NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
General News

FG pledges affordable housing for low-income Nigeriens

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By Ahmed Musa/Angela Atabo

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwz has stated the Federal Government’s commitment to provide affordable housing for low-income earners in Nigeria.

Dangiwa said this at an event to mark the 2024 World Habitat Day in Abuja on Thursday.

The World Habitat Day is a day set aside by the United Nations to promote a better urban future.

The theme of the day is: “Engaging Youth to create a better urban future and Youth leading climate and local action for cities”.

Dangiwa said the government focused on policies to support lower-income individuals via the National Social Housing Fund, aimed at assisting Nigerians in accessing affordable housing.

He said the policy targeting youth involvement in climate resilience and urban development, to ensure active youth participation and promote inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities.

The minister underscored the importance of addressing urbanisation challenges, raising awareness about housing needs, and providing sustainable urban shelter.

According to him, sustainable development is a shared responsibility, requiring the incorporation of youth perspectives into urban planning and development.

“The Federal Government is taking steps to address the housing deficit, investing in housing and infrastructure under President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope cities and estate programme.

“The programme aims to build 50,000 housing units in phase one, with construction underway across 14 states.

“A workshop on green building, in collaboration with the World Bank, was also initiated to incorporate sustainable climate practices into housing projects.”

Dangiwa reitrated government’s commitment to implement policies to support urban regeneration, improve housing finance systems and enhance the National Urban Governance Framework.

Mr Shehu Osidi, Managing Director, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), said the bank would continued to provide affordable housing loans to young Nigerians, support institutions as well as contribute to the growth and transformation of urban centres. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

General News

NAN to deploy modern ICT tools for quality service delivery – Ali

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By Olaide Ayinde

Malam Ali M. Ali, the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), says the agency will deploy modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools to enhance quality service delivery.

He stated this on Thursday during an assessment tour to the Bauchi Zonal office of the agency.

According to Ali, the agency needs to scale up by employing modern techniques to satisfy the needs of its subscribers.

He reiterated commitment of the management to reposition the agency through viable infrastructure development for effective service delivery.

Ali, who acknowledged the dedication and resilience of the editorial staff in the Bauchi zone in discharging their duties, announced plans to reopen district offices in Bauchi and Gombe, to boost grassroots reportage.

“The dawn of the digital era, Artificial Intelligence, these are challenges we have to contend with and already the management are thinking ahead of time.

“The Bauchi Zonal office is not doing badly but it could do better, and doing better means greater editorial direction and managerial support from Abuja.

“One of the reasons why we are doing this assessment tour is to see and assess on a firsthand basis the extent of the challenges, the gaps of operational facilities, working tools and general infrastructure,” he said.

He said the agency would conduct training for its staff to enable them to get acquainted and exposed to modern reporting skills.

NAN MD, Ali M. Ali (centre), during an assessment tour of the agency’s office on Thursday in Bauchi 

Ali said the agency would utilise renewable energy to improve power supply to its offices and encourage productivity.

The NAN helmsman tasked marketing personnel to double their efforts toward ensuring that more clients subscribe to its services and boost revenue base.

While urging personnel to show greater commitment to service, Ali encouraged team building among the staff for proper coordination.

Also, Mr Ephraims Sheyin, the Editor-in-Chief of the agency, charged reporters to prioritise court, commercial and human angle reportage at the grassroots.

Sheyin enjoined reporters to do everything possible within their reach to give NAN an edge to stand out.

Earlier, Mr Rabiu Sani-Ali, the Manager, Bauchi Zonal Office, sought for deployment of modern working gadgets to aid news reporting.

He also called for engagement of additional workers to serve as gardeners, cleaners and security guards in the office. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Rabiu Sani-Ali

Defence/Security

Taoreed Lagbaja is alive – Army

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army has refuted the rumoured death of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, by some individuals on social platforms.

The army refuted the rumour in a post on its official X Handle on Sunday, tagging a post by one Jackson Ude as: “Fake News”.

Some online reports had insinuated that the Army Chief had passed on in an undisclosed hospital abroad.

All the reports quoted the said Jackson Ude as their source without any official confirmation from the Army and Defence Headquarters.

However, the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Saturday, issued a statement that the COAS was on leave and also attending to his health outside the country.

Nwachukwu said that there was no leadership vacuum in the Nigerian Army, clarifying that the Chief of Policy and Plans, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim, was in charge of affairs in the army.

He said that while some of the stories were laughable and deserved no further reference, others had bothered on pure mischief calculated to cause panic and confusion within the rank and file, as well as the general public.

“To be very clear, the Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances.

“Before proceeding on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS, while he is away.

“This is not peculiar to the army as there have been instances where unforeseen human frailty kept service chiefs away for about three months, and their Chiefs of Policy and Plans held sway in their absence.

“The Army Headquarters, therefore, enjoins the general public to remain confident in the Nigerian Army and be assured that the Service remains on top of the security situations in the country and is ever ready to defend Nigeria against any aggression on its land territory.

“Meanwhile, the Army Headquarters wishes to thank all well-meaning Nigerians who have shown genuine concern about Lt.-Gen.T. A. Lagbaja and have continued to pray for him,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Defence/Security

Army to procure new platforms for artillery corps — COAS

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By Mohammed Tijjani

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says the Army Headquarters will upgrade existing equipment and procure new platforms for the Artillery Corps to boost its operational capabilities.

He stated this on Friday at the closing ceremony of Exercise Vulcan Glow X, 2024 , Firepower Demonstration at the Nigerian Army Military Training Range, Kachia LGA, Kaduna State.

The exercise is being conducted annually at artillery formations and units on the employment of artillery resources in all phases of conventional, hybrid and asymmetric warfare as well as military operations other than war.

The theme of the exercise is: “Integration of Emerging Technologies into Training for Enhanced Fire Support to Nigerian Army Operations in a Joint Environment”.

Represented by Maj.-Gen. Sani Muhammad, the Chief of Training, Army, Lagbaja said the exercise availed the participants opportunities to sharpen their skills, knowledge and expertise in the conduct of artillery tactics, techniques and procedures..

”This is to effectively provide fire support to manoeuvre forces, taking advantage of existing technologies and new innovations,” he said.

Commander, Corps of Artillery, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, presenting souvenir to Maj.-Gen. Sani Muhammad, Chief of Training, Army, at the final phase of Exercise Vulcan Glow X in Kachia LGA

According to him, this year’s theme is carefully selected to ensure that the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery keeps pace with the latest trends in new and emerging technologies in line with its modernisation drive.

Lagbaja applauded the performance of the formations and the foresight of the corps toward integrating emerging technologies into training for enhanced fire support to Nigerian Army operations.

“Indeed, sound fire support is essential for success in the current volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous operational environment.

“The complexity and sophistication of the drivers of insecurity that cut across political, economic, cultural and social spheres of our national life constitute major impediments to the Nigerian military and other law enforcement agencies.

“These issues which are further exacerbated by shifting demographics, globalisation and rapidly changing technologies, among other factors, have clearly reinforced the need for new patterns of trainings, adaptations and contingencies.

“I am particularly happy that the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery has continued to be innovative and also utilising its new technologies for provision of effective fire support to the Nigerian Army.

“This has evidently manifested in the various theatres of operation across the country, “he said.

Lagbaja explained that the periodic assessment visits to the Nigerian Army School of Artillery and other artillery formations provided better understanding of the state of integral weapon systems, equipment and other capabilities.

The Army chief congratulated the corps for sustaining remarkable progress through periodic gun repairs, research and development initiatives.

According to him, the tenacity and focus is a reflection of your excellent performance at the Research and Development Exhibition conducted during the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2024.

He described the feat of exploring indigenous solutions to address present challenges as commendable.

The army chief enjoined the Corps of the Nigerian Army to devote more attention towards improving indigenous research and development programmes and transform them into world class repairs, maintenance and manufacturing systems.

He also commended the Commander Corps of Artillery, gunner officers and soldiers for their efforts in ensuring the successful conduct of the exercise.

“Your commitment towards enhancing the proficiency of the Artillery Corps is consistent with the strategic objectives of my command philosophy.

”This is to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our responsibilities”.

While commending President Bola Tinubu for his support to the Nigerian Army, Lagbaja tasked the Corps not to rest on its oars but to keep the shells flying and continue to be the Corps of Proud Professionals.

Earlier, the Commander, Corps of Artillery, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, said the training was critical to achieving any desired end in military operations.

Kangye restated commitment to develop skilled and competent artillery personnel as well ad maintain serviceable platforms and equipment required for the provision of accurate, timely and effective fire support to NA operations.

”This year’s exercise has consolidated on the gains of last year with the participation of NA Space Command through the deployment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle systems for observation and correction of fall of shots”.  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

General News

Kano govt donates N100m to Jigawa tanker explosion victims

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By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf of Kano State has donated N100 million to the survivors and deceased families of petrol tanker explosion that occurred at Majiya town of Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa.

Kabir-Yusuf announced this during a sympathy visit to Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa, on Thursday in Dutse.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 150 persons lost their lives and over 50 others injured when a petrol tanker exploded in Majia on Tuesday night.

The governor, who expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate incident, described it as “greatest tragedy that has befallen not only Jigawa, but Nigeria in general.

“On behalf of the government and good people of Kano state, I’m here to commiserate with you over this unfortunate and tragic fire incident that cost the lives and properties of innocent citizens of your state in Majiya town of Taura local government.

“It is unfortunate that the Jigawa government and indeed Nigeria lost over 100 lives of innocent citizens.

“The poeple of Kano and Jigawa are brothers and sisters, therefore, on behalf of the government and good people the state, I wish to announce a token donation of N100 million so that the government can take care of victims at hospital, as well as the families of those that departed,” he said.

He prayed Almighty Allah to grant those who lost their lives Jannatul Firdaus and quick recovery to those who survived the incident.

Responding, Namadi, expressed profound gratitude to Yusuf and the people of Kano state for the kind donation.

“We tank you for the visit. On behalf of the government and the people of Jigawa, I want thank you and the people of Kano state for this show of solidarity and brotherhood,” Namadi said.

Namadi further said that so far 167 persons died while 97 others hospitalised. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Oil & Gas

Litigations delay implementation of host communities trust fund – Stakeholders

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By Emmanuella Anokam

The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), says litigations is delaying the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) Fund creation and implementation.

HOSTCOM said pending issues by host communities in choosing members and chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), also delayed the implementation of the HCDT funds.

Dr Benjamin Tamaranebi, National President, HOSTCOM, gave the clarifications on Thursday in Abuja, while reacting to claims on the Host Community Project Funding in Akwa Ibom.

The HCDT is responsible for managing and distributing oil company funds to the host communities, ensuring that resources are used effectively for community development projects.

Host communities in Akwa Ibom had decried delayed release of funds by oil companies to HCDT, alledging that it hindered projects implementation outlined in their respective development plans.

Community representatives from HCDT in Ibeno, Eket, Mbo, Esit Eket, Uruan and Ikot Abasi LGAs, chided the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC), for its inability to enforce statutory sanctions on defaulting oil companies.

However, Tamaranebi dismissed as “unfounded,” alleged delays in funding development projects in host communities in Akwa Ibom.

“We must state clearly that some of the delays of HCDTs creation are caused by community members and litigations over who wants to be a member and chairman of the Board of Trustees which has nothing to do with NUPRC.

“So, we advise communities to conduct themselves properly for the benefit of the HCDT funds,” he said.

Dr Benjamin Tamaranebi, National President, HOSTCOM

He said the NUPRC initiated the HCDTs Forum to meet with community representatives through its HCDT trustees, to address broader issues and grievances ensuring continuous dialogue between host communities and the operators.

The national president said the forum had promoted transparency and accountability towards ensuring that community voices are heard at a higher level.

Tamaranebi said there was registration of reputable 34 asset/fund manager to invest 20 per cent of the three per cent Operating Expenses or Expenditure (OPEX) on behalf of the trusts.

“Some of the trusts are already benefiting from the dividend of this investments.

“These achievements underscore the commitment of the NUPRC and Settlors to the sustainable development of host communities.

“We encourage all stakeholders, including community members and operators, to maintain open lines of communication with the HOSTCOM or NUPRC,” he said.

On project implementation, Tamaranebi urged parties to engage with HOSTCOM directly for resolution rather than resorting to public statements that may misinform or escalate tensions.

He said HOSTCOM was actively monitoring the situation in Akwa Ibom and other states, to advocate for the rights and developmental needs of local communities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Defence/Security

Police confirm death of woman in Lagos hotel

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By Deborah Akpede

The police command in Lagos has confirmed the death of a young woman, whose identity is unknown, in a hotel at the Dopemu area of the state.

The spokesman of the command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this to journalists on Sunday in Lagos.

He said the incident occurred about 9:30 p.m. on Friday.

Hundeyin said the manager of the hotel reported the case to the Dopemu Police Division.

“The manager of the hotel reported that a man walked into the hotel with a lady to have a short rest.

“The identities of the man and the lady were,  however, not taken by the hotel.

“He stated further that after an hour, the lady rushed out claiming she was feeling hot. The manager said that he gave her cold water to drink but the lady was still not feeling well.

“The lady was later rushed to a hospital on Dopemu Road where she gave up the ghost while the man that brought her to the hotel absconded, ” Hundeyin said.

He said the police detained the manager of the hotel to faciltate investigation, adding that the corpse of the lady had been deposited at the Lagos Mainland General Hospital mortuary.

According to him, investigation is on to unravel the cause of the death and trace the identity of the deceased as well as apprehend the fleeing lover. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Ijeoma Popool

Defence/Security

Air chief in Italy to acquire 34 fighter jets, helicopters

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has led a team of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) experts to acquire fighter jets and helicopters from Italy.

Members of the delegation include officials from the Ministries of Defence and Finance, to finalise acquisition of fighter jets and helicopters from Messrs Leonardo S.p.A in Italy.

The platforms include 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack (FGA) jets and an additional 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, on Sunday in Abuja.

Akinboyewa said that two AW-109 Trekker helicopters had already been acquired by NAF.

He said that the CAS made a strategic stopover at the Leonardo Headquarters in Rome, where he engaged with top executives to consolidate a long-term partnership between the NAF and the company.

According to him, Abubakar also inspected the first batch of 6 M-346 jets, noting that three are nearing completion, and evaluated key support systems required to boost the NAF’s operational readiness.

“In the Review Meeting, the CAS received updates on the delivery schedules, confirming that the first three units of 24 M-346 aircraft to be built for Nigeria are expected by early 2025, with subsequent deliveries running until mid-2026.

“Meanwhile, with 2 Trekkers already acquired, the additional 10 are expected by early 2026.

“The CAS recommended the establishment of a Programme Management Office to oversee the collaboration and ensure smooth project implementation.

“He also stressed the need for a maintenance hub in Nigeria to provide long-term support, especially for the M-346 fleet,” Akinboyewa said.

The NAF spokesman said that the firm’s Aircraft Division put on an aerial display to showcase the performance of the M-346 and highlight its advanced features as part of the visit.

According to him, capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, the M-346 will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s air combat capabilities.

“On its part, the AW-109 will bolster combat support roles such as Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), tactical airlift and Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) amongst others.

“The M-346 and Trekker acquisitions are key steps towards fleet renewal, in consonance with the CAS Command Philosophy.

“His philosophy is to transform the NAF for greater agility and resilience, with emphasis on the optimisation of force structure and establishment for enhanced operational effectiveness,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Abiemwense Moru

General News

Nigeria not snubbed in UN Human Rights Council election – Presidency

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By Salif Atojoko

Nigeria was not snubbed in the 2024 UN Human Rights Council election, as some reports have claimed, says Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy.

Onanuga said this in a statement titled, “Setting the Record Straight,” on Sunday.

He said the country did not stand as a candidate for this cycle of elections, just like it did not stand for election in 2023 when a Nigerian medium reported that the country earned three votes.

“The same lie was rehashed in the erroneous report in circulation. Again, we restate that Nigeria was not on the ballot in the election held on Oct. 9.

“Whatever vote was recorded for our country must have been cast in error in the secret balloting by some countries which thought Nigeria was on the ballot,” said Onanuga.

According to him, for those conversant with elections into international organisations, especially to the Human Rights Council, countries vying for positions usually receive regional endorsements.

He said the regional bloc endorsed Benin and Gambia, both members of ECOWAS, for the 2025-2027 term.

Given Nigeria’s continued leadership in fostering African unity, he said the nation focused on supporting the endorsed candidates to promote collective African representation.

“This has been the hallmark of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership on the continent.

“This strategic approach aligns with Nigeria’s long-standing diplomatic efforts to ensure Africa speaks with a united voice on the global stage.

“The media should cross-check their information before rushing to press. There was no sign this was done with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or our country’s mission in New York.

“As Nigerians, we should not be quick to disparage or drag our country, especially on international matters,” said the presidential aide.

He stated that on Oct. 9, the UN General Assembly elected 18 members to the Human Rights Council for the 2025-2027 term.

The members elected to the Council are: Benin, Bolivia, Colombia, Cyprus, Czechia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Iceland, Kenya, Marshall Islands, Mexico, North Macedonia, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Spain, Switzerland and Thailand.

Onanuga said the Council was an intergovernmental body within the UN system consisting of 47 States tasked with promoting and protecting human rights globally.

“The election, conducted via secret ballot, determined which nations would fill three-year terms beginning on Jan. 1, 2025, replacing members whose terms expire on Dec. 31, 2024.

“Among the outgoing members are: Argentina, Benin, Cameroon, Eritrea, Finland, Gambia, Honduras, India, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Montenegro, Paraguay, Qatar, Somalia, United Arab Emirates and the United States,” he said.

He added that a report on the meeting published by the UN said Argentina, Cameroon, Eritrea, India and Somalia, which had served two consecutive terms, were ineligible for immediate re-election.

Also, Albania, Algeria, Brazil, China, Ghana, Japan, and South Africa will continue serving on the Council.

“In the African regional group, the endorsed candidates, Benin, Gambia, Kenya, DRC, and Ethiopia – successfully secured all the five available seats.

“There was no competition in the African regional group, as the continent fielded the same number of candidates as available seats,” Onanuga clarified. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

General News

Ex-Kaduna Governor Makarfi loses first son

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By Abdul Hassan

Faisal Makarfi, the first son of Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, a former Governor of Kaduna State, is dead.

Alhaji Ibrahim Makarfi, a brother to the former governor, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday evening.

He said that Faisal died as a result of injuries he sustained from an accident involving his car on the Kaduna-Zaria Highway on Saturday afternoon.

He the deceased was returning from a condolence visit to the family of late Dan Isan Zazzau, who died recently.

The family member said that the deceased’s remains would be buried on Sunday at Makarfi town at 1:00 pm, in accordance with Islamic rites.

The late Faisal, aged 46, survived by a wife and a child. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen

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