NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FCTA-ACReSAL boosts agricultural production with tractors, boreholes in Kwali – Official
Metro

FCTA-ACReSAL boosts agricultural production with tractors, boreholes in Kwali – Official

167 total views today

 

By Philip Yatai

The World Bank-supported Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, Federal Capital Territory Protect Implementation Unit, has procured tractors to boost agricultural production in Kwali Area Council of the territory.

Mr Lawan Geidam, Mandate Secretary, Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat, FCT Administration, disclosed this during engagement of community members from Wako-Pukafa Catchment Area of the council, on Thursday.

Geidam, who is the Chairman, Technical Committee of the project in FCT, added that solar-powered boreholes were also constructed by the project.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Grace Adayilo, Geidam explained that the tractors and boreholes were made available under the project’s livelihood support.

He said that the solar-powered boreholes have been constructed in eight communities all in Kwali area council to provide sustainable sources of water for both irrigation and domestic use.

According to him, the boreholes will ensure availability of water all year round, to nurture crops and sustain communities.

He added that the project had also awarded contracts for the procurement of critical farm inputs.

He said that the inputs, which included improved seedlings, fertilizers, and pesticides, would soon be distributed to the farmers.

The goal, according to him, is to boost their efficiency and enhance crop yields, combat pest invasions, and ensure that soil remains fertile and productive for generations to come.

“The challenges posed by climate change no doubt present an undeniable threat to our quest for food security.

“This is what our collaboration with the World Bank aims at addressing; to fortify the resilience of our communities through capacity building and investments in natural resources management, good agricultural practices, and climate adaptation.

“It is, therefore, gratifying to see that our words are transforming into decisive actions as evidenced by today’s community engagement which coincided with the commencement of the new planting season,” he said.

In her remarks, Dr Joy Agene, Task Team of the World Bank-supported ACReSAL project, urged community members to take ownership of the project.

Agene, who was represented by and official of the project, Ms Ugonne Wunyi, pointed out that the project would fail without active support of community members.

“ACReSAL is a project of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and supported by the World Bank. So, it is basically and primarily your project, and without you, we cannot not achieve it.

“So, we are craving your indulgence to actively participate and take this project as your own, so that we can get all the results that we deserve, in terms of our livelihood; in terms of our farm produce and making our environment better,” she said.

The Project Coordinator in FCT, Mrs Caroline Opara, said that the essence of the community engagement was to sensitise the residents on the project and how to benefit from its various interventions.

“ACReSAL is a community driven project and that is why we are here to hear from you and for you to know how to implement the project effectively in your various communities,” she said.

On his part, the chairman of the council, Mr Danladi Chiya thanked the project implementation team and the FCTA for supporting to improve the livelihood of rural dwellers.

Chiya, who was represented by Mr Bala Malami, Supervisory Councillor, Agricultural Services, pledged the council’s continued support for the success of the project. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Diaspora Voting: FixPolitics, NIDCOM, others dialogue on way forward
Politics , Foreign , General News

Diaspora Voting: FixPolitics, NIDCOM, others dialogue on way forward

260 total views today

By Fortune Abang

Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has called on compatriots abroad to form a united front aimed at promoting diaspora voting in Nigeria.

Dabiri-Erewa made the call during a virtual conference centered on institution diaspora voting in Nigeria, organised by FixPolitics Diaspora Dialogue, a Non-Governmental Organisation.

According to her, Nigerians are everywhere across the world, and that they can work closely together to form a common front in a bid to achieve their pursuit for diaspora voting.

Dabiri-Erewa said, “Nobody in diaspora can have an edge over the other. There is no where we do not have Nigerians.

“More importantly, we should have everything in place before diaspora voting; it must not start immediately.

“Let it start when INEC feels it is ready for it because we cannot keep amending the constitution all the time about this.”

The NIDCOM boss commended Nigerians in the diaspora for contributing towards the development of their fatherland through remittances which made up 60 per cent of the nation’s Internally Generated Revenue.

Anthony Ubani, Executive-Director, FixPolitics Africa, said the dialogue engendered innovative solutions that can facilitate the full realisation of diaspora voting in Nigeria.

According to him, Nigerians in the Diaspora represent a dynamic and vibrant community spread across the globe.

“This comprise individuals and institutions that remain deeply connected to the Nigerian homeland, as well as endowed with both financial and intellectual wealth.

“Yet, in spite of their citizenship and the tremendous capacity they contribute positively to the Nigerian project, these Nigerians in the diaspora continue to be denied their fundamental right to vote.

“This disenfranchisement not only undermines the principles of democracy, it also diminishes potential for diaspora engagement in shaping the policies and decisions that impact their lives and millions of Nigerians back home.

“We must recognise the urgent need for constitutional reform with a view to guaranteeing the full and equal participation of all Nigerian citizens in shaping a new Nigeria, regardless of their geographical location.

“The time has come for us to advocate for legislative action that will enable diaspora voting in Nigeria, to ensure that every Nigerian who is eligible to vote is able to do so,” he said.

He explained that an estimated 20 million Nigerians live in the diaspora, adding that Nigerians at home and abroad have to work together to achieve the desired goal.

Ubani also said they have to partner to effectively implement strong and credible advocacy programme aimed at advancing constitutional, electoral, political and economic reforms.

He noted that the journey to realise such goal must begin with constitutional reforms that would enable Nigerians living abroad to exercise their franchise.

Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, Founder, FixPolitics, said Nigerians can encourage the political class to establish structural reforms and facilitate economic productivity in the country.

Ezekwesili, therefore, urged Nigerians in the diaspora to lend their voices, insights and experiences to the discussion.

Dr Bashir Obasekola, President, Nigerians in Diaspora, Europe, said the discussion on cultural and economic development would not be complete without political engagement.

“We should emphasise on political engagement and speak with one voice; every Nigerian need to be carried along wherever they are,” Obasekola said.

Ms Elizabeth Johnson, President, Nigerian Women Association in South Africa, said the call for partnership among compatriots had become expedient to enable citizens living abroad to vote and be voted for in elections.

Johnson blamed poor awareness as one of the factors hindering efforts to drive solutions designed to achieve diaspora voting.

She therefore, suggested the establishment of polling stations at various Nigerian consulate abroad and voter education campaign to achieve progress.

Meanwhile, Ms Lola Thampson Duke, Coordinating Co-chair, FixPolitics Diaspora Initiative, said a five-member committee would be inaugurated with the mandate to prepare a working document for presentation to the National Assembly as a means to realise the set goal. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Military court martials 2 personnel over Tudun Biri bombing incident  – DHQ
Defence/Security

Military court martials 2 personnel over Tudun Biri bombing incident  – DHQ

287 total views today

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj -Gen. Edward Buba, says two personnel of the Nigerian Army are facing a court martial in respect of the bombing incident at Tudun Biri in Kaduna State.

Buba made this known while briefing newsmen on Thursday in Abuja on the operations of the Armed Forces.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that 85 civilians were on Dec. 3, 2023, mistakenly killed in military drone attacks in Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Buba said that the military would punish personnel found culpable in the Dec. 3 incident, adding that investigation was conducted and concluded with a resolve to ensure that the personnel involved were brought to book and justice served for the victims.

“The military has conducted a painstaking investigation into the incident and has initiated disciplinary action against those culpable.

“Accordingly, the affected personnel are to face a court martial for acts of omission or commission with respect to the incident.

“I am however constrained not to speak much about the incident as it would be adjudged as prejudicial being a case before court martial.

“The military will take extra precautions in the future to ensure that non combatants are safe,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

COAS hails troops resilience, commitment to war against insurgency
Defence/Security

COAS hails troops resilience, commitment to war against insurgency

228 total views today

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has commended troops of the Nigerian Army for their commitment and resilience in the fight against terrorism and other security challenges in the country.

Lagbaja gave the commendation while addressing troops of 23 Brigade, Nigerian Army, at the Gibson Jalo Cantonment, Yola, Adamawa, during operational visit to the Brigade on Wednesday.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Lagbaja said the sacrifices of the troops had helped to safeguard the territorial integrity of the nation.

He said the desire to gain first hand insight into the welfare of the troops and assess their operational readiness propelled him and his team to visit the Brigade.

The COAS told the troops that the army was on a transformational drive, adding that the Federal Government had been supportive of the drive with the provision of essential combat enablers and personnel’s welfare schemes.

He said the drive had started impacting on troops’ operational effectiveness and morale.

According to him, the federal government has approved funds to clear the backlog of Group Life Assurance claims that had accumulated since 2012.

“This approved payment is aside from the ongoing drive to ensure conducive working and living conditions for both personnel and their families,” he said.

He assured them that the challenges observed during the visit would receive prompt attention.

During a courtesy visit to Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri, Lagbaja expressed appreciation to the government and people of the state for standing by the troops for peace and tranquility.

He enjoined them to continue to seek support for the troops to enhance their operations.

Responding, Gov. Fintiri said that crime has drastically reduced in the state, adding interagency cooperation had been commendable.

He pledged that his administration would continue to support the Nigerian army and other security agencies in the conduct of their operational activities in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Josephine Obute and Abiemwense Moru

Visa processing for 2024 Hajj reaches advanced stage- NAHCON
Metro

Visa processing for 2024 Hajj reaches advanced stage- NAHCON

251 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it has reached an advanced stage in the processing of entry visa for the 2024 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

The Executive Chairman, NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, said this at the Maiden Stakeholders Summit on Nigeria’s Hajj and Umrah Industry on Thursday in Abuja.

Arabi said that the commission had scheduled May 15, for the inaugural flight of the 2024 Hajj.

He said that the approved air carriers were ready to transport all Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia
from over 10 departures centres.

” We as a board of NAHCON and team will be meeting with the air carriers later today to fashion out the departure centres and of course our partners in the aviation sector will also join us.”

The NAHCON boss said that all pilgrims from states would visit Madinah for the maximum of four days before the commencement of Hajj rites.

” This is major change from the operations of Hajj in the last decade. All stakeholders are working to provide effective and efficient services to the guest of Allah (pilgrims).

” And this underscores the importance of this summit. The preparations for this year’s Hajj is characterised by different challenges but to God be the glory we are able to overcome the challenges.

” I can proudly say that close to 65,500 pilgrims of the States Pilgrims Boards, Agencies and Commissions and the Tour operators will be participating in this year’s Hajj,” he said.

He said that the commission under his watch was ready to partner, collaborate with stakeholders and work as a team for the successful conduct of the 2024 Hajj operation.

Arabi lauded Vice-President Kashim Shettima for his continued support for the commission.

He also expressed appreciation to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III for his continued guidance to the leadership of NAHCON.

Earlier, the Rector of the institute, Prof. Mohammed Maiturare, said the summit was intended to serve as a crucial platform for fostering cooperation and collaboration between NAHCON, states pilgrims broads, tour operators and all stakeholders in Hajj industry.

” Through open dialogue, knowledge sharing and a commitment to working together we can address challenges and potential destructions that might arise and ensure the successful execution of the 2024 Hajj,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day summit was organised by the Hajj Institute of Nigeria established by the NAHCON.(NAN)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

Lawyer to appeal against judgment dismissing appeal on alleged extra-judicial killings
Judiciary

Lawyer to appeal against judgment dismissing appeal on alleged extra-judicial killings

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By Taiye Agbaje

An Abuja-based human rights and constitutional lawyer, Emmanuel Ekpenyong on Wednesday, said he would appeal a judgment of the Court of Appeal, which dismissed his case against the Federal Government on alleged prevalence of extra-judicial killings in the country.

The Appeal Court sitting in Abuja had upheld a lower court’s judgment that dismissed his suit seeking to address the increasing cases of extra-judicial killings by the law enforcement agencies and non-state actors.

But Ekpenyong of the law firm of Fred-Young & Evans LP, in a chat with newsmen, said he would seek redress at the Supreme Court.

The three-member Justices, chaired by Justice Joseph Oyewole, unanimously held that the appellant, Mr Ekpenyong, lacked requisite locus standi (legal right) to file the appeal.

The appellate court held that the surviving paragraphs of the lawyer’s originating summons fails to disclose a reasonable cause of action as to vest him with the requisite locus standi.

“While the courts have a duty to ensure that genuinely aggrieved citizens are not shut out, this does not entail entertaining hypothetical and academic issues as contained in the appellant’s originating summons.

“The power conferred on the courts by Section 6(6) of the constitution must be deployed to resolving real disputes and attending to genuine grievances.

“It does not extend to the consideration of academic and hypothetical questions and issues,” Justice Oyewole, in the lead judgment, said.

On whether the cost of N100,000 awarded against the appellant by the lower court was excessive and meant to punish him for daring to apply to the court for interpretation of the extent of his fundamental right, the appellate court resolved the two issues against Ekpenyong.

Justice Oyewole held that costs are awarded at the discretion of the court which discretion must be exercised judicially and judiciously.

According to him, where the exercise of discretion was lawfully made, an appellate court cannot interfere.

He agreed with the respondents that the award of cost by the lower court was not punitive, arbitrary or in any manner unlawful.

“Costs follow events and a public interest action found to be fabulous cannot escape the payment of costs simply on account of being a public interest action.

“I therefore see no basis to interfere with the award of costs made in this instance and I also resolve this issue in favour of the respondents and against the appellant.

“In totality, this appeal lacks merit and it is accordingly dismissed.

“Cost of N250,000.00 is awarded in favour of the respondents and against the appellant,” Justice Oyewole declared.

Although the judgement was delivered on March 27, 2024, its certified true copy was made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

Other members of the panel include Justices Abba Mohammed and Peter Obiorah.

It would be recalled that Ekpenyong, a Nigerian citizen and legal practitioner, had appealed against a judgment delivered on May 6, 2022, by Justice Nkeonye Maha of a Federal High Court, Abuja.

In the appeal number: CA/ABJ/1200/2022, the lawyer listed the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as 1st and 2nd respondents.

The appellant prayed the Appeal Court to allow the appeal and set aside the whole judgement.

Justice Maha, who earlier dismissed the suit, held that Ekpenyong failed to present sufficient facts in proof of the case.

She, therefore, dismissed it for lack of reasonable cause of action against the defendants (President and AGF) and awarded a cost of N100, 000.00 against the plaintiff.

In the suit, Ekpenyong alleged that the wanton loss of human lives in Nigeria in recent times has put him as a “person” described under Section 33 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution in reasonable apprehension that his right to life under Section 33 (1), Chapter IV of the Nigerian Constitution is likely to be contravened.

In the originating summons marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/755/2020 dated and filed July 10, 2020, the plaintiff submitted six questions for determination.

Ekpenyong urged the court to determine whether his right to life enshrined in Section 33 (1) of Nigerian Constitution “means the protection of the plaintiff’s life beyond mere physical and animal existence and extends to the right to live a meaningful, complete and dignified life?

“Whether the plaintiff’s right to life enshrined in Section 33 (1) of the 1999 Constitution prohibits any unlawful acts of omission or commission by the Nigerian state, Nigerian police, other law enforcement agents and private individuals which are capable of terminating the plaintiff’s life?

He then sought an order of mandatory Injunction compelling the defendants to take immediate steps to overhaul and reform the Nigerian police and other law enforcement agencies to incorporate forensic science in their criminal investigations to address extra-judicial killings by both state and non-state actors.

He said this would also help to ensure that every unlawful death committed are thoroughly investigated and the culprit arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction, among other reliefs.(NAN)(wwww.nannews.ng)

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Tinubu salutes workers as they await new minimum wage
General News

Tinubu salutes workers as they await new minimum wage

244 total views today

By Ismail Abdulaziz

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Nigerian workers on the occasion of annual May Day celebration by workers globally.

This is contained in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The President saluted Nigerian workers for their fidelity to the peace, progress, and development of the nation evident in their tireless efforts and patriotic zeal to keep the national engine running.

He stated that his administration remains committed to improving the welfare of all workers, citing the various relief programmes, including the wage award and the imminent minimum wage review.

VP Kashim Shettima and NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero during May Day celebration in Abuja

“President Tinubu celebrates Nigerian workers across all spheres – from the clerical officer who ensures the proper documentation and distribution of correspondence and the security officer who remains ever dutiful through all seasons.

“The teacher who secures the future of our nation by imparting knowledge to the next generation; the doctor who works relentlessly to save precious lives, and to all Nigerian workers who keep the candle aflame.”

Tinubu said that the custodians of the nation’s machinery deserved a fair wage and enhanced welfare, adding that “a labourer is deserving of not just any reward but fair and commensurate wages”.

The President assured Nigerian workers of his determination to improve their welfare, enhance their working conditions as well as provide the necessary tools for them to succeed.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the federal government on Tuesday announced increase in salary of some categories of Nigerian workers by 25 per cent to 35 per cent.

VP Kashim Shettima at 2024 May Day celebration in Abuja

The labour unions, however, are waiting for a new national minimum wage, which has expired by April 1 by constitutional provision.

Mr Joe Ajaero, the Nigeria Labour Congress President had called for a review of the five years renegotiation of the wages of workers in the country due to inflationary trends of the economy.

“There is a need to tinker with the law providing for five yearly renegotiation of national minimum wage to allow for yearly adjustment of wages based on the rate of inflation and value of the Naira.

“This is important because people have been coming up to say that if we increase salaries, it will affect inflation,” he had said at the 2nd National Labour Adjudication and Arbitration Forum in Abuja. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Firm gives out N5m to winners of gaming tournament
General News

Firm gives out N5m to winners of gaming tournament

197 total views today

By Funmilola Gboteku

The Omniverse Africa, a technology company that supports gaming, on Wednesday gave out a total of N5 million to 37 winners of the seven different games of its Gaming Tournament.

Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony in Lagos, the Co-convener of the Omniverse Africa, Mr Charles Emembolu, said that the N5 million was to celebrate, appreciate and encourage those that were in the gaming sector.

Emembolu said that the e-sports tournament which started in February was to encourage people to take up gaming as a profession, as it was highly intellectual.

According to him, gaming is built on technology and it is innovative, hence, the encouragement from the Omniverse Africa.

He said that over 20,000 people registered for the tournament, in which 37 people emerged as winners.

”Gaming is a profession, it is sports, and it is skill and those skills are also rewarded.

”Beyond the money we give out as prizes, they also earn by playing, so even while they play, they earn money. They have what we call coins, tokens. We have e-tokens and different kinds of ways that players can earn or benefit.

”More important is the impact of job creation. In fact, the gaming industry grew from about $100 million post-COVID in 2021, to over $400 million annually last year. So it is a growing sector that many of us may not know,” he said.

Emembolu said that the gaming industry helped to boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), through the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) attracted by the gaming companies.

He urged parents not to discourage their children from gaming, as gaming was educative, highly intellectual and lucrative as a profession.

”Gaming is addictive but it is also a profession. If you balance it, it can be very valuable. So like everything, balance is key. So this is a profession and we intend to continue supporting it,” the co-convener said.

Also speaking, Mr Kunmi Adenipebi, the Chief Executive Officer of Game Evolution Technologies, described gamers as smart people and gaming as one of the biggest entertainment and sports industry in the world currently.

Adenipebi asserted that due to its advantages, there was the need for the country to align with such an industry.

Adenipebi said that Nigeria was picking up very fast as there had been a growth between 2019 and 2024 of over a million gamers popped up from the mobile gaming sector.

He said that the future of e-sports in Nigeria was huge, as the private industries were now investing in e-sports tournament, e-sports teams and creating e-sports coaching projects.

”So, we see a very huge career industry for the next generation of Nigeria youths in the e-sports industry.

”For the professional gamers or the gamers that we have seen the past couple of years, 90 per cent of them are actually doing very well in school. Gaming is actually for smart people.

”What we have done, and most especially for the younger ones in primary and secondary school, is that before you become part of our industry, we make sure you are doing well in school.

”So we can’t really control how they play or when they play, but the most important thing is letting them know that education comes first. So we make sure we drive the importance of education to the kids while they are playing games.

”We introduce what we call gamification in education, which is adding new games to allow them read, to help them in different studies like mathematics, English, geography, meterology and everything. We also introduced those games to them to help them pick interest in reading.

”So, all those are the measures that we go through to make sure that there is a balance between gaming and education,” Adenipebi said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

=================
Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Christiana Fadare

756 schools to compete in Anambra sports festival
Sports

756 schools to compete in Anambra sports festival

345 total views today

By Chimezie Anaso

Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman, Anambra State Sports Development Commission (ASSDC), has said that 756 primary and secondary schools would participate in the state’s 2024 School Sports Festival.

Onyedum said this at the Pre-Competition Press Conference ahead of the festival scheduled to hold in Awka.

He said the festival which would hold between May 2 and June 7, would surpassed the 2023 edition where 600 schools participated.

He said the festival would feature 12 sporting events including Athletics, Basketball, Chess, Football, Scrabble, Swimming, Table tennis, Tennis,  Taekwondo, Volleybal, Cricket and Ncho in U-12, U-14 and U-18 categories.

The Chairman said the first school sports festival was hugely successful with discovery of young and raw talented children across Anambra.

“I welcome you all to the 2024 edition of Anambra State School Sports Festival, a flagship Programme under the Anambra State Sports Solution Initiative of the Sports Development Commission.

“At about this time last year, we were all gathered here for the ceremonial kick off of the first edition, the children from that festival went to National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State and shook the country at that level of sports development.

“Children of Anambra became once again, princes and princesses of the tracks, karate and taekwondo prodigies as well as beach volleyball champions and national sensation.

“As I speak to you, some of those athletes are on academic scholarships in some of the best schools in Abuja and Anambra,” he said.

2024 Anambra School Sports Festival

Onyedum congratulated Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, the Commissioner for Education for giving students and pupils the opportunity to develop themselves academically and sports wise.

He said the Sports Commission would continue to support them especially in the area of sports infrastructure.

“Maybe I should suggest that going forward,  it should be considered an offense not to allow your students to participate in a festival like this.

“That child you are denying the opportunity to participate in sports may be the world champion in-waiting in the next five or 10 years.

“Preparations for this year’s National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State has started and talents that will be discovered from this festival will constitute up to 85 per cent of Anambra team to that Games.

“I want to thank the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh for believing in this project and providing the raw materials with which we are doing this work,” he said.

In his speech, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo said his administration would continue to support sports for greater empowerment impact.

Soludo who was represented by Ernest Ezeajughi, his Chief of Staff, called on the Sports Development Commission to expand its scope of activities to get more people engaged in sporting activities.

According to him, we acknowledge the abundance of sports talents in Anambra and this administration is resolute in bringing out the best in children in order to channel their minds to positive ventures so that they can contribute to development.

“We want to call on relevant stakeholders to key into the sports sector in the state to achieve better results,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Traders union vows to end illegal price fixing
Economy/Business

Traders union vows to end illegal price fixing

360 total views today

By Joan Nwagwu

The National Union of Market Traders Employers of Nigeria (NUMTEN) has pledged  to end illegal price fixing and exploitation in Nigerian markets

Mr James Chukwuma, NUMTEN President made the pledge while receiving the union’s Certificate of Registration from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Wednesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NUMTEN is the newest affiliate of the NLC.

Chukwuma said that the unstable market prices was worrisome to Nigerians and one of the objectives of the union is to ensure market reform.

“We are going to work with the market traders, distributors, manufacturers and even government to ensure that prices are regulated,” he said

He added that the union would protect traders from persistent exploitation and victimisation by unscrupulous elements hiding under the garb of the government.

According to Chukwuma,  NUMTEN has been registered to liberate helpless market traders from persistent intimidation and extortion in the hands of illegal market associations.

“This unlawful act perpetrated by these illegal impostors have caused grievous bodily harm to the market traders, with people losing their life on a daily basis on the account of the encounters.

“The idea is to tackle all the identified challenges, including, non-conducive trading environment, unrealistic business profit, unstable market prices, incessant lost of properties in the market from fire outbreak,” he said.

Chukwuma said that NUMTEN is a symbol of hope to salvage government revenue being siphoned by minority individual and illegitimate association.

He said the union would ensure that the right revenue goes into the government purse, and the labour of its members would not be in vain any longer.

NUMTEN president also promised to enter into collaboration with other sister unions and government agencies, to ensure Nigeria becomes a productive and not consuming nation.

“We will ensure that Nigeria becomes an industrialised nation producing finished goods for consumption by other nations in the world,” he said.

Mr Benson Upah, NLC Head of Information, urged the union to be up and doing and priotise workers’ welfare. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

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