Ismail Abdulaziz - News Agency Of Nigeria

Ismail Abdulaziz
Jul, Fri, 2025

LG chairman sues Niger Govt. over alleged tenure reduction

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By Taiye Agbaje

Alhaji Aminu Yakubu-Ladan, the Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government Area (LGA) in Niger, has sued the state government over alleged reduction of tenure of local government chairmen and councillors.

Yakubu-Ladan, in the suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, sought an order restraining the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC) and its co-defendants from conducting the scheduled LGAs’ election until the expiration of their tenure.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NSIEC had fixed Nov. 1 for the conduct of the local government poll across the state.

However, the plaintiff, in the suit, named the Attorney-General of Niger State, the house of assembly, NSIEC, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Inspector-General (I-G) of Police as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

The chairman is challenging the constitutionality of the Niger State Local Government Law, 2001 which seeks to reduce the tenure of local government chairmen and councillors from four years to three years.

Yakubu-Ladan, in the originating summons marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1370/2025, dated July 10 but filed July 11 by his counsel, Chris Udeoyibo, sought eight questions for determination.

The chairman questions whether the state government can enforce inconsistent local government law, 2001 (as amended) which clashed with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022.

“Should Niger State Local Government Law Section 29 (2) be declared unconstitutional for clashing with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022,” he said.

The plaintiff seeks a declaration that four years tenure for local government chairmen and councillors is constitutionally guaranteed by virtue of the constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022.

The suit also challenged NSIEC preparation for local government elections slated for Nov. 1.

The plaintiff, therefore, seeks an order restraining the defendants from the elections on Nov. 1 until the expiration of four years tenure for chairmen and councillors.

The suit also seeks to restrain INEC and the I-G from providing logistical support and security protection for the election.

Yakubu-Ladan argued that the state’ local government law, 2001 is inconsistent with Section 7 of the constitution and Section 018 and 150 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

The suit is yet to be assigned to a judge as at the time of the report.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FG has retrieved passports, to repatriate stranded Nigerians in CAR

Ismail Abdulaziz
Jul, Fri, 2025

Foreign

FG has retrieved passports, to repatriate stranded Nigerians in CAR

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By Fortune Abang

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it has made contact with the stranded Nigerians in the Central African Republic.

This is contained in a statement by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the spokesperson of the Ministry on Friday in Abuja.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that the affected Nigerians have been contacted by the hardworking officials of our Mission in the Central African Republic.

“The Embassy of Nigeria in Bangui is actively engaging with relevant authorities to ensure the safety, protection and swift repatriation of the affected Nigerian nationals.

“Their passports have been retrieved successfully and a vehicle has been sent to Bambari to evacuate the stranded Nigerians to Bangui.

“They are likely to arrive in the capital city with a military escort on Saturday, July 26, 2025,” Ebienfa said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this is coming against backdrop of a trending video about stranded Nigerian nationals in Bambari region of the country.

The workers were reported in the video to have been abandoned by their employers and facilitators within the region that is about 850 kilometres from the capital, Bangui.

Ebienfa said that discussions are also ongoing with the company for their accommodation and welfare while in Bangui and their subsequent repatriation to Nigeria.

He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of its citizens everywhere in the world.

Ebienfa urged Nigerians travelling abroad for work to always verify the credibility of their employers and ensure proper documentation before departure.

‘’Nigerians are also advised to register their presence and that of their employees with the Embassy of Nigeria whenever they are in any foreign country, to avert unpleasant experiences in event of consular issues.’’(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Bago’s wife tasks residents on measles rubella vaccine acceptance

Ismail Abdulaziz
Jul, Fri, 2025

Health

Bago’s wife tasks residents on measles rubella vaccine acceptance

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By Rita Iliya
Hajiya Fatima Bago, wife of Niger Governor, on Thursday sensitised the residents on measles rubella vaccine, which would soon be launched in the country in October.

The governor’s wife, during the campaign in Minna, said the vaccine would reduce childhood illnesses and maternal deaths.

She said that the campaign was a vital step in the state government’s commitment to prioritising the health and welfare of residents.

“The fight against vaccine preventable diseases requires unity, government health workers, traditional leaders, families and communities. All have a role to play,” she said.

Bago reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum to protect children under five years of age on timely immunisation.

She urged residents to serve as ambassadors for the awareness and partake in the measles rubella vaccine.

The governor’s wife also called on wives of local government chairmen to lead the sensitisation campaign in their localities.

According to her, they should engage families, visit health centres and ensure every eligible child from nine months old to 14 years, is vaccinated.

She said the WHO emphasised that the vaccine, which could prevent mother-to-child diseases, is safe for children.

She added that the event was also to mark the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu.

In his remarks, Dr Isah Vatsa, North Central Coordinator and Consultant for Measles Rubella Vaccine, said over the years many children had died from complications from measles rubella in Nigeria.

He explained that measles rubella vaccine would protect children from complications such as blindness, deafness, diarrhoea and death.

“The vaccine will be among other vaccines to be given during routine immunisation to prevent children from complications,” he said.

Also speaking, Dr Ibrahim Dangana, Commissioner for Primary Healthcare in Niger, said the state would provide a counterpart funding of N1.6 billion for the vaccination three million children.

He explained that the vaccine was effective, safe and free and appealed to parents not to deny their children the vaccine

Dangana also reminded the residents of the spread of cholera, which had reached 409 cases and 13 deaths, adding that the treatment was free. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Joe Idika

Some judicial amendment proposals lack utilitarian values – JB Daudu

Ismail Abdulaziz
Jul, Thu, 2025

Judiciary

Some judicial amendment proposals lack utilitarian values – JB Daudu

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By Ebere Agozie

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), JB Daudu, has said some of the judicial proposals submitted to the National Assembly for review lack utilitarian values.

Daudu made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

“One of those proposals is the judicial resignation and succession protocol that regulates resignation procedures for Justices and Judges to avoid abrupt and destabilising departures.

“This is a typical example of institutional idleness.

”How can these transfer mechanisms be observed in the event of sudden death, resignation as a result of grave illness or even sudden resignation as a result of compelling personal reasons?

“Such eventualities and their after effect cannot be regulated upon,’’ the learned silk added.

He argued that the proponents of the amendment lost sight of the fact that the courts are courts of records, and that it is not the Chief Judge or any other Head of Court that is the record keeper.

“Indeed, the records are kept by the chief registrar and his coterie of registrars and clerks, who are civil servants and are permanent features in the establishment’’.

He said that another wild goose chase proposal was that there should be mandatory National Judicial Council (NJC) investigations before the removal of heads of court.

“It is thought that there is a problem with the provisions of Section 292(1)(a)(i) &(ii) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which forbids the removal of judicial officers, especially heads of court, by Governors and Houses of Assembly without recourse first and foremost to NJC investigation.

“This proposal, it is thought, will institutionalize fair hearing rights, ensure due process, and insulate judicial officers from arbitrary removal.’’

He noted that the proposal was the most curious of the proposed amendments as it does not introduce any new position to the state of affairs.

“This is because Section 292(1)(a)(i) & (iì) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) already requires the input of the NJC before a head of court can be removed.

“The solution to acts of executive recklessness and lawlessness of attempts by governors to remove sitting chief judges is not because the present constitution does not forbid it.

“It is because of the attitudinal disposition of some governors to power.

”We will always have people who in their power drunkenness will interpret the constitution in ways and manner which suits their ego or political calculations.

“Consequently, amending the constitution in the manner suggested will not serve any useful purpose,’’ he added.

On the suggestion that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) should have an input in the removal of Judges, Daudu submitted that that proposal is a non-starter.

“It has already failed. This is because the only amendment needed is to allow the five members nominated by the NBA to participate in matters relating to the discipline of Judges.

“I have for years advocated for the removal of the provision in the constitution that limits lawyers from participating in the removal of judicial officers.“

He also frowned on any hindrances to judicial continuity and stability.

The proposal in this regard seeks to empower newly elevated judges to conclude part-heard criminal matters rather than starting afresh, thereby saving judicial time and avoiding injustice.

“The proposal ignores the practical realities, and the injustice associated with a judge who has left the services of a court and has taken the oath of office of another court hierarchy to return to the court he had been elevated from.

“It is submitted that no amount of constitutional amendment will cure that abnormality and aberration.

“It is better to defer the swearing in of an appointed or promoted judge until when he has completed all his part-heard matters than to cause such a judicial personnel to return to a court that he has exited from.

“No one seems to consider the psyche of all the parties concerned, no matter how it is couched.’’

He said that a constitution is a very document that should lay out the basic and indeed, fundamental rules for the governance of the country.

“It is not a factory manual on work and safety regulations. Our legislators should accord the constitution more seriousness than they are presently doing,’’ he said. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Dangote, Gates foundations, others sign MoU on immunisation in Chad

Ismail Abdulaziz
Jul, Thu, 2025

General News

Dangote, Gates foundations, others sign MoU on immunisation in Chad

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Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global health partners to strengthen routine immunisation in Chad.

This is contained in a statement from the Aliko Dangote Foundation and signed by Anthony Chiejina on Tuesday in Abuja.

Chiejina said other partners who sealed agreement are the Gates Foundation, GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, and the Government of Chad.

He said the MoU would help Chad to strengthen routine immunisation across the country’s 13 provinces over the next three years.

He said was building on an initial agreement signed in 2019 which covered 3 provinces.

Chiejina said the Managing Director/CEO of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, signed the MoU on behalf of the Foundation.

He added that Youssoufou emphasised the importance of collaboration and sustained investment in health systems to protect every child in Chad.

“This partnership is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when governments, development partners, and philanthropic organisations unite for a common goal.

”By strengthening routine immunisation and working to eradicate polio, we are giving children in Chad the chance to live healthier, more productive lives,” Youssoufou said.

Chiejina said that the three-year initiative would support Chad to increase routine immunisation coverage, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach areas.

He added that it would mobilise resources and technical expertise to interrupt any remaining transmission of the poliovirus and enhance disease surveillance, health worker training, and vaccine supply chains.

”(It will) to promote community engagement using Community Reorientation Women Network initiative for demand generation for immunisation services and build sustainable local capacity to maintain high immunisation coverage beyond the duration of the MoU.”

The Government of Chad was represented by Prime Minister Allamaye Halina, and the Minister of Public Health, Abdelmadjid Abderahim, among others.

Halina underscored Chad’s commitment to achieving universal immunisation coverage and eliminating preventable childhood diseases.

The CEO of GAVI, Mrs Sania Nishtar, who joined the meeting virtually from Geneva said: “We would like to congratulate the government of Chad for the immense achievement with the previous MoU and the increases that has been recorded in vaccination coverages particularly with the reduction in zero dose children from 45% in 2017 to 16% in 2024.”

President of Global Development of the Gates Foundation, Chris Elias, said the new MoU was a vehicle to achieve the ambitions of the new Chadian 2025-2030 National Immunization Strategy.

Elias said it would set the country on the path to achieving the 80 per cent vaccination coverage target in Penta 3 from the current 67 per cent coverage.

“At the Gates Foundation, we reaffirm our commitment to the government of Chad to help it deliver its National Immunisation Strategy by providing a financing commitment of $3 million USD over the three years which will resource both the MoU implementation and the vaccination coverage survey.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Adinya foundation applauds Taraba’s human trafficking bill

Ismail Abdulaziz
Jul, Thu, 2025

General News

Adinya foundation applauds Taraba’s human trafficking bill

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By Nana Musa

Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba has signed into law the Prohibition Against Human Trafficking (PAHT) bill for the protection of the vulnerable population and upholding of human rights.

Ms Mabel Ade, Executive Director of the Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF), who welcomed the development, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

AAF is a leading civil society organisation and Anchor of the USAID Palladium SCALE Counter Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) Commission Cluster project.

Ade described the signing of the bill as a milestone, for the fact that the SCALE project funding was halted following USAID’s closure of the programme.

‘’Despite the unexpected termination of donor funding, AAF sustained the implementation of CTIP interventions through self-funding as part of its broader sustainability strategy.

‘’These efforts have culminated in the assent of the bill; a legislative milestone promised by the state government during the USAID SCALE Closeout Summit held on September 25, 2024.

“Nothing is as heartwarming as seeing your efforts come to fruition.

“We commend His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for keeping his promise and demonstrating that the protection of human dignity remains a top priority of his administration.

‘’Our gratitude also goes to the Taraba State House of Assembly for their unanimous support and legislative courage,” Ade said.

She said the new law would strengthen the legal framework for prosecution of traffickers, protect survivors, and prevent future trafficking, particularly among women, girls, and vulnerable populations.

In a related development, the Taraba Ministry of Women Affairs have rescued young girls tracked to Guinea and forced into sex slavery.

Ade said that this is an early indication of the state’s renewed determination to take concrete action against human trafficking.

She applauded the state’s commissioners of Justice, Information and Reorientation, and Women Affairs and other stakeholders, for their advocacy, and coordination that made it a success.

‘’As Taraba State celebrates this moment, Adinya Arise Foundation and all Cluster Members (ECJP, NUJ, GERI, OSA Foundation and JDPC) calls on sister states of Benue and Oyo to accelerate the passage and signing of their CTIP bills.

‘’The momentum is now, and no child, woman, or man should be left unprotected,’’ Ade said.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Gov. Abdulrazaq congratulates Adedoyin on birthday

Ismail Abdulaziz
Jul, Thu, 2025

General News

Gov. Abdulrazaq congratulates Adedoyin on birthday

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Birthday
Abuja, July 24, 2025 (NAN) Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara has congratulated Alhaji Raheem Adedoyin on his 64th birthday anniversary.

In a congratulatory message made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, the governor acknowledged the support of the veteran journalist for his administration.

The governor, in the message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, also commended Adedoyin for his efforts to strengthen the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state.

Abdulrazaq further paid tributes to the publisher for his progressive leadership role in the media profession in Nigeria and on the global stage.

A fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the governor also cited Adedoyin’s accomplishments as an executive of the International Press Institute, Vienna, and as Chairman of the Editorial Board of the Herald Newspapers.

He prayed Allah to give Adedoyin many more years of good health and happiness. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Nigeria, China partnership key to industrialisation- NCSP

Ismail Abdulaziz
Jul, Wed, 2025

General News

Nigeria, China partnership key to industrialisation- NCSP

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By Angela Atabo

The Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral collaboration between Nigeria and China as part of efforts to drive Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic growth.

NCSP Director-General Joseph Tegbe made this known in a statement issued in Abuja after a media interactive session.

He underscored NCSP’s role as a critical enabler, fostering productive partnerships between Nigerian stakeholders and Chinese business leaders.

Tegbe also highlighted the NCSP’s ongoing commitment to coordinating investments, facilitating stakeholder engagements, and ensuring due diligence to guarantee that Nigeria and China collaborations yield tangible, long-term benefits.

He reiterated NCSP’s mandate to steer the implementation of projects under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, while also pursuing additional partnerships beyond the formal agreements.

“Our focus is to ensure that Nigeria not only implements Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) — a platform for strengthening political and economic ties between China and African nations established in 2000.

“We are paving the way for Nigerian products to gain access to Chinese and broader Asian markets while accelerating the execution of strategic, game-changing national development projects later this year.

“Following the elevation of Nigeria-China relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership and the establishment of the NCSP, Nigeria has recorded significant milestones in key sectors,” he said.

According to Tegbe, recent engagements have secured more than 20 billion dollars in investment commitments, focusing on critical sectors such as agriculture, automotive manufacturing, mining, steel production, and energy.

He said these investments were set to boost food security, create jobs, and drive a new wave of industrial development in the country.

He also said that the NCSP’s activities aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at fast-tracking national development and positioning Nigeria as Africa’s industrial powerhouse.

He said his desire is to continue to bridge policy and execution by coordinating efforts across government agencies, the private sector, and diplomatic entities.

This, Tegbe said, was to ensure Nigeria maximises its trade and investment relations with China for sustainable economic advancement.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kayode Olaitan

Ismail Abdulaziz
Jul, Wed, 2025

General News

From Classroom to Newsroom: A trainee’s First Day

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By Harriet Otoku

The first day on the job is always a mix of excitement and nerves, but for a fresh industrial trainee, it’s a whole new world.

On 16th July, 2025 I stepped into the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as an IT student, my first day was a whirlwind of new experiences and challenges.

My first day at the news office started with a minor challenge.

I hopped into the elevator, pressed the button for the 4th floor (where my department was located), and waited.

The doors opened, and I stepped out, ready to start my day. But something was off.

The floor looked nothing like the photos I had seen. I was on the wrong floor! Panic set in as I realised I had no idea where I was.

After a moment of bewilderment, I decided to retrace my steps. I rode the elevator up and down, eventually finding my floor, thanks to a friendly Senior colleague who pointed me in the right direction.

It was a comical start to my training, and a great icebreaker with my new coworkers.

Stepping into the bustling news agency, I was immediately struck by the energy and the sheer scale of operations.

The air buzzed with a frenetic energy, a symphony of clicking keyboards and hushed tones of conversations, all working in sync to deliver the latest news.

The prospect of stepping into such a dynamic environment was both exhilarating and daunting. I was ready to dive headfirst into the world of digital journalism.

My assignment; the Multimedia Department. Stepping into the department felt like entering a creative hub.

Computer screens displayed breaking news, while a team of editors and designers worked with focused intensity. It was a world where visuals meet information.

My initial task was simple, to shadow the team and observe the workflow.

From video editing to graphic design, the department was a beehive of activities.

The day wasn’t just about observing. I was given a small task to write a compelling feature about my experience and what I want to offer to the department.

The feeling of contributing, of being part of the team, was immediate and rewarding.

The experience was a stark contrast to the theoretical world of the classroom.

It was a reminder that IT isn’t just about coding, it’s about solving real-world problems.

I realised that my theoretical knowledge was now being put to the test in a real-world setting.

The day ended with a sense of accomplishment and excitement.

The experience taught me the importance of practical skills and the value of hands-on learning.

It was a day of challenges, but also a day of growth, and it solidified my passion for the field.

I left NAN that day with a sense of a renewed appreciation for the power of digital journalism and New Media.(NAN)

Otoku is an IT student from Veritas University, Abuja.

NOSDRA D-G gets Blueprint Award for public service

Ismail Abdulaziz
Jul, Tue, 2025

General News

NOSDRA D-G gets Blueprint Award for public service

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The Blueprint Newspapers has awarded the Director-General of National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Chukwuemeka Woke, with a Public Service Excellence.

This is recognition of Woke’s exceptional leadership and commitment to public service since he assumed office.

The award took place during the newspaper’s 2025 Public Lecture, Impact Series, and Award Ceremony on Tuesday in Abuja.

President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of Woke as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the NOSDRA in May 2024.

The Blueprints, with the theme “Exploring the Potential of Livestock Exports” was attended by the top government functionaries, media, civil society, and the private sector.

It is aimed at celebrating individuals and institutions making impactful contributions to national development.

Woke was commended for his outstanding commitment to environmental protection, regulatory excellence, and innovative leadership in oil spill detection and response.

The award particularly noted NOSDRA’s deployment of technology-driven solutions and strengthened enforcement of environmental compliance within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Director General, Dr Olusola Oladipo, Director of Planning, Policy Analysis, and Research at NOSDRA, commended Blueprint for the honour.

“This award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and visionary leadership of Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke.”

The event also featured discussions on national resilience, institutional performance, and the media’s role in shaping governance.

Personalities from public and private sectors were recognised for their contributions to sustainable development.

Members of NOSDRA’s management team were in attendance in solidarity with the Director-General.

Blueprint’s management emphasised that the event aims to inspire excellence, accountability, and visionary leadership across all sectors of Nigerian society.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz