NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Defence/Security , General News

NDLEA intercepts skunk, laughing gas consignments at Lagos airport

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By Ibironke Ariyo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted various quantities of ephedrine, skunk and nitrous oxide, popularly known as laughing gas concealed in semovita packs and dry pepper.

NDLEA’s Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, stated on Sunday in Abuja that the drugs were to be shipped to South Africa and Kenya through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA), Ikeja Lagos.

Babafemi said that the drugs were trafficked by members of Transnational Drug Trafficking Organisations (DTO) adding that some of who were promptly arrested, their mansions raided and their luxury vehicles seized.

He said that through credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives on Friday Aug. 25 intercepted one of the notorious drug traffickers, Babatunde Oba.

He said that the suspect was a member of the cartel distributing Cocaine, Heroin, Methamphetamine and Ephedrine between Nigeria, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa, Mozambique, and Europe.

Babafemi added that the suspect was arrested while attempting to board a Rwanda Air flight to South Africa with two boxes loaded with ephedrine sealed in semovita packs.

He also added that the recovered substance was a precursor chemical and active ingredient in the production of methamphetamine.

“In his statement, Oba who holds a South African passport, married to a South African lady and has lived there for over 20 years, identified one Hakeem Salami who equally lives in Lagos and South Africa as the head of the drug ring,” he said.

According to him, a follow up raid in the house of Salami located at 75 Wosilatu Dawodu Street, Ijesha, Aguda area of Surulere, Lagos on Monday Aug. 28 revealed that he had fled the country on the same day Oba was arrested.

“However, a white Toyota Venza car with registration number LSR 410 HT, a Mercedes Benz SUV marked LSD 998HP, phones and vital documents needed for further investigation were recovered from the house.

“In August 2021, the agency had seized 25.60kg ephedrine from a trafficker, Emmanuel Onwuka at the Lagos airport, a seizure that has also been traced to the same cartel whose identified members are currently on the run.

“An official of the airport, Godwin Shedrack also known as fingered as a member of the syndicate is also under investigation, ” he said.


In the same vein, attempt by another syndicate to export 10.40kg skunk concealed with scent leaf and pepper, going to Nairobi, Kenya, was equally thwarted.

This, he said was done by NDLEA operatives attached to the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) export shed of the Lagos airport on Saturday Aug. 26.

Babafemi said that a suspect, Ekechukwu Ndubuisi, had already been arrested in connection with the seizure.

According to him, NDLEA operatives also arrested a freight agent, Akeem Oyekola for attempting to export a consignment of 180 cannisters of laughing gas to South Africa.

Babafemi said that the drugs were to be trafficked with a fee of N2, 000, 000 to be paid to the suspect.

He added that the NDLEA operatives frustrated the attempt and seized the cargo after arresting the suspect. (NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Entertainment , General News

Rema, Asake, Burna Boy win big at 16th Headies Award in U.S.

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By Babajide Awoyinfa

Nigerian musician Divine Ikubor, known professionally as Rema’s most popular single, Calm Down won several awards on Sunday night at the 16th Headies in Atlanta, Georgia.

The event, tagged “Celebrating African Renaissance,” was hosted by Nollywood actress, Osas Ighodaro and American media personality, Terrence J.

Rema won Best Male artist, African Artist of the Year and Digital artist of the year.

Also, Ahmed Ololade, known professionally as Asake, walked home with a brand new car after winning the highly coveted Next Rated category while Damini Ogulu, professionally known as Burna Boy’s Last Last won Afrobeats single of the year and Song of the Year.

Other winners of the night include Seyi Vibez, Spyro, Odumodublvck, Rexxie, Blaq Bonez and others.

Meanwhile, the organisers didn’t present some of the categories, including Best Recording of The Year, Songwriter of The Year, Best RnB Single, Best Vocal Performance (Female), Headies Viewers’ Choice, Best East African artiste of the year, and Best North African Artiste of The Year.

Others are Best Southern African Artiste of The Year, Best Central African Artiste of The Year, International Artiste Of The Year, Best Alternative Album, and Best RnB Album.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Odumodublvck – (Winner)

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR Rexxie (Abracadabra) – (Winner)

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR “Loyal” Simi – (Winner)

BEST R&B SINGLE “For My Hand” by Bruna Boy ft ED Sheeran – (Winner)

BEST RAP SINGLE “Declan Rice” by Odumodublvck – (Winner)

BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE) “In Between” Waje – (Winner)

BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE) “Kpe Paso” Wande Coal – (Winner)

BEST ALTERNATIVE SONG “Earth Song” by Wizard Chan – (Winner)

BEST MUSIC VIDEO “Calm Down (Remix)” by Director K – (Winner)

BEST RECORDING OF THE YEAR “Soweto” by Victony and Tempoe – (Winner)

BEST COLLABORATION Spyro ft. Tiwa Savage– “Who’s Your Guy Remix” – (Winner)

BEST STREET-HOP ARTISTE Seyi Vibez – “Chance (Na Ham)” – (Winner)

AFROBEATS SINGLE OF THE YEAR “Last Last” – Burna Boy – (Winner)

HEADIES’ VIEWERS’ CHOICE Victony & Tempoe – “Soweto” – (Winner)

BEST R&B ALBUM The Brother’s Keeper – Chike – (Winner)

BEST ALTERNATIVE ALBUM Gbagada Express – Boj – (Winner)

BEST RAP ALBUM Young Preacher – Blaqbonez – (Winner)

ALBUM OF THE YEAR Mr Money With The Vibe – Asake – (Winner)

SONG OF THE YEAR “Last Last” – Burna Boy – (Winner)

BEST FEMALE ARTISTE Ayra Starr – (Winner)

BEST MALE ARTISTE Rema – (Winner)

NEXT RATED Asake – (Winner)

AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR Rema (Nigeria) – (Winner)

LYRICIST ON THE ROLL Payper Corleone – “Fly Talk Only” – (Winner)

BEST INSPIRATIONAL SINGLE “Eze Ebube” – Neon Adejo – (Winner)

DIGITAL ARTISTE OF THE YEAR Rema – (Winner)

BEST WEST AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR Black Sherif (Ghana) – (Winner)

BEST EAST AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR Diamond Platnumz – (Winner)

BEST NORTH AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR El Grande Toto – Morocco – (Winner)

BEST SOUTHERN AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR Focalistic – South Africa – (Winner)

HALL OF FAME Youssou N’dour

SPECIAL RECOGNITION SOUND SULTAN (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

General News

We’ll continue to advocate health insurance scheme for retirees–NLC

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By Esenvosa Izah

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said it would continue to advocate inclusion of retirees, both in the private and public sectors, in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Its Assistant General Secretary, Mr Chris Onyeka, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

Onyeka, who noted that the new health insurance bill signed into law on May 19, 2022 sought for a universal health insurance coverage, saying “it therefore, meant everybody was covered including retirees.”

According to him, if such act is in place and operational, then the issue of health insurance for retirees would have been laid to rest because there is a framework already in place that captures them.

“That is the dream of every trade union leader: to ensure that everybody gets coverage; so, there is one thing to make law, it is another thing to operationalise it.

“The problem we have now is that of operationalising it especially funding the scheme itself has to be worked out.

“Although, it is also included in the law how the scheme will be funded, but it has not become fully operational.

“Therefore, as trade unions, we will have to continue advocating and pushing for the implementation of the universal health insurance scheme.

“Also, we will advocate a targeted health insurance scheme for pensioners or retirees: that is also part of our responsibility.

“Trade unions exist to articulate, protect, and project the rights and privileges of workers wherever they may be,” he said.

The labour leader, however, said what was key was the issue of improved social security and protection for retirees.

According to him, if there is a robust social. protection system, it will also guarantee greater access of pensioners to the health benefits.

“It is all about protecting the vulnerable.

“In the private sector, they have more pensioners or retirees who are covered after retirement.

“We will continue our advocacy outreach to ensure they are included in the health insurance scheme,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Vivian Ihechu

General News

Minister appoints ex-House of Reps aspirant as Special Adviser

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By Femi Ogunshola

The Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hajia Hannatu Musawa has appointed a former House of Representatives aspirant from Kwara, Mr Abiola Abdulkareem as the Special Adviser on Civil Service Affairs.

Abdulkareem in a statement on Monday in Abuja said he will do all within his power not to negate the vision and aspiration of the minister.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Abdulkareem contested the House of Reps primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti, Isin, Irepodun and Oke-ero Federal Constituency of Kwara in 2022.

He said he was ready to serve the minister and ultimately the country, adding that it was a huge responsibility to be part of President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

He promised to key into the dreams and visions of the administration, stating that he would collaborate with civil servants to ensure the country profits from the new ministry.

He said the creative economy would be used to drive jobs, revenue, community resources and cultural engagement that would help the country to shift from oil dependent economy.

According to him, the creative economy is one of the fastest-growing sectors and this is why the president decided to give it to a woman who is focus and with the energy to get the job done.

He said he would promote innovation among civil servants which would help to bring additional revenue to the country, while urging for support from civil servants to drive the agenda.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Economy/Business , General News

Take currency swap seriously, reduce reliance on dollars—-economist urges CBN

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By Lydia Ngwakwe

An economist, Prof. Akpan Ekpo, has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to take seriously the currency swap agreement with Peoples Bank of China (PBoC) to reduce reliance on dollars for trade.

Ekpo, a former Director-General of West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), gave the advice while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.

“This is the time to implement the Nigeria-China currency swap so that we don’t put all our eggs in one basket.

“So Nigerians who are dealing with China should deal with Chinese currency or with naira not with dollar or euro; that will reduce the pressure on dollar or pound.

“This is the time to take it very seriously; the Federal Government signed the agreement, it was done briefly then we didn’t know what happened again.

“If you look at the global trend, emerging markets by the Brics are trying to trade with bilateral currency to downplay the importance of dollar, euro or pound because these currencies are not theirs and they can’t print them.

“So, if we can now implement the Chinese-naira swap, it will be very helpful for business trade.’’

The expert also linked the rising inflation to the exchange rate, saying “if any business man spends more naira to buy dollars and does not know what the cost will be the next time, he will jerk up the price.

“So inflation passed through the exchange rate will be automatic as business men continue to use more naira to buy dollars.’’

NAN recalls that the CBN in May 2018, signed a currency swap deal valued at renminbi (RMB) 16 billion (about $2.5 billion) with the PBoC.

The swap deal was signed by Godwin Emefiele, the suspended CBN Governor, and Yi Gang, the former PBoC Governor.

The deal was designed to provide the Chinese and Nigerian currencies directly to industrialists and other businesses from both countries.

The apex bank said the agreement would provide naira liquidity to Chinese businesses and provide RMB liquidity to Nigerian businesses, thereby improving the speed, convenience and volume of transactions between the two countries.(NAN)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

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Agriculture , General News

Coconut Day: Association advocates planting 10,000 hectares of coconuts in states

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By Felicia Imohimi

In commemoration of World Coconut Day, the National Coconut Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NACOPPMAN), has called for the planting of 10,000 hectares of coconut in viable states across the  country.

Dr Nma Okoroji, National President of NACOPPMAN, who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja, said the gesture would enable the country meet coconut sufficiency by 2027.

Okoroji identified the viable states as Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Yobe, Ogun, Adamawa, Niger, Taraba, Borno, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Kwara, Kogi, and FCT among others.

Okoroji, who decried less than 50,000 hectares of land cultivation for commercial coconut plantation at the moment, however, advised the government and others to scale up the hectares.

She called for dedication of one million hectares for coconut plantation in the country.

NAN reports that World Coconut Day is commemorated annually on September 2 and the theme for 2023 is “Sustaining Coconut Sector for the Present and Future Generation”.

Nma identified strategy for achieving Coconut Sufficiency in Nigeria (COSIN) as “One Family, 3 Coconut Trees”.

She said the initiative reflects the association’s dedication to empower families, communities, individuals and corporate bodies (Private/Public) to actively participate in the sustainable development of the coconut sector in the country.

“The “One Family, 3 Coconut Trees” initiative encourages every family to plant and nurture three coconut trees.

“This simple, yet impactful endeavour, not only contributes to increased coconut production but also enhances biodiversity, supports soil conservation, and provides a pathway to economic empowerment.

“By promoting this initiative, we aim to catalyze a grassroots movement that resonates with the ethos of sustainable agriculture and responsible resource management, ” she said.

She said coconut sector plays a crucial role in the nation’s economy and livelihoods, adding that its cultivation, processing, and value addition have provided a source of income for countless households and communities across the country.

According to her, the 2023 World Coconut Day holds the promise of being a transformative platform that not only celebrates coconut’s significance but also fosters a collective commitment to sustaining and enhancing the coconut sector’s contributions for both present and future generations in Nigeria.

She says “Through thoughtful discussions, innovative strategies, and collaborative efforts, we aim to propel the coconut industry to new heights of prosperity, resilience and sustainability.

“The September 2 annual global observance of World Coconut Day serves as a platform to promote awareness, innovation and sustainable development in the coconut industry worldwide.

“The event aims to raise awareness among stakeholders and the general public about the critical significance of the coconut sector for both present and future generations.

“It is a day when countries, communities and organizations unite to recognise the multiple dimensions of coconut’s contribution – from nutrition and health to livelihoods and environmental preservation.”

Speaking on the theme, the president says “Coconut is a tree for today and the future. The coconut legacy in Nigeria must be preserved for posterity.”

Okoroji who said the world coconut day will be commemorated in Nigeria on September 6, called for the participation of the general public in the Nigerian Export Promotion Council. (NAN)

Edited by Vincent Obi

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Health

FG to strengthen traditional medicine for health coverage – Minister

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By Folasade Akpan

The Federal Government has promised to strengthen traditional medicine through favourable policies and scientific research and innovation for sustainable results.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Adetunji Alausa, made this known on Thursday in Abuja at the commemoration of the 2023 African Traditional Medicine (ATM) day.

The theme is: “The Contribution of Traditional Medicine to Holistic Health and Well-being for All” .

Alausa, who was represented by the ministry’s Director of Human Resources Management, Malam Hassan Salau, said that integration and collaboration between modern medical practices and traditional medicine are essential.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Aug. 31 every year as the ATM Day in the 2001 and urges all Member States to on this day review the progress of implementation of the objectives of institutionalising traditional medicine into national health systems.

“We must ensure that our traditional healers have access to proper training, research and resources, allowing them to standardise their expertise while also aligning with international best practices.

“This collaboration can lead to a healthcare system that is truly comprehensive and inclusive, benefiting all members of our society.”

He, however, assured that Nigeria would mobilise evidence-based actions in support of traditional medicine which serves as initial recourse for millions worldwide seeking to address their health and well-being needs.

Alausa added that the nation would continue to work with support from WHO, West African Health Organisation (WAHO) and other partners like the Embassies of China and India to develop traditional medicine for local use and commercialisation.

He said that studies have shown that traditional medicine use in Nigeria was as high as 81.6 per cent, a figure that is not expected to be on the decline in the near future, especially in the face of the predicted increase in the global burden of diseases.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, seeks to bolster the economy by prioritising Universal Health Coverage which is expected to frontally address the nation’ s healthcare challenges.

“The healthcare plan will also focus on encouraging and improving funding for local research of new drugs and vaccines.

“It is a well-established fact that many medicines have their origin from herbal medicine which is a form of traditional medicine.”

He added that the nation’s approach to optimising the strengths of its traditional medicine would also focus on favourable policies, institutional and political support, Nigeria’s rich biodiversity, qualitative data, scientific research, and the use of innovation to optimise the contribution of traditional medicine to UHC and sustainable development.

Also, that it will be guided by respect for the nation’s indigenous resources and intellectual property rights.

He acknowledged that the ministry has made major strides in acknowledging the role of traditional medicine in our healthcare delivery system.

They include the establishment of Department of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine (TCAM), the review of Traditional Medicine Policy for Nigeria and the Nigeria Herbal Pharmacopoeia, the development of the Nigeria Essential Medicinal Plants List (NEMPL) and the Nigerian Indigenous Knowledge documents.

Others are the establishment of a database that will capture traditional medicine practitioners in the country according to their areas of expertise.

“The TCAM department has captured over 350 practitioners in the database so far although only a bit over 230 forms have been returned.

“Training of over 800 traditional medicine practitioners on various topics ranging from good manufacturing practices, intellectual property rights, good agricultural practices, processing and packaging of traditional medicine products.

“The development of 12 Standards for Traditional Medicine in collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and other stakeholders.”

Also speaking,  the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, said that the shared theme of “Holistic Health and Well-being for All” amplifies the organisation’s commitment to the interconnectedness of health and well-being that transcends geographical boundaries.

His message was read by the Country Director, Dr Walter Mulombo.

Moeti said that ATM, deeply intertwined with indigenous herbalism and rooted in the tapestry of African spirituality and culture, stands as a beacon of accessibility, affordability, and trust for millions across the continent.

“With approximately 80 per cent of our population seeking solace in traditional medicine for fundamental health needs, it remains an embodiment of our identity, resilience, and heritage.

“We laud the strides taken by member states in nurturing the integration of traditional medicine within national health systems.

“From the development of evidence-based policies to regulatory frameworks that ensure quality and safety, from the cultivation of medicinal plants to collaborative training initiatives, our progress is tangible and commendable.”

According to him, 25 countries in the WHO Africa Region have now integrated traditional medicine into their health sciences curricula, while 20 have established training programs for traditional health practitioners and health sciences students.

This, he said, was to strengthen human resources in both traditional medicine and primary health care.

He added that 39 countries in the region have developed legal frameworks for traditional health practitioners.

“While we celebrate these achievements, we remain mindful of the path ahead. The potential of traditional medicine, in terms of research, local manufacturing, and commercialisation, remains untapped.

“On this occasion, I call upon Member States to scale up their efforts and further implement evidence-based Traditional Medicine (TM) approaches to achieve the health-related SDGs and promote health and well-being for all at all ages.

“I urge member states to apply local knowledge, science, technology, and innovation to unlock the contribution of TM to advancing planetary health and people’s well-being across the life course, through regional and culturally appropriate nutrition and lifestyles within sustainable environments.

“Facilitate effective integration of traditional medicine into national health systems contributing to achieving UHC and all health-related SDGs.”

He also advocated for the acceleration of research, production, regulation, and formal utilisation of evidence based traditional and indigenous products in national health systems.

Speaking on dealing with quackery in the profession, Dr Onyemechi Uzu, Chief Executive Officer of Ruzu Herbal Products said that one of the ways was to identify all the practitioners through registration.

According to him, presently there is a database at the Ministry of Health which gets the full profile of all the practitioners.

“With this database you cannot come and claim to be able to cure all, you will tell us your area of specialisation, give us your contact and we will verify to see if actually you are practicing.

“Although quackery is a challenge but we have been able to get result in getting the real practitioners who are practicing the profession.” (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

 

Entertainment , General News

Ofala festival ‘ll showcase cultural heritage of Onitsha people – Igwe

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By Monday Ajogun

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, says the 2023 Ofala festival slated to hold between Oct. 14 and 15 will showcase the cultural heritage of Onitsha people.

Achebe, who said this on Thursday at a news conference on the level of preparedness for the Ofala at his palace in Onitsha, said arrangements were in top gear to celebrate the festival.

The Igwe, who was represented by the Chairman of sub-committee of the Ofala Steering Committee, Mr Nnaemeka Maduegbuna, said that the Ofala was an annual festival of the people of Onitsha where they displayed their rich cultural heritage.

According to him, the celebration of the Ofala festival is billed for Oct. 14 and 15, and will be held in his Palace, situated along Awka road, Onitsha.

“The Ofala is the monarch’s annual emergence from seclusion, during which period, the monarch may have successfully negotiated the fortunes of the kingdom.

“It is also a reenactment of the joy which the monarch shares with his subjects at the discovery that yam is non-toxic and a valuable source of food,” said the monarch.

“First day is the Ofala proper, “Iru Ofala”, which is Saturday, while the second day, “Azu Ofala”, that is Sunday. The theme of this year’s Ofala is, ‘Better , Stronger and Together,” he said.

The traditional ruler said that the activities lined up for the celebration included road show and a paper presentation at Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University, Awka.

According to him, the lecture will be delivered by the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rev. Felis Ajakaye, to sensitise people on the Ofala festival, among others. (NAN)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Deji Abdulwahab

General News , Defence/Security

Niger crisis: Tinubu insists military intervention last resort

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By Ismail Abdulaziz

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said all diplomatic options would be exhausted with the military junta in Niger Republic before any military intervention.

A statement on Thursday in Abuja by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said Tinubu also reiterated the non-acceptance of forceful removal of a democratic government.

Tinubu stated this when he received the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, at the State House.

“I must thank you for your several visits to Niger Republic, Your Eminence, but you will still have to go back. My fear has been confirmed in Gabon that copy cats will start doing the same thing until it is stopped.

 ‘’We are neighbours with Niger Republic, and what has joined Nigerians together with their great people cannot be broken. Nobody is interested in a war. We have seen the devastation in Ukraine and Sudan. But, if we don’t wield the big stick, we will all suffer the consequences together,” the President said.

Tinubu noted that Nigeria, under Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, instituted a nine-month transition programme in 1998 that led the country into a new era of democratic governance.


The President said that such action can be replicated in Niger Republic if the military authorities are sincere.

“Your Eminence, please don’t get tired, you will still go back there. The soldiers’ action is unacceptable. The earlier they make positive adjustments, the quicker we will dial back the sanctions to alleviate the sufferings we are seeing in Niger,” the President said.

On the hardship faced by many Nigerians post-fuel subsidy removal, the President assured that all ongoing reforms would reposition the economy and benefit the majority of the population in terms of opportunities, infrastructure, healthcare and education.

“Nigeria is headed for a promise. Our diversity will turn into prosperity, not adversity. We will build a country that our children will be proud of,” the President assured.

He told the delegation that the federal government was collaborating with state governments for provision of land for pan-national animal husbandry and agro-allied production as well as processing facilities for mass export, job creation and revenue generation.

“If Nigeria is still looking for vaccines for basic health issues; if infant and maternal mortality is rampant, then we should examine ourselves. I will commit to consulting with other leaders, like the NSCIA, and we will meet the needs of our people,” he said.

Vice President Kashim Shettima also said that the President had budgeted N50 billion to support the ongoing rebuilding of lives and property in the North West and North East.

He said that this gesture was with a new focus on dialogue to address security challenges and complement the kinetic efforts.

The Sultan of Sokoto pledged “one hundred per cent loyalty” to the President, affirming that a leader can only reach a position by the will of God, and not man.

The Sultan assured the President that the NSCIA would be available for advice and support toward realising his dream for the country, adding that “God will hold all leaders to account, in justice and fairness.”

He suggested that the distribution of palliatives across the country should be monitored and augmented, where it fails to reach some of the people who remain in dire need.

“I honestly believe we will come out of the challenges stronger,” the Sultan said. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Sports , General News

Enoh speaks on relocating office to MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja 

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By Olanrewaju Akojede

The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Enoh, on Thursday explained why he relocated his office to the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

He said he wanted to personally supervise what was going on in the sports centre and ensure that things were put in the right place.

“I did a tour of MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja, and I insisted that instead of having my office at the Secretariat, my office as Sports Development minister has to be at the stadium.

“I have taken that decision already, I have an assignment to make the ministry work and we have to make it work. MKO Abiola Stadium is where we have 90 per cent of the departments of sports.

“The stadium is where we have all the federations’ secretariats, athletes and footballers. For the purpose of coordination and to keep a watchful eye, it is imperative that my office is at the stadium.

“I don’t mind the challenges; what matters to me is the gain in the sports sector. I have also issued a memo to the permanent secretary that the remaining sports departments should be at the stadium,” he said.

Enoh restated that his main focus would be development of sports and how sports could be used for the development of the country.

“The focus as a sports minister is going to be in two folds; one is the development of sports, the grassroots development, infrastructure and amenities at the grassroots level where the real talents are domiciled.

“I want to see those talents from Ajegunle developed into elite sportsmen. We want to go to those places where there are fewer opportunities, or may not get the opportunity to express themselves.

“I want to provide, like a basketball court for those in the hinterland and others. A lot of times, the great boxers are not produced in the high brow areas but in the local environments.

“I want to provide these things and not just saying it, and at the end of my tenure, we want to count tangible things that have given us social inclusion which will translate to sports development,” he said.

NAN reports that as part of his ongoing efforts to assess the state of major sports facilities in the country, Enoh inspected the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, on Thursday.

He started his inspection from the stadium complex, where he visited the National Institute of Sports, the boxing complex, mainbowl of the stadium, sports medical centre, indoor sports hall and other facilities.

He also inspected the Games Village hostels, Legacy Pitch, Power House, as well as the courts for different sports. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Salif Atojoko

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