NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Rivers community debunks fresh pipeline explosion
Economy/Business

Rivers community debunks fresh pipeline explosion

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Explosion

By Desmond Ejibas

Residents of Bonny Local Government Area in Rivers have dismissed reports of a fresh pipeline explosion, confirming that no such incident occurred.

On Wednesday, viral reports claimed that militants had attacked two oil facilities in the area, which further heightened security concerns.

However, residents of Iloamatoru community, the purported site of the alleged explosion, refuted the claims, describing them as the work of mischief makers attempting to exploit the political crises in the state.

Chief Wari-Alabo Pollyn, Head of the Pollyn Chieftaincy House of Bonny Kingdom, stated that no explosion had taken place recently in the area.

“We are here in the community, and nothing of such happened – at least not to my knowledge,” he confirmed.

Similarly, Daniel Pollyn, a former Chairman of the Iloamatoru Security Surveillance Committee, also denied any pipeline attack in the area.

According to him, the community remains peaceful and does not tolerate violence.

“I can confirm that no such incident has occurred here.

“No flow station or oil facility is on fire or has exploded, as falsely reported,” he added.

Efforts to reach SP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Police Command in Rivers, for confirmation were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to calls or messages. (NAN)

Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka

Netherlands seeks partnership with Abia Govt. in circular economy
Economy/Business

Netherlands seeks partnership with Abia Govt. in circular economy

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Partnership
By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
The Kingdom of Netherlands says it has strong interest in fostering economic cooperation with  Abia  Government  in the area of waste management to boost circular economy in the state.

The Deputy Consul-General of the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Nigeria, Mr Peter Keulers, said this when he visited Gov. Alex Otti in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia.

Keulers expressed the commitment of the Dutch Government to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and sees the promotion of a circular economy as a vital step toward sustainability.

According to him, circular economy initiatives reduce waste and pollution, ensure efficient resource utilisation, and create economic opportunities, leading to a better quality of life.

He commended Abia for its top ranking in national school examinations, describing human capital as the state’s greatest asset.

He said that a well-educated population provides a solid foundation for economic growth and innovation.

He further highlighted that the Netherlands is actively involved in circular economy projects and interested in working to establish policies that foster business cooperation.

Keulers said that there were about three Dutch companies that had invested in waste-to-energy operations, electronic waste management and offering of training to companies on transitioning from a linear to a circular economy.

He said that the ongoing collaboration with Kaltani Company, a waste management company working with Abia Government, the state had attracted international attention from the Netherlands Government.

He expressed the Netherlands’ interest in learning more about the state’s economic ecosystem and identifying areas for potential collaboration.

He urged the government to explore opportunities where Dutch companies could support local initiatives or gain insights from Nigeria’s experiences in waste management and sustainability.

Keulers said that the visit marked the beginning of a promising relationship aimed at fostering sustainable development and economic growth in the state through circular economy initiatives.

Responding, Otti affirmed his administration’s commitment to environmental sanitation and sustainable waste management, emphasising the transformation Abia had undergone since May 2023.

He said that Abia was once ranked the dirtiest state in Nigeria but had since made significant strides in cleanliness and urban development.

He further revealed that his administration had started working with UN-Habitat to develop a new master plan for Aba and Umuahia, drawing inspiration from the original colonial-era urban planning.

The governor said that with the initial cleanup efforts yielding positive results, the state government was shifting focus to waste conversion and sustainability.

He disclosed that the administration was collaborating with Kaltani Company on a waste-to-wealth initiative that would help  transform waste into valuable products.

He further said that the government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the waste-to-energy initiative.

“Our goal is not just to manage our waste efficiently but also get to a point where we can buy waste from neighboring states to sustain our energy and recycling projects.

“There are two ways to manage waste: incineration or landfill disposal. However, neither is a sustainable solution.

“Instead, we are exploring waste-to-energy and other recycling options to create valuable products, while addressing Abia’s energy challenges,” he said.

In an interview with newsmen, the Chief Executive Officer of Kaltani Company, Mr Obi Nnanna, expressed his company’s desire to partner with the government on its waste-to-wealth initiative.

Nnanna also expressed enthusiasm in working with the present administration to achieve its vision for the state.

“We are fully committed to waste collection and recycling efforts, with a focus on job creation and environmental sustainability.

“We intend to galvanise waste, create jobs, and address multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Sam Oditah

WHO: 25 countries to add malaria vaccines to immunisation by 2025
Health

WHO: 25 countries to add malaria vaccines to immunisation by 2025

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Malaria

By Franca Ofili

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced that up to 25 countries are expected to include malaria vaccines in their childhood immunisation programmes by the end of 2025.

Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, the WHO’s Director-General, shared this update on Monday during an online media conference focused on global health issues.

He emphasised that these vaccines could save tens of thousands of young lives annually.

However, Ghebreyesus also raised concerns over the risks posed by recent cuts to U.S. funding for global health initiatives.

“Many of the gains in malaria that have been made over the past 20 years are now at risk due to these funding cuts,” he said.

While he refrained from commenting on the U.S. withdrawal from WHO, Ghebreyesus clarified that the cuts he referred to were those affecting direct U.S. funding.

According to him, this includes funding through agencies such as USAID and the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Ghebreyesus warned that the impact of these cuts was already being felt, with severe disruptions in the supply of malaria diagnostics, medicines, and insecticide-treated bed nets due to stockouts and delayed deliveries.

“The U.S. has been the largest bilateral donor to the fight against malaria for the past two decades, helping to prevent an estimated 2.2 billion cases and 12.7 million deaths.”

If disruptions continue, he predicted an additional 15 million cases of malaria and 107,000 deaths this year alone, potentially reversing 15 years of progress.

A similar situation is unfolding with HIV, where the suspension of most funding to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has halted services for HIV treatment, testing, and prevention in more than 50 countries.

Ghebreyesus noted that eight countries were facing severe disruptions to antiretroviral therapy, with some likely to run out of medicine in the coming months.

He said this could lead to more than 10 million additional cases of HIV and three million HIV-related deaths.

The WHO Director-General also highlighted the impact on tuberculosis (TB) programmes, with 27 countries in Africa and Asia facing significant disruptions.

“These include shortages of healthcare workers, diagnostic tools, and collapsing data systems.

“Nine countries have already reported problems with the procurement and supply chains for TB drugs, threatening the lives of affected individuals.

”Over the past two decades, U.S. support for TB services has saved nearly 80 million lives, but this progress is now at risk.

”Additionally, the WHO’s Global Measles and Rubella Network, funded solely by the U.S., faces an imminent shutdown, just as measles outbreaks are increasing globally.

”In 2024, 57 large or disruptive measles outbreaks were reported, continuing a trend from the previous three years,” he said.

Ghebreyesus warned that these cuts were also affecting efforts to eradicate polio, monitor emerging diseases like avian influenza, and respond to disease outbreaks and humanitarian crises.

”Nearly 24 million people living in such crises are at risk of losing access to essential health services.”

Ghebreyesus stressed that other donors must step up, and countries that have relied on U.S. funding must also increase their domestic health spending to maintain progress in disease control and health services.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Stock market records mixed performances
Economy/Business

Stock market records mixed performances

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Stock

By Taiye Olayemi

The stock market on Monday recorded  mixed performances.

Specifically, the market capitalisation shed a marginal loss of N8 billion or 0.01 per cent to close at N66.343 trillion from N66.351 trillion recorded on Friday.

However, the All-Share Index dropped by 0.15 per cent or 155.96 points to close at 105,799.17 against 105,955.13 posted on Friday.

The difference in the performance indices was due the listing of Sterling Financial Holding Company Plc’s 16,666,666,667 ordinary shares of 50k each at N4.50 per share, through Private Placement on the exchange.

Meanwhile, the market breadth closed negative with 35 losers and 18 gainers.

On the losers’ chart, eTranzact International declined by 10 per cent, to close at N5.85 per share, while Sunu Assurance dropped by 9.92 per cent, to close at N4.63 per share.

Prestige Assurance lost by 8.26 per cent, to close at N1.00 and Sovereign Trust Insurance declined by 7.77 per cent, to close at 95k.

Similarly, Red Star Express fell by 7.76 per cent, to close at N5.35 per share.

On the gainers’ chart, X Academy soared by 9.92 per cent, to close at N2.88 per share, while Neimeth International Pharmaceutical gained by 8.43 per cent, to close at N2.70 per share.

Tantalizer increased by 6.83 per cent, to close at N3.13 per share and Dangote Sugar soared by 4.71 per cent, to close at N36.70 per share.

Also, Stanbic gained by 4.24 per cent, to close at N61.50 per share.

A total of 477.51 million shares worth N7.049 billion were exchanged across 13,520 transactions.

This is compared to 750.56 million shares worth N11.056 billion that was exchanged across 10,584 transactions recorded at the previous section.

Transactions in the shares of Jaiz Bank topped the activity chart with 197.42 million shares worth N606.15 million.

Zenith Bank followed with 25.976 million shares valued at N1.235 billion while Sovereign Trust Insurance traded 19.26 million shares worth N18.525 million.

Prestige Assurance sold 18.542 million shares valued at N18.991 million and Fidelity Bank transacted 15.895 million shares worth N27.047 million.

Stockbrokers at Atlass Portfolios Ltd. attributed the market performance to the additional listing rather than widespread sell-offs.

“Beyond the impact of the new listing, the market downturn was driven by profit-taking activities in key stocks across major market sectors,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Shettima urges NASS to shun division, partisanship
Politics

Shettima urges NASS to shun division, partisanship

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NASS

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has charged the National Assembly to uphold good leadership qualities, prioritise unity and national development over political divisions and partisan interests.

He made the call on Monday when President Bola Tinubu hosted the leadership and members of the House of Representatives to Iftar (breaking of Ramadan fast) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Shettima, who spoke on behalf of President Tinubu, also urged lawmakers to embrace their responsibility with humility and a shared commitment to progress.

He said “In the end, history will not judge us by the number of personal battles we fought against one another, but by the bridges we were able to build together.

“We are gathered here this evening not as adversaries in a contest for power, but as partners in the noble task of nation-building.”

Reflecting on the significance of Ramadan, which coincides with the Lenten season, the Vice-President called for deep introspection and a reaffirmation of commitment to Nigeria’s unity.

Shettima said the government’s economic policies were yielding results, adding that the economy has turned the corner.

The Vice-President also lauded the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, and the House leadership for fostering harmony within the legislature.

Shettima urged the leaders to govern with empathy, fairness, and justice, reminding them that their positions were a sacred trust of the Nigerian people.

“Leadership is not about personal gain; it is about service. It is a burden vested in us by God, tested by history, and measured by the impact we leave behind,” he said.

Earlier, Abbas thanked President Tinubu for the invitation to break fast with him and for always showing respect and concern for the House of Representatives.

“As we all know, the month of Ramadan entails many things, one of them is reflection; where were you before, where are you now and where do you want to be?

” I believe Nigeria, more than ever before, needs this type of reflection,” he said.

He implored both Christians and Muslims to dedicate the fasting period to pray for the country.

The Speaker said Nigerians knew what the Tinubu administration had achieved within just two years and the period offered a moment for every Nigerian to reflect and pray for the country.

“Prayers for the economy; prayers for improved security, prayers for the leaders and prayers for the citizens.”

He pledged that every member of the House of Representatives was in support of the President.

He noted that the policies of the government were for the betterment of the people and Nigeria as a country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on behalf of the House of Reps, Abbas donated N705 million to the President.

According to him, the money is a six-month 50 per cent deduction from their salaries to augment the humanitarian engagements of Mr President and to support vulnerable people in the country. (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Navy seizes petrol, foreign rice in Lagos
Defence/Security

Navy seizes petrol, foreign rice in Lagos

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Navy

By Raji Rasak

The Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry of the Nigerian Navy has intercepted 13,800 litres of petrol and 71 bags of foreign rice in multiple operations along Badagry creeks.

The Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, Navy Captain Oyeleye Omotayo, in a statement on Sunday in Badagry, Lagos State, confirmed that the seizures occurred between March 7 and 14.

He said naval operatives acted on intelligence received about suspected smugglers operating in the area, leading to the interception of the items during separate operations.

“In continuation of the fight against smuggling within our Area of Operation in Badagry, a target operation was launched on Friday, March 14, at 2:54 a.m.,” Omotayo said

He added that the operation focused on intercepting smugglers and confiscating products intended for illegal export.

“The smugglers initially evaded our water patrol, but were intercepted by our land patrol unit around 3:30 a.m.

“During the operation, 71 bags of foreign rice were found being smuggled. The items were seized, while the suspects fled upon sighting our patrol at 4:22 a.m.,” he said.

He noted that the seized rice has been taken to the base for further necessary action in accordance with procedures.

He said that on the same day, the intelligence team received a report at 12:15 a.m. about petrol being stockpiled at a beach near Bollington in Badagry creeks.

The intelligence indicated that the products were to be smuggled by wooden boats through Nigeria’s territorial waters into Benin Republic.

“Our team swiftly responded to the intelligence and moved to the location.

“Upon arrival, four vehicles intended for smuggling were found at the shoreline, but the suspects escaped with their keys,” he said

While searching the area, 234 jerry cans of 25 litres each, totalling about 5,850 litres of petrol, were discovered and taken to the base.

He further disclosed that 7,770 litres of petrol were also seized in other operations conducted in Badagry communities.

“On March 7, 6,770 litres of petrol in 30 and 40-litre jerry cans were seized at a filling station, along with 188 empty jerry cans.

“On March 8, 40 jerry cans of 25 litres each, totalling about 1,000 litres of petrol, were seized at Farasime community, based on intelligence from Tongeji Island,” he said

He confirmed that the 7,950 litres of petrol seized from two filling stations and Tongeji Island on March 7 and 8, respectively, were handled lawfully.

“This was to prevent the illegal products from re-entering circulation within our operational area,” he said.

Omotayo affirmed that the Navy is increasing efforts to combat smuggling and criminal activities along the Badagry-Porto Novo creeks.

“In line with the Federal Government’s directive and Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla’s Strategic Directive 2023-06, FOB Badagry has intensified operations, achieving multiple successes,” he said.

He warned all perpetrators, collaborators, and sponsors of illegal activities to desist or face the full weight of the law.

He assured sister agencies, particularly the Nigeria Customs Service, of the Navy’s continued cooperation, as well as support for the host community. (NAN)
Edited by Stanley Nwanosike / Kamal Tayo Oropo

NAHCON approves Max Air for 2025 Hajj
General News

NAHCON approves Max Air for 2025 Hajj

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Max Air

By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has approved Max Air to transport intending pilgrims from Jigawa for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

The Director-General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Ahmed Labbo, announced this in a statement signed by the Board’s spokesman, Mr Habibu Yusuf, on Thursday in Dutse.

“NAHCON has officially appointed Max Air as the designated airline for airlifting Jigawa State pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj,” Labbo stated.

He explained that the decision followed a management meeting and the signing of an agreement with airlines at NAHCON headquarters in Abuja.

Labbo expressed satisfaction with NAHCON’s extensive preparations and assured that all necessary arrangements had been made for a smooth journey for the pilgrims.

He added that the travelling bags and uniforms for the state’s intending pilgrims are ready for collection.

Labbo further reassured the intending pilgrims of a seamless experience at home and abroad.

According to him, selecting Max Air as an air carrier for the 2025 Hajj reflects NAHCON’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and comfort for all pilgrims.

Labbo also commended Gov. Umar Namadi for his continued support and leadership, which have made the board’s operations transformative and successful. (NAN)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola / Kamal Tayo Oropo

Our reforms will protect interests of future generations – Tinubu
Economy/Business

Our reforms will protect interests of future generations – Tinubu

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Generation

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu says the rationale behind his administration’s economic reforms is to protect the interests of future generations.

“For 50 years, Nigeria was spending money of generations yet unborn and servicing the West Coast of our subregion with fuel. It was getting difficult to plan for our children’s future,” he said.

He made these remarks at the State House while receiving a delegation of former National Assembly colleagues from the aborted Third Republic, during which he served as a Senator representing Lagos West.

The President highlighted the challenges faced at the beginning of his administration, especially economic and social issues, and expressed his gratitude for the delegation’s support in addressing these difficulties.

“We faced serious headwinds when I took over, very challenging times. Nigeria would have been bankrupt if we had not taken the actions that we took, and we had to prevent the economy’s collapse,” he said.

President Tinubu declared that the administration had been able to stem the tide and expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their collective support in turning things around.

“Today, we are sitting pretty on a good foundation. We have reversed the problem; the exchange rate is stabilising.

“Food prices are coming down, especially during Ramadan. We will have light at the end of the tunnel,” said the President.

He said firm adherence to democratic tenets was the best route to economic, social, and political development.

“I am happy that you are holding to your belief in democracy. I thank you for keeping faith and remembering how we started. Some people missed the ball.

“Some leadership failed, but we kept the faith with our democratic beliefs and freedom and the right to aspire to the highest office in the land. I am benefitting from it,” Tinubu stated.

Sen. Emmanuel Nwaka, who spoke on behalf of the group, expressed his delight at some of the programmes that the Tinubu administration had implemented, especially the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP).

“I appreciate you for what you are giving to students because the student population is the largest demographic in the country. I’ve spoken with many of them, and many have benefited from it.

“And the next one is the CREDICORP. That’s a major way of fighting corruption.

“You see a young man, you come out of school, you want to buy a car, you have to put down cash, you want to buy a house, and you are not married, but with the CREDICORP, you can get things done.

“I’m following their activities; we are delighted,” he said.

Other members of the delegation were Sen. Bako Aufara Musa, Hon. Terwase Orbunde, Hon. Wasiu Logun, Hon. Amina Aliyu, High Chief Obi Anoliefo and Hon. Eze Nwauwa. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Troops ambush bandits, neutralise 3 in Chikun LGA
Defence/Security

Troops ambush bandits, neutralise 3 in Chikun LGA

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Bandits
By Mohammed Tijjani

The Troops of Sub-Sector 4, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, on Tuesday, ambushed bandits and neutralised three of them, off the Kaduna-Abuja highway.

Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Lt-Col. Musa Yahaya, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Kaduna.

Yahaya said, “In a well-coordinated operation on Tuesday ,  troops of Sub-Sector 4, Operation FANSAN YAMMA successfully neutralised three Violent Extremists and Insurgents (VEIs) in an ambush at an area near Ngwagi Hill, Gwagwada Community, off the Kaduna – Abuja highway in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.”

The spokesman said that the success of the operation was based on response to credible intelligence that the VEI were sighted near Ngwagi Hill.

He said that troops were immediately deployed on long-range fighting patrol to the likely road-crossing point of the insurgents.

According to him the troops got to the location at about 5.30 p.m. on the same date and successfully launched the ambush, which effectively neutralised three armed members of the criminal group.

“During the operation, troops also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including two AK-47 rifles, eight AK-47 rifle magazines, 374 rounds of 7.62mm x 39 special ammunition and 88 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 NATO ammunition.

Other items recovered were one Infinix mobile phone, medical supplies, clothings, and dry rations, ” Yahaya said.

He said that the success of the operation was a testament to the troops’ high fighting morale and combat efficiency.

“This achievement is also as a result of the effective collaboration between the military and intelligence agencies, which provided credible intelligence that informed the operation.

He said the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso  Saraso, commended the troops for their resilience and successful conduct of the operation.

He charged the troops not to relent on their oars until all criminal elements operating in the Division and the Sector’s area of operational responsibility were neutralised. (NAN)
Edited by Bayo Sekoni

Prisoners on death row rise by 98 in 6 months- NCoS Acting C-G
Defence/Security

Prisoners on death row rise by 98 in 6 months- NCoS Acting C-G

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Prisoners

By Naomi Sharang
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), on Wednesday, said that the number of prisoners on death row had risen from 3,590 in September 2024 to 3,688 in March 2025.

This represents a 2.73 per cent increase or addition of 98 prisoners within six months.

The Acting Controller-General of NCoS, Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, gave the figure when he appeared for screening before the Senate Committee on Interior, chaired by Sen. Adams Oshiomhole.

The NCoS also sought strategic collaboration with the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS); Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) to speed up the wheel of justice in the country.

Nwakuche said that the major challenge facing the correctional service in the country was that of inmates currently awaiting trials.

“That is the major headache we are trying to address on a daily basis,” he said.

The acting comptroller-general pledged to collaborate with other security agencies more strategically to ensure that the issues of awaiting trials  inmates were permanently resolved to decongest the country’s prisons .

“This is very important for any establishment to forge ahead. An establishment like correctional centres cannot do anything without collaboration.

“We are the recipient of the products of all the prosecuting agencies,” the acting comptroller-general said.

In his remarks, Chairman, Senate Committee on Interior, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, said the committee would submit its report based on the performance of the Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). (NAN)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

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