Home Blog Page 62

SWAN President Visits, Entends  Condolences To NNN Editor

0

President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Isaiah Benjamin (JP) on Saturday March 29, 2025, paid a condolence visit to his SA Media, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, who is his SA Media  as well as the Editor of New Nigerian Newspapers Ltd.

During the visit, he described the demise of Ms Roseline Dickson, elder sister to his SA Media as tragic.

“I came on behalf of National Executive Committee (NEC). All of them were suggesting, ‘Mr. President are we not coming to see your SA’, I told them when the time comes we could arrange a visit.

“Death is a painful thing and I know how it feels losing loved ones.

“We pray the family has the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. We pray that we don’t need to gather to Mourn, but to celebrate, however, God knows the best,” he said.

He assured that NEC and other SWAN members will provide moral support to the bereaved family before, during and after the burial billed to hold in Agboke-Oglewu, Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State on April 16, 2025.

In his response, Okpani Onjewu Dickson thanked the SWAN President and NEC for the visit.

” Mr. President, seeing you here today, myself and family are honoured by your presence here in person, in spite of your very busy schedules.

“We sat a big thanks to  you and NEC and pray for God to bless you all for this gesture,” he said.

It would be recalled that Ms. Roseline Dickson passed on the 22nd of March in Makurdi after a brief illness.

Kaduna Business Mogul Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr

1

 

.. Tasks Nigerians To Keep Hope Alive Regardless Of Economic Challenges

A Kaduna based business mogul, Dr. Tobi Bernard Thomas has joined millions of Nigerian Muslims and others all over the world to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr, which marks the end of the 30-day Ramadan Fast.

Thomas in a statement on Sunday stated that the holy month teaches denial, dedication, discipline, diligence and sharing of love among one another.

According to the tourism expert, the Eid-el-fitr is also a time of stock taking as Muslims used the period of the Ramadan fasting to take an objective assessment of their areas of strength and weakness.

Thomas also said that Eid-el-fitr is a very significant event in the life of every Muslim chiefly because of the virtues it exemplifies, urging Muslims to continue with the lessons and the spirit of the Ramadan.

He noted that this year’s Eid-el-Fitr also echoes the message of hope which inspires all to share with those who do not have, especially the destitutes in our midst, while calling on Nigerians to keep hope alive even in the face of the economic challenges.

Thomas who is the Kaduna state Coordinator of the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN) urged every Nigerian Muslim and all citizens to fully imbibe the virtues of Eid-el-Fitri, even after the month of Ramadan.

He equally urged Nigerians to continue in their support for the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and that of Governor Uba Sani in Kaduna state.

“At this critical period of our nation’s history that the nation is going through transformation, the noble virtues of the month of Ramadan should continue to guide our daily activities, as we strive to fulfill our duties as good citizens of this great country,” Thomas said.

Birthday: Alake Eulogises President Tinubu As Transformative Leader

2

By Martha Agas

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has described President Bola Tinubu as a transformative leader whose vision and courage would leave an indelible mark on history.

Alake’s eulogy is contained in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Saturday in Abuja to felicitate the President on his 73rd birthday.

The President, he said, was his ally and a visionary leader, who had defied all odds to establish policies and programmes aimed at driving economic transformation and enhancing security in Nigeria.

“Where others before you were hesitant, you took the bull by the horn, championing reforms that are today gradually yielding fruits as we see declining inflation.

“ Reducing food prices and the rapidly improving security situation as a result of your leadership as Commander-In-Chief are pointers to this fact.

“Today, we are witnessing enhanced coordination and synergy among security agencies, resulting in the elimination of terrorists and the neutralisation of key bandit leaders.

“This is a direct result of your unwavering commitment to securing our nation by Mr. President,” he said.

The minister described Tinubu’s life trajectory as a testament to God’s faithfulness and grace, particularly in his emergence as Nigeria’s President.

” Against the run of play, you surmounted gargantuan obstacles stacked against you and ascended our nation’s highest office, nearly 2 years ago,” he said.

According to Alake, this year’s birthday is special as it coincides with the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

While urging Nigerians to honour the President’s request for prayers for the nation’s peace and prosperity, he also prayed for Tinubu’s continued good health and wisdom to render impactful service in Nigeria.

“As you celebrate 73 years of extraordinary service and impact, may the Almighty grant you continued good health, strength, and wisdom to build the Nigeria of our dreams,” he said.

Nigeria: Kaduna SDP Disowns El-Rufai, Says No Record Of Membership

1

The Kaduna State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), says it has no record of the membership of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai and his co-travelers as  registered members.

The Assistant National Secretary, NorthWest of SDP, Alhaji Idris Inuwa, disclosed this at a news briefing in Kaduna on Friday.

Alhaji Inuwa also rejected the purported dissolution of the State Working Committee of the party, alleging that some individuals were working round the clock to hijack the party.

This move, according to him, is not only unconstitutional but also a direct affront to the principles of due process and internal democracy, noting that this underscores  the nullity of the purported setting up of a caretaker committee under one individual.

He said: “The Kaduna State Executive Committee is the legitimate outcome of a duly conducted State congress, reflecting the will of the party members and adhering strictly to the party’s constitutional provisions.

“This body holds a four-year mandate that remains valid, binding, and legally recognized throughout its tenure. Any  attempt to arbitrarily dissolve this duly constituted leadership structure not only violates the party’s constitution but also undermines the fundamental principles of due process, fairness, and internal democracy.

“The SDP constitution state very clearly the process and procedure to follow in dissolving a State Exco; which includes but limited to initiating an investigation, setting up committee, providing fair hearing in a transparent manner before a decision is taken; none of this way done-only the resort to the illegal unilateral letter of dissolution.

“Such an action is therefore tantamount to an unlawful interference in the party’s governance and an affront to the collective decision of it’s members. Consequently, the purported establishment of a caretaker committee under a single individual lacks any legal basis, rendering it null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.

“While we recognize the growing interest of individuals and groups in joining the SDP, we emphasized that there are well-defined guidelines and constitutional provisions governing membership admission. The State Exco remains open and welcoming to all prospective members who adhere to these established procedures.”

Nigeria: Stakeholders Call For Amplifying Rural Women’s Voices In Decision-making

0

By Justina Auta

As the world marks International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, stakeholders in Nigeria have emphasised the need to amplify the voices of rural women in decision-making spaces.

The call was made at the 2025 IWD celebration organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, in collaboration with the Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers Association in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that civil society organisations, rural women, and concerned Nigerians gathered to address the challenges faced by rural women and advocated for their inclusion in governance and policy formulation.

The event, themed “Accelerate Action: Amplifying the Voices of Rural Women,” highlighted the crucial role rural women play in national development and the importance of their participation in governance.

Mrs Bassey Ita-Ikpang, Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, stressed the importance of empowering rural women to ensure their voices were heard in decision-making processes.

She noted that if things improved in rural areas, the entire nation would benefit, urging support for rural women to assert their rights.

“Rural women are the backbone of our communities, and their voices must be heard.

“We must create opportunities for them to participate in governance and ensure their concerns are addressed,” she said.

Ikpang added that the media had a key role in spotlighting the contributions and struggles of rural women.

Mr Luka Nizasaan III, Etsu of Kwali, in his keynote address, reiterated the vital role rural women play in sustaining families, local economies, and national food production.

“In spite of their immense contributions, they often remain unheard, unseen, and underserved.

“To truly honour rural women, we must move beyond recognition and take action.

“Their voices must be amplified in decision-making spaces, policy dialogues, and economic opportunities,” he said.

Nizasaan emphasised that education and digital empowerment are crucial to unlocking opportunities for rural women.

Ms Grace Ike, the Chief host and Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abuja Council, called for solidarity among women to drive change.

She encouraged all to continue working together in unity, raising their voices as agents of change.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, as part of efforts to support rural women, two beneficiaries were presented with N50,000 each in cash support.(NAN).

Nigeria: Kogi Forum Condemns Carting Away Mineral Resources With No Attached Benefits To Inhabitants

25

 

A religious body, Kogi East Christian Elders Forum, has frowned at the carting away of mineral resources on daily basis from the land with no attached economic benefits to the inhabitants.

In a Communique issued in Kaduna after its annual national prayer Congress in Okpo, Headquarters of Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State recently, the Forum calls for an urgent need to address the situation and with the full commitment of both elders and the church.

The Communique which also condemned the cycle of violence and regular brutal killings of promising youths in the land, x-rayed the economic potential and called for youth empowerment using agriculture as pivotal to engage them in meaningful employment.

The Communique signed by the Forum’s National President, Pst Joseph Egwuda and the National Secretary, Elder Joel Usman Dagono calls for the establishment of a Cashew nuts management board to address wastages and increase income for the farmers.

The Congress calls for the damming of River Niger around Ibaji area for economic benefits and mitigate the erosion in the area which supposed to be the Dubai of Nigeria.

While wondering about the word KOGI with which the area is being identified as alien to Igala Kingdom, the Congress also appointed a Seven member committee to meet His Royal Majesty, Ata Igala for clarification on an alleged plan to impose an Emirate System on Lokoja by suspected expansionists.

It also calls for prayers for governmental intervention over a situation where most government establishments including Schools are closed down during fasting.

Other resolutions adopted at the Congress include, the registration of the Forum with Corporate Affairs Commission, (CAC) the appointment of a Nine member board of trustees as well as the National Secretary.

While dissolving the Dekina Local Government Area Excos of the Forum and appointing an interim committee, the Congress directed the National Treasurer to coordinate activities of the Forum in the local government areas.

The Congress themed ” Kogi East Christian Elders Forum: The Journey So Far, Now Turn and Move”, Deuteronomy 2:1-3 encourages members to move in the right direction for positive results and never should they remain onlookers but participants in both religious and political institutions for a better Nigeria.

Lamido To Oppositions – Let’s Join Hands to Liberate Nigeria From APC Atrocity

1

By Mohammed Suleiman, Dutse

Former Governor of Jigawa State, Alh. Sule Lamido has called on opposition leaders to be strategic and focus in confronting President Bola Tinubu’s government, since they can’t fight a state institution on the basis of personal disappointment and succeed,
He said they could only succeed when they put the collective national interest and make sure everyone around was bound by that philosophy

Lamido made the remarks during an annual Ramadan breakfast with Peoples Democratic Party leaders and supporters from across the 27 local government areas, which was held at his residence in Bamaina Town, Birninkudu local government area of Jigawa State.

He expressed concern over the incessant security challenges bedeviling the country, coupled with the worsening scourge of abject poverty ravaging the populace as well as the general apprehension among Nigerians due to poor leadership of the ruling party, the APC.

“Everyone in Nigeria is now confused because the leadership has lost focus. However, in the struggle to find a way out, politicians must remain focused and avoid personal prejudices; otherwise, it will be difficult to defeat Tinubu.”
Lamido however called on former PDP members who left the party because of different reasons but now ended up being persecuted and maltreated in APC, to come back to their right Party.

There is no shame in coming back to the party that glorified you and gave you all opportunities to excel in the Nigerian political arena. You must learn how to eschew political bitterness. Leadership cannot go with anger.

Lamido mentioned People like Rotimi Amaechi, El-rufai, Kwankwaso, Wamako, and others, urging them to return to their original base (PDP), where they are known as legitimate members, and join hands to liberate Nigeria from the APC atrocity.

He warned that it would be a big mirage to think of using the SDP, a party created by the military, or the NNPP to fight Tinubu and succeed.

World TB Day: AHF Nigeria Urges More Commitment To TB Response

12

By Justina Auta

As the world observes World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, international NGO AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has called for stronger commitment, increased funding, and expanded access to TB services.

Dr Echey Ijezie, AHF Nigeria Country Programme Director (CPD), made the call in a statement on Monday in Abuja, in commemoration of the event marked every March 24.

He quoted the World Health Organisation (WHO) report, which stated that TB claimed 1.25 million lives worldwide in 2023.

Ijezie noted that while global TB incidence had declined, progress was too slow to meet international targets.

He explained that nearly 11 million people fell ill with TB in 2023, with more than 80 per cent of cases and deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

According to him, findings show that at least 22 billion dollar is needed annually for TB prevention and treatment, yet global funding remains significantly short of this goal.

He further emphasised that multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis remained a public health crisis, with only about two in five people with drug-resistant TB receiving treatment in 2023.

Ijezie urged governments to prioritise TB prevention and treatment, strengthen healthcare systems, and close the funding gap that continued to hinder progress in Nigeria.

“AHF Nigeria supports active TB case finding in communities across our seven states of operation through the mobilisation and training of community volunteers known as ‘Community Advocacy Clubs.

“They screen and detect tuberculosis symptoms and direct those who present with symptoms to the DOT centres.

“AHF also focuses on HIV/TB co-infection care in its clinics and has long prioritised TB prevention, screening, and treatment as part of its global healthcare programmes.

“We also advocate for policy changes to make TB drugs and diagnostics more accessible and affordable, and engage communities and governments to commit to more vigorous TB control efforts,” Ijezie added.

He also said that the organisation would hold events in Abuja, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Cross River, Kogi, and Nasarawa to raise awareness about TB prevention, care, and treatment. (NAN)

Currency Exchange Rates

USD - United States Dollar
ZAR
0.06
EUR
1.17
CAD
0.73
ILS
0.31
INR
0.01
GBP
1.34
CNY
0.14
Enable Notifications OK No thanks