NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Kogi guber: We’re presenting most sellable candidate – APGA
Politics

Kogi guber: We’re presenting most sellable candidate – APGA

165 total views today

By Stephen Adeleye

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Kogi, says the party is presenting the most sellable candidate in the Nov. 11 governorship election in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Idoko Kingsley Ilonah is the APGA governorship candidate with Yakubu Bawa as his running mate.

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday in Lokoja, the spokesperson for Ilonah/Bawa APGA Campaign Council in Kogi, Mr Aliyu Ibrahim, said the party’s candidate remained the most qualified and suitable among others.

According to him, Ilonah is a man of capacity and has the ability to harness the fortunes of Kogi to create jobs for the teeming unemployed youths, provide quality functional education with improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the state.

“Our candidate has capacity, he is a man of integrity, and competent to bring the desired development to Kogi.

“Ilonah is the most sellable among all other candidates presented by other political parties,” Ibrahim said.

He assured that APGA government in Kogi would not rely on monthly allocations from the Federal Government to develop the state if voted to power.

The spokesperson emphasised that the party was adequately prepared for the governorship election, and urged the electorate to come out enmasse to cast their votes for APGA.

He explained that Kogi has huge challenges of unemployment, infrastructure deficit, youth restiveness, and low IGR that required urgent solutions.

“The rate of unemployment is very high in Kogi with prevalent poverty which must be urgently addressed.

“The citizens are suffering in the midst of plenty; Kogi is richly endowed with human and mineral resources.

“If elected as Kogi governor come November, our administration is poised to change the narratives within the shortest period,” he said.

He assured the people that under the APGA government, Kogi would largely depend on the internally generated revenue for its development.

He stressed that APGA administration would explore several other avenues to avoid waiting for monthly allocations, saying youth empowerment would be the party’s focal point.

He promised that the APGA administration would establish fashion or garment industry in the state.

The spokesperson, therefore, urged the electorate to chose wisely and vote for Ilonah/Bawa APGA ticket in the coming election in the state.

Also speaking, the Chairman of APGA in the state, Mr Moses Ajodo, said Ilonah has capacity which he had proven over time in his private businesses.

Ajodo stressed that if Ilonah is given opportunity to govern the confluence state, he would adequately utilise its numerous resources to the benefit of the people.

On his part, the Director General, Ilonah/Bawa APGA Campaign Council, Abdulaziz Arikora, enjoined the party leaders and members to go back to their various local government areas and mobilise total support for the candidate. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Edith Bolokor/Chioma Ugboma

Internet fraud: EFCC returns ,000 to Briton
Defence/Security

Internet fraud: EFCC returns $26,000 to Briton

162 total views today

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has facilitated the return of  $26,000 to Christine Brown, a British national and a victim of internet fraud.

The EFCC Spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said this in a statement in Abuja, added that the Benin Zonal Command handed over the money to the victim on Monday.

According to him, Brown expressed gratitude to the Commission for its efforts which she said, has brought some succour to her after losing her life’s savings to the fraudsters.

He said that the 70-year-old had petitioned the Commission after being defrauded by an internet fraudster through a romance scam.

“Narrating her ordeal, Brown said she became a victim after she met a purported John Barrowman, an entertainer and citizen of America online.

“Unknown to her, he was a fraudster.  Brown said they became romantically involved, and the fraudster began to demand money which she sent to him through wire transfers,  Bitcoin and  gift cards,” Uwajaren said.

“Kanu Idagu, the Zonal Commander, while handing over the recovered fund,  said the Commission will continue to discharge its mandate to the betterment of the society.

“We are doing a whole lot in ensuring that victims of fraud are restituted where possible, and we will continue to do more,” he said.

He admonished the public to be circumspect in whatever they do online as fraudsters prowl the internet seeking to defraud unsuspecting victims.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Rotary club provides free medical services to over 500  FCT residents
General News

Rotary club provides free medical services to over 500  FCT residents

161 total views today

By Deji Abdulwahab
 The Rotary Club says no fewer than 500 women and children have benefitted from free medical outreach in Guidna community in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The President, Rotary Club of Abuja Central Business District (CBD), Rotarian Aisha Ali, said this on Wednesday at the medical outreach in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outreach was organised by 12 Rotary Clubs in District 9125 in Abuja in collaboration with Silver Cross Hospital.
Ali said that the outreach was in response to one area of focuses of Rotary International, which focused on providing high-quality health care to vulnerable mothers and children.
She said that the clubs decided to provide the medical intervention to the less- privileged and vulnerable groups that could not afford regular healthcare checks.
According to her, the essence of the programme is to expand access to quality care so that mothers and children can have the same opportunities for healthy future.
“An estimated 5.9 million children under the age of five die each year because of malnutrition, inadequate health care, and poor sanitation; all of which can be prevented,” she said.
According to her, Rotary provides education, immunizations, birth kits, and mobile health clinics.
” Women are taught how to prevent mother-to-infant HIV transmission, how to breast feed, and how to protect themselves and their children from diseases,” she added.
In her remarks, Mrs Lovina Okorn-Ntui, the District Chair, Maternal and Child Health Committee, District 9125, said that the outreach was to fulfill the area of focus as it concerns maternal and child health.
According to Okorn-Ntui, it also focuses on safe delivery for women, safe breastfeeding for women and their children as well as healthy living for women and children.
“We will be enlightening them on safe delivery, issues surrounding safe breastfeeding as well as its importance.
“We will be giving them treatment for preventable diseases such as malaria fever, other common diseases that affect women and children, among others.
“We decided to come here because this is an indigent community and what Rotary preaches is to go to indigent communities to bridge the gap,” she said
She added that the items received by the beneficiaries were mosquito nets, whil free scan services, deworming of children, eye checks and distribution of eye glasses, among others were provided for them.
The Chief Medical Director, Silver Cross Hospital, Dr Patrick Ezie, said that the gesture was to assist the poor and needy in the community.
“We came together and decided that we need to flag-off this kind of intervention for women in rural communities because we identify that a lot of these women are not able to get the type of care that they want for basic problems,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola
Bi-Courtney says MMA2 ready for regional flight operations
Aviation

Bi-Courtney says MMA2 ready for regional flight operations

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By Oladele Eniola

The Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd. (BASL) says its facilities will be ready for the commencement of regional flight operations from the Murtala Muhammed Airport II (MMA2) terminal.

Bi-Courtney’s Head of Operations, Mr Blessing Ewah, made the disclosure during the regional facility tour with newsmen at the terminal in Lagos on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a ministerial committee on Airport Security in 2016, had certified the MMA2  fit for the commencement of regional operations.

In April, the Chairman of BASL, Dr Wale Babalakin, had stated that in spite of the terminal being granted approval by the Federal Government, there were still delays in starting regional operations from the MMA2.

Ewah said the company had complied with all regulatory requirements by clearly separating domestic from regional passengers and providing facilities for security and facilitation agencies such as immigration, quarantine officials, among others.

The official said that all the agencies, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), had assessed and approved the facilities after all necessary requirements were met, wondering why operations had yet to begin.

“We have invested over N600 million in the facilities for this operation and we have not recouped one Naira since it all started in 2014.

“We are actually ready, the terminal is ready, gates 5 and 6 have been dedicated for regional flights.

“We were shocked because the MMA2 terminal was built to provide services for both regional and domestic passengers, but it is presently underutilised.

“We had already spent several millions of Naira to acquire the state-of-the-art facilities in preparation for regional flight operations.

“However, the inconsistency in government policy despite the approval, had prevented it from using the facilities,” he said.

Ewah said  that the MMA2 is the foremost terminal in the country, adding that the best architects were engaged to design it.

The operations manager said everything requested and required for regional operations were carried out in the best standards.

According to him, regional operations can commence this year due to the infrastructure in place.

He felicitated the Minister of Aviation, Mr Festus Keyamo, on his appointment, noting that remarkable achievements would be accomplished in his tenure. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Benson Iziama/Julius Toba-Jegede

How Great Green Wall Agency spent N81.2b to plant 21m trees – Reps
Environment , Politics

How Great Green Wall Agency spent N81.2b to plant 21m trees – Reps

334 total views today

By Femi Ogunshola

The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee investigating the utilisation of ecological funds released to the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has uncovered N81.2 billion allegedly spent to plant 21m trees in 11 states.

The investigation is from 2015 till date.

Rep. Isma’ila Dabo, the Chairman of the committee in Abuja, decried the persistent of environmental challenges in spite of funds put into the programme.

He said the funds put by the Federal Government and international partners necessitated the investigation.

He said the committee would embark on, on-the-spot assessment tour to all the projects executed under this scheme to ascertain the claims.

He said the committee was not out to scandalise any individual or organisation but only to ensure that public funds were utilised for the purpose they were given.

“We will not shy away from pointing fingers where necessary, not out of personal animosity but simply in the national interest of our nation.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 11 states where the trees are planted are: Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Yobe and Borno.

The committee expressed displeasure over conflicting financial reports submitted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and office of the Accountant General of the Federation (oAGF) to the committee.

Piqued by the inability of the agency to substantiate most of the tree planting projects carried out so far, the committee said 80 per cent of trees planted by the agency did not survive.

Meanwhile, the documents submitted by the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mrs Oluwatoyin Madein showed that the total sum of N19.378 billion was released from the derivation and Ecology Accounts to the agency from Feb. 2019 to date.

Responding to questions from the committee, NAGGW Managing Director, Dr Yusuf Bukar, said the Great Green Wall Act was signed by Mr. President in 2015.

He said it enabled the agency to implement the Nigerian component of the programme as an initiative of the African Union being implemented in 11 African countries.

This according to him, is to address the problem of land degradation, desertification, drought, climate change and livelihood of affected communities.

He said the agency planted one million trees in Borno, Yobe and other states, adding that N2.4 billion was released in the first phase and N7.3 billion released in the second phase.

He added that the fund accruing into the agency’s account included 15 per cent of the ecological fund for the Great Green Wall, contribution of fund from the natural resources development fund and gifts.

Others include loans and grants in aid from national bilateral, multilateral organisations and donors, international and development agencies as well as individuals.

He said that the agency often got funds from donor agencies, however, he did not provide relevant documents on the amount received so far. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Angola to deepen bilateral cooperation with Nigeria
General News

Angola to deepen bilateral cooperation with Nigeria

231 total views today

By Fortune Abang

Angola has declared the readiness to deepen its bilateral cooperation with Nigeria.

Téte António, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Angola, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during his visit to Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja.

António was in Nigeria to deliver the Angolan President, João Lourenço’s invitation to President Bola Tinubu for the regular bilateral and multilateral consultations of African leaders slated for November in the Southern African country.

According to António, who met with Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lourenço’s message has been delivered through Tuggar, to Tinubu.

“I do not know what is written, but I discussed with my counterpart. We talked about bilateral relations between Angola and Nigeria.

“We discussed how we will like to boost the diplomatic relations, in terms of the cooperation existing between our two countries, including the legal institutions we signed in the past.

This will enable both countries, “to see how we are implementing them and to see which new ones we have, and we can bring in again”.

It will also help on “how to create suitable environment for business people to ba a part of this bilateral ties existing between Angola and Nigeria.

“As ministers of foreign affairs and external relations, we discussed the peace and security situations in the Sahel and other parts, including Central Africa, Great lakes and Sudan.”

He mentioned that such were actually challenges for the continent, as well as constitutional changes that happened in West Africa and recently, in Gabon.

He explained that their discussion centered on multilateral issues and on ways both countries could support each other in Angola-Nigeria multilateral systems.

“Bearing in mind that a very good relationship exists between our countries, we actually have duties as ministers of foreign affairs to deepen ties.

“We also discussed ways we can make diplomatic relations of Angola and Nigeria not only matter of diplomats and politicians, but matter of people, including the business community.

“We have a very vibrant Nigerian economy in Angola which is very active in helping the country to rebuild itself of 27 years of war and they are contributing a lot.

“We are certainly going to work closely together, to also make sure we facilitate tackling issues such as the visas for business to business community.

“Certainly, in our next meeting we will plan; today we have discussed the joint commission, this is where we go and review everything, also for business forum between Angola and Nigeria,” he said.

The envoy assured of the provision of suitable environment for business communities to interact and encourage people to know more of each other’s national interests.

The Angolan minister, however, allayed fears about differences in language between the two countries as communication barrier.

He said: “We can always find a common language to speak and the common language are the ties.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

FG to revamp steel sector to boost Nigeria’s economy
Economy/Business

FG to revamp steel sector to boost Nigeria’s economy

180 total views today
By Vivian Emoni
The Federal Government is set to revamp the nation’s steel sector to enhance the economy as well as create employment opportunities.
The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuabi Audu, said this in Abuja when he met with heads of agencies and departments in the ministry.
Audu said that Nigeria’s abundant mineral resources hold the key to reshaping the nation’s economic landscape and extending the benefits of democracy to every Nigeria.
“By tapping into the latent potential of the steel sector and channeling it into lucrative ventures, we can ensure that the dividends of democracy reach every citizen.
“The steel sector stands as a pivotal pillar of Nigeria’s industrial growth, carrying the potential to provide substantial job opportunities for the youth.
“To realise this vision, the government is fully dedicated to implementing an extensive array of measures designed to attract reputable international investors,” he said.
Audu said that every Nigerian deserves to partake in the benefits that democracy brings, adding that a core tenet of democracy was its ability to uplift individual needs and aspirations.
According to him, the government is steadfastly focused on cultivating an environment conducive to ensuring these advantages.
“In the pursuit of attracting investments, the Federal Government remains resolute in its mission to boost economic growth and empower its citizens through the potential of the steel sector.
“This is by fostering strategic alliances, facilitating investment inflow and cultivating a business-friendly atmosphere, the government envisions a future marked by prosperity, progress, and collective advancement,” he said.
The minister said that Nigeria was ready to take a leading role in the global steel market, adding that the transformative journey was poised to reshaping the nation’s economic trajectory.
“This is to ensure that the benefits of democracy are tangible and accessible to all”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Ese E. Eniola Williams
Oil theft: Troops crackdown on oil thieves in Imo, Delta
Defence/Security

Oil theft: Troops crackdown on oil thieves in Imo, Delta

152 total views today

 

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigeria Army on Wednesday, confirmed its cracked down on illegal refineries in Imo and Delta, with seizure of several litres of illegally refined Petroleum products.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, made the confirmation in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said the Troops of 343 Artillery Regiment, on Monday, cracked down on an oil thieves’ camp in Obokofia Community in Imo while conducting anti-oil theft operations.

According to him, the vigilant troops intercepted 15 sacks and 13 Jerry cans of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in the camp.

He added that the troops also recovered two pumping machines, three power generators, one hose and a tool box used for hacking into oil pipelines.

Nwachukwu said the troops, while acting on credible information, on Tuesday, intercepted a wooden boat loaded with 110 sacks of illegally refined AGO concealed in the creeks of Egbema West in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area( LGA) of Imo.

“The vigilant troops equally intercepted two vehicles  loaded with 18 sacks of illegally refined AGO within the same general area.

“Members of the public are please implored to report any suspected act of sabotage or criminality to security agencies to enhance ongoing operations to curb  economic sabotage in the country,” he said.

According to him,  “Troops of 3 Battalion also on Monday, clamped down on an active illegal oil refining site containing three cooking ovens and six reservoirs at Enokora Community in Burutu LGA of Delta.”(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Isaac Aregbesola

Tinubu to address UN General Assembly Sept. 19
General News

Tinubu to address UN General Assembly Sept. 19

176 total views today

By Cecilia Ologunagba

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu will address the 78th Session of the high-level General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

The UN correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu, in his first outing to the Assembly, will be addressing world leaders in the evening of that day.

The Nigerian President would be the fifth African leader to speak on day one of the gathering, according to the speakers list from the Office of the General Assembly President,

According to the list, Tinubu will be the 14th speaker out of 20 leaders slated to speak on the first day.

The South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the 10th speaker, will be the first African leader to speak in the morning session of the Assembly.

In the Afternoon session, five African leaders are expected to address the gathering.

The Nigerian president would deliver his statement around 6:00 pm (11:00 pm Nigerian time) to the world leaders during the afternoon session.

The President of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune will be the first African leader to speak at the afternoon session, followed by the Moroccan leader, Aziz Akhannouch and Mozambique President, Filipe Nyusi.

The President of Senegal, Macky Sall will be the firth African speaker to address the gathering and the last leader on the first day.

The President of Brazil, Luiz da Sliva would be the first world leader to present his address to the 78th session as it is tradition, followed by the U.S. President, Joe Biden, the traditional second speaker, being the host country.

NAN reports that the 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) will open on Tuesday, Sept. 5, with the inauguration of a new President, Dennis Francis of Trinidad and Tobago, who will take on the mantle for the next 12 months

The high level General Debate will be held from Sept. 19 to Sept. 29.

The Theme of the General Assembly including the general debate will be rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its sustainable development goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FG improves infrastructure at Idu train station to boost service delivery — MD
Metro

FG improves infrastructure at Idu train station to boost service delivery — MD

207 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja,

The Federal Government has commenced improvement of facilities and infrastructure at Idu Train Station, Abuja, to improve the quality of service delivery.

Mr Fidet Okhira, Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), stated this after an inspection visit to the station on Wednesday.

Okhira added that the move was to improve customer service experience and ensure comfort, safety, and the safety of users.

He explained that the inspection became necessary following the unscheduled visit by the Minister of Transportation, Sen. Saidu Alkali to the station.

He added Alkali had highlighted some issues that needed to be corrected.

“My visit today is a follow up to ensure that all directives are duly followed and implemented.

“We appreciate the minister`s visit because it has put us on our toes and everybody, including myself, is busy getting the job done,“ he said.

He said that the three faulty lifts at the station have been fixed, while one of the three escalators was also working.

He explained that the remaining two escalators could only work in one way for now, adding that the remaining two were being fixed.

According to him, the NRC has keyed into the renewed hope of President Bola Tinubu and is determined to transform the railway service to serve the public better.

On welfare, the managing director said that the corporation had paid two months out of the five months allowances owed to cleaners and security personnel.

He explained that the delay was due to a shortfall in revenue generation since the train attack, adding that expenses had equally gone up.

“We will do all we can to ensure that the remaining balance is paid. This key to boost their morale to keep the train clean and safe for all users.

“Nonetheless, we are appealing for continued cooperation of the cleaners and security personnel to enable us to deliver quality services to the members of the public,” he said.

Okhira commended the Nigerian Police, the Army, and other stakeholders for securing the station and keeping it clean and serene. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

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