Tuesday, April 22

News

Nasarawa: Lawmaker Hon. Nana doles out millions of naira for scholarship
News

Nasarawa: Lawmaker Hon. Nana doles out millions of naira for scholarship

"… as he targets 100 students of higher institutions, scholarship covers from year one of schooling to graduation…" Member representing Keffi West constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Ibrahim Aliyu Nana, has launched a scholarship scheme for students of tertiary institutions in his constituency. The first phase of the scheme was launched with 43 students where 17 are students of School of Health Technology Keffi while 26 are students of Nasarawa State University Keffi respectively and the scholarship covers from the start of their academic studies till completion of their tertiary education and graduation. Hon. Nana, APC, the Chairman, House Committee on Pilgrims Welfare launched the Scheme Saturday in Keffi LGA. He said that the gesture was borne out of ...
NGO to empower young women for International Girls Day celebration
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NGO to empower young women for International Girls Day celebration

By Joan Nwagwu Mrs Edidiong Idang, Founder of the Initiative for Peace and Women’s Rights in Africa (IPWR-A), has announced a 1,500 dollars grant to empower young women through a transformative challenge. The challenge will be held in celebration of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child on Oct. 12. Idang told newsmen on Monday in Abuja, Idang highlighted that the competition, titled “My Role in My Community,” was designed for young women aged 15 to 20. She said it aimed to celebrate their essential contributions to society by encouraging them to take leadership roles and drive positive change in their communities. Founded in 2012, Idang said the IPWR-A was dedicated to advancing the rights and empowerment of women and girls across Africa. “This year’s competition ...
Pope Francis has died aged 88, the Vatican says
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Pope Francis has died aged 88, the Vatican says

He died at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican news service says "His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church," Cardinal Farrell says His death comes a day after he appeared in St Peter's Square to wish "Happy Easter" to thousands of worshippers What happens when the Pope dies? A papal funeral has traditionally been an elaborate affair, but Pope Francis recently approved plans to make the whole procedure less complex. Previous pontiffs were buried in three nested coffins made of cypress, lead and oak. Pope Francis has opted for a simple wooden coffin lined with zinc. He has also scrapped the tradition of placing the Pope's body on a raised platform - known as a catafalque - in St Peter's Basilica for public viewing....
Breaking: Trailer crush five to death during Easter procession in Gombe… Mob attack DPO
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Breaking: Trailer crush five to death during Easter procession in Gombe… Mob attack DPO

Tragedy has struck Billiri town, the headquarters of Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State when a trailer loaded with goods rammed into a procession of Christian youths who were celebrating the Christian Easter festival. The incident, Monday morning had triggered fear and tension resulting in the blockage of the Gombe-Yola highway in Billiri by angry youths for over one hour, while the trailer was set on fire by the angry mob. A resident of Billiri town disclosed to our Correspondent that people from surrounding villages trooped into Billiri within a flash while it took the efforts of the military and Police to disperse the ravaging mob. Confirming the incident, Gombe State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Samson Kaura, said five persons lost their...
Exclusion of Northeast from SAPZ: Deliberate, unjust… SDP slam FG
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Exclusion of Northeast from SAPZ: Deliberate, unjust… SDP slam FG

Danjuma Àttah, Gombe The exclusion of the entire six States of Northeast Nigeria from the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) by the Federal Government has incurred the anger of the Forum of Northeast State Chairmen of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The Forum, after a meeting in Gombe, described the Federal Government's action as "deliberate, unjust and stands unacceptable to the region". In a communiqué read at the conclusion of a zonal meeting on Friday, by Comrade Adamu Abubakar Modibbo, the Gombe State SDP Chairman, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the the injustice meted on the region. “We call on President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to urgently reconsider this exclusion and ensure that the region benefits equitably from nati...
Pope Francis Dies At 88
News

Pope Francis Dies At 88

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff who transformed the Catholic Church with his focus on humility, social justice, and outreach to the marginalized, died Monday at age 88, the Vatican announced. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, made the announcement from the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta at 9:45 a.m., saying, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.” He praised the late pope’s lifelong dedication to the service of the Church and his teaching to live the Gospel with “fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized”. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Dec. 17, 1936, Francis made history in 2013 as the first pope from the America...
NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine Hidden In Saudi Arabia-Bound Religious Books
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NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine Hidden In Saudi Arabia-Bound Religious Books

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a shipment of cocaine concealed in twenty sets of religious books bound for Saudi Arabia. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said in a statement on Sunday that the cocaine consignment consisted of twenty parcels with a total weight of 500 grams buried in the pages of the religious books. He said the seizure occurred on Tuesday, April 15, when NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) searched through export cargo bound for Saudi Arabia at the logistics firm. On the same day, NDLEA officers intercepted a separate shipment at another courier company: five parcels of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis weighing 2.8 kilogrammes and hidden in a carton coming from the Unit...
At Easter, Nasarawa Speaker urges Nigerians to keep hope alive, intensify prayers for leaders, nation’s challenges.
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At Easter, Nasarawa Speaker urges Nigerians to keep hope alive, intensify prayers for leaders, nation’s challenges.

As Christian community across the globe observe this year's Easter celebration, Speaker Nasarawa State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Dr. Danladi Jatau has urged Nigerians to keep hope alive despite the challenges undermining the development of the country. The Nasarawa State Number Three Citizen also called for intensify prayers for leaders at all levels to enable them succeed and for the nation to overcome it's emerging challenges. The Speaker made the call at an Easter Sunday service at Evangelical Church Winning All ECWA GoodNews Lafia today. It is a known fact that the journey to this year's Easter Sunday commenced on Ashe Wednesday, 46 days ago where ashes were placed on the forehead of believers, reminding them that from dust they came and unto dust they shall all return. T...
Gov. Sule will construct Bassa road before the end of his tenure, Nasarawa Speaker assures his people
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Gov. Sule will construct Bassa road before the end of his tenure, Nasarawa Speaker assures his people

"… as he attend coronation of Aren Eggon, Agwada, drums support for Gov. Sule's administration…" …………… Preaches unity, peace among farmers and herdsmen as raining season commenced. Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Danladi Jatau, has assured the people of Bassa community in Kokona LGA of the State that Gov. Abdullahi Sule would construct Dari/ Bassa road before the end of his tenure in 2027. The Speaker stated this at the coronation ceremony of Aren Eggon of Agwada and Fund Raising For the construction of the traditional ruler's palace. The occasion took place today Friday in Bassa, Agwada Development Area. The Speaker said that Governor Sule is a man of development, a listening Governor and he would construct the road to ease the plight of the people ...
NDPHC invests N500bn on transmission infrastructure nationwide
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NDPHC invests N500bn on transmission infrastructure nationwide

InfrastructureConstance AthekameThe Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) says it has invested N500 billion on transmission infrastructure nationwide. Mrs Olufunke Nwankwo, General Manager, Corporate Communication and External Relations (NDPHC) said this in a statement in Abuja on Friday. She quoted the Managing Director of NDPHC), Mrs. Jennifer Adighije as saying this when she led the company’s management team on an inspection tour of the 330/132/33 Kilo Volt (kV) Lafia Transmission Substation. Nwankwo said that the substation was constructed by NDPHC and inaugurated in 2022 adding that the project is a critical component of Nigeria’s power infrastructure. Adighije said that as a government intervention agency, NDPHC has invested approximately N500 billion in developing t...
British Teacher Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Child In Turkey
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British Teacher Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Child In Turkey

A British teacher accused of sexually assaulting a child in Turkey should not be extradited because she has depression, a court has heard. Rebecca Richardson, 54, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday as she fights extradition to Turkey over allegations she sexually assaulted a young child while teaching at an international school in Istanbul. The alleged incident happened in early 2019 when the child would have been four or five years old. The court heard Ms Richardson of Cradley in Herefordshire left the UK in 2000 and spent nearly 20 years living abroad. She lived in Turkey between 2013 and 2019, but before that, she had lived in Mexico and Hong Kong, the extradition hearing was told. Doctors who have assessed her told the court she suffers from depressi...
Gov. Sule will leave Nasarawa State far better than he met it in 2019, says SSG
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Gov. Sule will leave Nasarawa State far better than he met it in 2019, says SSG

"…as he warns political office holders against early 2027 campaigns…" ……….Nasarawa Assembly hails Gov. Sule for injecting new ideas via workshops on public servants. The Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State(SSG) Barr. Labaran Shuaibu Magaji, PhD, has said that Gov. Abdullahi Sule will leave the State far better than he met it in 2019 after the end of his tenure in 2027. This, Dr. Magaji also said the people of Nasarawa State should expect the best transition moment in 2027 by Gov. Sule considering his developmental strides, accountability and administrative achievements. Dr. Magaji stated this when he led other management team of his office to appear before the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts to assess the SSG's Office 2027 budget impleme...
Minister advocates media literacy to combat fake news, misinformation disinformation
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Minister advocates media literacy to combat fake news, misinformation disinformation

By Angela Atabo Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Tuesday advocated media literacy to combat the spread of fake news, misinformation and disinformation. Idris said this at the second edition of the Spokespersons Summit, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in Abuja on Tuesday. He urged the spokespersons to embrace information and media literacy, a composite concept adopted by UNESCO in 2008, combining the competencies of information literacy and media literacy. “Today, in a world where everyone is a spokesperson, whether a PR practitioner or a chief executive in the public and private spaces, the imperative for media literacy becomes ever more paramount. “This is because it equips individuals with the tools to dec...
Coy grows by 128.7%, declares N42 dividend in 2024
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Coy grows by 128.7%, declares N42 dividend in 2024

By Lucy Ogalue Presco Plc has announced a 128.7 per cent surge in Profit Before Tax (PBT), reaching N113.2 billion for the financial year ended Dec. 31, 2024.Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Presco Plc, Mr Reji George, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the company also declared N42 final dividend per share in the year under review.George said the agro-industrial giant also posted a 102.6 per cent increase in revenue, growing from N102.4 billion in 2023 to N207.5 billion in 2024.He said the figures where contained in the company's audited financial statements."Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) rose significantly by 125.2 per cent to N119.1 billion, reflecting strong operational efficiency across the company’s value ...
FG urges stakeholders involvement in creation of 2.5m jobs
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FG urges stakeholders involvement in creation of 2.5m jobs

By Joan Nwagwu The Federal Government has called for stakeholders involvement in the creation of 2.5 million jobs for its teeming unemployed youth, through innovative employment, skills development and entrepreneurship initiative. President Bola Tinubu made the call during the official inauguration of the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) on Tuesday in Abuja, organised by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment. Tinubu, represented by the Vice President, Sen Kashim Shettima, said involvement of stakeholders was imperative, as what constituted a job was being redefined and machines are replacing hands and artificial intelligence challenging intellects. According to him, LEEP is a well-considered response to a pressing national need. “As jobs become inc...
Aggrieved NEPA/PHCN Pensioners Threaten To Join FWF Protest Over Unpaid Arrears, Illegal Deductions
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Aggrieved NEPA/PHCN Pensioners Threaten To Join FWF Protest Over Unpaid Arrears, Illegal Deductions

Aggrieved pensioners from the defunct NEPA/PHCN under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) have expressed growing frustration over unpaid arrears and alleged illegal deductions, threatening to join the Federal Workers Forum (FWF) nationwide protest scheduled to commence on April 22, 2025. The retirees, who are elderly and financially vulnerable, told our correspondent that they have endured prolonged delays in receiving their entitlements despite assurances from the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD). Investigations showed that the pensioners’ grievances include, among others, the delayed implementation of a ₦32,000 pension increment approved by the Federal Government in 2024. It was equally gathered that PTAD had promised to implement the increase but has not done s...
Tunisia invites Nigeria for May international conference on Financing, Investment and trade in Africa
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Tunisia invites Nigeria for May international conference on Financing, Investment and trade in Africa

The government of Tunisia has invited Nigeria to participate in the forthcoming International Conference on Financing, Investment and Trade.The conference has been slated for 6-7 May 2025.This is as Tunisian Ambassador to Nigeria, Moshen Antit,expressed his country's interest in establishing cultural and tourism relations with Nigeria.Antit was quoted to have made the disclosure during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, in Abuja on Monday.According to a statement by the media aide to the Minister, Nneka Ikem-Anibeze, Amb. Antit invited Nigeria to participate in the International Conference on Financing, Investment, and Trade in Africa (FITA), scheduled for May 6-7, 2025, in Tunisia.He said that the conference is ...
KOBA sets to hold 2025 AGM with Gov. Sule of Nasarawa as Special Guest.
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KOBA sets to hold 2025 AGM with Gov. Sule of Nasarawa as Special Guest.

"…as 17 Distinguished Nigerians including Governors of Benue, Plateau, Borno, and FCT Minister to get KOBA Cheetah Gold Awards…" All is now set for the 2025 Annual General Meeting AGM of the Keffi Old Boys Association KOBA. The AGM is set to commence on Thursday, 24th April, 2025 in Government College Keffi and last to Sunday 27th April, 2025. The Secretary General of the association, Prince Sam Israel JP stated this while addressing news men in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital. According to the KOBA Scribe, "Members are expected to arrived the School on Thursday 24th April, 2025 for registration and on Friday, 25th the National Executive Council Members of the Association will pay homage to the Emir of Keffi, Alhaji Chindo Yamusa after which Muslim KOBA members will attend J...
Alao To Makinde: Oyo’s Debt Burden Too High To Buy Aircraft; Drones Better For Security Surveillance, Others
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Alao To Makinde: Oyo’s Debt Burden Too High To Buy Aircraft; Drones Better For Security Surveillance, Others

Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao (Allow Alao), an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and former gubernatorial aspirant, has criticized Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s plan to purchase an aircraft for security surveillance and tourism, calling it a “misplaced priority” amidst the state’s growing debt burden. In a statement released from his media office on Sunday, Alao said that the proposed aircraft purchase, alongside establishing airstrips in Igbeti and Otu, are both extravagant and unnecessary at this particular time. “It is true that Oyo State faces significant security challenges. However, purchasing a large aircraft is not the solution. The Governor could consider using drones for security surveillance instead. Drones are not only more cost-effective but also provide adva...
NSDC, Chinese firm sign $1bn sugar production deal in Nigeria
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NSDC, Chinese firm sign $1bn sugar production deal in Nigeria

By Lucy Ogalue The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and Chinese conglomerate, SINOMACH have agreed to jointly develop a large-scale sugarcane cultivation and processing project in Nigeria. Executive Secretary of NSDC, Mr Kamar Bakrin, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, adding that the agreement was expected to attract investments worth up to $1 billion. According to Bakrin, the initiative is one of the early outcomes of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership championed by President Bola Tinubu. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed. According to the MoU, SINOMACH will construct a sugar processing plant and develop a sugarcane plantation with an initial annual processing capacity of 100,000 metric ...