Operatives of the Delta State Police Command on special assignment to the Ughelli area, led by ASP Julius Robinson, have arrested a suspected notorious cultist identified as Felix Egbe, aged 37 years of Oteri community in Ughelli North Local Government Area. The Police Public Relations Officer for Delta State Command, Bright Edafe, disclosed this in
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The World Trade Organisation has stated that illicit trade damages societies and hinders economic growth and development.
According to the organisation, in addition to undermining legitimate businesses, it promotes corruption and deprives governments of essential tax revenue needed for societal investments.
It stated that the WTO Secretariat, under the leadership of Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had been examining how WTO rules help members address some of the challenges posed by such trade.
In a publication on fighting illicit trade in medical products released on Monday by the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala emphasised that wider efforts were needed to deepen international cooperation and to provide the technical assistance needed to strengthen members’ capacity to combat illicit trade.
She disclosed that the WTO Secretariat had launched a new publication on illicit trade in food and food fraud to address the role the WTO could play in helping to tackle this issue.
According to the WTO DG, the publication draws on the expertise of a diverse range of organisations, including the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, the International Seed Federation, a non-profit organisation for food safety, the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade, and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, to examine this issue from various perspectives and highlight strategies for tackling illicit trade in food and food fraud.
“Illicit trade and fraud in the agri-food sector have a damaging impact on various stakeholders, ranging from consumers, farmers and agri-businesses to regulators and other operators within the food industry. Although the global cost of fraud to the food industry is difficult to determine given the clandestine nature of the activity, annual estimates are in the range of $30–50bn, not including losses associated with illicit trade in alcoholic drinks.
“The impacts of illicit trade can be far-reaching, affecting different segments of society and the economy. Illicit trade in food and food fraud causes economic losses to legitimate businesses through the loss of sales and consumer confidence. Governments not only lose valuable revenue as a result of tax evasion but also incur costs in the fight against counterfeit crime and smuggling,” she said.
She further explained that fraudulent and fake food and beverages damage public health and safety, adding that adulterated or contaminated food products could pose serious health risks to consumers and have deadly consequences.
“Even counterfeit products that cause no harm but fail to contain the ingredients advertised defraud customers and erode consumer trust in the food supply chain,” the former Nigerian economy minister stated.
Okonjo-Iweala highlighted that the WTO rulebook provided legal tools to combat illicit trade and food fraud.
She added that at the launch event of the publication, new ideas for the WTO’s next steps were shared, including collaborating with the WHO, reviewing government actions via the Trade Policy Review process, and using Aid for Trade discussions to combat illicit trade.
Okonjo-Iweala further mentioned that suggestions also involved enhancing cross-border customs cooperation, examining e-commerce’s impact on food fraud, and continuing discussions in TBT/SPS committees.
She maintained that future actions would need WTO members’ agreement.
The Ogun State Government has awarded grants and land to 25 indigenes who graduated from the Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture programme.
The initiative, in collaboration with Soiless Farm Lab and the Mastercard Foundation, aims to boost agricultural endeavours in the state.
During the graduation ceremony at Awowo in the Ewekoro Local Government Area, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, emphasised the significance of the gesture.
According to a statement on Tuesday, the commissioner explained that the initiative would build a new generation of farmers to take over from the ageing ones.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Samuel Adeogun, the commissioner said, “The state government is committed to transforming the agricultural sector by encouraging more youths to engage in agriculture and creating an enabling environment for the sector to thrive through various intervention programmes.”
In his remarks, the team lead of Soiless Farm Lab, Samson Ogbole, said the initiative would attract young people to agriculture by providing modern training.
“We taught them how to build a greenhouse from scratch, and skills in bricklaying, plumbing, electrical works, farm management, financial management, budgeting, and human management,” he said.
Participants praised the state government for the training and support, committing to use the land and cash gifts to contribute to food security in Ogun State and Nigeria.
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The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has said an executive order to curb escalating drug prices in the country is awaiting the assent of President Bola Tinubu.
The ministry made this known to our correspondent exclusively upon inquiry on the update of the executive order.
Markets survey showed that prices of some antimalarial drugs have increased between 11 per cent to 22 per cent. Also, prices of antidiabetic drugs have increased by 20 per cent.
The situation is pushing many patients to skip their life-saving medications.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, in February said the Federal Government would soon issue an executive order to curb escalating drug prices.
Pate, who spoke at the third edition of the ministerial press briefing series initiated by the Ministry of Information in Abuja, explained that the executive order was a short-term goal in reducing drug prices.
He added the FG’s mid to long-term goals towards reducing drug prices involved the domestication of imported drugs within the next three years in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
“The rising cost of pharmaceuticals is a pressing concern, and we are taking decisive action to address this issue. An executive order will soon be issued to curb escalating drug prices in the short term, while our mid to long-term goal involves the domestication of imported drugs within the next three years, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade,” Pate had said.
Meanwhile, pharmacists in the country demanded details of the executive order.
According to them, the details will determine if the directive will help to crash drug prices in the country.
Stakeholders believe the increasing prices of medications are influenced by foreign exchange, inflation, importation of drugs, the elimination of fuel subsidies, and the exit of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc.
In an inquiry sent by our correspondent on the update of the executive order, Pate’s Special Assistant on Media and External Relations, Tashikalmah Hallah, said, “The Executive Order has been developed and vetted. Awaiting Mr President to assent and sign it. After that, it will become public.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal beat the Czech Republic 2-1 to claim a Euro 2024 debut victory on Tuesday but they needed to come from behind with a 92nd-minute winner from youngster Francisco Conceicao.
Earlier in the section’s other clash, Turkey bested Georgia 3-1 in a pulsating match in Dortmund.
Roberto Martinez’s Portugal qualified at a canter with a 100 per cent record, but only just scraped victory in Leipzig in their first match, under driving rain.
Ronaldo played at a record-extending sixth European Championship and 41-year-old defender Pepe became the tournament’s oldest ever player for the Selecao.
The Czechs went ahead against the run of play through Lukas Provod’s fine strike from the edge of the box after the hour mark, but Robin Hranac’s own goal soon pulled Portugal level before Conceicao’s winner.
“We want to do more, but there was also a lot of emotion, a lot of desire and sometimes we failed to pull off the strategic plan,” said Portugal midfielder Vitinha, awarded player of the match.
“We wanted to come out strong, show our strength and unfortunately we conceded the goal first, on the Czech Republic’s first opportunity.
“We showed all our coolness and resilience.”
Portugal supporters chanted Ronaldo’s name and imitated his “Suuuui” celebration shout as they marched to the game waving flags and in high spirits despite a brief but intense thunderstorm.
Around 8,000 fans attended Portugal’s open training session on Saturday, many of whom were hoping for a glimpse of the 39-year-old former Real Madrid striker.
Thousands of fans sported replica Ronaldo shirts but were unable to watch the all-time record Euros goalscorer find the net on a frustrating night against a solid Czech side.
Ronaldo was thrice denied by goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek on a record Euros appearance and headed against the post, but was offside.
Diogo Jota put the rebound into the net but the goal was disallowed after VAR highlighted Al Nassr striker Ronaldo’s infringement.
It did not matter for Portugal in the end as 21-year-old Porto winger Conceicao struck from close range.
“We have a great team spirit, we will fight until the end and Portugal will be alive until the end,” said defender Mendes.
The Czechs were left agonising after battling so hard and almost claiming a point.
“It hurts terribly when you work like this for 90 minutes, you give everything and you lose in the end,” said Czech goalscorer Provod.
“Our defenders played an incredible game. We just needed a bit more luck.”
Turkey turn-out
A well-supported Turkey started the Euros in entertaining fashion with an end-to-end win over debutants Georgia.
Real Madrid playmaker Arda Guler scored a brilliant goal, along with strikes by Mert Muldur and Kerem Akturkoglu, to delight the masses of Turkish supporters.
Georgia were dangerous after Georges Mikautadze levelled Muldur’s superbly hit opener, and struck the woodwork.
Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was below his best but despite defeat his team offered enough to give themselves hope for the matches ahead, against the Czech Republic and then Portugal.
“It was a match worthy of the Euros, we had great support even in difficult moments. This win is also for them and the party that they’ll have,” Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella told reporters.
“It’s my 50th birthday today so it was a perfect day of sport and the victory was the best present that the boys could have given me.”
Hosts Germany are back in action on Wednesday as the second round of group matches commences, facing Hungary in Stuttgart.
Scotland are chasing their first victory at a major tournament since 1996 as they take on Switzerland in the other Group A match, while in Group B Croatia play Albania.
AFP
The governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has advised parents to take care of their children, and prioritise their security, insisting that there is nothing they are doing that is more important than their parental obligation to their children.
Otti’s admonition came when he was presented with three boys of the same parents, who had been kidnapped, but were later rescued from their abductors.
Gideon, aged 8; Divine, 6; and Israel, 4; were abducted while returning home from school on May 10, 2024.
Receiving the children alongside their parents and other community leaders at his residence in Umuehim, Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the state, Otti thanked God and those who worked hard to ensure the children’s release.
Expressing the joy that the children have finally been reunited with their parents, Otti used the opportunity of the visit to admonish parents to be more careful about the safety and security of their children.
He said, “I will like to also admonish parents to be more careful, because this was avoidable. First of all, you should not hand over your children to people you do not know, be they keke or okada riders. There is nothing you’re doing that is more important than looking after your children. That is my word to parents, grandparents and everybody, who has something to do with one Abia child or another.
“It is very, very important that we take their security, comfort and safety very seriously. A lot of lessons have been learnt from this, and I believe we shouldn’t let this kind of thing repeat itself.”
Governor Otti further implored security operatives who took part in the rescue operations to follow through and ensure that everyone involved in the abduction is prosecuted and brought to book to serve as deterrent to others.
The governor pledged that the government would support the rescued children in the best way that it deemed fit and recommended that communities go back to the positive culture of seeing all children as their own.
He reassured of his administration’s commitment to securing Abia State and develop the economy, pointing out that this cannot be possible without security.
He enthused, “One of the promises that we made to our people was that we must secure the state because it is our intention to develop the state and grow our economy.
“So, when you see me working very hard, visiting security agencies and their heads, it is to sit down and map out a security architecture that works for all of us.”
He restated his earlier notice that Abia is not safe for criminals, as government has put in place a robust security architecture to protect lives and property, adding that government is creating an economy where everyone with genuine business will participate.
He added, “I had told criminals, I have sent them notice that this place cannot contain them and us; one must run away. Fortunately, I’m not the one that would run, because I have the mandate of the people, and I have the mandate of God. So, it’s the evil ones who would run away, and they’ve already started running.”
Narrating how the children were rescued, the Mayor of Ikwuano Local Government Area, Comrade Osinachi Nwaka, said the rescue unfolded in three stages, pointing out that he personally led the first operation in Ekwulobia, Anambra State.
Nwaka described the rescue of the children as a remarkable triumph, commending the unwavering commitment of Governor Otti to restoring safety and security in Abia.
He also thanked the various security agencies, including the State Homeland Security, for their efforts and working in synergy.
Special Adviser to the governor on Security Matters, Navy Comr. MacDonald Uba (retd.) lauded the optimism of the governor, which motivated the Mayor and others, who participated in the operation, describing the governor as a father and a good shepherd.
Earlier, presenting the children to the governor, their parents, community leaders and the member representing Ikwuano state constituency, Hon. Boniface Isienyi, said the rescue operation was not an easy task, adding that it took God’s grace to make it possible.
Isienyi disclosed that he would be proposing a bill in the coming days that would make it mandatory that anyone who wants to run a motherless babies home should be registered with the state Ministry of Women Affairs to legitimize their operations.
A pilgrim from Plateau State, Mr. Ismaila Musa, died in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
The Executive Secretary of Plateau Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Daiyabu Dauda, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Jos.
Dauda said the deceased who hails from Mangu local government area of the state after a brief illness.
Musa is the fourth Nigerian pilgrim to die in Saudi Arabia in the last seven days.
READ ALSO: Two Nigerian pilgrims die in Saudi Arabia
Three pilgrims died during the exercise last week.
The statement read: “He (Musa) was ill and has been on admission at Annur Specialist Hospital in Makka since May 31.
“We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the government, and the people of Plateau.
“We pray that Allah will accept his hajj, grant him eternal rest, and give his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
The post Another Nigerian pilgrim dies in Saudi Arabia appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
A private security guard, Yusuf Akadogo, was stabbed to death during a minor altercation in Lagos last week.
The spokesman for the state police command, Benjamin Hundeyin, told journalists on Tuesday that the deceased security guard was attacked by an Okada rider in the Idi-Araba area of the state.
He said: “On that fateful day, around 9:20 p.m., the police received a distress call from a concerned community member regarding a disturbance at Igbira Road, Idi-Araba.
“Police operatives swiftly responded to the scene where an eyewitness provided an account of the events.
“The deceased security guard intervened in a minor altercation between the Okada rider and another individual.
“Unexpectedly, the motorcycle rider, whose identity is withheld, allegedly turned his aggression towards the security guard and stabbed him in the stomach with a knife.
“The victim was rushed to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, for urgent medical attention but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
“The suspect fled the scene immediately after the attack, and the area is currently under surveillance as efforts to apprehend him are ongoing.”
The post Security guard stabbed to death settling quarrel in Lagos appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
South African insurance firm, Sanlam Limited, is set to acquire 60 per cent of the insurance business of pay TV, MultiChoice Group, NMS Insurance Services for R1.2bn South African rand (about N99.14bn).
In a joint press statement issued on Tuesday, the firms said the deal includes a long-term commercial arrangement to expand insurance and related financial service offerings into MultiChoice’s extensive African subscriber base.
In addition to the upfront cash consideration, a potential performance-based cash earn-out of up to a maximum consideration of R1.5bn is contingent upon the amount of gross written premium generated by NMSIS for the financial year ending 31 December 2026.
Multichoice said that the cash proceeds would be used for working capital purposes while retaining its 40 per cent interest in NMSIS.
Commenting on the deal, Sanlam Group Chief Executive Officer, Paul Hanratty, said “It affords us the opportunity to leverage our respective market footprints and technological capabilities that will support growth and market penetration, as well as provide opportunities to realise synergies for the benefit of all stakeholders.”
MultiChoice CEO, Mr Calvo Mawela, said, “This collaboration with Sanlam is a strategic milestone for MultiChoice. It not only allows us to increase the value we provide to our subscribers but also enables us to leverage Sanlam’s expertise to drive growth and innovation in our insurance offerings across the continent. It is a nod to the incredible work done by our teams.”
For the first quarter of 2024, NMSIS’s Gross Written Premiums increased by 36 per cent year-on-year as its profit after tax rose by 51 per cent.
In the year ending March 2024, Multichoice reported a 13 per cent drop in subscribers in Nigeria, Angola, Kenya, and Zambia.
The depreciation of local currencies in those markets, including Kenya, had a 32 per cent impact on the Group’s USD revenues.
Blaming the economy for the decline in subscriber base in Nigeria which is one of its biggest markets, Multichoice said, “The group’s nine per cent decline in active subscribers was mainly due to a 13 per cent decline in the Rest of Africa business as mass-market customers in countries like Nigeria had to prioritise basic necessities over entertainment.
“FY24 presented the toughest set of macro-economic conditions for the Rest of Africa business since 2016. The official and parallel naira exchange rates reached peaks of N1600:1USD and N1900:USD respectively in February 2024, with several other African markets also experiencing extreme foreign exchange depreciation.
“This resulted in a translation impact for the segment’s USD revenues of 32 per cent. High double-digit inflation in many of the group’s core markets has led to immense pressure on customer spending power.
“This, combined with the benefit of the FIFA World Cup and Nigerian elections in the FY23 base, resulted in the active subscriber base falling by 1.2m to 8.1m at the end of FY24.”
Meanwhile, the group has entered into a Cooperation Agreement with Groupe Canal+ SA (Canal+) concerning Canal+’s mandatory offer for the group.
That followed a ruling by the Takeover Regulation Panel of South Africa, which required Canal+ to pursue a mandatory offer after it acquired an interest of more than 35 per cent in MultiChoice Group.
Canal+ has also increased its shareholding in the group to 45.20 per cent.
Youngster Francisco Conceicao snatched Portugal a last-gasp 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in their Euro 2024 Group F opener on Tuesday just minutes after coming off the bench.
The 21-year-old Porto winger capitalised from close range after the Czechs were unable to clear a cross, completing his team’s comeback.
The Czechs went ahead against the run of play through Lukas Provod’s fine strike from the edge of the box after the hour mark.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal did not shine but dug just deep enough to claim victory, with Robin Hranac’s own goal pulling them level before Conceicao’s dramatic winner.
Ronaldo, 39, playing at a record-extending sixth European Championship, was denied by Stanek on three occasions as Portugal constantly looked to find the competition’s all-time top goalscorer.
The striker hit the post with the score tied and Diogo Jota nodded in the rebound but the goal was disallowed for offside against Ronaldo.
“We showed all our coolness and resilience,” said Portugal midfielder Vitinha.
“We remained calm, got the draw and always believed until the end to get the win.
“Luckily we managed to do it with the help of the players who came on… we are truly a team.”
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez selected 41-year-old defender Pepe, who became the oldest player in Euros history, beating the record set by Hungary goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly aged 40 in 2016, as part of a three centre-back defence.
Portugal won that tournament in 2016 to claim the trophy for the first time and captain Ronaldo said they deserve another, although they got off to a stuttering start in Germany.
In coach Ivan Hasek’s first competitive game after taking over in January, the Czech Republic largely frustrated Martinez’s side, who qualified unbeaten while scoring more goals than any other team.
Ronaldo sent an effort wide with his shoulder after Rafael Leao cut inside with menace early on, as the Portuguese controlled the ball.
Bruno Fernandes’ deflected dipping effort had some Portugal fans out of their seats and Leao was inches away from connecting with a low cross from the Manchester United playmaker.
Czech goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek thwarted Ronaldo twice in the first half of his record 26th Euros appearance, but on both occasions the striker appeared marginally offside.
The Al Nassr hitman’s brightest moment came with a clever backheel which played in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha, but the Czech defence swarmed around him quickly and blocked his shot.
Debate over whether Ronaldo should still be a starter or not has rumbled on since the 2022 World Cup and at times Portugal looked short on ideas beyond slinging crosses in towards him.
Stanek comfortably saved a Ronaldo free-kick from distance before the Czechs made their breakthrough.
Slavia Prague midfielder Provod whipped a superb strike past Diogo Costa from the edge of the box after Portugal failed to fully clear a cross just past the hour mark.
However Portugal were quickly level when Hranac unfortunately turned the ball into his own net, after Stanek palmed Nuno Mendes’ header straight at him from point-blank range.
Ronaldo and Czech Republic striker Patrik Schick finished as joint top scorers at Euro 2020 with five goals each but neither was at their lethal best in Leipzig.
Jota thought he had grabbed a last-gasp winner after Ronaldo’s header bounced off the woodwork into his path, but VAR showed the veteran forward was offside.
It didn’t matter for Martinez’s men though after Conceicao came on to fire them to the three points, putting Portugal level with Turkey at the top of Group F.
“Of course it hurts extremely (badly), although nobody completely thought we would prevail today,” Provod told Czech national television.
“The goals we conceded did not come after well put together attacks, but we have to acknowledge Portugal’s quality. The (goals) came from the enormous pressure.”
AFP