NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Obasanjo commiserates with AfDB President Adesina over mum’s demise

31 total views today

By Cecilia Ijuo 

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has commiserated with the President,  African Development Bank(AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina over the demise of his mother, Mrs Eunice Adesina.

The former President in a  letter addressed to Adesina, said late Eunice was a hardworking personality, who dedicated her life to her family and the church of Christ.

He further said the deceased, who passed away on Dec. 22, 2022 at the age of 92, lived a fulfilled life, adding that her impact on her family was evident in the achievements of her children.

“It is with sadness I read the passing on to glory of Mama, Chief, Mrs Eunice Adesina.

“On behalf of my family please accept our profound condolences and prayers as you go through the permanence of her absence.

“The loss of a mother is never an easy moment to bear, you should however, be consoled as she lived a life of lessons, hardwork and dedication,”he said.

Obasanjo said the grace of God, which Eunice enjoyed with her late husband, Mr Roland Adesina, led to the impact they made before their demise.

While urging the bereaved to take solace in the fact that she had contributed her quota to human development, the former President said, “mama was one in a million.

“The evidence of her motherhood is well reflected on her children and daughters-in-law. 

“I can attest to the fact that her children and you in particular  are men of strong character and great achievements in their respective rights.

“Those of you she left behind should be comforted even as you celebrate her time on earth.”

Obasanjo said, while all mankind would take same path someday, it was important to be prepared for what one would be remembered for.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams 

APC PCC donates 1000 bags of food items to Christian community in Zamfara

46 total views today

By Ishaq Zaki

The Zamfara chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has donated 1,000 bags of rice and corn flour to the Christian community in the state for the celebration of the 2022 Christmas and 2023 New Year in the state.

This is contained in a statement issued in Gusau on Tuesday by the state APC Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris.

“The food items which comprised 250 bags of rice and 750 bags of maize flour were handed over to the Christian community in the state by the State APC PCC Coordinator Sen. Kabiru Marafa.

“The gesture was aimed at joining the Christian community in celebrating the festive season in the zone which is Coordinated by Gov. Bello Mohammed Matawalle of Zamfara.

“Marafa called on the beneficiaries, the Christian community leaders in the state to ensure that the gesture reached the majority of their members especially those in need throughout the state,” Idris said.

Idris also quoted the PCC Coordinator as calling on them to contribute in creating more awareness on the candidature of the APC presidential and vice presidential candidates, Matawalle and their ability to move the nation and the state to greater heights.

“Marafa called on them to continue to pray for the growth, development, security, peace and unity of the nation as well as the state beyond the 2023 general elections,” he added.

In their remarks while receiving the items, the state Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Eze-Igbo Zamfara, Ahmad Haruna and Igwe Egbuna Obijiaku, respectively, commended the council for the gesture and promised to extend it to the beneficiaries.

The two leaders also assured that the Christian community would always pray for the growth and wellbeing of Nigeria and Nigerians. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Emefiele saga: Human Rights Organisation cautions against interference in DSS investigations

42 total views today

By Abdul Hassan

National Coordinator and Special Envoy of Ecology and Marine International Human Rights Organisation, Alhaji Musa Saidu, has cautioned against inference in the ongoing investigations of alleged fraud by the CBN Governor, Dr Godwin Emefiele.

Saidu told the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja that the recent criticism against DSS investigations of N70 trillion alleged looted funds and hidden in banks by some eminent Nigerians was uncalled for.

“ DSS is doing its job and as ordered by the President without partiality, so why should they be condemned by elites?,’’ he asked.

According to him, the CBN governor is like any other public officer entrusted with the public property as such he can be investigated, if the need arises.

Saidu said there were series of allegations against Emefiele by some Nigerians which include alleged fraud and the reported diversion of revenue funds, diversion of agricultural loans as well as some fraudulent practices in Forex transactions.

“ The DSS investigation on the CBN governor is lawful and should be cherished by any patriotic Nigerian not condemning the act,’’ he said.

Saidu said that it was unpatriotic for any Nigerian to launch a campaign against any security outfit that strives to establish law and order in the country particularly, the Department of State Security (DSS).

“We should see the ongoing investigation of Emefiele and others as a step towards ensuring justice, fairness and respect for the law and order in the country.

‘` We shall also see the DSS investigations into the alleged financial criminal offences as a giant stride of the Buhari administration,’ he said.

The activist however, condemned the sponsored campaign against DSS in the social media by some so called Non- Governmental Organisations on the Emefiele investigation, saying, “that is a sabotage and subversive to the state affairs.

“As a Human Rights activist, I believe in the rule of law, as such, security organisations should arrest whoever is found wanting in government’’ he said.

Sa’idu pledged his organisation’s support to the security outfits to the fight against crimes in the country.

He vowed: ‘` We are ready to unite with DSS, police, military and all security agencies towards maintaining law and order in Nigeria.’’ (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

IDPs camp demolition : ActionAid tasks FG, FCTA on provision of shelter, amenities

63 total views today

By Angela Atabo

An NGO, ActionAid Nigeria, has called on the Federal Government and Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to provide amenities for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at Durumi in the FCT.

Country Director of ActionAid, Ene Obi ,made the call at a news briefing at the camp on Monday in Abuja.

The director, who went round the camp to observe the impact of the demolition exercise by the FCTA described it as “unfortunate”.

She said: “The demolition was unexpected and had resulted in shock and trauma for the IDPs.

” Nearly 70 per cent of the IDPs are women, children and elderly persons. They are now suffering from the impact of the demolition.

“This is surprising, because, the camp had the recognition and support of the Federal Government, it’s officials, INGO, FCTA and other organisations and individuals.”

Obi said the various authorities had supported and built infrastructure in the camp such as a health facility, primary school, a block of toilets and boreholes among others.

The country director further said that the camp had over 3000 individuals from 330 households.

She said: “If the Federal Government recognised the IDP camp, then it is pertinent to ask what changed their stance, leading to its demolition just few days before the Christmas?” Obi asked.

According to Obi, the leadership of the camp, in collaboration with the different security agencies had helped to checkmate criminal activities within its vicinities.

She said her interaction with the IDPs indicated that the demolition took place without any form of notice to the IDP or option of relocation or resettlement.

“Some weeks ago, the Federal Commissioner in charge of National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, visited the camp,” she said.

Obi stated that they had then discussed with the IDPs on the possible relocation, but did not fix time before the demolition exercise took place.

According to her, the IDPs cannot currently go back to their various homes as some of them are still under attack by the insurgents.

Obi said: “Women and children are currently sleeping in open places without mats or blankets.

“Starvation and hunger now prevail in the camp, due to loss of their stored foodstuffs and cooking utensils, because of the unexpected demolition.

“Different families have to take turns in using one pot to cook.

“There is an urgent need for psychosocial and health support for traumatised IDPs whose belongings are now exposed to theft.

Obi further said that ActionAid was deeply concerned by the plight of the IDPs and as always, would stand in solidarity with them.

“Today, we will be providing these IDPs with food, non food items and dignity kits.

“We are also appealing to donor and corporate organisations to support the IDPs to be self sustaining through the provision of economic empowerment.

“We, hereby reiterate that the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and FCTA should consider as a matter of urgency the establishment of an organised camp to resettle the IDPs.

“They should also support them with the construction of shelter and basic infrastructure like school, health centre, toilets and water facilities.

Also speaking , the Chairman of the camp, Mr Ibrahim Ahmadu called on the Federal Government and FCTA to dialogue with the leadership of the camp to fashion out a way of addressing all the issues raised by the authorities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ActionAid Nigeria distributed relief items to the women including N10,000 each to over 100 women in the camp. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Collins Yakubu-Hammer/Bashir Rabe Mani

Jonathan, Douglas, Olu of Warri make ‘Most Reputable Africans’ list

46 total views today

By Aderogba George

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr Jennifer Douglas, Managing Partner, Miyetti Law Firm, Ogiame Atuwatse, the Olu of Warri and other Nigerians have been named among the 100 Most Reputable Africans.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2023 ‘roll of honour’ was released on Monday by Reputation Poll International(RPI), organisers of the annual event on its website.

The ranking released in alphabetical order, featured men and women drawn from diverse sectors across the continent including; leadership, entertainment, advocacy, education and business.

Other Nigerians who made the list include Dauda Lawal, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of Credent Capital and Advisory,Human Rights activist Aisha Yesufu, Arunma Oteh and Akinremi Bolaji, Director, Legal and Consular, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Another set of listed Nigerians also include Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations,Wally Adeyemo, Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of the Treasury and Mr Cosmas Maduka, Chairman of the Coscharis Group.

Pastor William Kumuyi, Bishop David Oyedepo, Pastor Paul Enenche and Pastor Enoch Adeboye, are four Nigerian clerics who made the list.

According to the organisers, the selection criteria are integrity, visibility and impact.

“The above luminaries are joined by other great Africans who are celebrated for their social impact and social entrepreneurship that are transforming businesses in Africa and affecting lives positively without controversy.

“On Governance and Policy: Kenya’s President, Mr Wiliam K. Ruto, Lazarus Chakwera, President of Malawi and Ivory Coast Senator, Chantal Moussokoura Fanny among others were listed.

“On Business: Egypt’s Naguib Onsi Sawiris chairman of Weather Investments’s parent company, Ghana’s Sir Samuel Esson Jonah Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, and Nigeria’s Dr Dauda Lawal, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Credent Capital and Advisory.

“On Human Rights Advocacy, Martha K. Koome, Chief Justice of Kenya, and Nigeria’s Aisha Yesufu are featured.

“On Leadership: Ethiopia’s President Sahle Work-Zedwe, Nigeria’s Dr Paul Enenche, and Ghana’s Afua Kyei (the Chief Financial Officer at Bank of England, where she leads the Finance Directorate) are also featured,” the organisers said.

NAN reports that Reputation Poll is acclaimed globally for its annual ranking of the 100 Most Reputable People on Earth and Most Reputable CEOs in various countries. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Collins Yakubu-Hammer/ Grace Yussuf

Association demands reversal of policy on third-party motor insurance premium

33 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Insurance Consumers Association of Nigeria (INSCAN), has called for the reversal of policy directive on the increase of third-party motor insurance premium by 200 per cent.

The National Coordinator of the association, Mr Yemi Soladoye, made the demand in a letter addressed to the National Insurance Commission, which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Monday in Abuja.

He said:” We, the Insurance Consumers Association of Nigeria, an affiliate of the Federal Competition and Consumers Protection Commission of Nigeria, once again introduce ourselves to you
as an organisation established in 2010 with objectives to speak for the aggrieved Nigerians on insurance Matters.

” We hereby demand that the directive to be reversed as it amounts to a deliberate breach of the fundamental principle of the utmost good faith and other decent regulatory principles that guide Insurance practice on your part.

” Our demand for the reversal of the directive is based on the facts that you failed to understand the full implications of your directive that the real organs you will punish are the Nigerian Insurance Consumers who provide the income that accrue
to the entire insurance Industry. ”

Soladoye said that consumers in Nigeria deserved more than one-week notice from the insurance commission, adding that the association was not impressed with the corresponding increase in the Indemnity limit to N3.0 million.

He added: ” You are definitely aware of the fact that even at the current N5,000 MTP premium, many Nigerians still patronise the fake underwriters and this is not because these
Nigerians cannot afford the N5,000 but because they don’t see any benefit.

” We recall that even in the recent cases of currency redesign and cash withdrawal
limit introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)(which is at nil cost to the depositors) still enough time
was given to the public for feed backs and adjustments to be made.

” As a Regulator in the Financial Services, you know that Companies and even governments in Nigeria must have concluded their budgets for the year 2023 latest by
mid-December 2022.”

He said that the predictable outcome of the policy directive would be substantial increase in the
number of fake Insurance Underwriters in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

2023: Council of Obas, resident community endorse Tinubu, APC in Sokoto

24 total views today

By Muhammad Nasir

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Council of Obas and residents communities in Sokoto State have thrown their full weight behind all the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

This development came to the fore when the leadership of the two groups visited APC leader in the state, Sen. Aliyu Wamakko (APC-Sokoto North).

A statement issued on Monday by Bashar Abubakar, Wamakko’s Special Assistant on Media said that the first to visit was the Oba in Council led by the Chairman, Alhaji Surajudeen Sahabi, who spoke on behalf of the group.

Sahabi informed the lawmaker that on their part, they were ready to work together with the APC leadership towards ensuring the success of the party come 2023 general elections in Nigeria.

“This is especially the presidential candidate of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the APC gubernatorial candidate in Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, among other candidates of the party,” he said.

Similarly, the Association of Sokoto State Residents Community under the Leadership of Alhaji Salmanu Oke told Wamakko that they came to register their unflinching support towards the victory of APC in the state.

He further said that the residents community in the state would not forget the invaluable gestures extended to them by Wamakko when he was the Governor of the state.

Responding, Wamakko, while welcoming the two groups said: ”Nigeria is one indivisible nation,” adding, “therefore, Sokoto is a home to all the tribes irrespective of where one comes from.”

The lawmaker said that one of the reasons why APC brought Tinubu as its candidate was to ensure the unity of Nigeria as a indivisible nation.

“Nigeria is for all of us hence the need to come together and work for a better tomorrow,” he urged.

Wamakko also recalled that when he was elected as the governor of the state, he abolished what was then called ‘school fees to non indigenes in the state’.

He further stated that he also appointed one of them to serve as his Special Adviser in his government just to ensure that they were carried along.

Wamakko assured the visitors that APC would consider them in its affairs, if given the mandate during 2023 polls.

During the visit, the representatives of the different tribes of Yoruba, Igbo, Tiv, and Hausa, among others, were allowed to speak in their languages as a sign of one nation.

The visit was graced by APC North West Zonal Secretary, Mr Bello Muhammad-Goronyo and some important dignitaries. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

2023: Minister donates delivery kits to 120 newborn babies, mothers in FCT

73 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Aliyu has donated delivery kits and baby items to 120 mothers of newborn babies in selected Primary Health Care Centres across the six Area Councils of the territory.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PHC facilities included those in Aleyita, in Abuja Municipal Area Council, Dutse Alhaji in Bwari and Township Clinic in Gwagwalada Area Council.

Others were those in Township Clinic, in Kwali Area Council, Kuje Comprehensive Health Centre in Kuje Area Council and Township Clinic in Abaji Area Council.

Similarly, the minister gave a token of an undisclosed amount of cash to some nursing mothers.

Presenting the items to the beneficiaries at Kuje Comprehensive Healthcare Centre, Aliyu described the successful delivery recorded in various primary healthcare centres as a bundle of joy.

She prayed that joy would continue to radiate in the Federal Capital Territory in 2023 and beyond.

Represented by the Director of Administration and Finance, FCT Social Development Secretariat, Mrs Justina Pawa, Aliyu tasked mothers on early training of their children, saying that children were invaluable divine gifts from God.

She called on mothers to accept all vaccines being given during government approved immunisation campaigns.

The minister enjoined mothers to ensure that their babies completed the routine immunisation before the age of two.

She also emphasised the need for them to take care of themselves, attend post natal clinics and continue to take their routine medicines.

She said: ”On my part, I will continue to identify with you and share in your joy. Since I came to office in 2019, I have continued to implement and support a myriad of initiatives.

”They are aimed at improving the health of mothers and children particularly towards reducing maternal and child deaths from preventable causes.”

The minister revealed that she had empowered many women to contribute meaningfully to the upkeep of themselves and their families.

“I will also encourage you to always contribute to the growth of the family in particular and community at large.

” All babies born today are welcome and I pray to God to continue to grant mothers and babies good health, while the fathers continue to have the means to support their families,” Aliyu stated.

Earlier, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs Ibrahim Kudirat, who delivered a baby boy at 12:01am on Sunday in Kuje Comprehensive Health Centre thanked the minister for the kind gesture.

She said that the items and cash donation would assist mothers at this early stage of delivery.

Other beneficiaries were: Mrs Mary Olayinka, who delivered at 12:40am, at the Dutse Makaranta primary healthcare centre in Bwari Area Council, while Mrs. Idoko Christina, delivered a baby girl at 1:52am, amongst other deliveries.

NAN reports that the high point of the event was the presentation of food items to FCT Minister of State by the community Head of Aleyita in appreciation of her efforts in boosting community health. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

New-Year: FCT Minister urges residents to participate in elections, resist disharmony

72 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, called on the residents of the territory to participate in the 2023 General Elections in peace, unity and togetherness.

Bello, who made the call in his new year message to the residents on Sunday in Abuja, also enjoined them to resist any attempt to cause disharmony and disaffection within their ranks.

The minister stated that elections in the FCT had always been peaceful, ” Let us ensure that the upcoming 2023 polls also reflect this.

” On behalf of the FCT Administration, it is my honour and immense pleasure to wish all residents of the Federal Capital Territory a very happy and prosperous New Year.

” As we begin our journey into 2023, which holds a very important place in the democratic development of our country, I wish to applaud residents of the territory for your exemplary conduct in our collective quest of building a befitting capital territory for our country.”

He also lauded the residents for holding true to the principles of unity and peaceful co-existence which is the foundation on which the FCT is grounded.

” In my 2022 New Year message, I enjoined residents of the territory to participate actively in the Area Council elections. I once more commend you all for abiding by the democratic and lawful processes in the election of the council chairmen.

” Once again, I call on all of us, in the same spirit of peace, unity and togetherness, to participate in the 2023 general elections coming up next month.”

Bello said that the residents were obliged to live up to the ideals of the founding fathers of the territory as a place where every Nigerian could call home.

” We must therefore, collectively resist any attempt to cause disharmony and disaffection within our ranks. Elections in the FCT have always been peaceful. Let us ensure that the upcoming 2023 polls also reflect this.

” In the preceding year, the FCT Administration consolidated on its efforts of providing world class infrastructure for the territory with efforts to complete on-going projects and investing heavily in the maintenance and upgrading of existing ones.

” It is to our credit that despite the heavy rainfalls and attendant floods that devastated several parts of the country, we were largely spared this misfortune. This is because, having learnt from our experiences in the past, adequate measures were taken to prevent any such re-occurrence.”

Bello, who appreciated the residents for their understanding despite the discomforts they must have endured in the course of remedial measures, called for their continuous support and cooperation.

The minister solicited the cooperation and support of the residents in the task of removing illegal structures and settlements within the city both for security purposes and maintaining the sanctity of the Abuja Masterplan.

” It must be understood that these corrective measures are absolutely essential if truly our city is to evolve into one of the most aesthetically pleasing and functional cities in the world.

” The presence of illegal settlements and shanties will only draw us further away from attaining this goal.

” Fellow residents, we are confronted daily with the unwholesome and unpatriotic activities of vandals who wantonly destroy or steal public infrastructure installed by government at great cost.

” Replacing or repairing these critical infrastructure cost a lot of money which otherwise would have been invested in other equally essential projects.”

Bello, therefore, enjoined residents to treat critical public infrastructure as they would treat their personal property and help to protect all public assets located within their vicinity.

He commended the security agencies in the FCT for their tremendous work in ensuring the safety of lives and property within the territory as the incidences of violent crimes had declined over the past few months.

” Some of these gallant men and women who have seen to this possibility have even paid the ultimate price in the course of discharging their responsibilities.

” I wish to reassure them of the continuous support of the Administration as demonstrated with the provision of 60 high-capacity vehicles in addition to accompanying security and communication equipment last year.

” We will continue to support them in every way possible and also enjoin the citizenry to cooperate with our law enforcement agencies whenever the need arises.”

He reminded the residents that the maintenance of security was the responsibility of all and reiterated the mantra of ‘saying something when you see something’.

Bello said that the FCT Administration was committed to sustaining the growth and development of the territory despite the challenges of dwindling financial resources and the ever increasing population.

According to him, the administration is evolving new strategies to meet its financial obligations in line with growing demands.

” The creation of the Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and Public Private Partnership Secretariat and the upscaling of the functions of the FCT IRS are but two of the measures taken to shore up our revenue base to meet our needs.

” Residents are therefore enjoined to also play their part by being up to date in the payment of their taxes to enable us to continue to serve you better.

” Fellow residents, I wish to assure you that over the next five months heralding the end of the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the FCT Administration will not relent in its efforts of ensuring the development of the territory and the well-being of its residents.

” I once more wish you all a happy and prosperous 2023.” (NAN)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

You cannot copy content of this page

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email