Author: The Nation

At least two persons were on Saturday confirmed dead and others missing after a passenger boat capsized at Mile Two, along the Kirikiri water channel.

Two other passengers in a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) were swept away by flash flood at Oyatoki Street, Orile Agege during the heavy rains.

The boat accident occurred on Friday night, barely two days after another passenger boat capsized and killed two women at Ikorodu.

While the two deceased said to be a 52-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman were recovered on Saturday, 14 other passengers as well as the Captain were unaccounted for.

Rescuers claimed that the incident occurred around 7:45pm, which was beyond the time for passenger boats to operate.

According to the Lagos Area Manager, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Sarat Braimah, they received a distress call Friday night indicating that AW19 passenger fibre boat carrying 16 people capsized along the Ojo waterway.

“The Boat going from Mile 2 to Ibeshe in Ojo axis broke the waterways rules of late travelling by setting sail at 7.45pm. As he set out, the tide of the water drifted the boat to a stationary barge which caused the boat to overturn.

READ MORE: AVRS, NCC meet stakeholders in Lagos

“It is said that all passengers on board which includes children were not putting on their life jackets.

“The Search and Rescue team of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), National Inland Waterways (NIWA) were immediately mobilised to the scene of the incident but unfortunately could only find the boat after several hours while efforts are still ongoing to locate the victims.
“The boat is currently in the custody of Marine Police. The Boat Captain is also unaccounted for as at the time of this press release” she said.

National Emergency Management Agency’s (NEMA) Lagos Coordinator, Ibrahim Farinloye, confirmed that two bodies have been recovered.
The Orile-Agege victims were said to have gone missing after flood swept away vehicles that were on motion.

While the passengers onboard one of the SUVs jumped out of their vehicle when they realised the danger they were in, it was learnt that two occupants of the second vehicle refused to alight.

The flood was said to have swept them into an open drainage while residents quickly rallied to rescue the other three and one of the victims swam to safety.

At the time of this report, rescuers were still searching for victims of both disasters.

The sacked Ifitedunu Community leader in Dunukofia local government area of Anambra State, Chief Uche Nwoye, has been reinstated by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

The President General was sacked by former Governor Willie Obiano without any reason, which threw the community into chaos.

The reinstated Nwoye called on all aggrieved persons in the community to embrace peace and unite to attract development to the area.

Speaking with reporters on Saturday, Nwoye said all that happened that led to his unlawful removal from office should be swept under the carpet

He appealed to all community members to embrace peace for unity, progress and development of the community.

According to him: “We need to live in peace as one body,no need for bickering.Our community needs unity, peace and development.”

Nwoye said plans to invite all major stakeholders to a peace and conflict resolution was being muted, while urging all to be calm with open mind for restoration of greater peace in Ifitedunu.

”I am a unifying tool to move Ifitedunu beyond its present status.

READ ALSO: Demolition: Soludo orders sanction of task force officer for manhandling Odumeje 

“We need to work as a team to project the beauty and cultural inheritance of our community to the world.

“Bickering over materialism will not take the community to the growth and development the youths are yawning for,our women and girls need skills acquisition and our men need to operate in a peaceful environment to achieve huge successes,” he said.

He denied the alleged closeness to Anambra Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government, Tony Nwabunwanne that worked for his reinstatement.

“This allegations is not near the truth at all. I was wrongly removed from office by former governor, Chief Willie Obiano.

“I was not invited by the government to query me over any misconduct, I read about my removal from social media and later it turned to be true,” he said.

The traditional ruler of the community ,Dr Emeka Ilouno with community members paid a thank- you visit to the Governor on July 5.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has described the recent visit of three All Progressives Congress(APC) Governors to Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike as an exercise in futility.

Governors Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti); Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo) and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) were in Port Harcourt, Rivers state capital on Friday reportedly to woo the aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governor to the ruling party.

But, Senator Saraki said the visit would amount to nothing at the end of the day, adding that PDP would not allow Governor Wike to go.

Saraki spoke with reporters on Friday night in Kwara state capital.

He said: “Governor Wike is an important member of our party and I am very confident that in no distant time we will sit down and address all the issues.
“There is no doubt about it that he has cause to feel the way he does, but there are better ways by which issue like this is resolved.

“The good thing is that we all talking to one another. We are on top of the situation and PDP will reunite and forge ahead to will the next elections.

“I assure you that PDP will definitely resolve its family issue that it currently has. The fact that some APC governors went to see their colleague, trying to capitalise on what they think is an issue is a gross miscalculation. At the end of the day there is visit is going no where.
“The APC Governors know that it is this kind of a crack they need to latch on. Fortunately, we are not going to give him (Wike) to them because the election ahead is too important.

READ ALSO: Court declines to nullify Rivers’ PDP guber primary

“The destinies of millions of Nigerians are too important and even bigger than any party or individual. I appreciate that, all our stakeholders appreciate that and Governor Wike himself appreciates that.”

On the current strike by university unions, the ex-Kwara Governor laid the blame on Federal Government’s insensitivity.

Saraki said: “There is no way I will be part of government as the Senate President and ASUU and other unions in the Universities will go on strike for months.

“It is lack of compassion and dedication. It is matter that government should lock itself up in a room and not come out until the matter is resolved. And I have not seen that dedication. I don’t know whether you have seen it.

“That is the difference between PDP government and what we have now. It could not have happened under Presidents Obasanjo, Yar’Adua and Jonathan.”

One fleeing Kuje Correctional inmate has been recaptured in Nasarawa, the Police Command has stated.

This was contained in a statement by Nasarawa Police spokesman DSP Ramhan Nansel in Lafia.

It reads: “Sequel to the attack on Kuje Maximum Custodial Centre and subsequent escape of inmates, on July 9th, 2022 at about 0130hrs, one Hassan Hassan ‘M’ whose name and picture was amongst the escaped inmates with Boko Haram/Terrorism Case was recaptured by the Eagle-eyed Police operatives of the Nasarawa State Police Command at Keffi.

READ ALSO:Our night of horror – Kuje Prisons neighbours recall ugly experience during insurgents’ attack on facility

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Adesina Soyemi has ordered for the transfer of the suspect to a safer location while intensive search for other escapees and handing over process of the arrested inmate progresses.

“The Commissioner of Police however, appreciated the efforts of the Police operatives for a job well done and assured members of the public of the Command’s unrelenting efforts at making the public space safer for all.”

The Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN), Ebonyi Chapter, says it will withdraw its services in the state from July 13 as directed by its national body.Mr Felix Eze, Chairman of the association in Ebonyi disclosed this on Saturday in Abakaliki after its meeting on the action scheduled to last for two weeks.

Eze said the withdrawal of service was necessitated by alleged Federal Government”s insensitivity to the plight of bakers across the country which had adversely affected their businesses.
“The prices of bakery materials increase steadily as a bag of flour which hitherto cost N25,000 presently cost more than N27,000.

“We are not embarking on the measure to the detriment of our customers, but to assist them and and enhance our businesses,” he said.

READ ALSO: Peaceful Sallah celebration in Yobe

The state chairman urged the Federal Government to urgently address the challenges to ensure that bakers dutifully render their services to the people.

“The government should cut relevant taxes and check the ever increasing exchange rate of foreign currencies.
“The producers of bakery products claim that such increment influences the prices of the materials.
“The government should ensure that the producers access foreign currencies at low rates as bakery products are among the cheapest food items the citizens access,” he said.
Mr Felix Chimereze, the State Secretary of the association, said that his colleagues decided to act now after bemoaning the plights for long.

“Nigerians are aware of the country’s dire economic situation and the added challenges necessitated our action.
“We urge our customers to bear with us as normalcy will return when the issues are addressed,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria

(NAN)

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has felicitated with the Muslim faithful on the joyous occasion of this year’s Eid-el-kabir celebration.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Mustapha said executive council members had advised Muslim faithful to use the opportunity to continue to reflect on love, obedience, sacrifice and compassion among others.

READ ALSO: Sallah: Remain steadfast in prayers for peace – Gombe governor urges Muslims

“FEC urges the adherents to use this opportunity to continue to reflect on its lessons which include love, obedience , sacrifice and compassion among others.

” FEC therefore, implores believers to continue to promote national unity, peaceful co-existence for stability in order to enhance growth and development in all sectors of the nation’s economy.

According to him, the Federal Executive, therefore, wishes Nigerians a happy and successful Eid-el-kabir celebration.
(NAN)

It was a peaceful Sallah celebration across Yobe State as Muslims troopef out for the Eid – el – kabir celebration.

The occasion was marked with less security measures unlike in the past where worshippers had to undergo thorough screening before reaching the prayer ground for the eid prayers.

Yobe Deputy Governor Idi Barde Gubana with members of his family and other top government functionaries in the State attended the two raka’at congregational sunnah eid prayer at Yobe Mosque and Islamic Center.

The two rakat prayer was led by the Chief Iman of Yobe Mosque and Islamic Centre Uztaz Hudu Mohammed.

The Chief Imam called on Muslims faithful to use good Teaching of the eid el- Kabir to promote love and brotherhood as well as dwell in peace and harmony with one another.

He noted the celebration was another opportunity for Muslim to come together and help the less privileged around.

“Today’s celebration is all about sacrifice and total obedience to the will of Alla,” he said.

He traced the origin of Eid -el- Kabir from the days of prophet Ibrahim who was called upon God to sacrifice Ismail, his only son to Allah and he obeyed.

The Imam warned the muslim ummah on wealth accumulation, stressing that, “having passions, or accumulating wealth, is incompatible with moral teachings of Islam”.

READ ALSO: Tight security as Buhari, Masari, others observe Sallah prayer

He urged the congregation to emulate the exemplary life of the prophet Mohammed peace be upon him, by giving alms ( sadaka) which leads in to the purification of the benefactor.

He prayed for quick resolution of Federal Government and ASUU, as the Education develops critical thinking.

Speaking with reporters shortly after the prayers, Gubana praised Allah for his mercies to see the day for the celebration.

The Deputy Governor was accompanied by Yobe Speaker Lawan Mirwa, APC party chairman, Mohammed Gadaka, Deputy Speaker, Mohammed Auwal Damchua, Secretary to the State Government, Baba Mallam Wali, Head of Civil Service, Garba Bilal, members of the State House of Assembly, Chief judge and grand kadi , Commissioners, special advisers, liaison officers among others.

Other dignitaries included the commissioner of police, State director security services and politicians, among others.

Prince Adesegun Banjoko, President, National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria (NABMON), has felicitated Muslims across the nation on the Eid-El-Kabir celebration.
Banjoko, in a statement on Saturday in Lagos, urged Muslims and all Nigerians to use the festival as sober reflection to pray for the resolution of problems confronting the nation.
“This is to extend warm felicitations to our Muslim brothers, nationwide on this year’s occasion of Eid -El Kabir festival.

READ ALSO: Eid-El-Kabir: Only peace, oneness can ensure stability of Nigeria – Sarkin

“As seeds of Abraham, the lessons of obedience, fear of Allah and sacrificial offering in our relationship with God and fellow human beings as espoused by the festival should not be allowed to go down with the rams!
“Rather, we should observe the festival with sober reflections on the state of our nation, Nigeria, and pray to God to have mercy on us; heal our land and see us through the present threshold of calamities and uncertainties.
“May we live to celebrate many more years in the land of the living. Alahumo, Amin!,” he said.
(NAN)

Five-star music boss and CEO Emmy Cargoes Limited Emeka Okonkwo aka E-Money has been decorated as an ‘ambassador of war against drug abuse (WADA)’ by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

In March, NDLEA also decorated Musiliu Akinsanya aka MC Oluomo as an ambassador in Lagos motor parks.

During a visit to E-Money’s office in Lagos, he was decorated by the NDLEA Apapa Special Area Narcotic Commander, Inalegwu Ameh.

The visit reinforced NDLEA’s partnership with influencers, to tackle illicit drugs across Lagos state.

Ameh explained that E-Money being a key-player in the maritime industry, commands a massive social media followership.

He said: “WADA is an advocacy programme designed by Retired Brig -.Gen. Buba Marwa, the Chairman of NDLEA, to fight against illicit-drug consumption and trade in the country.

“Being an influencer on social media is a veritable medium to influence many positively. You are by this decoration enjoined to lead the charge against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

“The maritime industry where you are a key player is being invaded by unscrupulous drug merchants to ship in drugs.

READ ALSO: NDLEA intercepts N4.5b heroin concealed in baby food

“Also, the youth population that you are one of the influencers is the most vulnerable age group.”

Reacting, E-Money promised to use his Instagram page and other social media platforms to promote the anti-drug campaign.

He posted: “The Chairman of EMY Cargo Terminal, Chief Dr. Emeka Daniel Okonkwo decorated as NDLEA Anti-Drug Ambassador with the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Badge by the Commander of NDLEA Apapa Special Area Command, Inalegwu Ameh, Commander of Narcotics.

“I would like to assure NDLEA that I am committed to the anti-drug crusade and enable the crusade to reach millions of my followers, especially youths, that follow me on social media.”

The National Population Commission (NPC) has commenced sensitisation and advocacy of local government area chairmen and other community stakeholders to achieve a smooth and successful trial census in Enugu State.

Speaking at Isi-Uzo LG headquarters during a stakeholders engagement for the three local government areas selected in Enugu East Senatorial zone (Isi-Uzo, Enugu North and Nkanu West), the federal commissioner representing Enugu State in the commission, Hon Ejike Eze said the commission visited the LGA chairmen and other stakeholders to brainstorm on the importance of census and how to achieve success during the trial exercise.

Eze said that NPC had intensified preparatory activities for the successful conduct of the first digital census in Nigeria.

According to him, the stakeholders engagement was to seek support of the whole community towards achieving good results during the trial and general census exercise.

He said the commission is working hard to ensure that it gets accurate data, stressing that accurate data would help in proper planning for development across the country.

“We are here to interact with the stakeholders of Enugu East Senatorial zone and seek support of everyone in the zone to carry out the trial Census exercise diligently. The interaction will allow us to be on the right direction during the trial census.

“Census is important, it brings development and any country that wants to progress must have data and our National Chairman deemed it necessary to conduct census,” he said.

The chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Barr. Obiora Obeagu lauded the effort of NPC so far to conduct a credible and acceptable census.

Obeagu represented by deputy Chairman, Hon Ugochukwu Nnamani, assured the support of the selected council areas during the trial census exercise.

He charged all the stakeholders to take the message home and educate their people on the importance of census, urging them to welcome the enumerators coming for the exercise.