The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Bauchi commissioner dies in car accident

    Bauchi commissioner dies in car accident

    The Bauchi state commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Ahmed Aliyu Jalam, has lost his life in a car accident. 

    The late commissioner met his death while traveling to his hometown in Jalam, Dambam local government area of the state.

    Our correspondent gathered that the commissioner, along with his driver, died in the fatal crash on Saturday, June 1.

    The state governor, Bala Mohammed, confirmed Jalam’s death in a statement issued on Sunday, June2, by his special adviser on media and publicity, Mukhtar Gidado.

    “It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the sudden death of the Honorable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bauchi State, Hon. Ahmed Aliyu Jalam (Maikankana), who died as a result of a ghastly motor accident on Saturday, 1st June 2024,” the statement read.

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    “His demise is deeply felt by His Excellency, Governor Bala Mohammed, his cabinet colleagues, friends, family, and the countless individuals whose lives he touched during his lifetime,” the statement added.

    Governor Mohammed extended his deepest condolences to Jalam’s family and the entire state, praying that Almighty Allah forgives Jalam’s shortcomings and grants him Aljanna Firdaus.

    The deceased, who was 60 years old, is survived by his wives and many children. 

    Jalam served as Commissioner for Religious Affairs in 2019 and was reappointed as a Commissioner in 2023, serving under the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs until his death. 

    Fondly called Maikankana, he also served as a councilor in 1999, caretaker chairman in 2007, executive chairman in 2008, and again as a caretaker chairman in Dambam LGA.

    The late Jalam will be buried today, Sunday, June 2, 2024, in his hometown, Jalam, Dambam LGA of Bauchi State, at 11:00 am.

  • Marwa, Fayoade, UI VC honoured as SWAN,NDLEA hold talks on doping, sports diplomacy

    Marwa, Fayoade, UI VC honoured as SWAN,NDLEA hold talks on doping, sports diplomacy

    Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig-Gen. Muhamed Buba Marwa; Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Adegoke Fayoade and Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale were among dignitaries honoured with awards of recognition recently as Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter held its 2024 edition of Sports Diplomacy, Sports Security, Food, Health (In Preparation Ahead of 2024 Olympic In View).

    The event, which was held at the GolfView Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos, was in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigeria police Force and the University of Ibadan.

    According to the Lagos SWAN Chairman, Olatutu Oladunni, this second edition “is an all-inclusive participation of professionals across their major area of specialisation, most importantly, from security, diplomacy and health, to convey detailed re-orientation to sports federations, universities, our performing athletes who compete at global stages and youths who are groomed for future sports purposes, as they have been one of the major vulnerable of illicit substances over the years, using it as energy enhancers.”

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    DCN Chinyerem Eziaghhihala, Deputy Commander, Drug Demand Reduction, NDLEA, Lagos State Command, delivered a mind-blowing lecture on the dangers of illicit drugs and how it can be curbed.

    She lamented the ready availability of the substances; the fact that they are now mixed and sold under different pretexts, creating more victims, while also harping on the disgrace it brings to sportsmen who rely on it for performance.

    Co-convener/Chief Guest Speaker, CP Fayoade lent his voice to the discussion on dangers of use of drugs, while tracing the long history of successful police sportsmen and women who have brought glory to the nation.

    Dr Oluyemisi F. Folasire of the Department of Human Nutrition and dietetics, who represented the University of Ibadan VC, rounded-off the activities with a very enlightening lecture on dietetics and concluded that “doping might provide a shortcut, but it is cheating – pure and simple.”

    Other dignitaries honoured include the DG, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu; Alhaji Olanrewaju Adesokan of Surrycom Great Nigeria Limited, Mol Integrated Services Limited, Austine Oshioke and CEO, Desaju Homes and Security Limited.

  • Braimah wins University of Roehampton chancellor’s alumni award

    Braimah wins University of Roehampton chancellor’s alumni award

    The Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Naija Times, Ehi Braimah, has been selected as one of the recipients of the 20th Anniversary Chancellor Alumni Award of the University of Roehampton, London, United Kingdom.

    In an email to Braimah, Eleanor Merrick, Director of Business Development & Fundraising of the university, said his dedication, passion, and outstanding contributions to his field have not gone unnoticed.

    “Your nomination stood out among an incredibly talented pool of candidates, showcasing the impact you have made and the legacy you continue to build, and we are thrilled to honour you with this award,” Merrick wrote in the email.

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    “We will be officially announcing the winners in the coming days, and we would like to feature your achievement on our website and social media channels. Before proceeding, we want to ensure that you are comfortable with being publicly recognised as an award recipient. Please let us know if you have any concerns or prefer not to be publicised, and we will respect your wishes.”

    Merrick further stated that Braimah would be invited to an exclusive event in early autumn to celebrate his accomplishments and the achievements of his fellow award recipients.

    Meanwhile, Braimah who completed his MBA degree at the University of Roehampton in December 2016 and attended the graduation ceremony in January, 2018 at the campus of the university in London, has expressed his excitement at the honour and recognition.

    “What we have is a large community of alumni of the university comprising great minds and talented professionals; so this recognition means so much to me,” Braimah says.

  • Reps considering bill to reserve seats for women in Parliament, says, Kalu

    Reps considering bill to reserve seats for women in Parliament, says, Kalu

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has said that the House is considering a bill to reserve special seats for women in the parliament

    The Deputy Speaker disclosed this while speaking at the 2nd Women of Divine Destiny Initiative (WODDI) Inspiring Women Summit (WIWS 2024) in Owerri, Imo State, with the theme: “Illuminating the Power of an Inspired Woman.”

    WODDI is a non-profit organisation founded by Dr. Nkechi Rochas Okorocha, the wife of former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, which aims at empowering the women and helping them achieve their dreams in life.

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    Kalu said the bill titled “Seat Reservation Bill”, recently introduced in the parliament is sponsored by himself alongside some of his colleagues.

    He said the bill is seeking an alteration to the 1999 Constitution to provide special seats for women in the legislature, adding that when passed into law, the bill will help the cause of women within the political space

    He said: “We must acknowledge, however, that in a society striving for equitable development, addressing fundamental issues like gender equality and inclusiveness is imperative. In Nigeria, where women and girls constitute 49.32% of our population, the representation in institutions and governance needs urgent attention.

    “Presently, the House of Representatives is considering a bill to improve the representation of women in our legislative institutions sponsored by myself and other colleagues of mine.”

    Kalu said further that Peace In South East Project (PISE-P), a social development initiative, has also prioritised gender issues in its programmes and commended the WODDI founder for organising the summit for the women, urging the participants to unleash their full potentials accordingly, having been rightly motivated.”

  • Nigerians in Diaspora laud Fubara’s leadership style

    Nigerians in Diaspora laud Fubara’s leadership style

    The Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe (ANPE) has praised Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara‘s leadership style, describing him as an asset to Nigeria’s democracy.

    The group emphasised that Governor Fubara’s approach to politics was still relatively rare in Nigeria’s dynamic political landscape.

    In a statement signed by its President, Dr Reginald Agamah, the group noted that despite distractions from disgruntled politicians in the state, Governor Fubara’s achievements in just one year in office are far-reaching and worthy of commendations.

    Dr Agamah lauded the Governor for resisting the urge to use the distractions he faced from state actors as an excuse not to perform.

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    He urged detractors to give Rivers State time to heal and be better positioned for development.

    The statement said: “The Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe, ANPE, commends Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State for his unique approach to governance. We commend the Governor for prioritising the interest of Rivers people over politics.

    “Governor Fubara’s brand of politics is still relatively rare in Nigeria’s dynamic political landscape, resembling the egalitarianism of Abraham Lincoln. His personal political philosophy is worthy of emulation.

    “Without sounding immodest and backed by empirical evidence, Governor Sim Fubara stands tall today amongst his colleagues as a peerless brand of humility, integrity, prudence, love for the people, honesty of purpose, candour, and a patriotic fervour still uncommon in Nigerian effervescent political horizon…

  • I’ll leverage technology to improve security, good governance – Mutfwang

    I’ll leverage technology to improve security, good governance – Mutfwang

    Plateau State Governor, Barr Caleb Mutfwang says his administration will leverage technology to improve the security architecture of the state and also provide good governance across board.

    Governor Mutfwang stated this yesterday during his maiden media parley with Plateau Journalists held at the Twin Theatre, Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos.

    Mutfwang highlighted his achievements to include construction and rehabilitation of road networks within the  Jos and Bukuru Metropolis, National Library – Abattoir overhead bridge, provision of Metro Buses to ease transportation as well as giving attention to the provision of water to boost the state economy.

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    He said Agriculture, Mining, Education and Tourism sectors in which the state has comparative advantage will be properly giving attention with huge investments on security to make them viable.

    The Governor appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promptly dispatching Vice President Kashim Shettima to come and see for himself the carnage arising from the Christmas Eve killings in Bokkos and Mangu Local Governments.

    He noted that normalcy has since been restored within the trouble areas.

    According to him, his administration has improved significant coverage for the Contributory Health Management Agency PLASCHEMA to ensure citizens at the rural level have access to health care services.

    He explained that all outstanding arrears of law school students he inherited as well as outstanding scholarship monies of Plateau students in all tertiary institutions  in the country have  been cleared, noting that his administration has so far given approval to offset the outstanding arrears of over 280 million naira school funds to students.

    The Governor commended journalists in the state, stressing that his administration has and is still improving significantly the revenue base of the state from N800m monthly to N2b, as part of efforts to reposition the state for self-sufficiency where it can stand on its own rather than being over-dependent on federal allocation.

  • Sanusi counsels parents on children’s up bringing, as LG chairmen, district heads pay homage

    Sanusi counsels parents on children’s up bringing, as LG chairmen, district heads pay homage

    Reinstated Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, on Saturday called on parents to be relentless in moulding their children for a prosperous future.

    Lamido Sanusi, also known as Mahammadu Sanusi II, spoke through the Wazirin Kano, Sa’adu Gidado, at the main palace when he received Interim Management Committee chairmen, Local Governments Councils, District Heads, Village and Wards heads and imams of 15 local government areas that make up Kano Central Senatorial district.

    The visitors were on homage (allegiance) and blessing seeking visit.

    The Emir told his guests that parents have enormous task in ensuring proper upbringing of their wards, urging them to remain vigilant and proactive towards curtailing drug abuse and other unwanted attitudes by the youth in the state.

    He also tasked them to be just, with the fear of God in their undertakings.

    “Pray ceaselessly for peace, stability and socio-economic development of the state in particular and the country as a whole.

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    Dahiru Lawan, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Kano State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in a statement, added that the State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), and Interim Management Chairman of Tarauni Local Government, Abdullahi Maikano said they visited the Emir to register their homage and unflinching support.

    Alhaji Maikano added that “having Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as Emir of Kano is a divine gift which, if fully utilised, would be of immense benefit to the state in view of the Lamido’s influence globally.

    The local government chairmen commended Governor Abba Yusuf for assenting to the Repeal Law 2024 that paved the way for the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi, adding that the development is happily welcomed by well-wishers of the state.

  • Edo community leaders decry incessant attacks on residents

    Edo community leaders decry incessant attacks on residents

    The leaders of Okomu in Ovia Southwest Local Government Area of Edo State have raised the alarm over incessant attacks on residents of the ancient community and destruction of their valuable property by a terrorist group, headed by a middle-aged man (name withheld).

    They disclosed that many Okomu residents were now homeless and taking refuge in neighbouring communities.

    Okomu leaders also pleaded with Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ijaw National Congress (INC), and the Federal Government to rescue them from the notorious terrorist and members of his lawless group.

    The leaders: Chief Freeman Cousin, I.K. Denmene, Chief Atele Oyico, and Chief Nanaghan Rickson, as well as the community’s Youth President, Christopher Young, yesterday disclosed that the last attack that took place some days ago, saw the terrorist and members of his gang invading Okomu in the midnight,

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    shooting some security guards on night duty, set on fire over thirty houses and a double 85 horsepower Yamaha engine, and an expensive speed boat belonging to Edo state government.

    In the “Save Our Souls (SOS)” message, the leaders lamented that the gangsters had rendered thousands of residents homeless, as a result of the incessant attacks on the peaceful Okomu and its environs.

    The community hosts the Okomu Oil Palm Company PLC, a successful company established initially in 1976 in Edo state by the Federal Government of Nigeria, before becoming a Public Limited Company (PLC) in 1990, with the company managing its plantation in a transparent and sustainable manner, which had been ensuring the ongoing impressive performance of the oil palm firm’s activities and operations.

    They said: “Three of the Edo State Security Network’s (ESSN’s) personnel sustained injuries during the last attack, and were taken to the hospital. The attackers then burnt two heavy-duty tractors, a Steyr-diesel truck (agbegi), and 13 houses at Edonghan village. The group of terrorists equally destroyed the ESSN’s base in Okomu.

  • Bayelsa APC chieftain alleges threat to life

    Bayelsa APC chieftain alleges threat to life

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and candidate of the 2019 Bayelsa Central Senatorial seat, Barrister Festus Daumiebi Sunday, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the Nigerian Army to order, alleging that his life and members of his family are in danger.

    This is coming in the aftermath of an alleged military invasion on his properties on two separate occasions in Igbomotoru 1 community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

    Daumiebi made the appeal during a press conference in Yenagoa, the state capital on Saturday.

    The lawyer and the APC top governorship contender in the 2023 general election noted that on March 30, 2024, two weeks after the invasion of Igbomotoru 11 community, officers and men of the Nigerian Army unlawfully attacked his six bedroom duplex, and five bedroom guest house duplex in Igbomotoru 1 community and exposed same to pilfering, plundering and waste.

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    He also disclosed that while the matter is still receiving attention of the court, he was reliably informed that on Friday, May 31, 2024, the Igbomotoru Coordinator of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, an oil pipeline surveillance company, who works directly under the Bayelsa State Coordinator of the company and APC deputy governorship candidate, led men of the Nigerian Army stationed in Igbomotoru II, in two gunboats into his compound in Igbomotoru 1 community.

    Daumiebi added that reports before him indicated that they took away items which included boots and life vests belonging to men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps who were occupying his compound.

    He said: “This second attack on my property has shown that the actions by men of the Nigerian Army stationed in Igbomotoru II are politically motivated. It is the seeking of political vendetta against me for my stance in the last governorship election otherwise, why the pick on me.

  • Lokpobiri assures of FG’s support to PTI

    Lokpobiri assures of FG’s support to PTI

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has said that the Federal Government will continue to provide infrastructural, among other support to the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, so as to ensure competent manpower output for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

    Speaking at the matriculation ceremony of students for the 2023/2024 academic session of the PTI, the Minister noted that as the “12th largest oil producer in the world,” Nigeria depends on institutions such as the PTI for human resources in the petroleum industry.

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    Represented by his Aide on Niger Delta, Pereotubo Oweilaemi, the Minister while pointing out that the oil and gas sector drives the Nigerian economy, asserted, “this implies that Nigeria needs a steady influx of competent technicians and technologists to sustain the current levels of production and ensure greater ability in harnessing our vast hydrocarbon potential.

    “Institutions such as the PTI are poised to meet this important demand through the training and graduation of men and women that are expected to play part in this vital sector of the Nigerian economy.”