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Shettima to speak at 2nd Chronicle Roundtable

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Vice President of the Federal Republic Senator Kashim Shettima will be speaking on the Tinubu Administration’s Economic and Social Agenda: How it will transform Nigeria at the 2nd Chronicle Roundtable on Thursday, May 2, 2004.

The Vice President is the Guest Speaker at the Roundtable. The event is organized by 21st Century Media Services, publishers of 21st Century Chronicle, as part of its public service enlightenment series.

A statement signed by Mahmud Jega, Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper, said former Finance Minister Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, who is currently the Board Chairman of Ministry of Finance Incorporated, will chair the occasion. It will hold at the  Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel, formerly known as Sheraton Hotel.

The statement said ministers, senior government officials, corporate chieftains and diplomats are expected at the event. Invitation is open to the public.

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The 1st Chronicle Roundtable took place in Abuja in 2022.

NNPC Ltd says cause of tightness in fuel supply resolved  

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) says logistics issues causing the current tightness of supply of Premium Motor Spirit have been resolved.

Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd, Abuja, Olufemi O. Soneye assured Nigerians that the prices of petroleum products are not changing.

He stated,”The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) wishes to clarify that the tightness in the supply of Premium Motor Spirit currently being experienced in some areas across the country is as a result of logistics issues and that they have been resolved.

“It also wishes to reiterate that the prices of petroleum products are not changing.

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“It urges Nigerians to avoid panic buying as there is a sufficiency of products in the country.”

By Chimezie Godfrey 

Ododo unveils new set of security vehicles, presents keys

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Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has unveiled a new set of security vehicles. Speaking at the ceremony in Lokoja, Governor Ododo restated the commitment of his administration to the safety and security of lives and property in all parts of the state.

The Governor noted that the New Operational Vehicles are meant to enhance the operational efficiency of the Kogi State Vigilantee Services in all the communities in the 21 local government areas of the state.

Ododo reassured the people of the state that his commitment to the safety and security of lives and property across the length and breadth of Kogi state is unwavering.

He urged the people not to lose their guard at any point in time, pointing out that the state government remains resolute to overcome the challenges of insecurity with the ongoing reinvigoration of the security architecture in the state.

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The Governor commended the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the unwavering commitment to reverse the spate of security challenges in the country, promising that the Kogi State government will continue to support efforts by the federal government to stem the tide of insecurity in the country.

Governor Ododo presented keys to 105 Security Vehicles and Motorcycles to chairmen of the 21 local government areas in the state.

We’ll banish, defeat terrorism in Nigeria, rather than bow to it

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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Abuja has vowed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would to banish and defeat terrorism in Nigeria rather than bow to it.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Director, Defence Media Operations (DDMO) Maj-Gen Edward Buba made available to newsmen on Friday.

Buba revealed that in the past one week the military neutralised  216 and arrested 332 persons. According to him, troops also arrested 24 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 161 kidnapped hostages.

He particularly mentioned that in the South-South, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Four Hundred and Forty Eight Million Five Hundred Fifty Seven Thousand Five Hundred and Ninty Naira.

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He stated,”The military is going to continue to be very kinetic and strong against the terrorist in ongoing counter terrorism and counter insurgency operations across the country. Indeed, we will banish and defeat terrorism from the nation rather than bow to it.

“Accordingly, during the week under review. Troops neutralised  216 and arrested 332 persons. Troops also arrested 24 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 161 kidnapped hostages. In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Four Hundred and Forty Eight Million Five Hundred Fifty Seven Thousand Five Hundred and Ninty Naira (N448,557,590.00) only.”

Buba further disclosed that troops recovered 234 assorted weapons and 5,994 assorted ammunition.

“Furthermore, troops recovered 234 assorted weapons and 5,994 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: 131 AK47 rifles, 3 PKT guns, one M16 rifle, 43 locally fabricated gun, 21 dane guns, one 105mm gun, 2 automatic pump action guns, 18 locally fabricated pistols, 8 single barrel guns, 2 automatic pump action guns, one LG4 bomb, one MG skeleton, 3 explosive IED case, one MOWAG APC, one 81mm mortar tripod stand.

“Others are: 3,120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2,195 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 211 rounds of 9mm ammo, 99 rounds of 7.62 x 25mm  ammo, 467 live cartridges, one rifle butt, 15 magazines, 2 baofeng radios, 10 vehicles, 38 motorcycles, 43 mobile phones and the sum of N871,500.00 amongst other items.

“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 97 dugout pits, 6 boats, 20 storage tanks, 2 receivers, 16 drums and 7 vehicles. Other items recovered incl 174 cooking ovens, one pumping machine and 8 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 533,127 litres of stolen crude oil and 24,520 litres of illegally refined AGO,” he stated.

He assured that troops are maintaining the momentum in neutralizing the terrorist leaders and commanders. “Indeed, we remain focused in fighting for the basic safety and security  of citizens of this country,” he reiterated.

By Chimezie Godfrey

Humanitarian Affairs Ministry receives over 50 tonnes of dates donated by Saudi Arabia for IDPs

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has handed over 50 Tonnes of Dates donated by the Saudi Arabia Embassy to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, for distribution to Internally Displaced Persons ( IDPs ) across the country.

According to a statement signed by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Rhoda Ishaku ,”The dates were handed over by the Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency, Ambassador Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa, to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Abel Enitan, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.”

Ambassador Lamuwa stated at the event that the relations between Nigeria and the kingdom of Saudi Arabia goes beyond donations. “We have had engagements both at political and business levels over the years,” he said.

He thanked the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia for the gesture.

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The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Abel Enitan on behalf of the management and staff of the Ministry appreciated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for being the bridge for the dates to be delivered to the Ministry for onward distribution to the needy in the camps and outside the camps.

He assured that the Ministry would do the needful. “We will make sure that the distribution is properly done and the beneficiaries receive the items. We will not disappoint”, Enitan said.

Present at the event were the Director Humanitarian Affairs, Ezulu Valentine, Management staff of Humanitarian Ministry as well as Ambassadors and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Bridging the Gap:How Medic West Africa Fosters Connections and Addresses Industry Challenges

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Nigeria’s healthcare sector is a vibrant, yet complex landscape shaped by a multitude of factors, including diversity, economic conditions, and evolving health challenges. As Africa’s most populous country, with over 200 million people, Nigeria faces a unique set of healthcare challenges. While recent years have witnessed advancements in areas like telemedicine and specialized care centres, significant challenges persist in achieving universal access to quality care according to the World Health Organisation. Some of the challenges being faced within the sector include limited access to essential services, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled professionals. However, amidst these challenges lies a beacon of hope for Nigeria – the potential for collaboration and knowledge sharing to drive transformative change and propel the sector forward.

Currently, underserved communities in Nigeria face obstacles when it comes to basic health and well-being due to limited access to state-of-the-art equipment, technology, and healthcare facilities.These three major limitations have forced medical professionals to rely on older, less precise methods, potentially leading to delayed treatment. Furthermore, the absence of cutting-edge technology has continuously hindered preventative measures and early intervention, which are crucial for managing chronic conditions. This disparity is often compounded by a shortage of healthcare facilities, forcing residents to travel long distances for even basic medical attention, creating a significant barrier to care, especially for those with limited transportation or financial resources.

This shortage is a result of various factors, which include brain drain, inadequate training opportunities, and challenges in retaining skilled personnel.To address this challenge, there is an urgent need for improved training programs, retention strategies, and incentives to attract and retain healthcare talent.

Another major obstacle lies in the fragmented nature of the healthcare system. Public health institutions, private hospitals, and non-profit organisations often operate in silos, with limited communication and coordination. This lack of a unified approach hinders the efficient delivery of services such as crucial data sharing and coordinated disease prevention and management strategies.

However, amidst these challenges lies an opportunity for transformation through collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, leveraging technology, and investing in human capital, Nigeria can build a healthcare system that is more equitable, efficient, and resilient, ultimately improving the health and well-being of its people. Medic West Africa has over the years positioned itself as a reputable platform that fosters connections and addresses industry challenges. Hosted annually, Medic West Africa is the largest gathering of healthcare stakeholders in the West African region, offering a collective platform for professionals, policymakers, private sector as well as international organizations to explore the latest technological advancements and participate in engaging conversations to address challenges within the healthcare industry.

Scheduled for 17th–19thApril 2024 at Landmark Centre, Lagos, the 11th edition of Medic West Africa is set to connect over 6,000 healthcare professionals through various thought-provoking conferences and a bustling exhibition floor.  The event will serve as a knowledge-sharing hub by bringing together healthcare professionals through conferences featuring expert-led presentations and discussions, exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge technologies and equipment, and dedicated networking spaces. This comprehensive approach will foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between diverse stakeholders, ultimately propelling advancements in West African healthcare.

In a country with diverse healthcare needs and limited resources, collaboration and knowledge sharing are indispensable. By connecting healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders, a vibrant ecosystem for sharing insights, experiences, and best practices will emerge. This exchange will not only help in identifying common challenges but will also facilitate the dissemination of innovative solutions tailored to the Nigerian context.Through collaborative efforts, stakeholders can leverage each other’s expertise to develop and implement evidence-based strategies that address local healthcare challenges. Furthermore, by sharing successes and failures, stakeholders can learn from each other, accelerating the adoption of best practices and mitigating potential pitfalls. Ultimately, these partnerships and knowledge exchanges pave the way for sustainable healthcare initiatives that are responsive to the needs of Nigeria’s diverse population.

As healthcare stakeholders continually strive for solutions to industry challenges, the Medic West Africa Exhibition and Conference remains the most valuable platform for connecting stakeholders, facilitating knowledge exchange, and paving the way for a more collaborative and innovative healthcare ecosystem in Nigeria.The 2024 edition of the conference and exhibition will host 32 exhibiting countries, 180+ exhibitors, 3 insightful conferences,and 4 workshops for healthcare professionals. Medic West Africa will continue to stand as the gateway to access the West African healthcare market.

For more information about the Medic West Africa Exhibition and Conference 2024, please visit www.medicwestafrica.com

 

Minister decries filthy state of Epe tourism attraction sites

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Mrs Lola Ade-John, Minister of Tourism, has called on residents of Epe in Lagos State to take conscious efforts in maintaining the tourism sites within the Local Government Area.

Ade-John made the call during her vist to some tourism sites within the community, some of which were; Oju Alaro Shrine, the Marina Waterfront, Palace of Oloja of Epe and some iconic colonial buildings.

The minister, who was quite elated over the ennormous tourism potential within the town, expressed displeasure that the tourist attractions were not properly maintained.

She said the community members must begin to see tourism as a money spinner which could engage them positively.

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He urged the state and local governments to constantly sensitise Epe residents on the need to maintain those sites.

“The local government must work on sensitising the locals to always ensure these sites are neat and tidy, it won’t attract tourists if they are left like this.

“I have just seen that Epe has more colonial buildings than Lagos township, I urge you to keep what you have, treasure and nurture these sites.

“Epe is a beautiful place to be, with beautiful beaches, mangroves, seafoods and all; these are what the backpackers want to see.

“We are going to help you advertise what you have so that people can visit Epe more than ever before but the sites must be made neat,” she said.

The minister urged the Lagos State Government to build a proper fish market capable of attracting tourists.

“I was at Makoko Fish Market to get some fishes for myself as early as 6.30a.m, I was surprised to see lots of foreigners and different types of seafoods, honestly, we are indeed blessed.

“I think the state government need to build a more attractive fish market to further promote tourism, so that people can travel here to see and buy.

“The mangroves we have in Epe here can be made to be like the Amazon forest in Brazil where tourists pay hugely to watch.

“It is painful that we do not appreciate what we have, we need to help people change their mindsets,” she said

In a response, Mr Tobun Abiodun representing Epe Constituency 1, at the Lagos State House of Assembly, promised to work on the sensitisation for the community members.

He said “We will work on all the complaint and we assure you that very soon we are going to start competing with other local government in the state and ensure Epe takes the lead in terms of tourism.” (NAN) 

By Taiye Olayemi

ASUU rejects advert for Danfodio varsity VC, others’  position

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The Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU), Usmanu Danfodio University Sokoto (UDUS) Chapter, has rejected the advertisement for the institution’s Vice Chancellor and other positions in the institution.

This is contained in a statement signed by the branch chairman and Secretary, Prof. Nuruddeen Almustapha and Dr Shu’aibu Sadiku, respectively on Friday in Sokoto.

ASUU described the Federal Government’s decision to cancel the miscellaneous provi

sions in university system as undermining the principles of transparency, equity, and merit-based selection of university principal officers.

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According to the union, the dissolution of the University Governing Council and the arbitrary dissolution of all Federal University Governing councils in June, 2023 by the National Universities Commission (NUC) , undermined the established procedures and autonomy of these institutions.

” Unauthorized advertisment of vacancies for the offices of  the vice chancellors and other Principal Officers in federal universities also violates proper procedures and threatens the integrity and academic freedom of Nigeria’s public universities.

” It has flagrantly violate section III, subsections I and II of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1993, ” the union said.

The union explained that university law distinctly delineates the composition, roles, and dissolution procedures of the University Governing Councils.

” It also prescribes the protocol in the event of Council’s absence, particularly regarding the appointment of principal officers. At no point does the law transfer the council’s functions to Minister or the Visitor, the union said.

” ASUU-UDUS urgently calls on the President Bola Tunubu, the Minister of Education, and other critical stakeholders to  as a matter of urgency and necessity to reconstitute the Governing Councils of public universities.

” This step is crucial for universities to operate legally and smoothly, aligning with the provisions of the law.

” It will uphold the autonomy and independence of universities by adhering to established procedures and safeguarding their integrity.

” Investigate all manners of violations of the Law in the recent actions taken by various universities in the absence of the government councils, ” the union pleaded.

The union yrged all stakeholders to  support the autonomy and integrity of public universities for the ”betterment of our educational system and the future of our nation”.

NAN reports that the NUC  had on June 22, 2023 announced the dissolution of governing councils of all federal universities and boards of other agencies and parastatals in the country.

The NUC directive was based on a similar one issued three days earlier by President Tinubu ordering the dissolution of the boards of all government parastatals, agencies and companies. (NAN)

By Habibu Harisu

Kogi killings masterminds arrested — Ododo

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The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo, has announced the arrest of the suspected perpetrators of last week’s crisis that rocked Bagana in the Omala Local Government Area of the state.

Last week, gunmen invaded the community, resulting in the death of no fewer than 25 people and the destruction of property worth millions.

The governor, while speaking with journalists on Wednesday shortly after the Eid Fitr prayers at the Okene Central praying ground, said that the perpetrators, as well as their sponsors, have been arrested while an investigation is ongoing to ascertain the extent of participation of those arrested.

He lashed out at those criticising the government, describing them as “noisemakers and those without stake as far as governance is concerned.”

“Reacting to noisemakers and those that do not have a stake as far as governance is concerned is not part of the mandate given to me by the good people of Kogi State and Mr President.

“The crisis in Bagana in Omala Local Government did not start today. It has been in existence for over 45 years ago, precisely 1978. We are doing our best to make sure peace is restored within the area.

“As I speak to you today, the suspected sponsors have been arrested and investigations are ongoing.

“They are giving us useful information that will lead to the arrest of other suspects. As soon as we are done with that investigation, the report will be made known to the public,” the governor said.

The governor, however, did not disclose the number of suspects who were arrested.

Eyewitnesses told According Online in Lokoja last Friday that the incident happened on Thursday when the gunmen carried out what was described as a “reprisal” attack and invaded the two communities.

The bandits were said to be in a running battle with the Agatu militia in Benue State.

A local, who lost his wife and children, said that the gunmen attacked them after alleging that the people were complicit with the Agatus against them.

FRSC deploys 700 marshals in Plateau

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Ahead of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, the Plateau Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has deployed 700 Regular and Special marshals in the state.

Mr Peter Longsan, the Public Education Officer of the command, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Jos.

He said that the deployment aimed at ensuring the smooth running of its one-week special sallah patrol in the state.

Longsan added that the deployment would also enure free flow of traffic and vehicular movements during the celebrations.

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He, however, called on motorists in the stste to obey all traffic rules and regulations during the festivities, and avoid speeding, overloading, night driving and other traffic offenses.(NAN)

By Patience Aliyu