Abdulaziz - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Abdulaziz
Apr, Sat, 2025

Metro

VP was never denied access to Villa- Nkwocha

95 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The spokesperson of Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Mr Stanley Nkwocha, has debunked reports that armed military units have denied the Vice-President access to the Presidential Villa.

In a statement on Saturday in Abuja, Nkwocha said the publication was a story so far removed from reality.

According to him, such misinformation can only be entertained by those unfamiliar with the inner workings of the Nigerian government.

Nkwocha, therefore, urged the public to disregard such malicious publications and advised the media to continue to seek information from credible sources and approach sensational claims with the caution it deserves.

” This we owe ourselves collectively as a nation.”

He said that in recent times, there has been deliberate and well-planned orchestration of falsehood against the vice president’s person and office in many multidimensional forms.

” These mischievous and totally fabricated reports are all in a bid to cause confusion and insinuate total clash in the Presidency.

” These reports seek to mislead the public into believing there’s discord at the highest levels of government.

” The latest in this string of disinformation is a report claiming that the Vice-President has been refused entry to the Villa.

” This is a feeble attempt to traduce the person and office of His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima. For the record, NOTHING OF THE SORT EVER HAPPENED.

” The recent publication by some obscure blogs alleging that armed military units have barricaded the Vice President from accessing the Presidential Villa is not only the wildest expression of wishful thinking.

“(It’s) a clear indication that the purveyors of these tales have exhausted both ink and imagination.”

Nkwocha said earlier this week, the Presidency dismissed similar fake news regarding responsibility for the circulation of campaign posters bearing the images of President Bola Tinubu.

” These stories reflect a desperate attempt to undermine the President and his Deputy’s fidelity to the rule of law and our constitution.

” Let it be known that those pushing these falsehoods do so in vain.

”It is understandable, though regrettable, that the mischief-makers continue to underestimate the strength of the bond and goodwill between the President and the Vice President.

” However, their questionable sources or habitual reliance on misinformation have once again led them astray.

” These fairy tales they publish serve no purpose beyond mischief and distraction.”

He said that Shettima remains focused on his duties and on supporting the President in achieving the aspirations of Nigerians.

” He does not have the luxury of time for distractions, particularly those born of the imagination of individuals intent on creating smoke where there is no fire.

” He’s not and will never partake in their media circus. It is a futile pursuit, even by the standards of the morally indifferent.”

Nkwocha commended Nigerians across all divides who continue to express goodwill towards the Tinubu’s administration and who have taken it upon themselves to fight the spread of fake news.

” Your trust and support are deeply appreciated. The covenant between this government and the citizens of Nigeria was made possible through a legitimate and constitutional process.

” No amount of falsehood or manufactured tension can shake the foundation of that democratic mandate. Not under the watch of President Tinubu.” (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Abdulaziz
Apr, Fri, 2025

General News

Media group applauds impact, N760bn private investments in CNG

102 total views today

The Tinubu Media Volunteers (TMV) has applauded what it described as the multi-faceted impact of the Federal Government’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative.

In a statement signed by its Chairman Chukwudi Enekwechi and Secretary Shedrach Sunday, the group acknowledged the inflow of N760 billion investment into the CNG initiative.

“We note that with the removal of fuel subsidy at the inception of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, and the attendant increase in cost of premium motor spirit, the Federal government rolled out the Compressed Natural Gas Initiative.

It said that this has led to cheaper cost of transportation for many Nigerians as CNG continues to take root in the country.

It stressed that the initiative had attracted about N760 billion in private investments into the venture in the past one year.

It added that in dollars terms, the initiative has attracted about $491 million investment into the country, and there are signs that more investments would flow in subsequent years.

“Additionally, the CNG Initiative has generated 84,000 direct and indirect jobs, and this is based on information provided by the PCNGI Programme Director, Michael Oluwagbemi.

“We also note that within a period of one year, CNG conversion centres have increased from seven to over 200 centres across the country with expectations of an increase to 10,000 by the end of the first quarter of 2005.

The media group commended the Federal Government for providing 405 buses to ease the transportation needs of Nigerians workers.

It said this was based on an agreement with Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress during the wage increase negotiations.

“We want to state that this initiative is not only pragmatic, but has potential to reduce unemployment, boost the economy, and increase the mobility of Nigerians when it takes firm root.

“We, however, urge the managers to do more because of the immense benefits of the CNG-Initiative which, if harnessed well, will put smiles on the faces of Nigerians,” it added.

TMV also noted that it looks forward to the extension of the CNG initiative to 25 sites and 15 states in line with the pledge of the managers of the programme to ramp up its activities.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Abdulaziz
Apr, Thu, 2025

General News

Africa Day to hold in China

130 total views today

By Aderonke Ojediran

The Inaugural Africa Day celebration, aimed to project a vibrant and authentic image of Africa to a global audience, is billed to hold in China in May.

The Center for China-Africa Discourse Studies made this known on Wednesday in Lagos.

The Communications Director of the centre, Queen Modestus, said in a statement that Africa Day in China was being spearheaded by Africans residing in China.

“In what is being described as the biggest celebration of Black culture in Asia, preparations are underway for the first-ever Africa Day celebration in China, scheduled to take place on May 23 at the Marriott Hotel in Beijing,” Modestus said.

The director said that the celebration had the support of major African corporations.

“The event will be hosted by Dr Joseph Olivier Mendo’o, Head of the African Youth Delegation in China and one of the 100 most influential people of African descent (2023).

“We don’t want to let the cat out of the bag, but a prominent Nigerian bank and the national airline of an East African country are among the lead sponsors.

“Additionally, a major South African brand is expected to join, alongside several non-profit foundations and intellectual bodies advocating good governance and pan-African unity.

“This is not just a celebration; it is a cultural statement. Too often, Africa is misconstrued as a single country due to racial homogenisation,” she said.

Modestus said that the event was expected to dismantle such misconception and present the continent in its full richness and diversity.

She described the initiative as a celebration of Africa by Africans for Africans, adding that it would blend corporate support, academic engagement and community involvement.

“Also, foundations with strong pan-African values are expected to play an integral role.”

She said that the celebration was being intended to become annual.

Amb. Martin Mpana of Cameroon, who is the Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in China, is expected to give an address at the occasion, according to Modestus.

She added that the event would feature a high-level panel discussion and a dedicated forum for African community leaders. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Abdulaziz
Apr, Wed, 2025

General News

NAN editor loses wife

179 total views today

By Dorcas Jonah

Mr Isaac Aregbesola, a senior editor with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has announced the death of his wife, Mrs Wumi Aregbesola.

Aregbesola in a statement said his wife, 52, died on Friday.

The editor described his late wife as a pillar of strength, support, and a source of inspiration to her family, friends, and colleagues.

“Her kind-hearted nature, compassion, and generosity touched the lives of countless individuals, making her an exceptional woman who will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

”Throughout her life, she demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to humanity service,” he said.

Describing her as a God-fearing woman, a great manager of resources, and a devoted wife, Aregbesola said his late wife’s life was a testament to humility, kindness, and enduring service.

He notes that Wumi was a seasoned accountant and entrepreneur who impacted positively on the lives of everyone who came across her.(NAN)(www nannews.ng)

Edited by Kayode Olaitan

Abdulaziz
Apr, Wed, 2025

General News

UTME: JAMB clarifies on candidates centres

190 total views today

By Oluwole Sogunle

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified that candidates are not restricted to taking the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) within their state of registration.

The Public Communication Advisor of JAMB, Dr Fabian Benjamin, made the clarification in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

“They have the flexibility to register anywhere in the country and select any town nationwide from any registration point.

“Computer-Based Test Centres are clustered according to towns for convenience, allowing candidates to choose the town where they wish to take the examination,” he said.

His clarification comes ahead of the April 25 commencement of the 2025 UTME across the country.

Benjamin said that, “For example, if a candidate selects Garki as their examination town, they must take the exam in a centre within the town and cannot be posted outside the town”.

He said that those who had registered for the UTME and selected examination towns outside their state of registration “are indeed permitted to sit for the examination in their chosen towns”.

“Candidates have the freedom to select their examination town from any location across the country, regardless of their state of registration.

“For instance, a candidate can register in Lagos and opt to take the examination in Sokoto or any other location.

“This flexibility is designed to accommodate candidates’ preferences and ensure they can choose a location that is convenient for them,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Abdulaziz
Apr, Wed, 2025

Defence/Security

Easter: FG declares Friday, Monday public holidays

177 total views today

By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Federal Government has declared April 18th and 21st as public holidays to enable Christians celebrate Easter.

This is contained in a statement by the Ministry of Interior’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ajani said that the public holidays were to mark the celebrations of Good Friday and Easter Monday, respectively.

She acknowledged that the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo extended his heartfelt congratulations to Christians across the country on the joyous festivities.

Tunji-Ojo emphasised the importance of embodying the virtues of the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ, having to die for the redemption of man.

He called on Nigerians to use the holiday period to pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the nation.

The minister further reassured citizens of President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to foster national growth and development.

Tunji-Ojo encouraged Nigerians to extend love and goodwill to their neighbours through acts of kindness and generosity.

The Minister wished all Christians a blissful Easter celebration as he extended warm holiday greetings to all citizens.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Abdulaziz
Apr, Tue, 2025

Economy/Business

FCCPC raids Utako market, seals shops over rebagged, underweight rice

168 total views today

By Ginika Okoye

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has raided and sealed some shops at Utako market for selling re-bagged and under-weight bags of rice.

Sealing the shops in Abuja on Tuesday, Mrs Boladale Adeyinka, the Director, Surveillance and Investigations Department of FCCPC, said the raid followed an intelligence gathered by the Commission.

She said the intelligence showed that traders in the market were re-bagging local rice in foreign rice bags and selling them at exorbitant prices as imported rice.

Adeyinka described the move as exploitative, and against consumer economic interests.

She said the products would be confiscated and the Commission would follow the trail to fish out the producers and branders of the rice.

”We are carrying out this operation to confirm and validate the intelligence that local rice, our own rice is being packaged in foreign brands and sold as foreign rice.

”And because the appetite of Nigerians are for foreign brands which are no longer in the market, the market cartels are now going about re-bagging the local rice and selling them as foreign rice.

”That is exploitative and against consumer economic interests.

”As a matter of fact, for Mama Gold, as far as 2015, they stopped all their export.

”This is 2025 and yet, like you heard from the testimony of the trader, he is aware that they don’t sell those sizes anymore.

”So that is why we are here,” she said.

Adeyinka said the traders found culpable would face administrative penalties and fines under the FCCP Act.

”They will follow due process based on the infractions,” she said.

Adeyinka warned consumers of foreign rice to buy from importers or distributors to ensure the quality of the product.

Some of the traders who their shops were sealed feigned ignorance of the re-bagging of the products.

Mr Emmanuel Nneji, one of the traders, said he was not aware that Stallion company had stopped production of the rice in a long while.

According to Nneji, he buys from his suppliers in Kaduna and Kano States.

”If there had been a publication that says that this particular product is no more in the market, I would not have bought it, because I do not want to buy goods and at the end of everything, I will lose it.

”So what am begging is that even if they say I should make sure that I return it back, that tomorrow they are coming, and they don’t want to find it, I will do it,” he said.

Another trader who refused to mention his name, said he usually bought Stallion rebagged rice due to its increasing demand in the market.

”I buy the rice because people ask of it a lot but I still sell the 10kg for N18,000 and not the normal N25,000 to N28,000 which the foreign brand is sold,” he said.

Mr Alex Igwemma, the Secretary, Utako Market Traders Association, frowned at the unannounced visit of the Commission to the market without prior notice to the market officials

Igwemma who said that those in the business ought to have known that the products had not been in existence, appealed to traders in the market to ensure they purchase quality products for sale in the market.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than five wholesale shops filled with bags of rice were sealed by the Commission and the owners invited to FCCPC for further investigations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Ese E. Eniola Williams

Abdulaziz
Apr, Tue, 2025

Science & Tech

FG, French coy sign MOU on cybersecurity resilience, academy

213 total views today

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SecDojo, a French-based cybersecurity training and upskilling company to build cybersecurity resilience and an academy.

Mrs Hadiza Umar, Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations of NITDA said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Umar said the Director-General of NITDA, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, signed the MoU with Mr Younes Benzagmout, Chief Executive Officer of SecDojo at the on-going Gulf International Technology and Exhibition (GITEX) Africa in Marrakech, Morocco.

Umar stated that the MoU was towards continued efforts in strengthening national security which would build digital trust and safeguard the nation’s digital infrastructure.

She said it would also strengthen national resilience against cyber threats through targeted capacity building initiatives.

“This strategic partnership is designed to bolster Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape through comprehensive capacity-building initiatives.

“The collaboration will focus on the establishment of a Cybersecurity Academy, delivery of advanced training and simulation programmes.

“It will foster development of customised curricula, educational resources, facilitation of research, knowledge sharing and professional exchange programmes,” she said.

Inuwa at the MoU signing expressed hopes that the collaboration would be a major milestone towards securing a digital future for the country.

He said that as Nigeria continue its digital transformation journey, investing in human capital was paramount for the desired technological component of innovative ecosystem.

The D-G said there was a growing global demand for cybersecurity professionals and there was need for Nigeria to partake in bridging the gap.

“Globally, we have the gap and in Nigeria, we have a young population that if we harness well, we can train and connect them with the global value chain.

“This will provide cybersecurity services and capture the market,” he said.

He reiterated the need to integrate digital skills into the country’s formal education systems which would involve the engagement of stakeholders especially the Federal Ministry of Education.

“This goes beyond NITDA, it is a national opportunity that involves the Ministry of Education to institutionalise digital literacy through formal education.

“Currently, what NITDA offers are skills acceleration programmes because these critical digital competencies are not taught in schools.

“To prepare for the future, we must embed these skills into our national education framework,” he said.

Benzagmout expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working closely with Nigerian stakeholders.

He said the collaboration would bring SecDojo’s innovative training platforms and methodologies to support Nigeria’s cybersecurity professionals.

He added that it would also contribute to the development and execution of a comprehensive national cyber capacity-building strategy.

GITEX Africa, which is the largest technology and startup exhibition in Africa, is holding in Morocco from April 14 to April 16.

It is being attended by industry players, the academia and investors, among other participants.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Ismail Abdulaziz

Abdulaziz
Apr, Tue, 2025

Politics

Emergency rule: Reps inaugurates 21-member ad-hoc committee to oversee Rivers govt.

179 total views today

Committee

By Ikenna Osuoha
The House of Representatives on Tuesday inaugurated a 21-member ad-hoc committee to oversee the caretaker government in Rivers during the state of emergency.

Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, said that the inauguration of the committee was in line with Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

While reaffirming the National Assembly’s commitment to transparent governance in Nigeria, Abbas urged the committee to be non-partisan and impartial.

“Today’s inauguration of the 21-member ad-hoc committee on Rivers State reaffirms our constitutional commitment to transparent governance.

“Empowered by Section 5 of the State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation 2025 and pursuant to Section 11(4) of our Constitution, this committee has a clear and non-partisan mandate,” he said.

According to him, the committee is to monitor the implementation of federal directives and policies in Rivers, ensuring that the caretaker administration adhered to the law.

The speaker said that the sensitivity and gravity of the assignment could not be over-emphasised, describing it as a litmus test for the committee members’ commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance.

“The importance of the assignment places a considerable burden on the chairman and all members, as every action taken will be subject to national scrutiny,” he said.

Abbas urged the committee members to conduct their oversight with highest level of impartiality and monitor every aspect of the caretaker administration in strict accordance with the constitution.

“Beyond mere oversight, your work must actively support efforts to restore lasting peace and re-establish a fully functioning democratic system in Rivers State.

“You are called upon to interface with federal agencies, security institutions, and any reconciliation initiatives that may be established, fostering trust among all stakeholders in the process,” he said.

The speaker emphasised that the national assembly’s intervention in Rivers was not an instrument of political vendetta but a constitutional necessity.

He explained that it was the collective duty of the legislature to safeguard peace, security and rule of law in the state.

Abbas said any time that any state house of assembly was unable to perform its functions by reason of the situation prevailing in that state, the national assembly could make laws for the peace, order and good government in such state.

While commending President Bola Tinubu for rising to the occasion in Rivers, in accordance with section 305 of the constitution, he said it was a display of responsible leadership.

The speaker charged the Sole Administrator, Retired Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas to be highly transparent in the discharge of his duties, saying that his government is temporary.

Responding, Chairman of the committee, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, thanked the speaker for rising to the occasion.

Ihonvbere, a professor and House Majority Leader, promised not to fail the national assembly and Nigerians at large in the discharge of their mandate.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of the committee include: Ali Isa, Deputy Chairman, Isiaka Ibrahim, Idris Wase, Aliyu Betara, Sada Soli, James Faleke, Igariwey Enwo, Shehu Rijau and Wole Oke.

Others are: Akarachi Amadi, Patrick Umoh, James Barka, Alex Egbona, Isa Anka, Amos Daniel, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Onuh Onyeche, Fatima Talba, Chris Nkwonta and bibake Enenimiete. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Abdulaziz
Apr, Tue, 2025

Community

UTME: Candidates will sit for exams in states of registration- JAMB

144 total views today

By Veronica Dariya

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has assured that no candidate would sit for the board’s examination outside their state of registration.

Dr Fabian Benjamin, Public Communication Advisor, JAMB, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

Benjamin explained that some candidates, who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) outside their state of registration and residence, were sent to the available mock centres close to their areas.

He said this was because not all the Computer Based Test (CBT) centres were available to conduct the mock examination, adding that all registered centres would be available for the main exercise.

“If centres for mock in Abuja are filled up and there were available centres in Nasarawa State, candidates will be sent there.”

According to him, this is not likely to happen in the main examination because there will be more centres conducting the main examination.

He also explained that early registration of the UTME also determined how close a candidates’ centre would be to him or her.

He said that once a closer centre was already filled up, the candidate may be assigned any available centre within the state.

Benjamin had earlier in a statement on Sunday, said that the board acknowledged the delays and other challenges experienced by some candidates during the examination and regrets any inconvenience caused.

The challenges, the spokesperson had said, were anticipated due to the new features implemented to enhance the overall conduct of the main UTME.

“The mock examination serves as a trial version of the UTME, allowing the board to test new innovations while helping candidates familiarise themselves with the CBT environment.

“Over the years, this initiative has successfully achieved its objectives, addressing noted lapses and equipping candidates with valuable experience for the main examination.

“JAMB urges all candidates to continue making the necessary sacrifices to ensure a better examination experience that effectively serves their interests,” he said.

The 2025 UTME is scheduled to begin on April 25. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker