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King Charles III returns to public duties after cancer treatment

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King Charles III returns to public duties after cancer treatment

 King Charles III is returning to public duties after the positive effect of his cancer treatment.

King Charles has been receiving care as an outpatient since early February, and sources have said that in spite of the welcome news the king still has cancer and will continue to be treated for the undisclosed form of the disease.

Charles and Queen Consort Camilla will visit a cancer treatment centre on Tuesday to meet medical specialists and patients.

The event aims to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and to highlight innovative research, supported by Cancer Research UK, taking place at the hospital.

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King Charles’s diary of events will not be a full summer programme, and attendance will be announced nearer the time and “subject to doctors’ advice,” with “adaptations made where necessary to minimise risk” to his recovery.

It is understood the warmer weather would allow events to be staged outside and lessen the risk posed by other people that many cancer patients face.

In January, King Charles spent three nights in hospital for a procedure on an enlarged prostate, during which his cancer – not prostate cancer – was discovered.

After his diagnosis was announced on February 6, he postponed all public engagements but continued with his duties as head of state behind palace walls, conducting audiences and Privy Council meetings.

Meanwhile, William, the prince of Wales, is to carry out engagements in the North East on Tuesday, visiting an Earthshot Prize finalist firm which makes low-carbon construction materials in Seaham, and opening James’s Place – a centre offering free, life-saving treatment to suicidal men in Newcastle.

A previously unseen portrait of the prince and Kate, princess of Wales, was released by Kensington Palace on Monday in celebration of the couple’s 13th wedding anniversary.

Kate, who is undergoing chemotherapy for an undisclosed cancer, married future king William in 2011.

The photograph by Millie Pilkington – who took the most recent picture of the King and Queen to mark Charles’s return to public duties – shows William and Kate on their wedding day.

The black and white image was posted on the Waleses’ social media accounts on Monday, captioned “13 years ago today!” (dpa/NAN) 

We are focused on reducing circulation – NDLEA

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We are focused on reducing circulation – NDLEA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kogi Command, on Tuesday said the agency was focused on reducing circulation of illicit drugs to forestall usage.

Mr Umar Yahuza, State Commander of the agency, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja.

Yahuza explained that with a reduction in circulation of illicit drugs, the usage and dependence level would drop, which would in the long run reduce vices like insurgency, kidnapping and others in the society.

According to him, drug abuse is the catalyst to all the insurgencies and kidnappings ravaging the society today.

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“All the problems of insurgency and kidnapping are drug induced, because it won’t be possible to carry out kidnapping without the use of illicit drugs.

“But we can stop insurgency, kidnapping and other vices if we collectively fight against the menace of drug abuse and trafficking in the country.

“Our focus now is to ensure that we reduce the circulation of hard drugs and its menace in Kogi and Nigeria as a whole.”

The commander disclosed that the command had put in place strategies to arrest drug abusers and traffickers as well as seize all illicit drugs being peddled in and through Kogi.

He called on the state government, community and religious leaders and other stakeholders to join the NDLEA to successfully fight drug abuse and trafficking.

“We will take these messages to government institutions/schools, religious places such as Churches, Mosques, market places and motor parks.

“This is with the aim of discouraging those contemplating going into the business of illicit drug trafficking and abuse to have a change of mind.

“And those that are into it and need succour and help can come forward to get counselling from the agency.

”Even those that are so used to it or who are addicted can overcome it, be rehabilitated and then integrated back to the society,” he said.

Yahuza, therefore, called on stakeholders to help sensitise the public to the danger of illicit drugs and see how it could be stamped out from the state in particular and the society at large. (NAN)

By Thompson Yamput

Gunman kills 6 worshippers at Afghan mosque

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Gunman kills 6 worshippers at Afghan mosque

At least six civilians were killed and one injured in a shooting attack on a mosque in Afghanistan’s western province of Herat on Monday evening, officials confirmed.

According to a statement by Interior Ministry spokesman, Abdul Mateen Qani, an unknown gunman opened fire on worshippers inside the mosque located in the Guzara district.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) condemned the attack and stressed the urgency for investigations to identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

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Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, attacks have significantly reduced in the war-torn country.

However, so-called Islamic State offshoots are still considered to be active in the country and also claim attacks from time to time. (dpa/NAN)

Fuel scarcity bites harder in FCT as fuel stations increase

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Fuel scarcity bites harder in FCT as fuel stations increase

Filling stations in Abuja and its environs have unofficially increased the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) known as fuel as scarcity of the product bites harder.

A Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday reports that the fuel stations that had products were selling between N850 and N1,000 per litre, while the black marketers are selling at N1,300 and N1,400 per litre.

NAN reports that in spite of the adjustment, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) maintained its price of N617.

The development has caused long queues at NNPC Ltd. retail outlets at Zone 1, Mega station near Church Gate, Jahi and others along Kubwa express.

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It would be recalled that long queues surfaced in the FCT following low distribution of fuel to different stations due to logistics.

NNPC Ltd. had said in a statement on Thursday that the cause of the scarcity, which they described as “tightness in fuel supply”, had been resolved.

However, along Karshi-Jukwoyi road, Fuel Smart, Mobil, NIPCO and many other independent marketers are selling the product in their fuelling stations between N850 and N1,000.

Conoil and TotalEnergies opposite NNPC Ltd. Towers sell at N660 but with long queues.

At Kubwa, majority of the fuelling stations are closed because of lack of the product.

Eterna and Ammasco at the Kubwa second gate, along the Kubwa-Zuba expressway are yet to be supplied with the product.

Only NIPCO fuelling station opposite the Eterna station has fuel but with long queue. (NAN)

By Emmanuella Anokam

Akanni calls for support for Finidi George

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Akanni calls for support for Finidi George

Ex-International Waidi Akanni, has called on  the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to give the newly appointed Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Finidi George  the support he needs to succeed  in his new role.

Akanni made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

NAN reports that the NFF on Monday announced the appointment of George as the Super Eagles head Coach.

“It’s what we expected, a good home based coach, with everyone’s unflinching support and George’s experience I’m positive that he will do well.

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“I hope he gets the support he needs from the federation, that’s very crucial to his success, with that we will have a beautiful team that we can have confidence in.

“I look forward to seeing beautiful football with positive results,” he said.

George, spent 20 months as assistant to José Peseiro before the Portuguese`s resignation following the accomplishment of Africa Cup of Nations runner-up position at Cote d’Ivoire 2023.

He took charge of the squad in interim capacity during two friendly matches in Morocco in March.

His squad edged Ghana 2-1 in the first match, ending an 18-year winless streak against the Black Stars, but then lost 0-2 to Mali in the second game.(NAN)

By Aderonke Ojediran

EFCC  denies shooting at pro-Yahaya Bello protesters

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EFCC  denies shooting at pro-Yahaya Bello protesters

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC),  has denied allegation of shooting at pro Yahaya Bello protesters at its headquarters on Monday in Abuja

Spokesman for the commission,  Dele Oyewale said this while responding to a video trending on social media on the allegation of attack by the. EFCC operatives on protesters

Oyewale told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that there was no shooting at any protester at the commission on Monday.

He said the operatives  only dispersed the protesters who went to the commission’s headquarters to disrupt  activities.

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”No arrests were made as claimed by the group.

“” two groups demonstrated at the commission today. The first group came with a letter of commendation in support of  the EFCC anti corruption fight.

”They presented their letter, which was received by the Director of Public Enlightenment Department, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, who promised to deliver their message to the chairman.

 ”Not quite long, another group came, these people were violent and destructive, the men of the commission had to chase them away.

“”It is not true, nobody was arrested and there was no shoot out,” he said.

NAN reports that the pro-Yahaya Bello, immediate past governor of Kogi came to protest his  alleged political persecution.

The pro-Bello protest was staged by the Kogi Youth Coalition.

They claimed they were attacked by  operatives of the commission.

The group claimed that the first group of protesters were allowed into the  commission but the pro- Yahaya Bello group were denied entry.

Videos of the protesters struggling to make their statements while being harassed and scampering for safety flooded the social media  with a picture of a badly damaged vehicle.

The group claimed that at least, 10 of the members were  arrested while many were  injured.

They said they staged the protest to counter what they described as an EFCC-sponsored protest in their support, and  vowed to resist the intimidation, and urged  President Bola Tinubu to call EFCC to order.

The Head of the Kogi Youth Coalition, Otitoleke Richard, while speaking  on the attack said:

“We’re here this morning at the headquarters of EFCC in Abuja, addressing a topical national issue that has to do with the rule of law, the defence of democratic governance in Nigeria.

“We have been intimidated, we have been harassed. The EFCC is saying we do not have the right to express our opinion on national issues.

” We have been shot at; they have used their stick to beat ordinary Nigerians that are harmless.

“We shall continue to air our opinion for democracy to thrive in Nigeria. Nigeria is not a Banana Republic.

”We’re saying the rule of law must be applied in all corruption files. You cannot fight corruption with lawlessness.”

A protester, who simply identified himself as Malik, said it was unfortunate that peaceful protests that were a right of every Nigerian had now been made selective by the commission.

“Why didn’t they attempt to disperse those Igala boys that protested against the former governor, can you imagine? EFCC sponsoring Muri Ajaka’s boys to come and support them and call Yahaya Bello out?

“Nigerians should not be fooled to think anybody is fighting any corruption. They just want him out. Period.

”But we are saying they can’t disgrace him. He has done more than any governor for us in Kogi  and all these people know.

 This will not make us afraid of asking for our rights. We will continue,” he said. (NAN)

By Isaac Aregbesola

Police nab man for allegedly abducting kid, hiding her in fridge

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Police nab man for allegedly abducting kid, hiding her in fridge
Police arrest man for allegedly printing, distributing fake Police ID Cards
Police arrest man for allegedly printing, distributing fake Police ID Cards

The Police Command in Kaduna State said its operatives have arrested a suspect who allegedly abducted a 10- year-old girl and hid her inside a refrigerator.

 The command’s spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the arrest of the suspect to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Kaduna.

 Hassan said on Saturday, at about 1400hrs, the mother of the abducted girl,  Uwaila Idris of Unguwar Gara Village of Kauru Local Government Area of the state reported the disappearance of her daughter .

“She came to the police station and reported that on April 26, at about 1300hrs one Aminu Garba of the same address allegedly abducted her 10- year-old daughter named Hanifa Garba in his shop.”

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Hassan said that when the suspect was asked of Hanifa’s whereabouts, he denied any knowledge of where she was.

He added, ”the suspect denied seeing her and went back to his shop, covered the girls  mouth with Hijab (veil)and forced her into a refrigerator and padlocked her inside.

”The youths in the area insisted on searching the shop, after which Hanifa was found locked inside the refrigerator.

“The suspect was immediately arrested , while  investigation is ongoing to establish the real motive behind the suspect’s action.”

Hassan said that the suspect would  be charged to Court on completion of the ongoing discreet investigations.(NAN)

By Mohammed Tijjani

Yahaya directs swift action to address water shortage

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Yahaya directs swift action to address water shortage

Gov.Inuwa Yahaya has directed the Ministry of Water, Environment and Forest Resources and other relevant bodies to speed up action and restore normalcy for water production and distribution to Gombe Metropolis and environs.

The directive is contained in a statement issued in Gombe on Monday by Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilli, the Director-General of Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Gombe.

“ You must fix this problem with immediate effect, I don’t want any delay.

“We are not ready to take any excuse. You must ensure production and pumping of water to the people latest by Wednesday,” Yahaya was quoted to have said.

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The governor also expressed concern over the hardships residents of Gombe were facing due to a power supply interruption caused by vandalism of some poles on the 330KV Jos-Gombe transmission line.

Uba-Misilli said that the governor’s directive was already being complied with as the ministry had mobilised its technical teams who are currently working to ensure power supply to the water treatment plant at Dadinkowa.

The technical teams are expected to complete the restoration work on Tuesday after which production, pumping and distribution is expected to resume immediately by Wednesday.

The Gombe state government commended the peoples’ patience, understanding and perseverance in the face of the crisis caused by the acute water scarcity.

“The government also commends the confidence the public have on the government and the firm believe in its efforts to resolve the situation without further delay.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Dadinkowa water supply scheme produces approximately 35 million litres of water per day, costing the Gombe State government N154 million monthly.

The plant relies solely on a dedicated power line by Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) Plc for uninterrupted operation.

However, following a windstorm on April 25, 31 electric poles along the Dadinkowa dedicated power lines were damaged which halted the production, pumping and distribution of water from the treatment plant.(NAN)

By Peter Uwumarogie

UNlBEN suspends students’ union acrivities

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UNlBEN suspends students’ union acrivities

The management of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has suspended the students’ union government of the institution indefinitely.

In a letter to the university’s community, made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Benin, the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, announced the measure on the union.

The letter reads: “After due consideration of the report by the Management, the Vice Chancellor has approved the suspension of the University’s Students Union.

” The suspension which is indefinite, takes immediate effect, that is, from Monday 29th April, 2024.

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“Accordingly, all officers of the Students’ Union are to hand over all property of the union in their possession to the Dean, Students’ Affairs, not later 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday

“In the interim, a caretaker committee composed of representatives of faculties, schools and institutes has been approved to coordinate students’ activities during the period of suspension.

“The directive of the Vice Chancellor is hereby communicated for the attention of the university community and compliance of the erstwhile union officers as appropriate, ” Bobola said.

NAN recalls that the suspension was in connection with the incident at the university’s Senior Staff Club on April 12.

In the incident, the students’ union was said to have disrupted an interactive session by staff of the university with the Edo State governorship candidate of Labour Party, Olumide Akpata.

The students were said to have behaved unruly at the event and in the process, rough-handled many of the staff, including a member of the Academic Staff of the Universities (ASUU), who was reportedly beaten to a pulp.

Following the incident, the management of the university set up a panel of enquiry to investigate the incident with a view to unraveling the crux of the issue.(NAN)

By Nefishetu Yakubu

Senator Nwoko seeks enforcement of ban on daytime movement

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Senator Nwoko seeks enforcement of ban on daytime movement

 Sen. Ned Nwoko, (PDP-Delta), has called on the Federal Government to enforce a nationwide ban on movement of heavy-duty vehicles during the daytime.

Nwoko said this was in view of the alarming surge in Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs), resulting in a staggering annual death toll exceeding 40,000 individuals as reported by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

He also said that the statistics revealed a concerning trend, with a 6.01 per cent increase in road traffic crashes in the fourth quarter of 2022, escalating further by 6.16 per cent in comparison to the same period in 2021, as documented by the FRSC.

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He noted that the distressing figures persisted into the third quarter of 2023, with Nigeria recording 2,187 road accidents, as verified by the FRSC and substantiated by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in its latest NBS Road Transport Data for Q4 2023.

He further said that the FRSC had elucidated that articulated vehicles, tankers, and trailers were responsible for the deaths of 3,200 persons in road accidents between 2015 and 2018.

He added that the corps said that this was with Nigeria incurring a staggering loss exceeding N39 billion to tanker and trailer-related road crashes in 2018 alone.

The lawmaker said that with the staggering statistics, it was very imperative to enforce a nationwide ban on movement of heavy-duty vehicles during the daytime across the country, and the time to do that was now.

He disclosed that his motion on the subject matter, titled “Compelling Need to Enforce Nationwide Ban on Movement of Heavy-Duty Vehicles in Daytime” was already before the Senate.

He noted that states like Lagos and Abia, have implemented prohibitions on the daytime movement of trucks and trailers on state roads, confining their operations to nocturnal hours as a proactive measure to mitigate the escalating carnage on daytime roads, there is the need for others to do same.

He said that recent weeks have borne witness to a succession of tragic incidents involving fuel-laden tankers, trailers, and cement trucks, precipitating ghastly accidents with alarming casualty rates.

“ I was informed about the grievous incident that happened in Rivers on April 26, wherein a fuel-laden tanker erupted in flames, claiming the lives of four individuals and engulfing approximately 100 vehicles at the Eleme section of the East-West Road.

“This followed a collision with another vehicle, catalysing a catastrophic explosion that rapidly spread to adjacent tankers and vehicles ensnared in the ensuing traffic impasse.

“I was also informed about another harrowing incident that occurred at Okene Bypass on the Okene-Lokoja expressway in Kogi on April 28, involving a cement truck which tragically claimed the lives of no fewer than 19 individuals, epitomising the perils posed by heavy-duty vehicles.

“I am concerned that it has become all too commonplace to encounter fuel-laden tankers, heavily laden cement trucks, and articulated vehicles hauling perilous cargo jostling for space alongside passenger vehicles during daylight hours and early evenings.

“This exacerbate the risk of collisions and calamities on the nation’s roadways.

“I therefore call on tbe Federal Ministry of Transportation to collaborate with the FRSC to incorporate a nationwide ban on daytime movement of heavy-duty vehicles into its Safety Requirements/Guidelines for Articulated Lorries (Tankers/Trailers) Operations in Nigeria

“They should be permitted to carry out their operations only between the hours of 12 midnight and 6 am.

“I equally call upon the FRSC to exercise greater diligence in their operations, upgrade traffic and vehicle standard regulations where necessary, and ensure strict enforcement.”

Nwoko noted that failure to uniformly enforce such regulations nationwide portends a continuation of road accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles, characterised by an alarming fatality rate and the sustained hemorrhaging of billions of naira in economic losses. (NAN)

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