NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
General News

NAN MD’s visit to retiree evokes nostalgia

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By Usman Aliyu

Alhaji Abdulraheem Adisa, a retiree of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has recalled with nostalgia his stint in the agency.

Adisa spoke in his Ilorin residence when the Managing Director of the agency, Mr Buki Ponle, paid him a surprise visit.

Though now frail but mentally sound, Adisa was elated to receive the Chief Executive Officer and trusted colleague of the news organisation he once served.

The retiree recounted his experience in the agency where pioneer members of staff endeavoured to bring the agency to limelight.

The octogenarian recalled to the admiration of members of staff in the entourage his glorious service to the agency spanning over 32 years.

According to him, the working relationship among members of staff when the agency began operations in 1978 in Lagos was devoid of ethnic and religious sentiments.

Adisa, who applauded the appointment of Ponle, another pioneer member of staff, as the managing director, urged him to restore NAN back to its original structure and glory.

He asserted that there were cases in the past where news makers would insist they needed no other media organisation to cover their events once they had a NAN reporter in attendance.

“I want to urge you to restore this image back. I believe in your ability to do that.

“Though, we are aware of the financial situation and other challenges, but these are the challenges we must learn to live with.

“You are the second pioneer member of staff that would be appointed MD after Wada Maida. I am happy for this because you are a good man.

“If somebody is good, let him know that he is good so that he can continue the good work, and if somebody is bad, let him know so that he can stop the bad work.

“Buki is a good man and one of the pillars in the agency in those years,” Adisa said.

The NAN retiree said he was fulfilled working with the agency because he emerged a political figure in Kwara through his service period.

Ponle, who visited Adisa in company with his Special Assistant, Mr Mufutau Ojo, and some members of staff in the Ilorin office, commended Adisa, whom he said was hardworking during his days in the agency.

He described Adisa as a thoroughbred journalist whose contribution to the progress of the agency in its formative days was well acknowledged.

The managing director, who said that the visit was to raise the hope of retirees, gave an assurance that the agency would never forget them.

The management, he said, would visit other old members of staff that had served the agency meritoriously.

Ponle, who embarked on a tour of NAN offices to boost the morale of workers, promised that the agency would soon experience a turnaround under his watch.

He also promised to prioritise staff welfare in order to promote optimal performance. (NAN)

General News

Buhari felicitates with retired Air Commodore Bernard Banfa at 80

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By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Retired Air Commodore Bernard Banfa on his 80th birthday.

The President in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Saturday congratulated Banfa, who clocked 80 on Jan. 10.

Buhari joined his family and friends to celebrate the milestone, which has been lined with many years of fruitful service to the nation and humanity.

The president rejoiced with professional colleagues and associates of the former military officer, who distinguished himself with sense of duty and honour in every responsibility he handled.

He said that the retired military officer was particularly leaving a legacy of inspiring younger officers to aspire to the highest positions through diligence and discipline.

According to Buhari, Banfa’s wealth of experience and wisdom will always be relevant in moving the nation forward, especially in security issues where he had a successful career.

The president prayed for good health and longer life for Banfa. (NAN)

General News

FG begins Extended Special Public Works in Zamfara

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By Ibrahim G. Ahmad
The Federal Government has started distribution of working equipment under the Extended Special Public Works Programme in Zamfara, to boost the economy and create jobs.
Mr Ahmad Yandi, Chairman, State Selection Committee ESWP, spoke during the  distribution of the working tools on Saturday in Gusau.
Tandi said that the programme would add N46 billion into Nigeria’s economy and that would provide the necessary economic palliatives to the unemployed youths.
He said that participants who are diligent  during  the implementation of the project  would develop knowledge and skills required to become self employed.
“It is my belief that the benefit and impact of the programme will continue to linger in the mind of citizens of the state and Nigerians at large,” he said.
 Sadiya Umar-Faruk, Minister of Humanitarian, Social Development and Disaster Management, urged participants to make good use of the opportunity to improve their skills in the area of their engagement.
Umar-Faruk, represented by the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Alhaji Musa Zubairu, said that the Federal Government introduced the programme to expose unemployed youths to opportunities around them.
According to her, such opportunity can give  youths gainful employment.
Also in his remarks, Abdullahi Yakubu,  Coordinator, National Directorate for Employment in the state, commended the support and cooperation of the state, local government and traditional leaders in making the distribution a reality.
Yakubu added that the advice given to beneficiaries was key to their success. NAN)
General News

Twitter bans Trump’s account permanently

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By Harrison Arubu

Twitter on Friday evening wielded the big stick against outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump, suspending his account permanently.

Announcing this in a blog post, the company said it took the decision “due to the risk of further incitement of violence’’.

“After a close review of recent tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them, we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence.

“In the context of horrific events this week, we made it clear on Wednesday that additional violations of the Twitter Rules would potentially result in this very course of action.

“Our public interest framework exists to enable the public to hear from elected officials and world leaders directly.

“It is built on a principle that the people have a right to hold power to account in the open.

“However, we made it clear going back years that these accounts are not above our rules entirely and cannot use Twitter to incite violence among other things.

“We will continue to be transparent around our policies and their enforcement,’’ Twitter said.

The company cited two tweets by the president earlier on Friday that formed the basis of its decision.

In the first post, the president said: “The 75,000,000 great American Patriots, who voted for me, America First and Make America Great Again, will have a Giant Voice long into the future.

“They will not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way, shape or form!!!’’

Shortly thereafter Trump tweeted again: “To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the inauguration on January 20th’’.

Citing Wednesday’s attack by Trump supporters on the Capitol Hill, the company said the two tweets must be read in the context in which his comments could be used to incite violence.

“President Trump’s statement that he will not be attending the inauguration is being received by a number of his supporters as further confirmation that the election was not legitimate.

“It is seen as him disavowing his previous claim made via two tweets (1, 2) by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Dan Scavino, that there would be an “orderly transition” on Jan. 20.

“The second tweet may also serve as an encouragement to those potentially considering violent acts that the inauguration would be a ‘safe’ target, as he will not be attending,’’ it added.

Twitter had earlier suspended Trump’s account for 12 hours and threatened to ban the account permanently if he violated its rules any further. (NAN)

General News

Governors to join Buhari, Osinbajo to take COVID-19 vaccine on live TV

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By Ismaila Chafe

The governors of Nigeria’s 36 states have agreed to take the COVID-19 vaccine on live television to help drive acceptance among the populace.

The Chairman of the Nigeria’s Governors’ Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi, made this known on Friday in Abuja when he fielded questions from State House Correspondents at the end of a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.

“We too will like to demonstrate to our citizens that we believe that vaccines will work.

“The Governors’ Forum managed the polio vaccines administration in the country and we have garnered a lot of experience.

“We have worked with the Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the Federal Ministry of Health.

“We will be happy to work with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Presidential Task Force (PTF) and the Primary Healthcare Development Agency on this as well.

“So, we would take a lead as well in our various states,” said Fayemi, who is also the Governor of Ekiti.

Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director of National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), at the PTF briefing on COVID-19 on Thursday in Abuja, said the President , Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and other prominent Nigerians had expressed readiness to receive the vaccine on live television.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria intends to get 42 million COVID-19 vaccines to cover one-fifth of its population through the global COVAX scheme.

The initial vaccines would come as part of Nigeria’s plan to inoculate 40 per cent of the population in 2021 and another 30 per cent in 2022 with 100,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine expected to arrive in the country by the end of January 2021.

Fayemi commended the PTF on COVID-19 for resolving to use the president and the vice president as the publicity vehicles for reassuring those who might have doubts about the vaccines.

“But the good thing is that Mr President has agreed with me that he would convey to the PTF the necessity of using other influencers.

“Maybe the Chief Imams, the Bishops, top musicians and our sports personalities.

“The more of such people are seen taking the vaccines, the more the likelihood of resistance break down in our various localities,” Fayemi said.

The governor, who said that he discussed the issue of vaccine management with the president, stressed the urgent need for Nigeria to ramp up the manufacturing of vaccines locally.

He also urged the Federal Government to accelerate its partnership with May & Baker to produce the COVID-19 vaccines locally to reduce cost and ensure quick delivery.

“There is nothing as good as having the ability to manufacture our own vaccines locally.

“It is important for the Federal Government to really accelerate so that we can produce the vaccines here in Nigeria and not be dependent on what is coming from other parts,” Fayemi said. (NAN)

General News

Enugu govt. inaugurates panel of inquiry on community crisis

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By Nicholas Obisike
Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has inaugurated a Panel of Inquiry on the recent crisis in Oruku Community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of the state.

Inaugurating the panel in Enugu on Friday, Ugwuanyi urged the people of the community to  embrace peace, which his administration had strived to entrench and nurture in the state.

He  said the government and people of the state received the sad news of the incident with rude shock.

Members of the panel include Justice Harold Eya as Chairman and the Chairman, Traditional Rulers Council of the state, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu.

Other members include Dr Godwin Anigbo as the Secretary, Prof. Chris Onah, Mr Anthony Ogbu, Dr Chinwe Onah, and Mr Paschal Okoloagu to serve as counsel for the panel.

Ugwuanyi noted that the panel was constituted in pursuant to Section 4(1) of the Commission of Inquiry Law, Cap. 24, Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004.

He outlined the terms of reference of the panel to include, ascertaining the number of persons killed or injured.

“Identify persons, group or institutions who either by acts or omissions are directly or indirectly involved in, or sponsored the crisis.

“Investigate any other matter (s) that may come to the knowledge of the panel in the course of the inquiry, not covered in these terms of reference.

“To make recommendations regarding persons whom the panel finds culpable or blameworthy in connection with the crisis.

“Generally make recommendations in the light of its findings on how to prevent similar crisis in future and make other recommendations which the panel may consider appropriate in view of its findings.”

Ugwuanyi gave the panel two months to complete their assignment and urged it to discharge the task which outcome would inform further actions by government.

Responding on behalf of other members of the panel, Eya appreciated the governor for finding them worthy to serve the state in such capacity, pledging to carry out the task with diligence.

General News

Kwara Govt. seals 2 illegal orphanages in Omu-Aran –Ministry

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By Olayinka Owolewa

The Kwara Government, on Friday, ordered the sealing up of  two children’s homes, Blusolande Day Care and Inioluwa Orphanage, for operating illegally in the state.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Nike Ibrahim, gave the order following an on-the-spot assessment visit to the affected homes in Omu-Aran, headquarters of Irepodun Local Area of the state.

According to  Ibrahim, the homes were operating without government approval and under unhygienic conditions.

“Blusolande orphanage is found to be operating illegally; operating with lack of security and no medical records of inmates.

“It was utilising a residential home for day care services, in absence of police extract report, and out of the three inmates it claimed only two were present.

“On the part of Inioluwa Orphanage Home, apart from operating illegally, it was doing so under a poor health system, lack of personnel, while two out of the 13 inmates claimed were not present,” she said.

Ibrahim warned that it was not going to be business as usual for illegal homes in the state, adding  that the ministry would not fold its arms and watch children being subjected to unhealthy and harsh living conditions.

Also speaking, Director Social, in the ministry, Hajia Medinat Idris, stressed that every orphanage home and day care centre in the state must adhere strictly to laws guiding their operations.

She listed some of the guidelines as employment of a general administrative officer, adequate protection and care of children and sufficient nannies.

Other guidelines, according to her, were adequate space for sleeping and playing, provision of First Aid boxes, treated mosquito nets, Nest kitchen, a very well ventilated building and maintenance of adequate medical reports of the inmates.

Also contributing, Director Child, Hajia Memunat Yusuf, emphasised the need for proper day care registration, which must be differentiated from that of an orphanage home.

Other officers on the Permanent Secretary’s entourage were; Social Officer, Mrs Adenike Awoyemi and a member of Anti Social Trafficking unit, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) Kwara Command, Adeleye Elizabeth.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit to the affected homes was part of the ministry’s efforts at sanitising  operations of orphanages and day care homes across the 16 councils in the state.(NAN)

General News

COVID-19: Lagos intensifies public sensitisation on second wave

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By Florence Onuegbu

The Lagos State Government on Friday, intensified public advocacy and sensitisation to the emergence of the second wave of COVID-19.

This was done through interaction between the staff of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, led by the Director of Public Enlightenment, Mr Toyin Adeni-Awosika, and members of the public.

The sensitisation team engaged members of the public at markets, motor mechanic workshops, garages and parks at Agege, Ojota, Ikeja, Ogba, Alausa Secretariat and environs.

They addressed the people and obtained feedback, just as essential Information, Education and Communication materials such as flyers and posters were distributed.

Adeni-Awosika said that there was the need for adherence to guidelines stipulated by the government to curtail the spread of the deadly virus.

According to him, the state government is dismayed with the flagrant disregard for COVID-19 protocols by members of the public.

“People mingle without adherence to physical distancing, face masks are not worn in public places, while hand sanitisers are absent in most public and private institutions.

“Such practices expose individuals to COVID-19. Everyone must take responsibility to stop the spread of this deadly virus by obeying all guidelines. COVID -19 is real,´´ he said.

Adeni-Awosika advised transport operators to always check the temperature of commuters and to desist from flouting physical distancing protocols relating to the number of passengers allowed in their commercial vehicles.

During the sensitisation, fliers were alsodistributed to pedestrians and motorists at the various locations.

Traditional, religious and opinion leaders in communities, Community Development Committees and Community Development Associations were enjoined to influence their followers to abide by government directives, in order to end the pandemic. (NAN)

General News

Ondo Govt. bans trading activities on roads in Akure

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By Muftau Ogunyemi

Ondo State Government has placed a total ban on trading activities on traffic lanes, pedestrian paths and walkways on major market corridors in Akure, the state capital.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Donald Ojogo, announced this in a statement on Friday in Akure.

Ojogo said the ban followed the setting up of the Committee on Waste Management and in its bid to instill sanity, especially in Akure.

According to him, the ban also includes artisans such as vulcanizers whose activities impede free flow of vehicular traffic, especially on the market corridors.

“Traders and artisans, who encroached on the main road and walkways in Arakale Market and Oja Oba on Oba Adesida road, Akure, are directed to vacate such unauthorised trading spots with effect from Jan. 11.

“This directive becomes pertinent in view of the abuse and brazen disregard to the status of Akure, the state capital.

“It is particularly, a major source of concern that vehicular and pedestrian traffic now contend for space amid trading activities on same spots.

“In order for the directive to be fully obeyed, the state’s Special Task Force shall, beginning from Jan. 11, swing into action for effective enforcement and compliance,” he said.

According to the commissioner, the move is in the interest of all residents, as the beauty or otherwise of the state capital speaks volume of our values as a people.

“It is, therefore, necessary for all concerned to show a high level of understanding for the general good of all,” Ojogo said.(NAN)

General News

Avoid using Lagos Airport Road Flyover, FG warns public

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By Grace Alegba

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mr Olukayode Popoola, on Friday advised the public to stay off Airport Road Flyover in Lagos dangerously burnt by fire, pending the determination of its structural safety.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bridge which runs over Toyota Bus Stop on the Apapa-Oshodi-Ojota-Oworonshoki Expressway being reconstructed, was engulfed by fire when a petrol tanker burst into flames on Thursday.

The federal and Lagos State governments on Friday carried out a joint inspection to know the extent of damage to the bridge and adjoining roads.

Leading the state and federal officials, Popoola raised concerns over the safety of the bridge, saying that its structural integrity had yet to be ascertained.

He told NAN during the inspection that samples were being taken from the burnt bridge for analysis to be able to ascertain the level of damage and where to carry out repairs.

Popoola said that 200 meters of the rigid pavement of the Apapa-Oshodi-Ojota-Oworonshoki Expressway reconstruction project, being carried by the Dangote Group, was burnt.

He added that the deck of the flyover was burnt and its pier badly damaged, raising fears of structural instability of the bridge.

The controller said that the bridge was barricaded after the fire because of safety concerns, regretting that the barriers were removed at night.

Popoola warned that there would be risks in using the bridge.

“We are taking some samples to go and analyse before we know the structural stability, but physically, a lot of damage has been done to this pier of the bridge.

“The integrity is already compromised.

“Yesterday the road was barricaded but in the night, some people went and removed the barricade.

“We are advising that members of the public should not take the risk of using this bridge,” he said.

Popoola said that about 200 meters of the bridge deck as well as the pavement of Apapa-Oshodi-Ojota-Oworonshoki Expressway being reconstructed was affected by the inferno.

He added that one of the piers – pillars of the bridge – was badly burnt, making the ministry unsure of the structural integrity and safety of the bridge.

He said that outcome of tests would ensure appropriate action on the flyover constructed by Julius Berger Plc, as well as the highway under reconstruction by the Dangote Group.

According to the controller, the Federal Highway Act empowers the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to prosecute whoever caused damage to assets of the Federal Government.

“This Apapa-Oshodi-Ojota-Oworonshoki Expressway project is ongoing, and we have not even completed it. Now, due to carelessness of drivers, this fire occurred, and you can see the level of the damage.

“The pavement that we have spent a lot of money, up to 200 meters – have been affected; that will cost a lot of money,” he said.

Popoola noted that the ministry had been working in collaboration with Lagos State Government to tackle trucks’ menace and other infractions affecting road infrastructure.

The Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Works and Infrastructure, Mrs Aramide Adeyoye, said that the state government, through its Ministry of Transportation, would embark on strict enforcement of road worthiness regulation.

She told NAN that the government’s agents would begin to enter depots and loading bays for petrol tankers to ensure that those not road worthy would not lift petroleum products.

Adeyoye said that truck accident causing damage to road infrastructure had become recurrent.

“Oftentimes, they claim that the roads are bad. What do you say about this one now that the road is very good, there is no pothole anywhere,” she said.

Adeyoye said that truck accidents were most times caused by reckless driving.

She called for attitudinal change.

She said that fires caused by tanker accidents had caused much hardship on road users, urging that road unworthy trucks should stop coming into Lagos State.

She said that the support of the Federal Government was important in tackling the ‘hydra-headed monster’.

Mr Cyril Zango, Deputy Corps Commander (Operations), Lagos Sector Command of the Federal Roads Safety Corps, said the offending truck had been impounded.

He said that investigations were on as regards the accident, adding that, if found guilty, the owner and the driver of the tanker would be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to other road users.

Zango said that articulated vehicle drivers engaged sharp practices to evade checks. (NAN)

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