NigeriaNews24

Category: News

  • My Account Logout I don’t nurse any bitterness against Makinde – Alaafin

    My Account Logout I don’t nurse any bitterness against Makinde – Alaafin

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has said that he has no bitterness against Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State over the relocation of the Mobile Police Squadron 72, from Oyo town to Ago-Are in Oke-Ogun area of the state.

    Oba Adeyemi stated this when he received Makinde who paid him courtesy visit in his palace on Wednesday in Oyo town.

    He said that the location of the Mobile Command would not create disaffection between him and the governor.

    The first class traditional ruler said that he welcomed the location of the Mobile base in Ago-Are, stressing that he will have written protest letter or visited the governor if he had any grouse against him over the squadron base location.

    The Alaafin said that Oyo town had security challenges particularly hoodlums who were terrorising the town and urged the governor to help address it.

    Oba Adeyemi assured the governor of his full support in all the administration’s programmes and policies that would be beneficial to the masses.

    Earlier, Makinde explained that his visit to Oyo town was for the inauguration of a rehabilitated primary healthcare centre within the palace premises and the flag off of the Oyo State Youths in Agric business situated in Awe town, in Afijio Local Government Area of the state.

    He said that his administration intended to build and upgrade one primary healthcare centre in each of the 352 wards across the state before the end of his tenure in 2023.

    On the controversy surrounding the location of the Mobile Police squadron 72 at Ago-Are, the governor said there was never a time the squadron was located in Oyo town.

    He said the request made to the Inspector General of Police in September 2019, over the establishment of the squadron, was for Oke-Ogun area and not in Oyo town.

    In another development, the governor while inaugurating the newly rehabilitated and equipped primary healthcare centre at Aafin Bashorun, said that his administration would focused more on the provision of basic healthcare services in state through functional primary healthcare centres.

    Makinde said that the rehabilitation was through the capitation received from Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme, towards giving quality healthcare delivery to the people at the grassroots.

    He urged them to always adhere strictly to protocols and rules of COVID-19 in order to stop further spread of the virus.

    “Health is one of the cardinal programmes of the present administration, hence the need for much attention to the health sector,” said Makinde. (NAN)

  • Insecurity: Don’t Listen to Naysayers, CSOs Tell FG

    Insecurity: Don’t Listen to Naysayers, CSOs Tell FG

    A rights group, Conference of Civil Society for Peace, Security and National Development has cautioned the Federal government against listening to individuals and groups calling for the removal of the security chiefs in the country saying doing so could relapse efforts made in the war against insurgency.

    The CSOs at a press conference held in Abuja on Wednesday and addressed by its conveners, Comrade Mike Msuaan and Mallam Adamu Kabir Matazu also accused some media establishment and civil society organisations for taking side with the insurgents with the aim of demoralising the troops.

    “As stakeholders who believe in the Nigeria project, we have elected to stand for unity and peace of the nation. It is in this wise that we urge the Federal Government to disregard calls for the sacking of the current service chiefs. Those making such calls are not doing so in the interest of the nation but their pecuniary gains.

    “We wish to draw the attention of the government to the fact that the calls for replacing service chiefs have become loudest now that the war is almost over. We warn as patriots that any relapse in the strategy being used now in the war theatre could embolden the terrorists. Any well meaning Nigerian or foreign observers who have followed the history of insurgency in the country would agree that retaining the service chiefs is the best option now. The coalition herein, commends President Muhammadu Buhari for his visionary decision in retaining the service chiefs”, the CSOs noted.

    It further argued that the security situation has improved significantly following the coming of the current government explaining that fighting insurgency was not as simple as some people imagine.

    “The situation degenerated to a point where citizens deserted the north eastern states almost completely. Average Nigerians had given up hope on the sovereignty of the country. Hope however, began to return when Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai assumed office in July 2015 as he quickly evolved a master plan of taking war to the door steps of the terrorists, away from the reactionary approach adopted in the past. This art of war coupled with credible intelligence gathering has seen the destruction and killing of several terrorists’ leaders, camps and hide outs through a coordinated ground and aerial bombardment.

    “Today, no territory in the north east nor any part for that matter is under the control of insurgents. Although the war has not been completely won, the relocation of the Chief of Army Staff to the north east where he is commanding the war has witnessed significant achievements. Now, it is no longer news that the war is near an end as the insurgents are been bombarded heavily and now scampering to safety. Since the relocation of Gen. Buratai to the war theatre zone, many top Boko Haram and Islamic States West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists have continued to surrender to troops of Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD). Several others have been killed and others captured in the renewed military offensive to wipe out terrorists.

    “Gentlemen of the press, it is disturbing that in the midst of these successes, the merchants of war have still found amongst us as agents to distract the efforts of our military. It is regrettable to say the least that some unscrupulous young men find it lucrative to disparage the military efforts and promote the insurgents for monetary gains. Our scrupulous findings reveal that some of these young people hide under the guise of media practise to achieve their aim. Others yet use the toga of activism to cast aspersions on our gallant troops.

    “We make bold to say Sahara Reporters is notable amongst the media platforms that has shamelessly surrendered to the whims and caprices of the insurgents. We have observed over time that Sahara Reporters begins and ends its news publishing with either outright falsehood or malicious content against the army. On the other hand, anyone looking for news about the escapades of the insurgents sure knows that Sahara Reporters is a veritable platform to find such.

    “Today, any youth or group who is willing to put aside patriotism is engaged by agents of terrorists in our country. One acclaimed civil society activist, Deji Adebanjo has taken a lead in this respect by either addressing the press to malign the military or calling for the replacement of service chiefs”, the CSOs alleged.

  • Monarchs laud lawmaker for quality representation

    Monarchs laud lawmaker for quality representation

    The Owa of Idanre Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Aroloye IV and the traditional ruler of Mariwo in Ifedore Local Government Area, Oba Julius Aluko, have lauded Rep. Tajudeen Adefisoye for quality representation of his people.

    The duo gave the commendation at an event organised by the member, representing Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency on Wednesday in Idanre.

    The Owa of Idanre Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Aroloye, said Adefisoye had performed very well in just one year.

    He appreciated the federal lawmaker for initiating and completing the renovation of his palace in addition to the financial aid he give to market women in Idanre.

    “Adefisoye has started very well and he is doing very well. I am proud of him for the renovation work in my palace.

    “He invited me to an event in which grants were given to some market women in Idanre.

    “Although, we want him to still help us with our roads. Above all, he has really done well and I am certain that he will still do much more,” he said.

    Also, the traditional ruler of Mariwo in Ifedore Local Government Area,
    Oba Julius Aluko also thanked Adefisoye for not forgetting his community since he became their representative in the green chamber.

    The monarch, however, solicited the assistance of Adefisoye in the area of electricity transformer and construction of road which were the primary needs of the community.

    “Hon. Adefisoye has not forgotten us since he was elected as our representative. We thank him for this.

    “But, it is important I call his attention to our primary needs in this community which are road, electricity transformer and school. He should please help us to achieve this,” he said.

    Similarly, an elderly constituent, Mr Fasomoyin Abiodun, also thanked Adefisoye for the award of scholarships to 131 students and for the financial empowerment of market women.

    He also praised the lawmaker for the donation of motorcycles and cars to some people in his constituency.

    Responding, Adefisoye said he was happy to have been given the opportunity to represent his constituency in which he had been trying his best to bring more development.

    Adefisoye said although, his primary responsibility was to make laws for the people but the reality of endless needs in his constituency had made it necessary to bring relief and development to his people.

    The lawmaker listed some of his achievements to include the facilitation of federal employment opportunities and the construction of a police station at Ero in Ifedore Local Government Area.

    Others are; the facilitation of private cassava processing plant in Idanre, cash donation to General Hospital in Idanre to offset medical bills and repair of faulty boreholes and sinking of new ones under the scheme ‘Operation Keep The Tap Running’.

    Adefisoye, however, vowed not to stop doing the good work he had started with the continued support of his people.

  • Group partners NIDO on sickle cell disease

    Group partners NIDO on sickle cell disease

    A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Brain and Body Foundation (BBF) and the Nigerians In Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Washington, D.C. Chapter, have collaborated to create awareness and medical support for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) patients in Nigeria.

    The Executive Director of BBF, Dr David Ajibade, made this known in a statement he issued on Wednesday in Lagos to celebrate the forthcoming World Sickle Cell Day 2020.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Day is celebrated on June 19 annually.

    The 2020 edition has the theme: “Breaking the Cycle of Pain”.

    The international awareness day is observed annually with the goal to increase public knowledge and understanding of SCD and challenges experienced by patients, their families and caregivers.

    Ajibade said that the organisation believed that children with SCD could live as close to a normal life as possible if their parents and caregivers would be aware of and follow certain key principles.

    “We are happy to work with NIDO, Washington D.C. Chapter; it is a chance to celebrate the amazing achievements of those living with sickle cell disease.

    “In addition, in difficult times such as those in which we find ourselves, it is even more important to come together and support each other, drawing attention to those who are more at risk.

    “We have put everything in place to ensure we reach out to as many people as possible with available resources,” he said.

    Ajibade said that the goals of celebrating this year’s World Sickle Cell Day were in two folds.

    “Firstly, to create awareness by letting people know that sickle cell disease is not a death sentence and it is possible to live free of the symptoms of the disease, and even recover from its complications.

    “Secondly, to provide patients that of ages six months to 18 years and their families with the actual nutrients that will strengthen their immune and other systems, thereby, helping them to recover from the damaging effects of SCD.

    “To benefit from this offer, interested patients or their parents can go to www.brainandbodyfoundation.org/appointment-form/ to input their details,” he said.

    Also, Mr Abayomi Animashaun, the President of NIDO, Washington, D.C. Chapter, said they were proud to work with BBF to increase awareness about SCD and its impact on individuals and their families in Nigeria.

    “June 19 will be a day of unity and purpose for the sickle cell community and at NIDO Washington D.C. Chapter, because SCD is a global health problem affecting millions of people around the world.

    “It is estimated that approximately 150,000 children are born with sickle cell disease in Nigeria every year, while about 40 million Nigerians are healthy carriers of the sickle cell gene,” he said.

    NAN reports that BBF was established to help raise the level of health and human performance of people everywhere.

    It is focused on brain health and creating easy access to important nutrients for parents and caregivers, which are critical to the healthy development of children.

  • Sweden says 34 year mystery of Palme assassination is solved

    Sweden says 34 year mystery of Palme assassination is solved

    A Swedish prosecutor on Wednesday closed the case of the 1986 assassination of Prime Minister Olof Palme, accusing an insurance company graphic designer who died 20 years ago of the country’s most notorious unsolved crime.

    Palme, who led Sweden’s Social Democrats for decades and served two periods as prime minister, was one of the architects of Scandinavia’s model of a strong welfare state, and a fierce Cold War-era critic of both the U.S. and Soviet Union.

    He was shot dead in central Stockholm in 1986 after a visit to the cinema with his wife and son.

    The failure of the police to find a killer has sparked decades of conspiracy theories, unlikely to be silenced by Wednesday’s accusation against a long dead suspect with no political profile.

    Prosecutor Krister Petersson, who has led an investigation into the case since 2017, said the killer was Stig Engstrom, a suspect long known to Swedes as Skandia man” after the company where he worked, with offices near the scene of the shooting.

    Engstrom, known to have been at the scene, was repeatedly questioned in early investigations but dismissed as a serious suspect at the time.

    He died in 2000 in what Swedish media reported as a suspected suicide.

    A 2018 book by an investigative journalist brought to light a range of previously overlooked evidence, including time stamps showing Engstrom had left his office earlier than he had told police in time to commit the crime.

    “Because the person is dead, I cannot bring charges against him and have decided to close the investigation,” Petersson said.

    He did not announce any major investigative breakthroughs, and said the technical evidence was not new.

    He felt confident the evidence would have been sufficient to arrest Engstrom, but “would not, in itself, lead to a conviction” without more evidence that it was no longer possible to obtain.

    Palme’s son, Marten, told public service radio he also believed Engstrom was the killer, “but unfortunately there is no real conclusive evidence.”

    Palme was prime minister from 1969 to 1976 and again from 1982 to 1986.

    Supporters hail him as the architect of modern Sweden, while conservatives denounced his anti-colonialist views and criticism of the U.S.

    For decades, conspiracy theories around his killing have blamed a range of forces, from the CIA and Kurdish separatists to the South African security services.

    Petersson said several witness accounts of the likely killer were in line with Engstrom’s appearance, while witnesses also contradicted Engstrom’s account of his movements at the scene.

    Engstrom’s family have repeatedly dismissed accusations that he was the killer.

    Daily Expressen quoted his ex-wife as saying in an interview in February that he was too timid to have carried out the murder.

    A childhood friend, Olle Madebrink, told the paper Engstrom was “the most normal person in the world. I can’t believe anything else.”

    However, Reuters was unable to immediately reach members of Engstrom’s family.

  • Turkish Airlines seeking permits, international flights stay grounded

    Turkish Airlines seeking permits, international flights stay grounded

    Turkish Airlines’ international flights remained grounded on Wednesday, a company official said, as the national flag carrier is still waiting to get the go-ahead for take-off.

    The airline had been scheduled to resume limited international travel from Wednesday, and had announced plans to add new routes from six European countries to Turkey from next week.

    However, Turkey’s civil aviation authority is yet to give the green light for foreign flights, an airline official said.

    Turkish Airlines is still hoping to restart flights to foreign destinations on Thursday, he said, adding that talks were under way with the authorities.

    He said their plans were additionally impeded by uncertainty about several countries’ lifting of coronavirus restrictions, as travel bans are still in place.

    “If countries such as Germany go ahead as planned and extend flight bans to certain destinations, including Turkey, then we will have to change our plans quickly,’’ the official added.

  • Alleged N544.1m fraud: Court fixes July 6 for ruling in EFCC’s witness eligiblity against ex-SGF

    Alleged N544.1m fraud: Court fixes July 6 for ruling in EFCC’s witness eligiblity against ex-SGF

    Justice Jude Okeke of an FCT High Court on Wednesday fixed July 6 to rule on the eligibility of EFCC witness to testify in the alleged N544.1 million fraud filed against a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal and six others.

    The EFCC charged Lawal alongside six others with alleged N544.1 million contract fraud.

    Also charged are the former SGF, his brother, Hamidu, who is a director of Rholavision Engineering Limited; an employee of the company, Sulaiman Abubakar and the Managing Director of Josmon Technologies Limited, Apeh John

    The judge fixed July 6 after listening to arguments of all the counsel in the matter on the eligibility of the EFCC’ s witness testifying in the case.

    At the resumed hearing of the case , the prosecution called a Compliance Officer from Eco Bank Plc, Chidi Eboigbe, to testify for it.

    Counsel for the former SGF,Akin Olujinmi SAN, however objected to the witness giving evidence in the case, saying that he was not listed by the prosecution in its proof of evidence before the court.

    “I have looked through the proof of evidence and I cannot see any name like that of the witness.

    ” The only name I saw is Obadina Abiola Ganiyu, who made a statement to EFCC on 15/11/2017.

    “It is settled that for a witness to be called he must be listed, he cannot testify because we don’t know what the witness will say and we cannot prepare for the purpose of cross examination” he said.

    Olujimi then urged the court to rule out the witness from testifying in the case, citing the provision of Section 379 (1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

    Counsel for other defendants aligned themselves with the submission of Olujimi , adding that the prosecution wanted to take the defendants by surprise.

    They separately argued that it was a statutory provision that the prosecution must give the defendants all materials they need to prepare for their defence.

    The prosecuting counsel, Offem Uket, told the court that the prosecution had listed representative of Eco Bank as a witness in the case.

    According to him, Eboigbe was not in court in his personal capacity but as a representation of the bank to speak on the statement of account from the bank already part of proof of evidence before the court.

    Uket further argued that the bank is a juristic personnel that can always act through a servant, saying that, “that being the case, any staff of the bank can be assigned to come to court to speak on its past records.”

    He therefore, urged the court to discountenance the defendants’ objections.

    Replying to this on point of law, Olujinmi stated that the case cited by the prosecution was meant for civil cases and not criminal mater like the present case.

    He added that the prosecution ought to have taken advantage of the provision of Section 379 (3) of ACJA and file additional evidence at any stage before judgment.

    After listening to arguments and counter arguments on the eligibility of the witness to testify, Okeke then adjourned until July 6 to rule on it.

  • Sahara Energy affirms commitment to cleaner fuels

    Sahara Energy affirms commitment to cleaner fuels

    Mr Andrew Laven, Chief Operating Officer, Sahara Energy Resources DMCC, Dubai, says an increase in demand for Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) will lead to strengthening of prices, as economies begin to recover and trade restrictions ease, following the COVID-19 pandemic.

    In a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday, Mr Bethel Obioma, Head, Corporate Communications, Sahara Group, said that Laven made the prediction in an article for a leading trade publication, Energy Voice.

    In the article, Laven explored key industry developments in the six months since the introduction of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) 2020 Policy.

    He reaffirmed Sahara Group’s commitment to cleaner fuels, welcoming industry-wide efforts to reduce maritime sulphur emissions and commending the energy sector’s transition to VLSFO without incurring anticipated delays.

    “Sahara Group continues to demonstrate leadership in the energy sector globally, providing full backing for progressive policy-making in support of wider sustainability initiatives, ” Laven said.

    Previewing Sahara Group’s plans for the United Arab Emirates and other markets, he reiterated the energy conglomerate’s preparedness for transitions to cleaner fuels.

    Laven said, “For the foreseeable future, this will be the marine fuel of choice and we want to play our part, in ensuring availability and supporting the supply chain, that is necessary to keep trade moving.”

    On economic recovery post-COVID-19, he said the shipping business would inevitably see increased demand.

    “International shipping is responsible for around 90 per cent of world trade. This will drive demand for VLSFO and prices should strengthen.

    “The build-up of stocks in advance of 2020 meant shortages did not occur and the reduction in demand through COVID-19 meant the supply chain hasn’t been fully tested,” he said.

    He allayed the fear that the energy sector would not adjust smoothly or productively to the IMO 2020 Policy.

    Laven said: “While the talk was negative, the industry proved very capable of rebalancing and the shift to VLSFO started during the third quarter of 2019.

    “The spike in High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) was driven by restricted availability, as storage shifted to VLSFO.

    “The price of VLSFO rose at times to higher than the next alternative, MGO.

    “As the supply chain became more robust and stocks of VLSFO built up, the differential to HSFO dropped. On occasions, HSFO actually became more difficult to purchase than VLSFO.”

  • NLC condemns rape, sexual violence against women

    NLC condemns rape, sexual violence against women

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the current surge in cases of rape, sexual violence and other forms of violence, especially against the female gender in the country.

    Mr Ayuba Wabba, NLC President, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    According to him, we are alarmed that our age-long culture of respect for women is being torn into shreds by criminals who believe that the female body is theirs to seize, ravish and devour at will without consequences.

    “The recent rape and killing of Ms. Uwaila Omozuwa, a 22-year old 100 level student of University of Benin, Edo State on Wednesday 27th May, 2020 is cruel.

    “This is in addition to the long list of Nigerian women and girls who have had their body privacy and their lives desecrated and destroyed by rapists.

    “It is more horrifying that the perpetrators of this heinous crime no longer have respect for any physical, social and religious boundaries.

    “Ms. Uwaila Omozuwa was murdered in a church where she sought refuge in pursuit of learning,” he said.

    Wabba said that many girls and women have been raped and sometimes killed in their parent’s houses, husbands’ homes, workplaces, especially house helps, school hostels, in the open field, and in forlorn places.

    He added that the message rapists are transmitting is that our girls and women are not safe anywhere. What an impetus! Such audacity!!

    He further noted that on April 27, 18-year old girl Jennifer was gang raped by five men in Narayi, Kaduna State.

    “As is norm in these parts, the family was threatened to keep hush over the case but for the intervention of human rights activists in Kaduna who blew the lid on the matter,” he said.

    He also noted that, not long ago, an eleven-year old girl and a thirteen-year old girl were gang raped in Ilorin, Kwara State.

    He added that, as if the life of girls and women are the cheapest commodities in our part of the world.

    “On 28th May, a seventeen-year old girl, Tina Ezekwe was gruesomely felled by police bullets during a supposed enforcement of the lockdown curfew at Iyana Oworo part of Lagos metropolis, at a bus stop near her home,”he said.

    The NLC president said according to a national survey sponsored by the United Nations Women (UNWomen) in 2014, one in four women in Nigeria had experienced violence during childhood.

    He noted that this is with about seventy per cent of the affected girls and women reporting that it happened more than once.

    Wabba said that out of the number of affected women, only 5 per cent sought help and only 3.5 per cent received any help such as medical assistance and counselling.

    “Rape is a terribly heinous crime. It is a crime against the body and the soul. It leaves an eternal scar on the spirit of its victims.

    “It is pertinent to underscore the point that even men could be raped. Congress believes that it is high time the rape epidemic was uprooted in Nigeria.

    “We also call on the National Assembly to expedite legislative action on some of the bills before it that are aimed at strengthening penalties for rape and increasing the protection of children, girls, women, the aged and other vulnerable persons.

    “We also call on the National Assembly to quickly domesticate the International Labour Organisation’s newest Convention – Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment of Workers.

    “Furthermore, we call on the police to improve the capacity of its officers to deal with cases of rape,” he said.

    Wabba said that the delay, compromise of evidence and unwillingness to prosecute rape offenders to the fullest extent of the law suggest a society that tolerates abuse and violence against women.

    He added that rape thrives under the shadows of silence. We must disallow the culture of silence on rape cases.

    “We will be judged by how we treat the weak and voiceless. We call on law enforcement agencies and social institutions to rise up to this challenge.

    ‘It is our collective duty to protect our mothers, daughters, sisters and brothers from the deadly fangs of rapists. If we fail in this onerous duty, then we would have truly failed,” he said.

  • It’s taboo to sell pounded yam in Omupo – Monarch

    It’s taboo to sell pounded yam in Omupo – Monarch

    Oba Yakubu Buari, the Olomu of Omupo, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara, on Wednesday described it as a taboo to sell pounded yam, one of Nigeria’s delicacies, in the town.

    The royal father made the clarification at a media briefing, as part of activities to mark his 10th year on the throne of his forefathers.

    According to the traditional ruler, different communities in Yoruba Kingdoms have their taboos and Omupo is no exception.

    Buari said that the violators of the taboo in the past, battered themselves to death with the pestles.

    He said that since that tragedy, the oracle had forbidden the sale of pounded yam in the community.

    The monarch said that apart from getting killed with the pestles, the violators of the taboo could also be hit with spiritual affliction.

    Buari, however, said that nothing negative would happen to those who prepare the delicacy and consume it at home either as individuals or as a group.

    The royal father described Omupo or Omu-ipo as an ancient Igbomina-Yoruba town, situated in the state.

    The Oba described Omupo kingdom historically as a place of refuge for the warriors, who enhanced their weapons by soaking them in a poisonous juice from the oro-agogo cactus.

    “According to tradition, the early settlers in the town migrated from Ile-Ife, the source of Yoruba nation.

    “The founder was Ikuojenrola Adebari Alomole, the surviving son of Awogbola Olomu Aperan, an Ifá priest and renowned herbalist, with metaphysical powers.”

    Buari noted that Olomu Aperan, the progenitor, was a prince from Obadio royal family, one of the eight autonomous monarchs, in Ile-Ife by Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race.

    According to him, the major festivals in Omupo include Oba Agba or Baba Agba and Egungun festivals, in addition to the Omupo Day, which takes place every four years.