Home Blog Page 1183

Ban on sachet alcoholic beverages still in force

admin
-
0
Ban on sachet alcoholic beverages still in force

The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Moji Adeyeye said the ban on the sale and consumption of sachet alcoholic beverages in the country is still in force.

Adeyeye said this on Wednesday at a press briefing held in Lagos and monitored by our correspondent via Zoom.

She said, “The ban on sachet alcohol is a ministerial directive and the ban still remains until the ministers respond. The meeting last week Thursday is a continuation of the discussion.

“The outcome of the meeting is that the ministers should write a memo to the Speaker (of Reps) and the House (of Reps), and the Representative of the Speaker, Prof Jake Dan-Azumi then said we should continue the discussion after the recess of the House members in July. So, the discussion continues.”

The deputy spokesman for the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, last Friday disclosed the House and NAFDAC resolved to lift the ban on the sale and consumption of sachet alcoholic beverages in the country.

Agbese said the resolution to lift the ban temporarily was arrived at after a meeting between the House Committee and NAFDAC officials, noted

He said the lifting of the ban would end when the economy fully recovers from its current strain.

On February 1, 2024, NAFDAC commenced the enforcement of the ban on the importation, manufacture, distribution, sale and use of alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET, and glass bottles of 200ml and below.

The NAFDAC DG said the decision was based on the recommendation of a high-powered committee of the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, and the industry represented by the Association of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employers, Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria, in December 2018.

However, the move to enforce the ban has generated repeated protests by distillers and labour unions, who said the ban would cost 500,000 workers their jobs, and ruin N800bn investments.

Meanwhile, medical experts warned that lifting the ban on alcoholic beverages will lead to acute health complications, increased road traffic accidents, increased risk of abuse of alcohol, liver problems, heart-related problems, and cancers, among others.

NOSDRA confirms oil spill in Bayelsa

admin
-
0
NOSDRA confirms oil spill in Bayelsa

The National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency has confirmed an oil leak from the Nembe Oilfields operated by Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Limited at Nembe in Bayelsa.

Head of NOSDRA’s field Office in Yenagoa, Mr Solomon Ukponevi, confirmed the development to newsmen on Wednesday in Yenagoa.

He said that the oil firm reported the incident to the agency on Tuesday.

He explained that the Agency had deployed its officials to the spill site to ascertain the cause and volume of crude oil discharged to the environment.

On the extent of the pollution, Ukponevi said that the Joint Investigative Visit scheduled for Wednesday would determine the area among other details.

“I will not be able to provide details until staff deployed for the JIV return from the fields, but I can tell you that Aiteo has reported the spill and investigation is underway,” he said.

NAN learnt that the leak occurred on Monday at a section of the 97-kilometre Nembe Creek Trunk line (NCTL) that hitherto fed the Bonny Oil Export Terminal in Rivers.

Following persistent vandalism on the oil export line with the capacity to evacuate 180,000 barrels of crude daily, Aiteo resorted to using barges to convey crude from the Nembe fields.

The barges are used to transport crude from onshore oil wells to a Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel from which Aiteo exports the Nembe Crude blend to crude tankers.

The Management of Aiteo has yet to respond to the incident as of the time of filing this report

NAN

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

PSC union asks Tinubu to sack IG

admin
-
0
PSC union asks Tinubu to sack IG

The Joint Union Congress of the Police Service Commission has called for the removal of Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, accusing him of misrepresenting facts about the recently concluded recruitment exercise.

The police and the commission’s union had been at odds over the recent recruitment exercise.

On Saturday, the police alleged that the process was marred by corruption and other irregularities. Meanwhile, the PSC accused the police of attempting to hijack the process.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday, the Chairman of the union, Adoyi Adoyi, noted that the action of the IG was capable of causing chaos which he said was against his profession.

He said, “We begin this press conference with a clarion call on the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu to immediately relieve the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun of his appointment as IGP. Our concern comes from the fact that a public officer who misleads the President is causing confusion in the country and may lead to chaos which is antithetical to his duty as a police officer.

“His attitude has become only a replica of the Biblical Haman who in deceiving his principal wanted to wipe out an entire nation but for the tiny intervention of God. So we call on the president to responsibly relieve him of his duties for the following reasons.”

Adoyi also alleged that some elements within the police attempted to smuggle over 1000 names into the recruitment list.

He said, “We have been furnished with reliable information indicating that elements within the Police Force attempted to smuggle over 1,000 names into the recruitment list. This manipulation was a grave breach of the recruitment process and a calculated attempt to undermine the credibility of the entire exercise.

Adoyi described the allegations levelled by the IG against the commission as false, unfounded and spurious.

He said, “The allegations of fraud and several unwholesome acts levelled against the Police Service Commission and its staff are, to say the least, unfounded, spurious, speculative and most irresponsible, especially by the way the allegations were thrown into the public space even before official channel of communication for dealing with such a matter was explored. “

Actress Genevieve Nnaji opens, says Hollywood made her feel like a ‘commodity’

admin
-
0
Actress Genevieve Nnaji opens, says Hollywood made her feel like a ‘commodity’

Talented Nollywood actress Genevieve Nnaji has opened up on how her first produced movie titled ‘LionHeart’ made her a ‘commodity’ in the American movie industry dubbed Hollywood.
The experienced thespian who shared her story as a panel member at the 2024 AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum/Afreximbank Annual Meetings said that she didn’t find the type of support she needed in Hollywood to do more at the time.
Genevieve stated that given what she had done with ‘LionHeart’ she felt that she was going to have an opportunity to do more in the US but that was not the case.
“For the first time, I realised I was a commodity. I thought, you know, given what I had done with Lionheart, and all of that, I was going to have an opportunity to do more. Getting there and having the kind of support, that obviously CANEX is bringing on board, but I thought I could find it in Hollywood. That was not quite the case,” she said.
READ ALSO:Actress, Genevieve Nnaji, makes first public appearance months after alleged mental breakdown (Photos)
“They wanted what I had but for their benefit. It was all about their story. It was all about how, even if it was our story, I could make it more authentic to their own understanding of whatever Africa is because they did have a lot of literature in their archives.”
Genevieve also added during the panel discussion that she had the option to move to Hollywood years ago but chose to stay behind to support Nollywood’s growth.
“But I am Nollywood. I could have gone to Hollywood a long time if I wanted to. But I had a dream to build an industry in Nigeria that could rival it. That’s because I’ve always believed in that.
”I have always believed that we were capable of actually owning an industry like that, that told our story for our people. I wanted that. I respect what Hollywood is doing. I respect what Bollywood is doing and I felt like Nollywood had an equal chance at it,” she said.
The post Actress Genevieve Nnaji opens, says Hollywood made her feel like a ‘commodity’ appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Reps hail military on anti-insurgency fight successes

admin
-
0
Reps hail military on anti-insurgency fight successes

The House of Representatives has lauded troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sustained pressure against insurgency and terrorism in trouble spots across the country.

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, gave the commendation in Abuja on Wednesday, saying the troops have recorded remarkable achievements in recent times.

“The successes recorded in various operations across the country underscore the bravery, professionalism, and unwavering commitment of our military personnel to safeguarding the nation,” he said in a statement issued in Abuja.

According to him, the feats are a testament to the resilience and sacrifice of the men and women in uniform, who tirelessly work to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.

“The recent successes of our armed forces in various operations across the country are highly commendable. These victories not only reflect the strategic prowess of our military leadership but also the dedication and bravery of our soldiers, airmen, and ratings. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their relentless efforts to protect our nation,” he added.

The lawmaker, who represents Ikorodu Federal Constituency in Lagos State, noted that the troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force have continually dealt fatal blows to terrorist groups in the Lake Chad region through a series of daring operations.

“In one such operation conducted on June 15, 2024, several terrorists were neutralized and 34 women and children were rescued from insurgents,” he said.

He continued, “In Abia State’s Ihechiowa community of Arochukwu Local Government Area, the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have impressively intensified their efforts against the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.

“Our troops raided and cleared IPOB/ESN camps in the Umudi Forest and Umuaku areas of Umunneochi Local Government Area thereby liberating the communities from the clutches of miscreants and terrorists.”

He also added that on June 15, 2024, the Nigerian Navy Ship Soroh discovered and deactivated an illegal refining site in the Isonogbene area of Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, stressing that the site contained unspecified quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined AGO.

“The Nigerian Air Force carried out impressive airstrikes on June 17, 2024, in Katsina State, resulting in the elimination of over 80 terrorists. These strikes, along with previous ones in various parts of the North West and North East have significantly disrupted terrorist activities and enhanced the safety of several communities for their residents,” Benson added.

Accordingly, the All Progressives Congress chieftain assured the nation’s armed forces of the readiness of the parliament to provide the necessary support to enable them to succeed in their mission of safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians.

“The House of Representatives remains committed to supporting our Armed Forces in every possible way. We understand the importance of providing adequate resources and legislative backing to ensure the effectiveness of our military operations. Rest assured, we will continue to prioritize the welfare, training, and equipment needs of our troops to maintain their operational readiness and efficiency,” he said.

JUST IN… Rivers Crisis: APC calls for state of emergency, says state at war

admin
-
0
JUST IN… Rivers Crisis: APC calls for state of emergency, says state at war

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the state.
Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee in the state, Chief Tony Okocha, made the call during a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He said: “Rivers State is at war. And the dramatis personae who are responsible for the mayhem that has claimed lives are known.
“The governor is helpless, the police is helpless. Therefore the APC in Rivers State is calling for a state of emergency in Rivers State as a way of taming the mayhem, the upsurge that is going on in the state. I call on the federal government to act fast in this regard.”
READ ALSO:Fubara goes after former LG bosses, orders audit of councils’ accounts
Constitutionally, the Federal Government is empowered to declare a state of emergency during a natural disaster, civil unrest, armed conflict, medical pandemic, epidemic or other biosecurity risk.
The call by Rivers State APC followed renewed hostilities between the camps of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor and godfather, Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The current crisis came about when elected local government officials, whose tenure expired on Monday, June 17th, refused to vacate office, relying on a controversial law passed by the 27 pro-Wike members of the Rivers State House of Assembly extending their tenure by six months.
The post JUST IN… Rivers Crisis: APC calls for state of emergency, says state at war appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

NEWS REVIEW…: Wike: When godfatherism goes wrong – A tale of power struggle in Rivers

admin
-
0
NEWS REVIEW…: Wike: When godfatherism goes wrong – A tale of power struggle in Rivers

Introduction:
Godfatherism, a phenomenon where a powerful individual exerts significant influence over political affairs, has been a longstanding feature of Nigeria’s political landscape. However, when this influence is wielded unchecked, it can lead to catastrophic consequences.
The ongoing saga in Rivers State, where former Governor Nyesom Wike is locked in a bitter struggle with his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of unchecked godfatherism.
Background:
Wike, who served as governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, has been accused of attempting to maintain a stranglehold on the state’s politics even after leaving office. His handpicked successor, Governor Fubara, has refused to kowtow to Wike’s demands, leading to a protracted battle for control. The crisis has snowballed, with Rivers elders and youths turning against Wike, accusing him of attempting to undermine the state’s democratic institutions.
Running Battle:
The conflict between Wike and Fubara began shortly after the latter’s inauguration, with Wike seeking to exert influence over key appointments and policy decisions. Fubara’s refusal to acquiesce has led to a series of verbal and legal salvos, with both sides trading accusations of treachery and betrayal.
Rivers Elders and Youths Turn Against Wike:
In a surprising twist, prominent Rivers elders and youths have publicly denounced Wike’s actions, accusing him of attempting to perpetuate a culture of godfatherism. Stakeholders, including traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and youth groups, have condemned Wike’s behavior as “antithetical to democratic principles.”
READ ALSO:NEWS REVIEW: Atiku’s shift on zoning: A calculated move or genuine party loyalty?
Important Quotes for Your Rivers crisis:
– “Wike’s actions are a clear attempt to undermine our democratic institutions. We will not stand idly by while he tries to perpetuate a culture of godfatherism.” – Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers
– “We thought Wike was a democrat, but his actions have shown that he is averse to allowing anyone else to lead. He wants to be the only godfather in Rivers State.” – Dr. Chidi Okere, President, Rivers State Civil Society Organizations
– “We, the youths of Rivers State, reject Wike’s brand of godfatherism. We want a government that is accountable to the people, not one that is beholden to a single individual.” – Comrade Ibuchi Okafor, President, Rivers State Youth Council
Conclusion:
The crisis in Rivers State serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked godfatherism. Wike’s attempts to maintain a stranglehold on the state’s politics has led to widespread condemnation and resistance. As the battle for control continues, it is clear that the people of Rivers State will no longer tolerate the whims of a single individual. The era of godfatherism in Rivers State is coming to an end, and a new era of democratic governance is on the horizon.
The post NEWS REVIEW…: Wike: When godfatherism goes wrong – A tale of power struggle in Rivers appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Footballers of Nigerian roots at EURO 2024

admin
-
0
Footballers of Nigerian roots at EURO 2024

The Euro 2024 tournament has lit up the sporting world with giant slaying clash, mouthwatering goals and record-breaking performances all in the first round of games that have recorded 34 goals so far with FIFA top-ranked Belgium suffering an early defeat to low-ranked Slovakia.

Real Madrid youngster, Arda Guler broke Cristiano Ronaldo’s record to become the youngest player to score on their Euros debut against Georgia. The ‘Turkish Messi’ did it in style by netting a worldie that has been nominated for goal of the round.

Amidst the series of entertaining games on display at the EURO 2024, Nigeria has found a way to squeeze itself into the tournament and for some Nigerians, it is a distraction from the recent poor performance of the Super Eagles in the World Cup qualifiers.

Among the standout players are several players with Nigerian roots, who, while representing European nations, carry the heritage and legacy of Nigeria.

The footballers who ply their trades at clubs like Bayern Munich, and Arsenal, amongst others have openly embraced their parents’ Nigerian roots and have pivotal roles to play for teams like Germany, Netherlands, England, and Italy. SEE THE NIGERIA-BORN STARS HERE

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

Police arrest six, rescue nine kidnap victims in Benue

admin
-
0
Police arrest six, rescue nine kidnap victims in Benue

Policemen in Benue State have arrested six suspects for kidnapping and fraud.

The spokesperson for the state command, Catherine Anene, in a statement made available to journalists in Makurdi on Wednesday said nine kidnap victims were rescued

Anene said that three of the arrested suspects were kidnappers and the other three were fraudsters.

The PPRO noted that the suspected kidnappers were responsible for the kidnap of some passengers of a Benue Links vehicle after killing the driver.

Part of the statement read, “On the 13/06/2024 at about 1700hrs information was received that, while a Benue links vehicle was conveying passengers from Onitsha to Makurdi, gunmen suddenly emerged from a nearby forest around Ojano-Oglewu and shot sporadically at the vehicle, causing the vehicle to stop at the forest.

“The driver of the said vehicle sustained gunshot injuries that led to his death while the passengers were kidnapped.

“During the investigation, nine suspects were rescued, while on 17/6/2024 three suspects, named Saleh Hassan ‘m’, Yakubu Alhaji Kande and Yunusa Idris all of Keana LGA, Nasarawa State were trailed and arrested in connection with the case.”

It added that the two suspected fraudsters were arrested at Kigh village along Naka road on Monday.

“During the operation, one Philip Matthew ‘m’ 25 yrs, Haribu Jafai ‘m’ 27yrs and John Ode Arubi ‘m’ 24yrs, were arrested,” the statement read.

The PPRO listed items recovered from the suspected fraudsters include two iPhones, five laptops, different ATM cards, and five 9mm live ammunition.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

MAN seeks action on insecurity after Fouani Group MD released

admin
-
0
MAN seeks action on insecurity after Fouani Group MD released

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has expressed concern over the state of insecurity in the country while commending security agencies for the release of the kidnapped Managing Director of Fouani Group.

The Fouani Group is a member of the association.

The Director General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, stated that the recent incident has left the entire manufacturing community shocked and concerned about the safety of its chief executives and workforce.

In a statement sent to The According Online on Wednesday, Ajayi-Kadir said, the association, on receiving the news of the unfortunate incident, frantically made contact with relevant authorities, including security agencies, to express its deep concerns and to reaffirm its confidence in the ability of the agencies to briskly bring an end to the nightmare.

“We are glad that the efforts of the security agencies paid off and yielded results without casualties among the victims.” Ajayi-Kadir further stated,

Ajayi-Kadir, “MAN commends the security agencies for the safe release of Mr. Fouani. The Association urges intensified efforts to tackle the rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity in the country, as it poses a significant threat to the business community and the overall economic development of Nigeria.

“This, if not checked, will erode investor confidence in the economy and further jeopardize the efforts of the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at repositioning the economy for growth.

“MAN also extends its solidarity and hearty felicitation to the family and colleagues of the Managing Director over the release. The association remains concerned about the safety and well-being of its members and will continue to collaborate with authorities to address security challenges facing the operators in the manufacturing sector in particular and the nation in general.”

MAN is the leading voice of the manufacturing sector in Nigeria, representing the collective interests of manufacturers in the country.

The rescued Managing Director of Fouani Nigeria Limited, which specialises in electronics and is the sole distributor of LG, Hisense, and Maxi products in the country, along with three Lebanese nationals who were rescued on Monday night after being abducted on Friday, June 14, 2024, have reunited with their families. (

The Police Public Relations Officer of Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed to our correspondent on Tuesday that the victims were rescued on Monday night and that they had been safely returned to their apartment on Banana Island.

According Metro had reported that the Managing Director and the three Lebanese were kidnapped by armed men while travelling by boat from Apapa to Victoria Island around Falomo Bridge, sending shockwaves through the state and prompting immediate law enforcement action.

1...1,1821,1831,184...2,849Page 1,183 of 2,849
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv