inauguration

By Stellamaris Ashinze

The Federal Government has approved the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) inauguration of the NIMC NIN Authentication (NNAuth) for secured and seamless identity verification and authentication.

This is contained in a statement in Lagos on Tuesday, by the Head, Cooperate Communications, NIMC, Dr Kayode Adegoke.

Adegoke said that similarly, the presidency had directed the use of NIN Authentication for verification and authentication across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

He explained that this was in line with the commission’s mandate of regulating a reliable national digital identity for citizens and legal residents to affirm their identity

According to him, the inauguration of the NIN Authentication (NINAuth), a cutting-edge suite of services that include web, API and mobile verification is designed to enhance data security, protect privacy, and simplify access to government services.

”This is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on strengthening the national identity management system.

”The NIMC NINAuth application is the official service for integration with the commission’s back-end infrastructure.

”It introduces a robust layer of protection, empowering individuals with greater control over their personal information.”

He added that it required explicit consent before data is shared for Know Your Customer (KYC) processes or other verifications.

He said that the platform fosters trust, transparency, and user autonomy in digital identity management.

Adegoke also said that with the NINAuth, individuals could securely verify their identity and access key government services which include Sim registration, replacement, applications and passport processing

Others he said include tax filings and financial transactions, government Intervention Programmes in various MDAs, driver’s licence renewals and other regulatory processes.

The NIMC head of cooperate communications further said that the key features and benefits include enhanced Security, Protects personal data from unauthorised access, empowers individuals with the freedom to manage their data sharing preferences.

According to him, other key features and benefits include seamless access, provides a secure single sign on solution for convenient access to services.

He added that the innovation reaffirms NIMC’s commitment to advancing secured and efficient digital identity management, ensuring a more accessible, transparent, and secure identity verification system in Nigeria.

He said that the NINAuth application also provided a secured, scalable, and interoperable interface for identity verification through API integration.

According to him, it is designed to facilitate real-time authentication of NIN records, thereby promoting effective service delivery, database harmonisation, and compliance with the National Identity Policy.

He said that the NINAuth service had been designated as the exclusive platform for all NIN-based verification and authentication integration processes for optimal services.

”The implementation guide and process flow of the NIMC NIN Authentication are available at https://ninauth.nimc.gov.ng,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

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