NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Politics

Kogi guber: Group wants power shift to Western senatorial district

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By Stephen Adeleye

A political pressure group, Kogi Youth Ambassadors (KYA) has called on registered political parties to pick their governorship candidates from the Western Senatorial District of the state to equity, fairness and justice.

The State Coordinator of the group, Mr Abdulrahman Adbdulsalam, made the call at a news conference on Tuesday in Lokoja.

Adbdulsalam said the state`s governorship position should be rotated to ensure equity, fairness and justice.

He noted that no state in Nigeria had multiethnic diversity like Kogi, adding that such unique endowment should not be taken for granted.

According to Abdulsalam, the Kogi East has ruled the state for over 16 years, while Kogi Central is currently in its eight years.

He said that it was therefore the turn of Kogi West to govern the state for equity, fairness and justice.

He, specifically appealed to Gov. Yahaya Bello to consider a candidate from Kogi West as his successor as a way of unifying the state.

”The Kogi youth ambassadors do not have any aspirant in mind by our agitation, but all we want is for power to shift to Kogi West for the sake of equity, fairness and justice.

”We want Gov. Yahaya Bello, to adopt a competent, reliable and credible candidate from Kogi West as his successor.

”We are also appealing to opposition political parties to also chose credible candidates from Kogi West for the state governorship elected slated for November,” Abdulsalam said.

He said the group had put in place strategies for consultation, sensitisation and mobilisation to achieving its demand for the unity of Kogi.

He said the group had over 20,000 members with Permanent Voters` Cards (PVCs) across the 239 Wards in the state.

Abdulsalam assured that the group would be engaging in vigorous sensitisation and mobilisation to press home its demand.

Also speaking, the Zonal Coordinator of the group, Mr Austin Alabi, said their desire was to ensure that equity, fairness and justice was maintained in Kogi.

”We advise the government of the day to consider a credible and reliable candidate, that has the interest of Kogi at heart and ready to develop the state to the next level just as Gov. Bello has done.

”The governor has done well in infrastructure and security, and we expect him to get a successor from Kogi West that can consolidate on his legacies and develop our state to the next level,” Alabi said.

He enjoined all registered political parties in the state to imbibe the idea by fielding candidates from the western senatorial district of Kogi. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel

Environment

FG, coy to distribute 1m clean cookstoves to curtail use of firewoods

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Government, in partnership with the Atmosfair, a German company on Tuesday revealed plans to distribute one million ‘Save80 Clean Cookstoves’ annually to curtail the use of firewoods by 80 per cent.

The Director-General of National Council on Climate Change, Dr Salisu Dahiru, made the disclosure while briefing newsmen on the sidelines of a Sensitisation programme for North Central Women, held in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

He said that the cookstove had been invented and designed in such a way that it would help families save at least 80 per cent of all the firewoods that they use in cooking a standard meal for any family.

Dahiru assured that the Federal Government would provide an enabling environment for Atmosfair to ensure that the cookstoves were made available and affordable at all times to the people.

He said: “That is exactly what we are doing and that is why we are partnering with the private sector. Remember this is an invention outside Nigeria but we made it so easy.

“And governments at the Federal and the state levels have made it possible for this company to invest in Nigeria, to set up a factory in Kano and set up an assembly plan here in Agada village, Keffi where they will bring the completely nocked down pieces and assemble it.

“As far as these factories are concerned, the target is to be able to produce on an annual basis, one million of these cookstoves and distributed annual but we are starting on a phase by phase basis.

” We are going to start with about 100,000 and then increase the capacity of the assembly plant because once the existing plan is working they are going to open another one in Kebbi state so that by next year the target will reach about 500,000 on an annual basis and then we seal it up to one million per annum.”

The director-general said that the issue of climate change was one of the most important issues that affect everybody, both the rich and poor, small or developed countries.

Dahiru said that one way by which the effects of the climate change could be controlled was by tree planting, noting that cutting down the trees was one sure way that has led the world to fall into the problem.

He said: “In Nigeria, we know that one of the ways we harvest and use trees is for cooking. Remember, we have a population of over 200 million, if 80 per cent of these 200 million are relying on firewood as the main source of energy for cooking and heating whether it is direct firewood or you are using charcoal is all firewood.

” Tell me the area that will be felt every year just to get firewood for cooking is so much that if something concrete is not done, then we will continue to deflect our forests, we will lose the forests and we will lose the soil.


” And it will not be able to support agriculture and then it will become desert and people will migrate and go to the areas where there is still little forest and the community in those places where you have little forests begin to resist them and then communal clashes will come.”

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Atmosfair gGmbh, Dr Dietrich Brockhagen, explained that the cookstove not only save about 80 per cent of cost, but it also has 10 years guarantee.

He said: “When I first came to Nigeria 10 years ago, I traveled from the South West Lagos up to Katsina and when I saw the beautiful landscape and I met so many Nigerians and I realized how much forest was degraded.

” I saw many women cooking with firewoods and they were suffering from pollution and I said ok there must be solution to this and some of my Nigerian friends told me that even the tension between herders and farmers sometimes can be linked to erosion and land degradation.

“So, I said may be if I bring efficient cookstove to Nigeria it might be a solution and there could be changed and this is what I have been trying ever since.”

Also speaking, Amb. Faruk Malami-Yabo, the Chairman, Board of Advisory of the company and former Nigerian Ambassador to Jordan, said the cookstoves would not only enhance cooking process, but also save the environment from the negative effects of climate change.

He revealed that the company would distribute no fewer than 6.7 million cookstoves over the next five years in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the high point of the sensitisation programme was the demonstration of the usage and efficiency of the cookstoves. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

General News

Nigerian foundation wins competition for bridging tech gap among PWDs

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By Ruth Oketunde

Data-Lead Africa Foundation (DLAF) has emerged as one of the winners of the 2023 Uplink Corporate Change makers Challenge, for its innovative approach to bridging the gap between the deaf community and the technology industry in Africa.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Nkpecha Franklin, Head of Operations, Data-Lead Africa, on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said that the DLAF’s Deaf-In-Tech project, which won the challenge, organised by the Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneurship, was recognised based on its ability to contribute to social and environmental equity.

He said that the project is an ed-tech inclusion programme focused on strengthening diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM, data analytics, higher education and employment.

“It seems to close the existing skills gap among marginalised people, particularly people living with disabilities (PWDs).

“In low and middle income countries, PWDs are one of the key marginalised groups, while many initiatives have focused on gender equality and racial diversity, initiatives working to improve inclusion of PWDs are abysmally low.

“DLAF has created the first tech community of deaf people in Africa, with over 200 deaf persons learning and working on different tech and innovative solutions,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Metro

Centre partners agriculture agencies, others to support aged mothers

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By Ahmed Ubandoma

The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) says it is partnering with relevant agriculture agencies, health sector and traditional leaders to provide conducive work environment for aged mothers.

Dr. Emem Omokaro, the Director-General, NSCC stated this in Bwari on Monday, during a town hall meeting on the implementation of its programme tagged: “Grandmothers Arise for Good” initiative, an Economic Tree-Crops Planting Project in Bwari, FCT.

Omokaro said the centre was determined to support senior citizens, especially aged mothers to boost their agricultural business and ensure decent living.

“ We took time to develop a wide sector intervention for communities; we call them grandmothers arise for good. Principally, the focus is for all the women who we know are assets in their communities.

“ Most of them who are farmers and engaged in crafts have been doing their businesses individually, not really making a headway in terms of breaking even but at least, mitigating multidimensional competition.

“So, we call in the royal fathers to work with the community to end open defecation through the primary healthcare to institute a national health insurance and access to health,” she said.

The NSCC boss said that the essence of the partnership was to converse with the senior citizens in the community, support them and organise their farming to attract more fund for them.

“And we bring in all the agencies to fulfill our mandate which is to improve the quality of life ” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants at the meeting include representative from the Federal Capital Territory Primary Healthcare Board, Water Aid, FCT Head of Agricultural Services and Sanitation; and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Chinyere Bassey/Grace Yussuf

General News

Mothering Sunday: Chellaz School hails women’s roles in societal development 

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By Taiye Olayemi

Chellaz Schools on Monday celebrated Mothering Sunday, commending mothers for their efforts toward societal development and nation building.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Mothering Sunday is usually celebrated every March 19 every year.

It is a celebration honouring the mothers of the family, motherhood, maternal bonds as well as their influence on the society.

Speaking during the celebration in Lagos, Mrs Adenike Johnson, Proprietress of the school, said mothers have been able to position themselves as great pillars of support to their wards.

She appreciated their various contributions to the growth of their children which are rubbing off positively on societal development.

She advised mothers on healthy living and regular checkup as they advance in age.

“We want to appreciate our mothers, here present. You have been great sources of inspiration to these children and we appreciate this as a school that is interested in raising healthy and responsible children.

“We appreciate your timely response to their needs.

“I want us to pay attention to healthy living and take regular checkup seriously. We all need these so that we can keep being healthy to raise these children as well as enjoy our health,” she said.

Also, Mrs Modupe Lawal, one of the parents, urged mothers to always cultivate the habit of making their children their confidants.
Lawal spoke on the need for mothers to communicate,  effectively, with their children which also entailed giving absolute attention to them while they speak.

She commended the school for the systematic way in which knowledge and discipline were instilled on the pupils.

Lawal also advised the school management on ensuring the children were taught the African culture of respect.

Another parent, Mrs Arinola Fowowe, a businesswoman, advised mothers not to relent in their responsibility of engaging their wards on sex education early enough.

Fowowe noted that this would guide them against molestation so as not to truncate their bright future. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Metro

FCT minister seeks collaboration on quality infrastructure

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello has called on companies in the territory to compliment government’s efforts in providing and sustaining quality infrastructure in the nation’s capital.

Bello said this at the opening of the Julius Beger Abuja Furniture Production (AFP) shown room, held in Maitama, Abuja.

Represented by the Director, FCT Public Building, Mr Adebowale Ademo, the minister said the FCT Administration was concerned with quality work in and around the city.

He added that the administration would always work with competent firms that could add value to the government efforts.

The minister, who commended the company, said that FCT administration would always go for the best to make the aesthetic of Abuja a world class.

“AFP has been a major partner in the development of the city, it is well known for producing high quality furniture over the years. So, we want it to compliment government’s efforts.”

Bello described the take off of the company as very impressive considering the quality of product that the firm produced.

“This is what the administration has been looking for, a situation whereby people can come in with a lot of commitment to the city and also provide the necessary services that will compliment the efforts of government by ensuring that Abuja becomes one of the 20th habitable city in the world.

“The government has made a lot of efforts to ensure that the esthestic of the city is respected, when we have outfits that contribute to the development of the city, respecting the laws and also requirements of the master plan, it is also help.

Earlier, the General Manager, AFP, Oliver Cohnen, said that the company which was an arm of Julius Berger plc had been producing furniture for over 30 years.

According to him, the service of the company covers all categories of people and we keep to standards. (NAN)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

Elections

Wadada congratulates Sule on reelection

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Senator-Elect, Nasarawa West Senatorial District, Ahmed Wadada, on Monday congratulated Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State on his reelection into office.

Wadada, recently elected under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), conveyed his message in a statement in Keffi.

He said the victory of the governor was a testimony of the people’s believe in his capacity and leadership style in the state.

The lawmaker said Sule’s reelection was a reward for the tremendous achievements recorded by his administration in the areas of health, education, infrastructure development, security and youths empowerment.

Wadada advised the governor to justify the confidence reposed in him by the electorate by redoubling efforts towards ensuring that the people of Nasarawa enjoyed more dividends of democracy.

“On behalf of my family and the good people of Nasarawa West I congratulate His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa, Alhaji Abdullahi Sule on his resounding victory at the just concluded Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.

“I also appreciate the electorate in the state for comporting themselves decently and in order, and for exhibiting conduct that indicates that Nasarawa is making progress in its electoral behaviour,” he stated

The two-term member of the House of Representatives commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a free, fair, credible and transparent election and the security agencies for ensuring orderliness.

He thanked the people of Nasarawa for keeping faith with their governor, noting that “the people know the person that truly serves them, and have spoken in clear voice and unmistakable terms.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that INEC declared Sule, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), winner of the governorship election in Nasarawa state.

Prof. Ishaya Tanko, INEC State Collation and Returning Officer, made the declaration on Monday in Lafia at the state collation centre.

The returning officer said that the APC candidate polled a total of 347, 209 votes to defeat his closest opponent, David Ombugadu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who got 283, 016 votes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Ejike Obeta

Politics

Ex-NBC boss felicitates Sokoto State Governor-elect

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By Bashir Mani

Dr Nasir Danladi-Bako, former Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has congratulated the Sokoto State Governor-elect, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu of the APC on his resounding victory at Saturday’s gubernatorial election.

“This is a victory well deserved for yourself, the party and the good people of our dear state especially the young generation,” the member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Media Directorate said in a statement he issued on Monday in Sokoto.

Danladi-Bako said:”Particular mention and commendation was heaped on the APC leader in Sokoto and former Governor, Sen. Aliyu Wammako for his indefatigable leadership and unrivaled doggedness in steering the party to this hard-earned victory.

”Praise must also go to the Minister of Police Affairs , Director- General of the State Gubernatorial Campaign Council, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi for his sterling performance in ensuring the victory of the All Progressives Congress in Sokoto.”

He testified to the loyalty and selfless service of Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu and wished him Allah’s guidance in his new assignment, saying, ”we were once members of the State Executive Council with Aliyu.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Elections

Situation Room calls for independent inquiry into conduct of 2023 General Elections

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By Angela Atabo

The Civil Society Situation Room, has called for an independent inquiry into the conduct of the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria.

The Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) made the call in their Second Interim Statement on the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on Sunday in Abuja.

The report, signed by the Convener, Ene Obi, and co-coveners Asma’u Joda and James Ugochukwu, said investigation was necessary to unravel the challenges experienced and some irregularities.

Obi said that the Situation Room’s observation and analysis of the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections indicated that there were huge shortcomings with the management of electoral operations and logistics as well as election security.

She said that the elections were characterised by late commencement, insufficient election materials, challenge with upload of results, violence, and vote buying, among others.

“Situation Room notes that Nigeria has again missed the opportunity to deliver on credible elections even at the grassroots level.

“In the light of the serious shortcomings with the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, the Situation Room calls for an independent inquiry into the conduct of the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria.

“This independent inquiry should address, amongst other issues, procurement, logistics management and abuse of electoral process by INEC and security officials.

“This is urgently needed to identify challenges and make recommendations towards repairing the damaged credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.”

According to Obi, it is imperative to undertake a national debate to address all these critical challenges that still confront Nigeria’s electoral process.

She said that this, without doubt, would enthrone more transparency and help to build peoples’ confidence in the democratic process.

She said that Situation Room observations indicate a worrying level of voter apathy with the Governorship and State Assemblies polls in an election that should resonate more with citizens.

She added that Situation Room observers reported high prevalence of vote buying across the country.

She said that items given in exchange for votes included clothing items, food items and money, amounts ranging from N500 to N5,000 in cash, transfer or promissory notes.

Obi said Situation Room observers were harassed and obstructed from carrying out their duties and some journalists from AIT, ARISE TV among others, were also attacked.

“The Situation Room also received a disturbing report that 19 INEC ad-hoc staff who were on their way to seven different polling units in Ugbelie Ward 06 in Ideato South LGA of Imo State were abducted by unknown persons.

“There were reports of attack on voting centres in an IDP camp in Uhogwa, Ovia North East LGA of Edo State, by armed hoodlums.

“In addition, there were reports of voter intimidation, disruption of voting and destruction of election materials in polling units visited in Enugu, Imo, Sokoto, Delta, Niger, Gombe, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom and Ogun States.”

Obi said that the  Situation Room called on government to urgently address this persistent issue of election violence. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

Culture & Tourism

Stakeholders reiterate need to embrace cultural diversity for unity, peace

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By Justina Auta

Some stakeholders have stressed the need to embrace cultural diversity to promote unity, peace and development in the society.

They made the call on Saturday at a World Cross Cultural Day celebration organised by Safe Heritage Crest Academy in Abuja.

Mrs Feyikemi Arolasafe, Proprietress of the academy, said diverse cultures, values and ways of life, showed the rich cultural history and heritage of a people, hence should not be allowed to go extinct.

Arolasafe said the event was aim at showcasing the school as a cross-cultural and cultural inclusiveness academy.

This, she said would prepared the students to adapt to various cultures, wherever they find themselves in future.

“As such, we need not perceive a country’s culture as an aspect of another country rather; it should be allowed to stand on its own.

“Every country is unique and we should embrace each other cultural diversities for unity, progress and prosperity of one another.

“We are training world conscious students and pupils who will find themselves tomorrow in various parts of the world as undergraduates, graduates and professionals.

“They will perfectly fit into the societies as responsible ambassadors,’’ she said.

Arolasafe said the event brings hopes, hope for harmony and peace between all races, tribes and religions in Nigeria, particularly at a time that the country was challenged.

“We hope to see the young generations inspired by the values of culture.

“This event will continue to promote sustainable peace, togetherness, co-existence and development that promote prosperity for this country and the world at large,’’ she said.

Also, Mr Gbenga Arolasafe, the school Chief Operating Officer, said: “the world is rich in cultural diversity and we want to make our children aware of this at an early age.

“We want them to appreciate various diversities in culture, languages, fashion, food, academic system.

“This will help them in their education because once they are aware of all these, they will not get overwhelmed when they travel to other countries because they are already familiar with their lifestyle.

He called on the government and other stakeholders to implement policies that would improve quality education standard in Nigeria.

One of the students, Miss Precious Enoma, said the cultural celebration would enable students, from an early age to know the different cultures especially their languages, fashion, music, arts and literature.

Other highlights of the day were, various food presentation, music, dance, drama and other activities showcasing various cultures in Nigeria, Jamaica, South Africa, India, France and China by the students. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Isaac Aregbesola

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