NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
SGF approves promotion of 18 FRSC senior officers
Defence/Security

SGF approves promotion of 18 FRSC senior officers

235 total views today
By Ibironke Ariyo
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, has approved the promotion of 18 senior officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), to the rank of Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM).
In a statement by the FRSC’s spokesman, Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Monday in Abuja, Akume said that the promotion was another critical move towards enhancing the management capacity of the FRSC.
The SGF said the promotion was also expected to bolster the corps’ leadership and operational effectiveness in promoting road safety and reducing crashes on Nigerian roads.
“Out of the 18 promoted officers, three are to proceed on retirement with effect from Monday, May 19. The three officers are; Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) YK Nadabo, ACM JA Akpa, as well as ACM P Okoyeocha.
“The remaining 15, who are still in active service are; ACM TL Bamigbayan, ACM JO Asolu, ACM AG Sanusi, ACM AM Hassan, CO Asom, ACM JW Toby, ACM I Abubakar.
“Others are: ACM AO Odeleye-Oladayo, ACM OM Ibirongbe, ACM E Odiete, ACM MO Olonusaye, ACM E SonAllah, ACM UA Ibrahim, ACM AR Aremu, as well as ACM JS Uduabba,”he said.
The SGF said that the rigorous, but transparent exercise that led to the success of the 18 senior officers was a reflection of President Bola Tinubu-led government’s commitment to strengthening FRSC’s management capacity.
Akume added that the development would enable the corps to tackle road safety challenges more effectively and efficiently.
Reacting, the Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, congratulated the newly promoted ACMs on their well-deserved promotion.
Mohammed revealed that the recognition of their expertise and dedication would undoubtedly motivate them to continue working tirelessly to promote road safety and save lives.
He emphasised that FRSC remained committed to its mandate of promoting road safety and reducing crashes on Nigerian roads.
“With the promotion of these 18 officers, the corps is better equipped to achieve its goals and make Nigerian roads safer for all users,”he maintained.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Remi Koleoso/Bashir Rabe Mani
Dangote pledges petrol price stability
Business

Dangote pledges petrol price stability

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By Yunus Yusuf

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining stable petrol prices, even as global crude oil prices continue to fluctuate.

This contained in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of the company, Mr Anthony Chiejina.

Chiejina stated that the company has consistently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), underscoring its dedication to supporting the Nigerian economy and easing the financial burden on consumers.

“This decision reflects our commitment to delivering affordable, high-quality petroleum products without compromising efficiency or sustainability.”

Chiejina emphasised that Dangote’s efforts align with the Federal Government’s Nigeria First policy, which prioritises local production.

He added that efforts also supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at economic recovery and national development.

“Refining petroleum products locally at the world’s largest single-train refinery allows us to significantly contribute to Nigeria’s energy security, conserve foreign exchange, and bolster economic resilience.

“We are deeply grateful to President Tinubu for enabling this through the Naira-for-Crude Initiative, which has helped reduce fuel prices for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“Dangote Petroleum Refinery reassured stakeholders—consumers, partners, and the government—of its continued focus on operational excellence and national service.

“We remain committed to ensuring that the benefits of our local refining capacity are fully realised by Nigerians. Affordability, quality, and national interest will always guide our operations,” he added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba

Why Nigeria must promote local languages, culture-Soyinka
Entertainment

Why Nigeria must promote local languages, culture-Soyinka

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By Mujidat Oyewole
Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has stressed the need to promote  Nigeria’s local languages and culture in order to drive national development.

Soyinka made the call on Monday while answering questions from newsmen after his visit to the Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts, University of Iloirn, as part of activities leading to the institution’s maiden Cultural Week.

He said that a language is repository of a people and community, adding that young people should be encouraged to understand the language of their forefathers.

According to Soyinka, language is a beautiful tool for expression.

“In the last head count it was discovered that there were 300 languages in Nigeria.

“We need to learn foreign languages that is spoken and recognised around the world to develop ourselves and the country, but this should not be to the detriment of our local language.

“We need to learn to read, write and invent in our local languages, even before we think or compose in other languages, to be able to conduct research and develop our country.”

The nobel laureate said that there was need to transform the old traditional ways of living to modern in order to get cultural value.

“This is by introducing the local foods, songs and ways of solving issues in the past to modern day living.

“We can start by asking our mothers how they did it perfectly in the past and use the method on our children.

“This is for them to be knowledgeable about their origin and make judicious use of the method to solve many issues in their present,” Soyinka said.

He also said that there was need for local languages to be made compulsory in schools and Nigerians to know their history and culture for them to be proud of their heritage.

“We need to cherish our culture and traditions as an African country in order to maintain our dignity and value.”

Earlier, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, had described Soyinka’s visit as a moment of pride and historical importance to the institution.

Egbewole, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, expressed the collective joy of the academic community in hosting a global cultural figure of Soyinka’s stature.

He noted that the establishment of the Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts was inspired by a vision that aligned closely with the nobel laureate’s lifelong dedication to arts and humanities.

The Vice Chancellor revealed that the Centre was conceptualised with figures like Soyinka in mind, saying that the initiative was borne out of genuine intentions to contribute meaningfully to cultural scholarship and global discourse.

He explained that the vision for the Centre had been nurtured over time and had now materialised with students enrolled in programmes across various levels, including diploma, undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

The Vice Chancellor expressed optimism that the Centre would grow to become one of the foremost institutions of its kind globally, especially with the involvement and endorsement of Soyinka. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Bayo Sekoni

2025 Hajj: NAHCON inspects tour operators’ feeding arrangements in Makkah
Foreign

2025 Hajj: NAHCON inspects tour operators’ feeding arrangements in Makkah

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By Abdulwahab Deji

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has intensified its efforts for the success of the 2025 Hajj by conducting a catering simulation exercise at the Rawaf Mina office in Makkah.

This is contained in a statement by Ahmad Musa, Head, Public Affairs, NAHCON made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Makkah.

The exercise was conducted to evaluate the quality, timeliness and standard of catering services arranged for the Nigerian Pilgrims under the Private Tour Operator quota.

The Commission’s Makkah Deputy Coordinator, Mr Alidu Shutti, led the delegation during the exercise.

Rawaf Mina, a Saudi-based company is responsible for provision of services to Nigerian Private Tour Operators’ pilgrims at the sacred sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah during the Hajj rites.

Shutti emphasised that the quality and quantity of meals in terms of taste, portion, and nutritional value must match what would be served to the Pilgrims during the Hajj.

“Timely delivery and consistency in quality, quantity are non-negotiable,” he stated, noting that the Commission’s goal is to elevate the 2025 Hajj experience to one of the best in recent time.

In response, Rawaf Mina CEO, Mr Zuhaer Sadayu, assured NAHCON officials that a dedicated food service consultant has been appointed to oversee all stages of meal preparation and delivery.

He pledged that feedback from the inspection would be meticulously addressed and incorporated into the final service provision plans in order to ensure Pilgrims receive full value for their money.

Also present at the event was NAHCON’s Saudi Liaison Officer, Ustaz Abubakar Lamin, who expressed gratitude to the Rawaf Mina team for facilitating the meals-tasting session and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to enhancing Pilgrims’ welfare across all aspects of the Hajj exercise.

This function forms part of NAHCON’s broader mission to ensure efficient and effective service delivery during the days of tashriq outing.

The Hajj Commission reaffirms that the welfare of Nigerian Pilgrims remained top priority in its operational mandate for the 2025 Hajj.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

German residents back weekly limit on working hours, survey suggests
Foreign

German residents back weekly limit on working hours, survey suggests

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German residents narrowly support shifting to a weekly limit on working hours, instead of a daily cap, according to a survey released on Monday.

The study, conducted by pollsters YouGov for dpa, found that 38 per cent of respondents would support the policy, while 20 per cent opposed it and 37 per cent are neutral.

The proposal, included in the new German government’s coalition agreement, would replace the existing daily cap of eight hours with a weekly limit, aiming to allow greater flexibility in scheduling working hours.

Under the proposed change, employees could work longer hours on fewer days – for example, four 10-hour days instead of five eight-hour days.

Among supporters of the policy, 82 per cent said the model offers more flexibility, such as enabling longer weekends.

About 44 per cent also see benefits for employers no longer bound by the eight-hour daily cap.

Critics fear reduced productivity and worker fatigue.

Two-thirds of opponents say productivity would drop after eight hours and 61 per cent worry extended shifts would strain employees.

When asked to choose between working four 10-hour days or five 8-hour days for the same pay, 37 per cent preferred the four-day week, while 28 per cent stuck with the current traditional model.

More than half of the opponents argued that they cannot stay productive beyond eight hours and around 40 per cent expressed concerns over having less time for family and hobbies.(dpa/NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

NCAA grants AMO certification to Flybird
General News

NCAA grants AMO certification to Flybird

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By Itohan Abara-Laserian

To further enhance Nigeria’s aircraft maintenance, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has granted Flybird Aircraft Management Services Ltd. an Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) certification.

 

Capt. Ahmed Borodo, Flybird’s Chief Executive Officer, confirmed this in a statement on Sunday.

 

Borodo said the approval marked a major step in the company’s ongoing commitment to safety, service quality, and operational excellence.

 

With the certification, Flybird is now officially authorised to perform aircraft maintenance in line with both national and international aviation standards.

 

Borodo added that the approval boosts Flybird’s capacity to deliver full Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) solutions to its own fleet and to third-party clients.

 

“This certification is a strategic milestone as we build a comprehensive aviation services platform.

 

“Our clients will benefit from faster turnaround times, improved maintenance quality, and enhanced operational reliability through our in-house technical services.

 

“We appreciate the NCAA’s support and their trust in our systems, processes, and personnel,” Borodo said.

 

He noted that the AMO certification places Flybird among the few Nigerian private jet operators with NCAA-approved maintenance capabilities.

 

This reinforces Flybird’s leadership in business aviation services across West Africa.

 

Ms Paulina Ogbaji, Flybird’s Line and Base Maintenance Manager, also welcomed the certification.

 

“This validates the dedication and skill of our maintenance team,” Ogbaji said.

 

She noted that Flybird has upheld high technical standards and is ready to support an expanding fleet with safe and efficient operations.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in 2024, Flybird also received an NCAA Air Operators Certificate as a non-scheduled carrier. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

NAHCON chairman lauds Madinah team’s feat on smooth Hajj operation
Foreign

NAHCON chairman lauds Madinah team’s feat on smooth Hajj operation

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By Deji Abdulwahab

Prof. Abdullahi Saleh, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has commended the outstanding efforts of the Madinah team in receiving Nigerian pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj.

The NAHCON boss said this in a statement issued by Hajiya Fatima Usara, the commission’s Assistant Director, Information and Publication, in Madinah on Sunday.

He praised the dedication, discipline, and tireless commitment of the Madinah team, describing their round-the-clock efforts in the service of pilgrims as a sacrifice for the success of the pilgrimage.

“As the first point of contact for the pilgrims, the Madinah team has gone above and beyond, sacrificing sleep and comfort to ensure that the pilgrims are warmly received, well-fed, and properly guided.

“Their performance has been truly commendable,” he said.

The NAHCON boss further expressed gratitude to the airlines and other key stakeholders whose contributions have been instrumental in the smooth and successful operations recorded so far.

“The NAHCON management cannot thank the NAHCON staff enough, nor can management adequately appreciate the airlines and other various partners for their seamless cooperation.

“It has been a collective effort, and the results are showing,” the Chairman said.

Saleh assured the public that the focus would soon shift to Makkah, where the next wave of arriving pilgrims would be received.

He gave assurance that the Makkah team was fully prepared and has already braced up to replicate and even exceed the standard set in Madinah.

He expressed deep confidence that pilgrims would enjoy a smooth Hajj experience this year.

The NAHCON boss reaffirmed NAHCON’s resolve to abide by its vision statement: “To provide efficient and effective services to the pilgrims”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Newgate University gets accreditation for courses
Education

Newgate University gets accreditation for courses

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By Rita Iliya

Newgate University Minna (NUM) in Niger State has received full accreditation for its undergraduate programmes from the National Universities Commission (NUC), following an evaluation conducted in October and November 2024.

 

In a statement signed by Mrs Usman Yamman, Director of Academic Planning of NUM, in Minna on Sunday, said the accreditation was officially granted in early 2025.

 

Yamman said that the programmes reviewed included Software Engineering, Mass Communication, Accounting, Nursing Science, and Public Health; adding that the programmes received scores above 90 per cent.

 

She said that the NUC also approved two new academic programmes for the institution: a six-year Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B).

 

“These new programmes are designed to meet rising professional demands in the fields of health sciences and law, and they reflect the university’s forward-looking curriculum development strategy.”

 

Yamman said that the university’s programmes achieved an average score of 86.9 per cent in the assessment, which covered academic standards, infrastructure and instructional quality.

 

She described the development as “a significant validation of the university’s academic direction and its commitment to quality.

 

“The NUC’s comprehensive assessment involved in-depth resource verification and quality audits of our teaching facilities, staff qualifications, curricula, and infrastructure.

 

”These results confirm that NUM’s academic offerings meet or exceed the national minimum academic standards,” she said.

 

Yamman added that the university has secured approval from relevant professional bodies.

 

“These include the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Registration Board of Nigeria (MRTB), and the Council for Legal Education (CLE), which oversee standards in their respective fields,” she said.

 

She stressed that the accreditations and approvals are expected to impact student enrollment and public perception positively.

 

“Our goal remains clear — to ensure that every graduate from NUM is equipped with the knowledge, skills and professional grounding to excel both nationally and globally.

 

“The public is reminded that 2025/2026 session admissions, for the bachelors degree programmes into Nursing Sciences, Medical Laboratory Science, Doctor of Physiotherapy(DPT), Software Engineering, Information and Communication Technology have commenced.

 

“Others are Cybersecurity, LLB, International Relations and Diplomatic Studies, Accounting, Mass Communication and Business Administration,” she added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Stanley Nwanosike/Ismail Abdulaziz

2025 Hajj: Our pilgrims will enjoy quality meals, says NAHCON
General News

2025 Hajj: Our pilgrims will enjoy quality meals, says NAHCON

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By Deji Abdulwahab

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it will ensure the contracted catering facilities comply with standards while serving meals to Nigerian pilgrims.

The commission’s Medina Feeding Committee, headed by Alhaji Abdullahi Kabir, said this in a statement issued by its Public Affairs Officer, Malam Ahmad Muazu, in Abuja on Friday.

Kabir said this during an inspection to the seven contracted catering facilities in Madina.

“As more than 17,000 Nigerian pilgrims already arrive in Medina for the 2025 Hajj, NAHCON has implemented a rigorous oversight system to ensure consistent quality in its extensive feeding operation.”

According to him, the committee inspectors examine the quality of all food ingredients, verifying that raw materials meet nutritional standards before the preparation process.

“They scrutinise expiration dates on every packaged item, from spices to preserved goods, enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for expired products.

“Additionally, inspectors verify strict adherence to NAHCON’s mandate for natural ingredients, prohibiting artificial flavour enhancers and preservatives that could compromise the nutritional value or authenticity of traditional Nigerian dishes.

“These recurring inspections ensure that kitchens maintain compliance with NAHCON’s exacting standards while serving thousands of meals twice daily,” Kabir said.

According to him, the commission’s Medina Feeding Committee, conducts regular inspections of the catering facilities, maintaining vigilant supervision as the massive feeding operation unfolds.

“The continuous monitoring of every aspect of the feeding programme demonstrates an institutional commitment that extends beyond mere sustenance to encompass dignity and cultural respect.”

Kabir said that the committee evaluated all the seven contracted kitchens in Medinah.

The kitchens are Africana Home Restaurant, Amjad Alghraa, Al-Andalus, Mawasim Khairat, Na’a Azad, Zowar Muktara, and Kabala Catering.

He said that the criteria for evaluation include sanitation protocols, equipment functionality, and staff performance.

Kabir added that the inspections extended to workforce composition requiring the employment of Nigerian cooks and support staff within each kitchen operation.

According to him, this provision ensures culturally authentic meal preparation while creating employment opportunities for Nigerians during the Hajj season.

During a meeting with food service providers, Madinah Coordinator, Alhaji Abdulkadir Oloyin, addressed concerns regarding packaging standards.

“The use of substandard containers is categorically unacceptable,” Oloyin said.

Oloyin directed the use of uniform packaging designed to preserve food safety while enhancing the dignity of the dining experience.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

UN Week: FRSC  seeks greater safety for pedestrians, cyclists in Anambra 
Defence/Security

UN Week: FRSC  seeks greater safety for pedestrians, cyclists in Anambra 

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By Chimezie Anaso

The Federal Road Safety of Commission (FRSC) has called for protection of pedestrians and cyclists on roads from accidents, injuries and deaths.

The Sector Commander of FRSC in Anambra, Joyce Alexander, made the call at the commencement of  2025 United Nations Road Safety Week in Awka on Thursday.

The global theme for  the 2025 UN Road Safety Week is “Rethink Mobility: Make Walking and Cycling Safe”.

Alexander called on the Anambra government to build road furniture including pedestrian bridges, lighting and markings to enhance the safety of those categories of road users.

She advised pedestrians to make use of bridges where they were available instead of dashing across the highway thereby exposing themselves to danger of accident and possible death.

The sector commander described walking and cycling as healthy and environment friendly modes of transportation.

She encouraged Anambra residents to adopt them because of their fitness, ecological and cost benefits.

“This event is part of the global awareness on road safety. We call on all stakeholders, traffic managers and motorists to contribute to making sure that pedestrians and cyclists are safe.

“We call on the state government to consider safety of road users and put in place furniture that can guarantee safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

”We encourage these set of road users to always use the bridges and walk against oncoming traffic,” she said.

Alexander said the UN Road Safety Week activities in Anambra would include road sensitisation rally, media tour, school visits.

She said it would also include Road Safety Officers Wives visit to fleet operators, Jumat prayer and Church thanksgiving on Sunday.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

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