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Gunmen abduct Catholic priest in Anambra

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Gunmen abduct Catholic priest in Anambra

Gunmen have kidnapped an Anambra State-based priest of the Catholic Church, Reverend Father Christian Ike.

Ike was said to have been taken away by the assailants on Sunday, along Amagu junction, Ndiokpaleke in Ajali community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The reason for the incident has yet to be ascertained, but eyewitnesses in the area said the priest was returning alongside two other persons from an early morning Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church, when the vehicle he was moving in, was double-crossed by the assailants.

The source said, “The priest and two other persons were returning from St. Micheal Catholic Church, where they attended morning service.

“On getting to Amagu Junction, their vehicle was double-crossed by armed men operating in three vehicles, while the other two other persons escaped the scene, the criminals took away the priest and some personal belongings of the occupants in the vehicle.”

The latest abduction will be the second incident in two months as it would be recalled that another priest, Reverend Father Basil Gbuzuo, was kidnapped near Onitsha, on May 15, by unknown gunmen.

Gbuzuo was later released some weeks later after some undisclosed amount of ransom was paid to his captors.

Confirming the incident, the Anambra State police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command has heard about the incident and has deployed its intelligence and operational assets for his possible rescue unhurt.

Ikenga said, “Anambra State Police Command received the information of the abduction of Rev Father Christian Ike and has deployed its intelligence and operational assets of the Command for possible rescue unhurt.

“Eyewitness account revealed by 10:30 am on 16/6/2024, the priest and two others were returning from St. Micheal Catholic Church Ndiokpaleke where they attended morning service, along Amagu Junction, they were double-crossed by armed men operating in three vehicles, while the other two escaped the scene, the criminals took away the priest and some personal belongings of the occupants in the vehicle.

“To this end, the Command has activated its intelligence and operational assets for possible arrest of the assailants and rescue unhurt of the priest.”

He added that further development shall be communicated as it unfolds.

Firm plans free eye surgery for elderly in Lagos

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Firm plans free eye surgery for elderly in Lagos

Sterling Homes is set to celebrate its 14th anniversary with a community service project aimed at promoting eye health among the elderly.

This was contained in a statement made available to According Online on Monday.

According to the statement, the company will provide free eye check-ups, free eyeglasses, consultations and cataract surgery for up to 200 elderly individuals residing in various parts of Lagos state.

The statement partly reads, “The beneficiaries of this initiative will be selected from the Berger, Ojodu, Ogba, Ketu Isheri, Magodo, Arepo, Mowe, Simawa, Olowoira, and Ikeja areas of Lagos State. To ensure the most deserving individuals receive this care, Sterling Homes is inviting the public to nominate elderly residents who could benefit from these services.

“Nominations can be made by visiting the Sterling Homes website at www.sterlinghomesltd.com and filling out the nomination form. Alternatively, nominations can be submitted by calling the company or via their Instagram page.”

The statement added that while speaking on the initiative, the CEO of Sterling Homes, Dr. Kunle Adeyemi, emphasised the importance of the initiative as part of the company’s commitment to community service.

Adeyemi stated, “This anniversary is not just a milestone for us, but a reminder of our ongoing responsibility to give back to the communities that have supported us over the years.

“We recognise the importance of good vision for maintaining independence and quality of life, especially among the elderly. This initiative aims to address a critical need and make a positive impact on the lives of our senior citizens.”

He added that the drive behind the initiative is rooted in the company’s desire to support the most vulnerable members of society.

He also noted that by providing free eye care, the real estate firm hopes to alleviate some of the challenges faced by the elderly and enhance their ability to live independently.

“We believe that every individual deserves access to quality healthcare, and this is our way of contributing to that goal. Sterling Homes has allocated over 20 million naira for this initiative, reflecting its dedication to community service and social responsibility.

“Our goal is to make a tangible difference in the lives of the elderly, helping them live normal lives despite
the challenges they may face,” he added.

Adeyemi assured all that the nomination process is straightforward and allows family members, friends, and community members to nominate elderly individuals who might benefit from this initiative.

According to him, all nominees will undergo a vetting process, and successful candidates will be contacted with details on how they can receive their treatments.

CMD laments ‘Japa’ syndrome on Bayelsa medical centre

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CMD laments ‘Japa’ syndrome on Bayelsa medical centre

The Chief Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa in Bayelsa, Dr James Omietimi has revealed that the major challenge confronting and still lingering in the health facility is the  ‘Japa’ syndrome.

Omietimi disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Yenagoa.

According to him, the Japa syndrome has impacted negatively on our healthcare delivery system in Nigeria today.

NAN reports that the new CMD has worked with the hospital for over 25 years as staff before his appointment a few months ago.

He highlighted some of the challenges faced due to the departure of health professionals seeking better opportunities abroad and also the rate at which health professionals were being kidnapped in the country.

“This Japa movement has been a major challenge, not only for us here in FMC Yenagoa but most of the hospitals across Nigeria as a country.

“Most of our doctors, nurses, pharmacists and lab scientists are leaving Nigeria for greener pastures abroad and at an alarming rate.

“This movement has led to understaffing here and a big workload on the remaining medical professionals,” he said.

The CMD stated also other aspects included poor remuneration and a lack of security for personnel and infrastructure development.

He called for the retirement age for medical health workers to increase from 60 to 65, or even 70 years, as it was done in other professions like university lectures and judges.

Omietimi reassured the general public of the hospital’s commitment to providing medical services, in spite shortage of clinical personnel.

He said the FMC had grown from what it used to be then and has remained one of the best hospitals in Bayelsa that served the people better.

According to him, government hospitals are not always funded like the private hospitals.

He urged the Bayelsa Government led by Gov. Douye Diri, to open doors for partnerships in the state’s medical sector and not only when there were major problems.

NAN

‘Japa’ major problem affecting Yenagoa Medical Centre

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‘Japa’ major problem affecting Yenagoa Medical Centre

The Chief Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa in Bayelsa, Dr James Omietimi has revealed that the major challenge confronting and still lingering in the health facility is the  ‘Japa’ syndrome.

Omietimi disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Yenagoa.

According to him, the Japa syndrome has impacted negatively on our healthcare delivery system in Nigeria today.

NAN reports that the new CMD has worked with the hospital for over 25 years as staff before his appointment a few months ago.

He highlighted some of the challenges faced due to the departure of health professionals seeking better opportunities abroad and also the rate at which health professionals were being kidnapped in the country.

“This Japa movement has been a major challenge, not only for us here in FMC Yenagoa but most of the hospitals across Nigeria as a country.

“Most of our doctors, nurses, pharmacists and lab scientists are leaving Nigeria for greener pastures abroad and at an alarming rate.

“This movement has led to understaffing here and a big workload on the remaining medical professionals,” he said.

The CMD stated also other aspects included poor remuneration and a lack of security for personnel and infrastructure development.

He called for the retirement age for medical health workers to increase from 60 to 65, or even 70 years, as it was done in other professions like university lectures and judges.

Omietimi reassured the general public of the hospital’s commitment to providing medical services, in spite shortage of clinical personnel.

He said the FMC had grown from what it used to be then and has remained one of the best hospitals in Bayelsa that served the people better.

According to him, government hospitals are not always funded like the private hospitals.

He urged the Bayelsa Government led by Gov. Douye Diri, to open doors for partnerships in the state’s medical sector and not only when there were major problems.

NAN

France begins election campaign 

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France begins election campaign 

France began a frantically short election campaign Monday, with President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance facing an uphill struggle to avoid a new defeat at the hands of the far right.

Macron called the snap parliamentary polls three years early in a dramatic gamble to shake up politics in France after the far right trounced his centrists in EU elections.

But with less than a fortnight before the vote, his alliance risks being squeezed by new coalitions on the left and right.

Many in France remain baffled over why Macron called an election just weeks before the country hosts the Olympics, risking the far-right National Rally leading the government and 28-year-old Jordan Bardella becoming prime minister.

“Emmanuel Macron, who triggered this dissolution to trap the parties, has ended up trapping himself,” said Le Monde daily, warning that the RN risked winning the election.

Candidates had until Sunday evening to register for the 577 seats in the lower house National Assembly ahead of the official start of campaigning from midnight. The first round of voting takes place on June 30, with the decisive second round coming seven days later.

The political tremors have reached the Euro 2024 football tournament in Germany, where France’s star player Kylian Mbappe said he was “against extremes and divisive ideas” and urged young people to vote at a “crucial moment” in French history.

“Today we can all see that extremists are very close to winning power and we have the opportunity to choose the future of our country,” Mbappe said.

“I hope I will still be proud to wear this shirt after July 7.”

Macron’s dissolving of parliament after the French far right’s victory in the EU vote has undoubtedly redrawn the lines of French politics.

“The aim is to create a new parliamentary majority,” former prime minister Edouard Philippe, who leads a party allied to Macron’s bloc, told BFMTV.

But perhaps to Macron’s surprise, a new left-wing alliance — the New Popular Front that takes in Socialists, Greens and hard-leftist France Unbowed — has emerged.

On the right, Eric Ciotti, the leader of the Republicans (LR), has agreed to an election pact with the RN, provoking fury inside the party and a move by its leadership to dismiss him, which a Paris court blocked on Friday.

In a further twist, the new left-wing alliance has already shown signs of cracking, with the LFI’s raucous figurehead Jean-Luc Melenchon too divisive a figure for some to contend for prime minister.

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who is leading the campaign for Macron’s bloc, said voters had three choices.

“There’s the alliance led by (hard-left) LFI, there’s the alliance led by the (far-right) RN — extremes that would be a disaster for the country,” he told the RFL broadcaster.

And “there’s a third bloc… that we are leading”.

Macron is this week due to return to the domestic campaign fray from engagements abroad at the G7 summit in Italy and the Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland.

The personal stakes are huge for the president, who risks becoming a lame duck until his term expires in 2027. He then faces handing over power to the RN’s Marine Le Pen who is likely to run for the Elysee for a fourth time.

Former Socialist prime minister Lionel Jospin, who famously bowed out of politics in 2002 after Jean-Marie Le Pen, Marine’s father, knocked him out of the presidential elections run-off, warned of the perils for Macron.

He said the president had forced the country into a “hurried” campaign and was “giving the RN a chance to come to power in France”.

“It’s not responsible,” he told Le Monde, accusing Macron of “arrogance” and witheringly adding that “surprise is not enough to be master of the game”.

In an interview with the Journal du Dimanche newspaper, former president Nicolas Sarkozy also warned that Macron was taking a risk for himself and the country, saying the move “could plunge France into chaos from which it will have the greatest difficulty in emerging”.

AFP

Saudi stops stoning ritual for 5hrs over heatwave

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Saudi stops stoning ritual for 5hrs over heatwave

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has stopped pilgrims from proceeding to the Jamarat Bridge for the ritual of throwing stones from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. due to extreme heat

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman, issued the directive in a statement on Monday in Mina, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Sulaiman stated that the measures became necessary to ensure the well-being of pilgrims amidst high temperatures and to prevent heat stress.

“Accordingly, the following measures have been implemented: Pilgrims are prohibited from proceeding to the Jamarat Bridge for the ritual of throwing stones from 11. a.m to 4.pm.”

Speaking further, he said security personnel would be stationed at camps to enforce the restriction and prevent any pilgrim from departing before 4 p.m.

He urged the Office of Hajj Affairs and service providers to ensure compliance, adding that they would be held responsible for any violations thereof.

“We pray for Allah’s protection over the pilgrims and the acceptance of their Hajj.”

Meanwhile, the official of Nigeria’s Hajj Commission has intercepted two illegal migrants of Nigerian descent ( Muhammed Umar and Nazifi Tasi’u GARBA), over infiltration of pilgrims’ tents amidst concerns regarding overstretched accommodation and petty theft.

Consequently, the suspects were handed over to the Saudi Police, where their biometrics were obtained and a fine of 10,000 Saudi Riyals was imposed on them to be paid whenever they were leaving the country.

NAN reports that the Jamarat are three pillars located in Mecca and are an important part of the Hajj pilgrimage for Muslims.

As part of their pilgrimage to Mecca, pilgrims throw pebbles at the pillars to symbolically “stone the devil.”

The Stoning of the Devil—or rajm al-jamaat, translated as throwing pebbles—is a way for Muslims to reject temptation, affirm their faith in Allah, and honour the Prophet Ibrahim.

Over 1.83 million pilgrims performed this year’s hajj, according to the Saudi Gazette.

A total of 1,833,164 pilgrims came from within the Kingdom and abroad to perform the annual pilgrimage and they included 1,611,310 foreign pilgrims and 221,854 domestic pilgrims, both citizens and expatriates.

NAN

Suspected herdsmen kill six villagers in Taraba community

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Suspected herdsmen kill six villagers in Taraba community

Justin Tyopuusu, Jalingo

At least six persons were reportedly killed and scores injured following attack on a farming community by suspected herdsmen.

The attack that occurred on Sunday targeted Mararaban Azagwa and Alele villages all of Maihula in the Bali Local Government Area of the state..

A resident of the area, Isah Abdul, told our correspondent on Monday that trouble started when a man who was drunk and high on drugs he took at Maihula market was found dead on his way home.

“It is an unfortunate development. The relatives of the deceased, who later recovered his corpse, accused the Tiv villagers where the man died of being responsible for the death of their brother.

“There was nothing actually to point to the fact that the man was killed. He might have probably died from complications arising from the alcohol and the drugs he took.

“But his relatives, who suspected that he was killed by the Tiv villagers, mobilised and started attacking and killing people,” Abdul said.

The chairman, Taraba State Tiv Traditional Council, Zaki David Gbaa, who briefed journalists in Bali on the development, said six people were killed and four others are in critical conditions in the hospital.

Gbaa identified those killed to include; Aondohemba Salemkaan, Tersuugh Dondo, Terkuma Mbatim, Kumaga Ujam Asaaga Nev and Tersoo Memga.

The Tiv leader, who condemned the attack, however, commended the security agencies for their quick intervention to calm the situation.

He expressed confidence that the attackers would be arrested by security agencies and prosecuted, especially that all of them live in the community and could easily be identified.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Gambo Kwache, who confirmed the attack in a telephone interview, however said only two corpses were recovered by the police

Gambo noted that no arrest has been made so far, but security operatives were combing the area in search of the attackers.

Kukah charges Nigerians to learn new national anthem (Video)

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Kukah charges Nigerians to learn new national anthem (Video)

The Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has advised Nigerian Christians to learn the country’s new national anthem.
Kukah made the call at a public function on Sunday.
READ ALSO:Tinubu signs Bill into law to return ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’ as national anthem
He said: “For those of you whose pastors told you in January that at the beginning of the year by the grace of God, you will sing a new song, now learn the national anthem.”
President Bola Tinubu signed a bill on the adoption of the anthem on May 29.

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Youths storm Rivers LG secretariats, protest chairmen’s tenure extension

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Youths storm Rivers LG secretariats, protest chairmen’s tenure extension

Following the expiration of the tenure of the local government chairmen in Rivers State, some youths in the Degema Local Government Area of the state on Monday took over the council headquarters.

This came as LG chairmen in the state under the aegis of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria have vowed to remain in office, citing the Local Government Amendment Law by the Martin Amaewhule-led 27 House of Assembly members empowering them to extend their tenure by six months.

The state ALGON Chairman, Allwell Ihunda, who is the Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, insisted that the law by the House of Assembly empowers them to remain in office.

Recall that the law by the lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, empowers the council chairmen to remain in office over the alleged failure of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to conduct local government elections.

Fubara, at an event in Port Harcourt, the state capital, warned the LG chairmen not to do anything that would truncate the peace of the state, saying they had a few days to leave office.

Amaewhule, at a news briefing last week, warned the governor against setting up caretaker committees to fill vacant positions in the 23 LGs of the state, saying the lawmakers would not accept such a move.

The council chairmen who were elected during the tenure of Wike as governor have been having a running battle with Fubara following the disagreement between the two political leaders.

Meanwhile, it was gathered that youths in Degema occupied the council secretariat early on Monday and locked the entrance.

The youth who were seen singing war songs appeared battle-ready as they insisted that they would not allow the LG chairmen to remain in office after serving out their tenure, saying they would remain there to ensure the outgoing LG chairman does not return to the council.

The same scenario is playing out in the Asari-Toru Local Government Area, where youths stormed the council headquarters in Degema and occupied the facility.

Many of the youth were seen in different groups in front of the secretariat and the entire stretch of the road leading to the entrance, even as some could be heard saying, ‘Asawana’ a popular slang among the Ijaws which signifies solidarity, even as others arrive the scene in droves.

The youth said they would remain until Wednesday when work resumes and dared the council chairmen to come to the secretariat.

However, there is a huge security presence in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area and Obio/Akpor LG to prevent security breaches.

Our correspondent spotted over six police patrol vans in front of the secretariat’s closed entrance on Monday morning.

The patrol vans were manned by fierce-looking security operatives, although the movements of people were not restricted.

Meanwhile, the outgoing chairman of Eleme LG, Obarilomate Ollor, has warned those eager to throw him out of office not to come close to the council, saying they will be resisted.

Ollor, addressing stakeholders at the first Annual General Meeting of the Aleto Clan Association held in Port Harcourt, said he had gotten wind of plans to invade the council on June 17.

He urged those who do not have legitimate businesses at the council headquarters not to come close, pointing out that the LG council is neither a community town hall nor a students’ union facility.

Ollor stated, “Some people are ganging up, they want to use force to enter into the local government. Let me tell you, the local government is not a community town hall or students union secretariat.

“That is a government facility. So stay away from there, except the law permits you to go there. If you go there against the law, what you will see, you will not believe it. You will see your forefathers’ earlier than you expected.

“So don’t go there if you are not meant to go there. You can stay in a hotel and make noise, but don’t go there.”

Our correspondent, who is monitoring the situation, reports that the occupation of some LG secretariats is already creating tension in the state as it is likely to spread to other LG.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the police are on top of the situation, saying, “Our men were on a show of strength this morning. We are still monitoring the situation, and we want to urge everyone to maintain peace in the state.”

‘Practice what you preach’, Netizens drag Yul Edochie for warning men against married women (Video)

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‘Practice what you preach’, Netizens drag Yul Edochie for warning men against married women (Video)

Social media users popularly called Netizens have criticized Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie, after he advised men to avoid sleeping with married women.
In a video he released on Sunday, Edochie admonished Nigerian men to avoid having anything to do with a woman who is married so as not to bring condemnation upon themselves.
He said men who sleep with married women are open to spiritual attacks.
However, the viral video has generated mixed reactions from Nigerians with some accusing him of sleeping with his new wife, Judy Austin, while she was still married to her husband, Mr. Obasi.
They took to the comment section under the video to cast aspersions on the actor, with some digging up dirts on him.
@Empressmma wrote: “Please who knows where he shop for AUDACITY?”
@Bertha_beauty_store: “You don’t want the same thing you did to another man be done to you but may isn’t yours anymore ”.
READ ALSO:Yul Edochie lashes at social media critics with marital issues judging him
@Realtruthlover: “Na why spiritual attacked removed him brain komotjudy just deh press am like a remote control”.
@Zaralinda: “The gods are already messing with Yul’s brain cos even as he is preaching dis is as though something is pushing words out of his mouth ”.
@Queennation: “Mr. Obasi came out and cried to us that Yul was sleep!ng with his wife under his roof when Judy just gave birth..Yul needs rehab because he is talking to himself..living with another man’s wife”
@Amakaamegeo: “Jesus. Yul really?? From you?? Wow! This man Mr Obasi cried out and told the world how you were sleeping with his wife until you impregnated her. Wow.. anyways, let’s just believe your nemes!s are after you…. Haaa! Life na wa o”.

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