NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Terrorists

NAF airstrikes destroy several top terrorist leaders’ camps in N/W

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence Headquarters says the Air Components of the crisis operations have in the last one week, destroyed several terrorist camps operated by notorious terrorist commanders, Bello Turji’s and Halilu in Zamfara and Katsina States.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known on Thursday in Abuja, while briefing newsmen on the operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Buba said the camps, which were newly discovered were acquired through Intelligence Surveillance and Recognisance (ISR), adding that they were targeted and engaged with rockets and cannons.

He said the feedback had revealed that several of the terrorists, including some of the commanders were indeed neutralised as a result of the air strikes.

“But at this time we do not have report of the death of Bello Turji and Halilu,” he said.

Buba said that similar air interdiction was conducted on June 8, overhead a terrorists’ enclaves in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State following confirmatory ISR.

According to him, Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and their structures destroyed.

He added that on June 6, the air component of Operation Whirl Punch conducted air interdiction on a senior terrorist commander enclave at Tsaunin Doka in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

According to him, battle damage assessment and feedback from locals revealed that several terrorists with high profile commanders were eliminated and their logistics destroyed.

“Similarly, on the same day, confirmatory ISR indicated terrorist activities in a terrorists’ camp within Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger killing several terrorists,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Illustration for students writing the 2024 Junior West Africa Examination

UK-based Nigerians sponsor 125 Imo students for Junior WAEC

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By Emmanuel Afonne

The Arondizuogu Patriotic Union, an Imo State socio-cultural group based in the United Kingdom and the Ireland, has sponsored 125 students for the 2024 Junior West Africa Examination Council (WAEC).

Mazi Vincent Akamnonu, President of APU, made the disclosure in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.

The examination is known as a certificate examination written by the third class students of junior secondary schools to usher them into the Senior Secondary School.

Akamnonu said that the gesture was part of the union’s commitment to alleviate the financial burden of parents of students from the three major schools in Arondizuogu in Imo.

“By investing in education today, we are building a brighter future for tomorrow.

“The initiative aims to support underprivileged students and marks a significant milestone in our dedication to fostering education and empowering our community,” he said.

Akamnonu noted that education being a fundamental right of every child, must be made available, not as a privilege but a right.

“By removing financial barriers, we are empowering students to excel academically and pursue their dreams.

“Many talented students face financial barriers that hinder their academic progress.

“Recognising this challenge, APU UK stepped forward to bridge the gap to ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to pursue their educational aspirations.

“Through the generous contributions of our members and the dedication of our volunteers, we provided financial assistance to 125 deserving students, enabling them to focus on their studies without the burden of exam fees,” Akamnonu said.

According to him, the union will host a global conference to educate young people on various training opportunities available in the Information Technology (IT) sector.

The APU president explained that the training scheduled to hold at the end of June in Imo, would provide many youths with onshore and offshore IT training and employment opportunities.

“Together, we can create a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

“APU UK is also expected to join thousands of Igbo communities in celebrating the 10th Igbo Festival of Arts and Culture in London in July 2024.

“The organisation will be joined by patriotic Arondizuogu women to make this global event a success,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Imo State government, through its Commissioner for Education, Prof. Johncliff Nwadike, has commended the UK-based group for the gesture.

In a letter to APU UK, the commissioner, who highlighted the positive impact of the sponsorship on the students’ educational career said that the commitment was commendable.

“Following your initial offer, you generously pledged to cover the BECE examination fees for all third-year Junior Secondary School students.

“This kind of action sets an inspiring example, and we are thrilled to have APU UK/Ireland as a partner.

“Together, we can achieve significant positive outcomes for the Arondizuogu community,” Nwadike said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Teacher and her students

Don urges teachers to invest in research, teaching tools

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By Joy Mbachi

A lecturer at Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Dr Churchill Okonkwo, has urged lecturers to invest in academic research in order to meeting the teaching needs of the 21st century.

Okonkwo, a lecturer, in the Department of Physics at the institution, is the Vice-President, College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU).

He said this on Wednesday in Awka during a two-day international training for guidance counselors on ecological approach to social-emotional learning.

The training had as its theme: “Envisioning an Ecological Classroom to Enhance Knowledge in Social- Emotional Learning.

It was jointly organised by U.S.-based NGO, Life Care Coalition Outreach (LCCO), Igwe Davison Okafor/Mercy Ikeanyi (IDOMI) and Anambra State Ministry of Education.

Okonkwo said scientific research would help teachers to improve in their teaching and learning in a changing world for impactful development.

He said teachers should also avail themselves of new teaching tools and technologies to effectively engage in knowledge transfer in a digital age.

Okonkwo urged them to invest on research to gather more knowledge of new technologies and methods of teaching so as to be fit in transferring same to students as the world evolve.

Also speaking, the Coordinator, IDOMI, Dr Chinedu Ikeanyi, said the workshop was part of their contribution towards improving the standard of education in the state.

He said the organisation was conscious of the role of quality education in the development of any society.

According to him, the training was in response to calls by the present and previous administrations in the state for the repatriation of knowledge by those in the diaspora.

Ikeanyi said with the right teaching and learning environment, students would learn and impact positively on society.

He assured that the programme would be sustained in the same way the organisation had sustained its free medical and scholarship programmes.

He, however, said it would be evaluated to know areas of improvement.

The LCCO Coordinator, Mrs Victoria Anago, explained that the programme would also empower counselors to act as social workers in schools while improving the education system.

Anago said it would expose the teachers to ways of improving their teaching skills and enhance their competence.

Dr Sevaughn Banks, a Professor of Social Work, California State University, Stanislaus, Thurrock, California, argued that classroom ecology could addressing students learning and educational needs while customising the school resources.

Classroom ecology is the study of how students and their teachers interact both with the classroom environment and with each other within that specific space.

One of the participants, Mrs Loretta Uzuagu from Aguata Educational zone, said she would share the knowledge gained with her colleagues in the zone.

Mrs Chinwe Chukwuemeka from Otuocha zone, commended the organisers for the training noting that it had improved her communication skills.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was geared towards enhancing and addressing the needs of students and teachers towards improved learning and social development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Uche Anunne

Voters during election in Nigeria

Nigerians differ on gains of 25 years of uninterrupted democracy

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By Reporters

A cross section of Nigerians on Wednesday in Abuja expressed divergent opinions on the gains that had accrued to Nigerians in the 25 years of democracy.

Some Nigerians, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said that democratic government had yielded much result for the country, while others thought otherwise.

Mr Benjamin Otu, a resident of Mararaba, Nasarawa State, said democracy had impacted positively on Nigerians and the Nigerian economy.

According to him, democracy is gradually taking its roots in every facet of national life.

“Some of the rights and privileges enjoyed today resulted from a thriving democracy.

“Nigeria’s democracy has come a long way since 1999; all hands must be on deck to reposition it.”

A civil servant, Mr Rotimi Adeyemi, said that there was no alternative to a democratic government.

“Under democracy, we have freedom of expression and association, which was non-existent during the military regime.

“For the past 25 years, the people of Nigeria have imbibed and internalised the principles and culture of democracy.

“Most of the bills coming from the National Assembly and the change of government periodically, without any interruption, have shown that democracy has come to stay,” he said.

According to him, some of the problems faced by Nigerians can be traced to the military.

“Now, people associate freely and walk freely, as power flows from the people. It is the people that decide who rules them,” he said.

Mr James Edoh, a businessman, said that democracy had given Nigerians the power to choose their leaders and hold them accountable.

“In contrast, the military rule we had was characterised by tyranny and oppression. It is often said that the worst democratic government is better than the best military government.

“It is better that we stay with the democratic government and improve on it than the military regime.

“A lot has been enjoyed by Nigerians in this democratic regime compared to the military regime. Like peace, job creation, among others,” he said.

Also, Mr Caleb Ezea, a trader, said that democracy allows for participatory governance.

“Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people. It gives voice to the common man.

“The voice of everyone is heard unlike military rule where tyranny reigns supreme,” he said.

Mr Ezekiel Ogbu, a civil servant, on his part, called for more transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s democracy.

Ogbu, who said that the country’s democracy was too expensive, urged the country to try another system of government.

Similarly, Mr Solomon Oladapo, a resident of Suleja, called for more progress at the level of development in the country.

He advised the government to close loopholes exploited to loot the nation’s wealth.

Miss Irene Nsiodo, a resident of Garki, said that democracy had brought stability in the political system.

“I believe that democracy has given hope for a brighter future for the people of Nigeria.

“Freedom of expression has been given a chance to thrive, leading to the exposure of corrupt practices in various sectors of the economy,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Abiemwense Moru

Cyclists during a competition

188 cyclists to participate in Abuja capital city championship

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By Aderonke Ojo

No fewer than 188 cyclists have registered to participate in the 3rd edition of the Abuja Capital City Championship top prize, slated for Saturday.

Bashiru Mohammed, Technical Director, Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN) told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that the event is being organised in conjunction with CHENUEL Mobility Solution Limited.

Mohammed said that the championship was earlier scheduled for June 1, but was postponed due to the inauguration of road projects within the FCT.

“This year’s championship will features Men Elite 140km,Women Elite 80km, Men Veteran 60km and Women veteran 30km,” he said.

The technical director said that the amateur category for schools in the FCT would feature the Male 20km and Female 15 km race.

He said that cyclists are expected to arrive on June 14, while the championship will start on June 15 and end on June 16.

“The starting and finishing point will be the Federal Secretariat, Ahmadu Bello way behind Eagle Square, by 7 a.m.

“The Championships will be completed in both male and female categories in the elite class, veterans and amateurs’ class from secondary schools within the FCT.

“The State Cycling Association/Clubs will have six males and six females in the elite class, while the veterans will have four male, four female and two officials.

“At the end of the event, there will be medals and certificate presentation to all the winners as well as traveling subsidies for all the external participants coming from states,” he said.

Mohammed urged Abuja residents to come out and encourage the cyclists.

He said that the championship would foster good working relationship amongst the participating cyclists.

“The more the cyclists race the more they will improve on their standards, both at domestic and international level.

“I am aware of the crucial role the media play in shaping mind-set and facilitating policy direction towards achieving set objectives, so we call on the media to help publicise our activities,” he said.

According to him, 109 cyclists will compete in the 140km and 60km, while 38 cyclists will compete in the 80km and 30km in the female elite class and veterans.

He said all necessary logistics have been put in place to ensure a hitch-free championship. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Nigerian Young Professional Forum (NYPF) Logo

Democracy Day: Forum demands bold policies for revolutionary youth development

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By Perpetua Onuegbu

The Nigerian Young Professional Forum (NYPF) has put forward a series of detailed recommendations for the National Youth Policy to pave the way for a more prosperous and inclusive future for Nigerian youth.

The forum in a communique issued after its meeting and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, noted the crucial role a comprehensive policy reform can play in shaping a brighter future reform were call to action for lasting positive change.

The proposed changes were carefully reviewed by some NYPF executive members, Chairperson Zaliha Lawal, Barrister Mayor Ndukaku, Dr Ekemini Udo and Media Consultant, Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi.

The forum stated that the policy recommendations have been forwarded to the Ministry of Youth as the recommendations include
“Education and Talent Development, STEM Education Enhancement and Early STEM Education”.

Others recommendations were for Health and Well-being as well as Ensuring Participation and Inclusiveness.

Highlighting the critical role of education and skills, the NYPF suggested a multipronged approach involving vocational training and education, aimed at elevating the status of vocational education to eliminate existing stigmas.

The forum said that the approach would increase the number of highly skilled workers, transforming Nigeria from a consumer-driven nation to a manufacturing hub and innovation-led economy.

“It will tackle youth unemployment by fostering entrepreneurship and providing incentives for businesses that hire young people.

“It will emulate successful aspects of the Chinese economic model to build a robust manufacturing sector.”

For the STEM Education Enhancement, it said it would position Nigeria as a global leader in innovation and technology through scholarships and Incentives.

“Early STEM education will encourage activities at secondary school levels and foster early interest and proficiency in STEM subjects to develop essential skills and passion from a young age.

“It will also help implement successful strategies from China and Singapore to build a strong STEM foundation, while the health and Well-being emphasises the importance of health and well-being among young Nigerians, proposing.

“It will enhance Physical and Mental Health and address the rising rates of drug and substance abuse among the youth.

“It will enhance access to comprehensive healthcare services to ensure a supportive environment for overall well-being.

“To ensure participation and inclusiveness, governments must promote participation, inclusiveness, and equitable opportunities for all youth.

“Furthermore, the National Youth Policy should guide leaders to consciously address barriers to meaningful youth engagement in civil and political affairs,”

This, the forum said would also enhance opportunities for the constructive involvement of all youth in community and social development, political processes and governance.

The NYPF is a leading organisation dedicated to empowering young professionals across Nigeria through advocacy, policy recommendations, and capacity-building initiatives. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

The Mase as a symbol of authority of the legislative arm of government

Group cautions against NASS intervention in Plateau Assembly affairs

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By Monday Ijeh

A socio-political group, the Plateau Patriotic Front, has cautioned against call for the intervention of the National Assembly in the affairs of the Plateau State House of Assembly.

The group gave the warning on Tuesday, in Abuja in a statement by its Chairman, Mr Mani Imman.

He said the call for the leadership of the National Assembly to intervene in the affairs of the Plateau State House of Assembly was an invitation to stoke violence and disrupt governance in the state.

Imman said those calling for the intervention of NASS as lover of crisis.

He said that the development at the floor of the House of Representatives had come to the group’s notice as reported in the media that a motion was raised during Plenary.

“The motion has called on the leadership of the National Assembly to intervene in the crisis surrounding the swearing-in of new members of the Plateau State House of Assembly.

“We view this alarm as an attempt to stoke problems and disrupt governance and the peaceful atmosphere under the guise of crisis in the State House of Assembly,” he said.

He said those behind the call had been quoted as saying, “The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly has refused to swear in all the new members.”

Imman said those behind the call had accused the speaker of demanding that they submit letters of resignation with accompanying court affidavits as a condition for swearing-in.

He said that instead of calling for the National Assembly’s intervention in the matter it should be resolved to avoid crisis in the state.

‘Failure to address the delays and biases in the swearing-in of the new members poses a threat to security in the state and undermines the principles of justice, fairness, and democracy.

“The Court of Appeal, hearing appeals arising from judgments of the Plateau State Election Tribunal made decisions that resulted in the nullification of Certificates of Return of 16 sitting members of the State Assembly.

“The court has ordered the issuance of new Certificates of Return to the new members by the Independent National Electoral Commission,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Rep. Hussaini Jallo, Chairman, House Committee on Pensions

Democracy Day: Lawmaker tasks Tinubu on sound economic team

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By Emmanuel Afonne

A member of the House of Representatives, Hussaini Jallo, has urged President Bola Tinubu to assemble a sound economic team that will rescue Nigeria from its present economic challenges.

Jallo, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Pension, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja when the Chief Executive Officer of XEM Consulting Limited, Dr Eugenia Ndukwe, paid him a visit in commemoration of the 2024 Democracy Day.

He said the present administration should pay more attention to issues concerning the generality of Nigerians; especially food security and economic recovery, rather than paying attention to what would benefit only a group of people.

“The founding fathers of this nation did very well for Nigeria but unfortunately, things are not going the right way and I think the best way is for Tinubu to quickly organise a good economic team for the country and also the nation’s security.

“These are the major challenges facing the country–security and economy; once the president can solve these problems, we are good to go.

“We are celebrating uninterrupted democracy but we are not on the right track yet.

“We cannot celebrate democracy in the midst of hunger, poverty and unemployment.

“Nigerians are suffering; people need to go back to their villages and see how people are suffering there; some don’t eat, not even one square meal a day.”

He noted that the labour demand for a minimum wage was just a fraction compared to the millions of Nigerians that need succour.

“The situation in the country now is not about what organised labour is demanding; it is if the government has the capacity to pay.

“What is the number of people in federal and state governments’ employment compared to the general population of the country.

“Nigerians are in need of good health, good education, food security and security of lives and property.

“If the president takes the proceeds of our mineral resources to pay a minimum percentage of Nigerians who are working for government, what happens to the larger population of the people that need road, education, health and security that are not government employees?

“The amount demanded by organised Labour is unrealistic especially now that Nigeria is picking its pieces in the area of security and other challenges.

“I believe that they should accept whatever the government presents to them now, so that the country can move forward.”

Jallo assured that the House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas would work with the executive arm to achieve the desired goal of the present administration.

“We are partners in progress with the executive arm of government and whatever comes from the president and it is for the benefit of Nigerians, will be given a speedy attention at the House.

“Just as the president said he would forward the bill for the minimum or living wage to the National Assembly, we will give it an expedite action.

“The challenges faced by Nigerians are also the challenges of the National Assembly because the speaker talks about the hunger of many Nigerians, unemployment, insecurity and the rest.

“So, I urge the president to marshal out plans to solve these challenges of insecurity and bad economy,” Jallo said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Late MKO Abiola

June 12: Abiola’s wife wants NASS to outlaw military intervention

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By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Mrs Tinu Abiola, wife of late Chief MKO Abiola, has urged the National Assembly to enact a law that will prohibit military intervention in Nigerian politics.

Abiola made the call while fielding questions from newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja in commemoration of 25 years of unbroken democracy in Nigeria.

She, however, commended the military hierarchy for subjecting itself to democratic rule over the years.

Recall that in 2018 former President, Muhammadu Buhari, moved Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12 , to posthumously honour MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Abiola’s wife called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu who contributed immensely to the survival of democracy in Nigeria.

“We have to thank God that democracy has come to stay; without the June 12 event, probably, military rule will still have remained in Nigeria.

“So, one of the major achievements of MKO Abiola, winning that election, even though he was not allowed to rule, was that he opened the door; he opened the eyes of every Nigerian to democratic rule, and democracy has come to stay.

“Now, as we move on, what I will advise Nigerians to do is to please cooperate with the present government of Tinubu, who himself, fought for June 12.

“He was a staunch member of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and he did his best for the actualisation of June 12, unfortunately, all their best was not enough at that time; because some things are predestined by God.

“So, my happiness today is to see one of those fighters of that time becoming the president of Nigeria; it is so great.”

She implored Nigerians to be patriotic and imbibe the culture of making Nigeria great.

According to her, there is a need for Nigerians to love Nigeria at heart and do the right things at all times that will promote the image of Nigeria anywhere in the world.

She said that the National Assembly had a crucial role to play in preserving Nigeria’s democracy.

“Part of what I want the National Assembly to do is to enact the necessary law; especially a law that will prohibit coup d’état in Nigeria; it is very important.

“We have had an unbroken democracy for 25 years but I think the National Assembly has not done enough; it should enact a law that will prohibit military intervention in Nigerian politics.

“Look at what happened in Burkina Faso, it happened in Niger; it happened in Guinea-Bissau; so, both houses should come together and enact a law that will prohibit military intervention in Nigeria.

“We are happy to have 25 years of unbroken democracy but it is not enough; until a law is enacted prohibiting military intervention.

“I also want to commend the military hierarchy. Between 1999 and today, they have been wonderful; they have done well.

“They have submitted themselves to democratic rule but we cannot rely on the fact that it will continue to be rosy; there must be a law and that will put everybody’s mind at peace,’’ she said.

She advised the Federal Government to take some parts of MKO’s manifesto into its programmes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

CJ/EMAF
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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

First Lady, Mrs Remi Tinubu

First Lady, others pay tribute to late Lau

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By Dorcas Jonah

Wife of the President, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, has advised women to emulate the legacies of late Hajiya Lami Lau, the National President, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS).

Tinubu, who is also the Grand Patron of NCWS said this in her letter of tribute at the seven-day Fidau prayer of the late NCWS president on Tuesday in Abuja.

Represented by the wife of the Vice-President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, Tinubu said the death of the NCWS president was not only a great loss to her family and friends, but to the entire community of women.

She said the late NCWS president had contributed her quota towards impacting, promoting, protecting and projecting the image of women across the nation.

”Late Lau had done her part, as a Muslim, I know that there is time for everything, and every living soul must taste death.

”I would like to extend our sincere condolences to all the Nigerian women and to the immediate families,” she said.

Earlier, the first National Vice-President of NCWS, Mrs Geraldine Etuk, described late Lau as hope to women and a guardian for the voiceless.

Etuk said Lau would always be in her heart and consciousness, adding that her memories would remain forever.

According to her, Lau was a leader whose presence was more than just commanding; it was transformative.

”She was a beacon of hope to women, a guardian for the voiceless and a champion for all in need of her touch.

”Her unwavering dedication to the cause of women’s rights and social justice is likened to a steady flame in a darkened world,” she said.

Etuk said Lau would always confront injustice fearlessly and stand as a shield for those who couldn’t fend for themselves.

”Lau led the Nigerian women with empathy and understanding. She listened to the unheard, lifted the downtrodden and inspired countless souls to believe in a brighter tomorrow.

”To me, she wasn’t just the president of NCWS, she was a friend — a confidante in times of uncertainty and a mentor in moments of doubt.

”Together, we weathered storms and celebrated victories. The memories we shared, the laughter we echoed and the tears we shed will forever be etched in my heart,” she added.

Etuk, while giving her farewell to her dear friend, mentor and leader said Lau’s absence leaves a void that could never be filled.

She said Lau’s legacy would endure, inspiring generations to come.

”Rest in peace, our rare gem, knowing that your light would forever illuminate our path,” she said.

Also speaking, the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, said the late Lau was an excellent leader.

She urged women to emulate the legacy of Lau to better the lives of Nigeria women.

”With a heavy heart, I am saying farewell to our mother and sister, I plead with everyone, let us emulate the good character of late Lau and drop those you don’t like,” she said.

Earlier, the former Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, said the death of Lau was a painful moment for all Nigerian women.

Tallen said this was a painful and trying moment for NCWS since it was the first time NCWS was losing a national president since its inception in 1958.

”Standing here to pay tribute to this great woman, Lau was a very committed president, full of zeal and committed to the betterment of the Nigeria women, we will surely miss her,” she said.

Others at the event who paid tribute to the late Lau were the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, former NCWS National Presidents, NCWS national officers, NCWS State Presidents and a lot of affiliates. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

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