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Bayelsa to prosecute Sylva, others over PDP member’s death

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Bayelsa to prosecute Sylva, others over PDP member’s death

The Bayelsa State government is set to prosecute former Minister of State, Petroleum Resources and the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Timipre Sylva, over the death of one person recorded in Brass during the governorship election in November 2023.

A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and an agent for the election, One George Sibo, was said to have been killed at the Independent National Electoral Commission Collation Centre, Brass Local Government Area, during the election.

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, who stated this during the burial of the deceased on Thursday in Twon-Brass, directed the state Attorney-General to commence legal action against Sylva, over the incident.

Diri, while expressing sadness over the dastardly killing of the young man, described the deceased as a hero of democracy and promised that the state government would bring the culprits to book.

He stated that as chief security officer of the state, he declined to use his powers in the face of provocation against the main opposition party candidate in the election, who prevented the PDP from campaigning in his community, Nembe-Bassambiri.

Diri emphasised that as governor, he deliberately did not challenge the excesses of the APC candidate as it would have resulted in the loss of innocent lives.

He said, “There are a lot of questions to answer. What was the candidate of the APC, Timipre Sylva, doing at the collation centre in Twon-Brass a day after the election? Why did he go there with the large crowd that led to the killing of this young man?

“I am pained and that was why I directed that autopsy be carried out, which has been done. I have further directed the Attorney-General to institute a case against Timipre Sylva and all those who invaded the collation centre that led to the killing of George Sibo.

“The Attorney-General of Bayelsa State will institute legal action to unravel his killers. The government of Bayelsa State is there to protect the lives of our people. I came here to mourn with you as we enter a promising young man of our state and Brass kingdom.”

The governor also directed the immediate employment of the deceased’s two wives in the state civil service to enable them to take care of their children.

The Brass PDP Caucus Chairman, Chief Sam Ateke, commended the governor for his resolve to unmask the killers of the party faithful through legal means and promised that the Brass people would cooperate with the government to get justice.

2000 patients benefit from NDDC free healthcare in Abia

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2000 patients benefit from NDDC free healthcare in Abia

The Niger Delta Development Commission said over 2000 patients benefitted from the first phase of its Free Health Medical Outreach in Ukwa General Hospital, Oke Ikpe in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, disclosed this while speaking at the week-long free healthcare programme.

This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday, by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, and sent to newsmen.

Ogbuku stated that free healthcare was organised in partnership with Derums Global Services to bring healthcare to rural communities across the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku, represented by the Abia State representative on the NDDC Board, Chief Eruba Dimgba, said the medical outreach programme was targeted at changing the health situation and narrative of the medically underserved people in the Region.

He remarked, “The program had in the recent past, been the flagship of the Commission, serving to endear the Commission to these medically needy communities, with documented evidence and testimonies, abounding of their beneficial impact in enhancing the quality of life of the rural poor in the Region.

“The objective of the programme undertaken, in collaboration with various healthcare organisations, is to ensure access to good healthcare services by removing financial barriers to accessing good and qualitative healthcare services, posed by the prevailing high costs of healthcare services in the midst of a weakened Health system and infrastructure.

“So far over 2000 patients have benefited from the free healthcare programme which is in tandem with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hoped Agenda’ to restore the hope of Nigerians and we are impressed with the caliber of medical professionals handling this. ”

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer said that as an interventionist agency, the Commission had championed good health as being integral to the successful realisation of its mandate in facilitating the sustainable development of the Niger Delta Region.

He said, “This is in line with the position adopted by Mr President during the commemoration of the 2023 World Universal Health Coverage Day with the Theme: Health for All, Time for Action, where he emphasized the import of placing health and social well -being of Nigerians as a key part of his Renewed Hope Agenda.”

In his remarks, the NDDC Director, Abia State office, Azubike Nwubani, commended the current leadership of the Commission for providing a platform through which the healthcare needs of the people could be addressed. He urged the people of Ukwa West and other neighbouring communities to avail themselves of the medical services.

The Chief Medical Director, Ukwa General Hospital, Dr Dennis Nwogwu, commended the NDDC for providing a platform through which the healthcare needs of the people could be addressed

Nwogwu thanked the NDDC for the gesture and charged residents of the state to avail themselves of the medical services.

Giving a goodwill message, the Chairman, Ukwa Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Chinyere Dike, expressed appreciation to the NDDC for the free health programme.

Dike noted, however, that the one-week duration for the programme was not enough to take care of all the numerous patients desirous of the medical intervention.

More roads will receive attention as we get more funds

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More roads will receive attention as we get more funds

The Federal Road Emergency Road Maintenance Agency assured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s plans to repair damaged federal roads in the country.

The Federal Road Maintenance Engineer in charge of Abia State, Festus Okafor, who conducted newsmen round the affected roads on Thursday, said the move was to make federal roads in the state passable without stress.

Okafor said, “More federal roads will receive attention as we get more funds. We are waiting for more funds to enable us to tackle massive failures on federal roads in the state..”

Okafor noted that the FERMA has commenced repairs of three federal roads in Abia State.

“The affected roads include Aba-Azumini-Akwa Ibom Road; Umuahia- Bende- Ohafia Road; and Uturu-Mile 2- Ebonyi border Road.

“We have washouts threatening to cut some roads especially Umuahia-Bende Road. We have done quick intervention through direct labour.

“We have also done some patch works on Aba-Azumini Road, and Uturu-Mile 2 – Ebonyi border Road to keep them motorable and reduce hardship on motorists,” Okafor noted.

He said the tour of the affected roads is in line with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, aimed at making life stress-free for motorists and commuters in the state.

Okafor who explained that the repairs and patch works were being executed through direct labour, appealed to commuters in the state to be patient with the agency, assuring that other federal roads in the state will also receive attention based on the availability of resources.

According to him, the delays in intervention are usually caused by the bureaucracy involved in approvals concerning those that require contracts.

Okafor explained that intervention could come faster through direct labour if the damage were not of large scale.

He said, “The on-going patch works started two weeks ago and it is part of our proactive efforts to avoid further damage on the roads by arresting the situation early.

He commended President Tinubu for mobilising the agency to enable it discharge its duties.

He also thanked the Managing Director of FERMA, Dr Chukwuemeka Agbasi for his proactivenes which is part of the reason for the successes recorded in the state.

Abia, according to FERMA, has a total of 14 federal roads.

NigComSat, firm boost rural telecom connectivity

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NigComSat, firm boost rural telecom connectivity

The Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd has announced a partnership with INFRATEL AFRICA, a leading telecom infrastructure service provider, to improve rural connectivity and bridge the digital divide in the country.

NigComSat disclosed this in a statement signed by its Assistant General Manager of Corporate Affairs, Aisha Bantam, on Thursday.

According to the agreement, NigComSat will provide connectivity to INFRATEL AFRICA’s rural infrastructure project, migrating 100 locations to the NigComSat-1R Ka-band hub platform.

“This collaboration aims to enhance telecom services and expand networks in underserved communities, the statement said.

The Managing Director of NigComSat, Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, expressed her excitement about the partnership, stating, “This collaboration is a welcome development for NigComSat, and we are committed to delivering quality services to INFRATEL AFRICA and their customers.”

Egerton-Idehen highlighted the company’s infrastructure upgrade to meet global standards and assured INFRATEL AFRICA of its competence and strength in delivering services.

“I have no doubt about the strength and competence of our staff and infrastructure, and we will deliver quality service to you and your customers,” she said.

INFRATEL AFRICA’s mission is to connect unserved and underserved communities to the global digital landscape, promoting inclusivity and digital equality.

The partnership, according to NigComSat aligns with the company’s goals, leveraging its satellite capacity to support businesses and improve connectivity solutions.

“The partnership is expected to have a significant impact on Nigeria’s digital economy, supporting the government’s efforts to bridge the digital divide and enhance connectivity in rural areas.

“This partnership is a significant step forward in our efforts to improve rural connectivity and bridge the digital divide.

“We are committed to working with INFRATEL AFRICA to deliver quality services and promote digital inclusivity in Nigeria,” Egerton-Idehen added.

Watch out for cancer signs in children, doctor urges parents

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Watch out for cancer signs in children, doctor urges parents

A Consultant Paediatric haemato-oncologist, Dr Magdalene Odunvbun, has urged parents and guardians to watch out for early signs of cancer in children and seek prompt medical examination and treatment.

Odunvbun, a paediatrician at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, gave the advice on Friday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Benin.

She said “Our greatest challenge in cancer management in children is that by the time they come for treatment, they come very late. The disease has spread to other parts of the body and the percentage of care has become very low, what should have had a 90 per cent rate of cure becomes five percent of cure.

“Parents should not wait for an abnormal growth of cancers in their children’s bodies to grow very big before seeking appropriate care. Parents should also stop using native treatment for tumors, this is because by the time they present to the hospital they have exhausted all their money without a cure.”

According to her, children do have cancers just like adults, and cancers develop in body cells which are present in both adults and children.

“Cancer simply means uncontrolled multiplication of body cells. The common sites of cancer in children are the eyes, the kidneys, the blood, and the lymph nodes. For eye cancer, the early signs include a speck in the child’s eye that looks like a cataract; a tumor growing in the retina.

“In some children, early signs of cancers include growth appearing in certain parts of the body; it can be on the neck or stomach. It can be anywhere. Once you see any abnormal growth anywhere in your child’s body. Let the child be taken to the hospital for examination.

‘For blood cancer, the child starts having repeated shortage of blood by the time a child has received a blood transfusion two times within a short period, the child should be assessed in the hospital. Blood cancer in children can also present in the child’s body, always getting hot and you are always treating the child for fever; let the child be assessed in the hospital,” she said.

She lamented the lack of financial support for cancer treatment in children, urging government and non-government actors to assist the victims.

“Parents do not receive government support for treatment. Often, they abandon the treatment because they cannot afford it, even when the child is close to being cured.

“Due to the lack of funds to continue treatment, the cancer often returns after being abandoned. In the developed world, eight out of every ten children with cancer are cured, but in Nigeria, only two out of ten may be cured.

“In developed countries, the government covers the cost of treating children through health insurance, so, parents are not paying out of pocket. This ensures timely treatment and better compliance,” she said.

(NAN)

Denmark’s male footballers refuse salary rise to secure equal pay for women

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Denmark’s male footballers refuse salary rise to secure equal pay for women

Denmark’s male footballers have refused a salary increase for playing for the national side to gain their female counterparts equal basic pay, the players’ union said on Friday.

“The men’s team chose not to ask for a salary increase … to improve the conditions of the women’s team,” union spokesperson Magnus Hviid told AFP.

He welcomed “an extraordinary measure to help take this small step in the right direction”, but acknowledged there were “still more glass ceilings to break to ensure equal opportunities and conditions within national teams”.

Hviid said the action “obtained the same basic salary for the women’s national team and the men’s national team, as well as better insurance coverage for the women’s team”.

The agreement, signed at the end of May, provides for identical match bonuses for women and men during away matches.

However for the moment due to no bonus for home matches, there remains a disparity in the overall pay between the women’s and men’s national teams.

The Danish Football Federation (DBU) and the union have agreed to bring forward negotiations on a new deal for the women’s national team after the summer break.

Denmark are competing in Euro 2024 and are joint second in Group C after two draws against England and Slovenia.

According Online reports that achieving salary parity requires a multifaceted approach involving legislation, corporate action, and societal change.

In both the general job market and the world of football, ongoing efforts are crucial to close the gap and ensure fair compensation for all individuals, regardless of gender or race.

AFP

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INEC warns parties on misuse of powers

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INEC warns parties on misuse of powers

Ahead of the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, the Independent National Electoral Commission has issued a stern reminder to political parties and candidates about the legal requirements for equitable access to public facilities.

INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun issued the reminder in a statement on Friday.

Olumekun noted that the commission has observed a persistent issue in Nigeria’s electioneering process: the misuse of incumbency power to block opposition parties and candidates from utilising public facilities for campaign activities.

This misuse includes restricting access to public buildings such as sports stadiums, limiting the use of state-owned media, imposing excessive fees for advertising, and even the removal or vandalism of campaign materials. These actions often lead to violent clashes and disrupt public peace.

“Over the years, a recurring problem in Nigeria’s electioneering process has been the use of the power of incumbency to deny opposition parties and candidates access to public facilities for rallies and other campaign activities.

“These include public buildings such as sports stadiums, open spaces in public places, total denial or restricted access to state-owned media (specifically radio and television stations), the imposition of excessive levies and fees for outdoor and media advertising, and even the removal or vandalisation of billboards and posters.

“These actions often result in violent clashes among party supporters and a breach of public peace,” the national commissioner said.

To address these concerns, Olumekun reiterated that Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of state resources to benefit or disadvantage any political party or candidate.

Sections 95(3-5) also mandate equal coverage for all parties and candidates by public media houses.

Violations of these provisions can result in sanctions against the heads and officials of these media organisations as outlined in Section 95(6).

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission wishes to reiterate that Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of State apparatus to “the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate at any election”.

“Furthermore, under Section 95(3-5), it is obligatory for public media houses to allot equal coverage and visibility to all parties and candidates. Section 95(6) provides sanctions against heads of public media organisations, their principal officers, and other officials for contravention,” he added.

Olumekun emphasised the importance of adhering to these regulations, adding that INEC has made guidelines for political rallies, processions, and campaigns on its website and social media platforms to ensure clarity and compliance.

“The Commission calls on all concerned parties to adhere strictly to these guidelines and legal provisions,” Olumekun stated.

The Edo governorship election is scheduled for September 21, 2024; while the Ondo governorship poll is scheduled for November 16, 2024.

Actor Kenneth Okonkwo hints at returning to APC, says Labour Party has not impressed him

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Actor Kenneth Okonkwo hints at returning to APC, says Labour Party has not impressed him

Popular Nollywood actor Kenneth Okonkwo has hinted at returning to the All Progressive Congress (APC) after declaring that the Labour Party (LP) has not impressed him.
The veteran thespian turned politician who gave the hint in a recent interview said that he does not rule out going back to anything because change is constant.
He noted that the Labour Party has not impressed him at all over the failure of the party to stage an acceptable national convention and the bickering among its leaders.
Okonkwo said; ‘’I don’t rule out going back to anything because change is constant. My own Labour party is not impressing me. Assuming they continue in this trajectory where they cannot hold acceptable National convention, then you would tell me I will be there.”
Recall that Okonkwo left the APC in July 2022 and joined the Labour Party, where he worked as a spokesman for the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council in the 2023 election.
READ ALSO:Actor, LP member, Kenneth Okonkwo slams N8,000 palliative plan, calls it ‘insult to common sense’
Okonkwo described the LP as à derailing party lacking the integrity to take advantage of the internal crisis in other parties, adding that he will not rule out rejoining another party if the LP continues on a “trajectory where they cannot even hold an acceptable national convention.”
He continued, “I was a spokesperson at the presidential level and I did not know that the Labour Party was having a convention. When I saw it on social media, I thought it was fake. They were rejected in Umuahia because it was a leprous convention.
“Those people are clowns. It is the greatest joke I have ever seen in a political party and then you want to position yourself as a party of integrity. You cannot give what you don’t have.
“Aburi and his cohorts, their tenure is over. Let Aburi and his cohorts get behind me. They are workers of iniquity. I don’t rate them. That executive is in charge of the secret society. They should be apprehended,” Okonkwo said.
The post Actor Kenneth Okonkwo hints at returning to APC, says Labour Party has not impressed him appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

US lawmakers visit detained Binance executive, Gambaryan, in Nigerian prison; push for his release

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US lawmakers visit detained Binance executive, Gambaryan, in Nigerian prison; push for his release

Two US Members of Congress; Representatives French Hill (Arkansas, Republican) and Chrissy Houlahan (Pennsylvania; Democrat) have visited detained American citizen Tigran Gambaryan at the Kuje Detention facility.
The lawmakers who undertook the visit on June 19th 2024 later posted a video on social media calling for his release.
Hill gave the account of the visit on his X page on Thursday while describing the condition he found the detained executive as deplorable.
In a June 20 post on X, Hill described Gambaryan’s detention as wrongful in a “horrible prison” where he is being denied medical care despite suffering from malaria, double pneumonia, and significant weight loss.
He wrote; “Yesterday, @RepHoulahan and I visited with US citizen Tigran Gambaryan in Kuje Prison in Nigeria. We found him suffering from the conditions there, as he has malaria and double pneumonia, and he reports that he has lost significant weight. Even worse, he’s being denied access to adequate medical attention.
“Although I am pleased that Nigeria dropped tax evasion charges against Tigran on 6/14, it’s my view that he’s being wrongfully detained on charges related to money laundering.
READ ALSO:Panic as Binance executive, Gambaryan slumps in court
“Tigran has devoted his professional life to fighting money laundering and tax evasion, having spent ten years as an IRS Special Agent where he successfully led cyber and financial crime investigations.
Further, at the time of his arrest, he was working as a contract employee at Binance and was instrumental in criminal investigations and compliance in cooperation with Nigerian authorities.
“On 6/4, I joined a letter with@RepMcCormick and 16 other colleagues to @POTUS, @SecBlinken, and @StateSPEHA urging for Tigran’s immediate release. Two days later, over 100 former federal prosecutors and agents wrote to @SecBlinken further urging @StateDept to use all means available to secure his release.
“Tigran must be immediately granted a humanitarian release, the remaining charges dropped, and he must return home to America where he belongs.”
Similarly, Representative Houlahan in a video said “We did find pretty difficult conditions… he was under clearly a lot of stress and his health is not very good.”
She continued that she hopes “we will be able to put the full force of America behind us to make sure that he is returned home safely.”
By: Babajide Okeowo
The post US lawmakers visit detained Binance executive, Gambaryan, in Nigerian prison; push for his release appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Ojude Oba Festival fosters unity, economic growth – Ladi Balogun

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Ojude Oba Festival fosters unity, economic growth – Ladi Balogun

The annual Ojude Oba Festival, a vibrant celebration of Ijebu culture and tradition, recently concluded with great success. The festival attracted thousands of participants and visitors who showcased elaborate traditional attires, captivating dances, music, and impressive equestrian displays. The festival showed how cultural traditions can drive economic growth by empowering local businesses, service providers, artists, and artisans from Ogun, Lagos and practically all the other states in South West Nigeria.
Affirming the economic and social development potential that could be harnessed from the festival through tourism, Ogun State Governor, Adedapo Abiodun, MFR, committed to elevating the Ojude Oba Festival to a global stage. He envisions the festival as a permanent fixture on the international tourism calendar and its listing as one of the festivals backed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
From left: Chief Executive Officer, Metropolitan Motors Limited, Dr. Olutoyin Okeowo; Group Chief Executive, FCMB Group Plc, Mr. Ladi Balogun and a Director of FCMB Group, Professor Oluwatoyin Ashiru, during the Ojude-Oba festival held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State on June 18, 2024. FCMB has been a major sponsor of the festival for over 20 years.
Central to the festival’s enduring legacy is the Regberegbe system, a tradition of age-grade solidarity and mutual support. Historically rooted in communal labour practices, the Regberegbe has evolved into a symbol of community cooperation, fostering social bonds and collective responsibility. This unique social structure empowers individuals. It has contributed to the overall resilience and development of the Ijebu community for centuries.
FCMB Group Plc, a major sponsor of the Ojude Oba festival, recognizes the festival’s significant contribution to social cohesion and development. By celebrating shared cultural heritage, promoting unity among diverse groups, and strengthening community bonds, the Ojude Oba festival fosters a favourable environment for socioeconomic development.
In his goodwill message, Ladi Balogun, Group Chief Executive of FCMB Group Plc, noted that the festival attracts visitors from across Nigeria and the diaspora, contributing to the growth of trade and tourism in Ijebuland, Ogun State and Nigeria. The FCMB Group Chief Executive urged Ijebu people to embrace the festival’s spirit of togetherness and use it as a springboard for further development and inspiration for younger generations.
From left: Group Chief Executive, FCMB Group Plc, Mr. Ladi Balogun and Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, during the Ojude-Oba festival held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State on June 18, 2024. FCMB has been a major sponsor of the festival for over 20 years.
This year’s Ojude Oba festival witnessed the participation of 90 Regberegbe groups, a significant increase from 76 in 2023. This surge indicates a rise in social cohesion, which is crucial in promoting unity and peaceful coexistence within the community.
Speaking on the festival’s economic impact, Adewale Adenugba, CEO of Blooms Hotel in Ijebu-Ode, said, “The festival has significantly boosted business activities across Ijebuland over the years, coinciding with the Muslim Eid-el-Kabr celebration when many Ijebus and their friends return home. During this period, hotels in Ijebu-Ode and surrounding towns experience full occupancy, and relaxation centres also see increased activity. Artisans, traders, and vendors of various items, including festival paraphernalia, food, drinks, and transportation services, enjoy brisk business and substantial income. If we aggregate all these, the festival generates billions in revenue, benefiting not only Ijebu-Ode and Ogun State but also Nigeria. I urge the government to leverage this platform to promote tourism further.”
FCMB Group Plc, a long-term supporter of the Ojude Oba Festival for over 20 years, is committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable growth within its communities by building a supportive ecosystem connecting people, capital, and markets across Africa.
Ojude Oba Festival fosters unity, economic growth – Ladi Balogun

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