SUBSCRIBE
SUBSCRIBE
Try "researchers"
Home Blog Page 1541

Michigan State University Shooting Left Three Dead

Shakirat Sadiq
-
0

A gunman opened fire on Monday night on the main campus of Michigan State University, killing three people and injuring five, before an hours-long manhunt for the suspect ended with his death, apparently from a self-inflicted gunshot, police said.

The 43-year-old gunman had no known affiliation to the university, and his motive remained a mystery, police said at an early morning news briefing more than five hours after the violence began on the East Lansing campus, about 90 miles northwest of Detroit.

Details about the sequence events remained sketchy, but interim deputy chief of the university police, Chris Rozman said “shots were fired in two locations – an academic building called Berkey Hall and the Michigan State University, MSU, Union building.”

Police swarming the campus in response to the shooting, which began shortly after 8 p.m. 0100 GMT, found victims at both locations, Rozman told reporters at the televised briefing.

Investigators had no information about the motive, adding that the university was not aware of any threats made to the campus before Monday’s bloodshed. He added.

Three victims were killed and five were taken to a hospital in Lansing, the state capital, all of them listed in “critical condition.” Two of the dead were at Berkey Hall and the other at the MSU Union.

Officials declined to provide any details about the victims, some of whose identities and relationship to the university were still being determined, Rozman said.

The name and other information about the suspect were not immediately released, and police said they remained baffled by what precipitated the shooting.

“We have no idea why he came to campus to do this tonight.” The gunman was confirmed dead, from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot roughly four hours after the bloodshed had started, Rozman said.

It remained unclear whether the gunman was found dead after he was confronted by police, or whether he may have taken his life during such an encounter.

 

 

 

Reuters /Shakirat Sadiq

Ebonyi State Honours Young Nigerian Scientist Presidential Award Winner

Confidence Okwuchi
-
0

The Ebonyi State Government has honoured the 3rd overall best student in Nigeria at the 774 young Presidential Award, from Ebonyi State, Mr Nwigboji Chidiebere with the sum of Three Million Naira (N3,000,000.00)

This the State Governor, David Umahi, said was a way of encouragement and motivation to Young Nigerians who are doing well in various fields of studies,

The Governor made this presentation and recognition of the Young Scientist during the Executive Council EXCO Meeting held at the New EXCO Chambers.

The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Orji Uchenna Orji also re-emphasised on it while briefing the Journalists on the outcome of the meeting.

“A young Ebonyian, Mr. Chidiebere Nwigboji from Ikwo Local Government Area and Student of Ebonyi State University Staff Secondary School, Abakaliki who was the 3rd overall best student in Nigeria at the 774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award (774 YONSPA 2022) was received in EXCO.

“It was noted that the award of Honour to this student was presented by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari  GCFR and it came with a scholarship up to PhD level.

It was further noted that this singular performance of the student has made Ebonyi State the 3rd best State in School Science as pronounced by the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

EXCO made a cash donation of the sum of Three Million Naira (N3,000,000.00) to the award recipient and approved that he be accorded the State Hall of Fame Honours,” Orji said.

Orji also said that the EXCO received a report from David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu on students performance  in Medicine and Surgery.

He said the State Government  noted the brilliant performance of the students and made a cash donation to the best 3 students in Medicine and Surgery.

The beneficiaries are as follows:

1st position, Agbom Maryann Kosisochukwu   N1,000,000 She is from Ebonyi Local Government Area.

2nd Position, Nwachukwu Divine.

N600,000 from Onicha Local Government Area.

3rd Position. Ota Christian Ogbonna N400,000 from Afikpo North Local Government Area.

He said approval was made for the payment of the sum of sixty five  Million Naira (65,000,000.00) only for the school fees of the indigent students at the David Umahi Federal  University of Health Sciences, Uburu to enable them complete their study of Medicine and Surgery in the school.

 

Confidence Okwuchi

Electoral Body Sensitises Physically Challenged Persons On Elections

Confidence Okwuchi
-
0

the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has organised a one-day voters education and sensitisation programme for the physically challenged persons in Kaduna State, on the use of braille ballot.

This is in an effort to ensure total inclusiveness ahead of the 2023 forthcoming general election in Nigeria.

The event was aimed at sensitising the physically challenged persons on the use of braille, a form of written language for blind people in which characters are represented by patterns of raised dots that are felt with the fingertips.

Speaking at the event, the Acting Director, Gender and Inclusivity Mrs. Lakunuya Dorathy Bello explained that voting can be difficult for persons with vision impairment, while the potential for error is high, as ballot papers are not produced with their disability in mind.

The Acting Director, represented by Bilksu Abdulsalam explained that voters who are blind or have low vision are particularly at risk of compromised access to printed ballots and other electoral materials essential to participate effectively in electoral processes.

“In recognizing the rights of PWDs as human rights, the Commission within its mandate has taken concrete actions to incorporate PWDs in the electoral process. INEC introduced braille ballot guide for use by voters with visual impairment during the Osun state gubernatorial election in September, 2018.

“The Commission is doing its best to ensure that the electoral process is inclusive and accessible for all eligible Nigerians irrespective of their ability because we understand that democratic process can only be credible and inclusive when all stakeholders are given equal opportunity to participate,” the Acting Director said.

Also, the Kaduna INEC Head of Department Voter Education and Publicity, Rukayyatu Sani said that the Commission has created a level playing ground for everyone to exercise their right.

She mentioned that the reason they gathered all the Leaders was to educate them so that they would in turn, return to their people and sensitise them as well.

Rukayyatu said the Commission was hopeful that, even if most of the PWDs  didn’t go to school or have any western education, they can still identify the alphabets to know which party to vote with the little knowledge they have.

“The electoral act has mandated the Commission to provide sensitive materials like the braille for the blind, while those on wheelchair will be assisted round and magnifying glass will be provided for those with albinism,” she stated.

While appreciating the Commission’s effort, Dr. Micah Shabi, the Executive Director, Improvement In Respect To Social Status of Disability disclosed that, it’s a big progress to the Nigerian people living with disability and in particular the blind.

He said, the law allows any physically challenged person to bring somebody who can assist them vote the exact person they want to vote for on the election day.

Mr. Micah Shabi, appealed to all PWDs not to see the opportunity given to them as a privilege but as their right and they should start making it known to the public.

 

Confidence Okwuchi

Governor Soludo Commends APGA For Being Responsible And Responsive

Lateefat Ibrahim
-
0

Governor of Anambra state, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has described the current All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA-led government, as responsible and responsive.

The Governor stated this while inspecting the 14.48-kilometer Okpuno Roads made up of seven linked roads in Awka,the state capital.

In a statement by the Press Secretary to Soludo, Christian Aburime, the governor expressed happiness at the progress of work done so far and expressed optimsm that the project would be completed and commissioned in a record time.

“Myself and the solution team physically came here today to access the construction of this road, to confirm if the reports I was getting about the road was true. And the contractor assured me that he will deliver on time as agreed.

“During the campaign, I promised to fix these roads, and I am delivering on that promise.

“Every Kobo that comes into our hands, we will use it wisely,” Governor Soludo stated.

“In the coming weeks, elections will be held. I urge you all to vote for APGA candidates so that I will have people to work with in the future.

“During the last Anambra gubernatorial election, Awka South delivered APGA in all 20 wards.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your trust and confidence in APGA and urge you to continue voting for APGA so that we can continue to provide the development that we have promised,” he said.

The Transition Committee Chairman for Awka South, Mr. Thankgod Anagor, acknowledged that the Governor is practicalizing his promise, assuring that the people would continue to support him.

Speaking at the occasion, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engineer Ifeanyi Okoma, informed the public that Governor Soludo flagged off the road for construction on October 29, 2022, stating that the 14.48 km long Club road-Regina caeli-Roban road-Unizik-isuaniocha road-Neco road is 21 percent complete.

Capacity are unparalleled

The APGA Candidate for Awka Central Senatorial District, Honourable Dozie Nwankwo stated that the Governor’s leadership and capacity are unparalleled, pointing out that the people can sense and feel the dividends of democracy being provided by the Governor

He pointed out that the people and APGA candidates were proud of him because he has demonstrated exemplary leadership.

The APGA Candidate for Awka South 1 Constituency, Anambra House of Assembly, Barr. Samuel Igwebuike canvassed for the people’s support to complement his developmental strides in the state.

Fulfilled his promise

While the APGA candidate for Awka North and South Federal House of Representatives, Honourable Ben Nwankwo, charged the people to continue to support the APGA government because the Governor has fulfilled his promise.

In a related development, Governor Soludo also inspected the 3.872km Umuogbu Road in Awka South Council Area where he promised that under his watch, Awka would be made a befitting capital.

The Umuogbu road which was awarded in October, 2022 is expected to be completed by November, 2023.

An indigenous construction company, MP-Infrastructure, is in charge of the project.

“I have seen the depth and width of the drainages and I am very impressed with the level of work so far.

“Anambra is the only state in the country where the capital is Awka and the Governor lives elsewhere. We are constructing a Governors Lodge and Government house in Awka for the first time in 32 years. When we held our rally here, I told you that I will relocate to Awka”,

Keep Awka clean

Governor Soludo further stated and appealed to residents to help keep Awka clean by not clogging drainages with solid waste and debris.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Chief Protocol, Hon Chinedu Nwoye, Commissioner for Finance, Mr Ifeatu Onejeme, Commissioner for Special Duties, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, Managing Director, Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA), Mr. Mike Ozoemena, Accountant General Anambra State, Sir Chukwudi Okoli, Executive Secretary ASHIA, Dr Simeon Onyeamaechi, Managing Director of ICT, Mr Fred Agbata, among others attended the event.

 

Lateefah Ibrahim

NNPCL, Nasarawa Government To sign MoU On Oil Drilling

Lateefat Ibrahim
-
0

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) will on Saturday, 18th February, sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nasarawa State Government, signalling the commencement of oil drilling in Keana.

This is just as preliminary findings revealed another oil discovery in Obi Local Government Area, specifically in Agwatashi and Assakio.

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, disclosed this while speaking during an interactive session with APC Stakeholders in Othe bi local government area of the state.

Pave way

According to the Governor, all is now set for the signing of the MoU with the NNPCL, which will pave way for the drilling of the first oil well in Keana.

Engineer Sule said his administration would not relent until Nasarawa State begins to enjoy the 13 percent derivation as an oil-producing state.

“In 2019, when I came out to campaign and mentioned oil, a lot of people assumed it was mere politics. That time, I promised that, by the grace of God, I will use the experience that I acquired from my stay in Houston, Texas, the global headquarters of the oil, to try.

“As at that time, oil was discovered only in Keana. A lot of people don’t even know the extent of the oil discovery. The issue of oil has now become a reality. Now NNPCL will drill the first oil well in March.

“Preliminary findings have shown that there is also oil in Obi. This Saturday, 18th February, NNPCL and Nasarawa State Government will sign MoU. It will now dawn on people that this administration doesn’t make empty promises but only seeks to bring development to the state.

He said they would not rest until they finally join the league of oil-producing states and enjoy the 13 percent derivation, which the expect to see appreciable progress by May.

 

Lateefah Ibrahim

FIDA Trains Observers To Report Violence Against Women During Elections

Confidence Okwuchi
-
0

The International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Kaduna State branch has undertaken capacity building workshop for accredited observers to monitor document and report violence against women on election days.

The National President, FIDA, Mrs Amina Agbaje said the training was essential to prevent and respond to election violence perpetrated against women before, during, and after the 2023 elections.

According to her, women around the globe share a common feature of marginalisation and their participation in politics has continued to be minimal because most often, they are afraid of coming out to exercise their civic responsibility.

Mrs Agbaje explained that the capacity workshop was being implemented across four focal states in Nigeria which include, Kwara, Borno, Plateau and Kaduna States.

“Women constitute a powerful electorate with millions of votes in Nigeria but their level of political participation is increasingly very poor. Current statistics of women in the parliament in Nigeria confirm that their representation was 9% in 2007, 7% in 2011, 5% in 2015 and less than 10% in 9th National Assembly,” she noted.

Advancing Women Participation

She stressed the need for advancing women participation in the 2023 general election through effective mobilisation and a user friendly environment.

She says, “Eradication of political violence is key in advancing women participation as it is of paramount importance to condense political violence before and after elections so that women can fully participate in elections.”

The National President further stated that they were accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission to observe and report incidences for which outcome would lead to mass participation of women at the polls.

In a remark, the lead presenter, who is the Program officer, FIDA Nigeria, Mr Abu Ayuba explained that those trained were expected to give on the ground information to thier situation room on election days over issues relating to violence against women.

Over twenty lawyers from across the state participated in the capacity building workshop exercise.

 

Confidence Okwuchi

Foundation Advises Beans Farmers On New Planting Window

Lateefat Ibrahim
-
0

The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) has advised farmers on newly identified suitable planting windows for cowpea for the different ecologies in the country.

Mr Alex Abutu, Communicaton Officer, AATF, made this known on Sunday in a statement made available to the media in Abuja.

AATF Regional Representative for West Africa, Dr Jean Baptist said this during a visit to Pandagric Farms in Nasarawa, that the windows would enable farmers cope with the vulnerabilities of climate change.

Climate vulnerabilities

He said the Cowpea Field in Panda was part of the dry season cowpea production being introduced by AATF to ensure the variety produces at its maximum in the absence of insect pressure and other climate vulnerabilities.

Baptist said the impact of climate change results in either too much or too little rainfall.

According to him, this makes it difficult for beans to produce at its maximum potential thereby leaving Nigerian farmers miserable during harvest.

“After a careful study of the situation, we have come to the understanding that because farmers are not guided on when to plant, the crop productivity is often interrupted by climate uncertainties.

“The rainfall pattern for the country is not uniformed and each year comes with its own surprises; so, it is important for farmers to be accurately guided,” he said.

He noted that in the last few years, farmers have been suffering from several uncertainty associated with the rainfall pattern which has greatly reduced cowpea productivity.

He said that when the rain is too much, cowpea farms were submerged as a result of flash flood.

“Also, when the rains end suddenly, drought sets in at a time that the crop needed enough water,” he said.

Weather pattern

He advised cowpea farmers to take advantages of identified planting windows which was carefully arrived at after studying the weather pattern in the last few years.

He said that farmers in the Sahel region comprising Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Katsina and Sokoto states should endeavor to plant from the 3rd and 4th week of June.

“While those in the Sudan Savannah region Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yoba and Borno states should plant from the 1st to 2nd week of July, ” Baptist advised.

He equally urged those in the Northern Guinea Savannah states such as Bauchi, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano and Zamfara to commence planting from the 3rd week of July to 1st week of August.

Those in Southern Guinea Savannah in Niger, Kwara, Abuja, Adamawa, Taraba and Gombe have the 1st to 3rd week of August to plant.

He said: “After two years in the hands of farmers, some farmers have taken advantages of the prolific nature of the Pod Borer Resistant Cowpea to undertake two planting season.”

According to statistics from the Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the PBR Cowpea is the most sought after cowpea variety in the country currently.

The variety is most preferred by farmers due to its early maturing quality, use of less chemical spray, high yielding, and high folder production.

 

NAN/Lateefah Ibrahim

Google Launches Startups Accelerator For Women Founders In Africa

Confidence Okwuchi
-
0

Google has announced that applications are now open for the inaugural Google for Startups Accelerator: Women Founders Africa Program.

The program aims to empower and support women founders on the continent by providing resources and opportunities for them to scale their startups and address African problems.

Women founders, who are building tech startups in Africa or for Africa can apply through the program website at g.co/acceleratorafrica before the February 20th, 2023 deadline.

Eligible applicants must have a working product or service, a viable business model, and a working team.

The application process includes a written application and an interview with the program team.

The 12-week program will commence in March 2023 and include one bootcamp per month, held in a hybrid style of online and in-person sessions.

Selected participants will receive access to Google’s products, mentoring from industry experts, resources, tools, and technology, as well as networking opportunities and connections with investors to support the growth of their startups.

Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa at Google. Folarin Aiyegbusi, said “We are excited about the open call for applications for our three-month accelerator program, specifically tailored to address the unique challenges faced by women founders in Africa. We believe that investing in women founders in Africa is critical for economic empowerment that will enable the creation of jobs for the growing African youth population.”

African female founders face challenges in their entrepreneurial pursuits, including limited access to funding. Despite these challenges, women make up a significant portion of African entrepreneurs, with 58 per cent of businesses in Africa being owned by women.

“Elevating the participation and leadership of women in the entrepreneurship ecosystem is crucial for promoting gender equality and driving economic growth in Africa.

Investing in women-led startups is a key step towards achieving this goal, and Google’s commitment to these goals is reflected in the launch of the Google for Startups Accelerator: Women Founders Africa Program,” Aiyegbusi added.

 

Confidence Okwuchi

President Buhari Congratulates Dr Pate On Gavi Appointment

Confidence Okwuchi
-
0

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the incoming Chief Executive Officer of the Gavi Vaccine Alliance, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate saying he looks forward to working closely with him to strengthen the nation’s health system and on other global health issues.

President Buhari described Dr Pate’s rise across racial and other barriers to become the first black/African to lead Gavi as a very important historical moment not only for him personally but Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

The president says, “Our hope is that Dr Pate will bring his knowledge, expertise and very rich experience in the administration of vaccines and immunization in Nigeria and many parts of Africa to increase access to vaccines to further reduce the disturbing levels of child mortality on the continent and all over the world as his job requires.

“Congratulations, Nigeria is proud of your achievements,” said the President.

 

Confidence Okwuchi

Former Zimbabwean Information Minister Dies

Christopher Ojilere
-
0

The Zimbabwean government has announced the death of Former Minister of Information Dr. Chris Mushowe

“We have lost former Minister of Information Dr. Chris Mushowe. May His Soul Rest In Peace,” the permanent secretary for Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services. Nick Mangwana said.

Mr. Mushowe who died on Monday was 69 years old, no further information was provided about his death.

Mushohwe was the Minister of Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment before being reassigned to the Ministry of information in 2015.

He previously held the positions of a resident minister and governor of Manicaland.

Mushohwe was also a former Minister of State in the President’s Office Responsible for National Scholarships.

 

allAfrica/Christopher Ojilere

1...1,5401,5411,542...3,272Page 1,541 of 3,272

HEALTH

ENTERTAINMENT & TOURISM

WORLD

NEWS COMMENTARY

NEWS FEATURE

Voice Of Nigeria Mission is “Reflecting Nigerian and African perspectives in our broadcasts, winning and sustaining the attention, respect and goodwill of listeners worldwide, particularly Nigerians and Africans in the Diaspora … making Nigeria’s voice to be heard more positively in the shaping of our world.”

More from CN

Contact

© Voice of Nigeria Broadcasting Service