SUBSCRIBE
SUBSCRIBE
Try "researchers"
Home Blog Page 2057

Death of Governor Sule’s Son shocking – SSA Utondo

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
-
0

The Senior Special Assistant to the governor of Nasarawa state on security, Engr. Moses Utondo, has described the death of governor Abdulahi Sule’s son, Hassan Sule, as shocking, painful and colossal loss to the entire state.

 

Engr. Utondo in a condolence message he personally signed and made available to journalist in Lafia, the state capital, described the late Hassan as a promising, humble and cherished young man.

 

He prayed for God to give Governor Sule, the State First Lady; Hajiya Silifat Sule, the entire family and the state at large the fortitude to get over the great loss.

 

The message further reads: “my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Governor and his family on the tragic death of his worthy son, Hassan.

 

He also condoled with the government and people of the State following the recent tragedy involving herdsmen.

 

“May the souls of all the deceased rest in peace,” he said.

 

Utondo said the demise of late Hassan which will be difficult to fill was a test from the Almighty.

 

“God took him away to test the resilience and faith of the family and the entire state at this crucial moment. God didn’t seek the family’s permission nor his father and mother’s advice when He gave Hassan to them and He will not seek their advice when He was ready to take him away, so that is what life is all about”, Utondo consoled.

 

The SSA described death as inevitable to every mortal that will occur whenever God so desired. He urged Governor Abdullahi Sule and his family to see his demise as the will of God.

Lagos State Governor Signs Budget Of Continuity Into Law

Mercy Chukwudiebere
-
0

Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has signed the Lagos State’s N1.768 trillion “Budget of Continuity” into law.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said the budget is to consolidate development strides of his administration and satisfy the yearnings of the residents.

He noted that the fiscal document not only “aggressively” focus on completing ongoing capital projects, it would also “expand intervention programmes and intensify social support to citizens and their means of livelihoods.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu said “the spendings would further demonstrate his Government’s determination to scale up good governance and quality service to the citizens through the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, stressing that the budget would propel the State to higher level of fiscal growth and social development.”

The 2023 Appropriation Bill has a capital expenditure of N1.019 trillion, representing 58% of the 2023 budget. The recurrent expenditure, representing 42%, is N748 billion, which includes personnel cost, overhead and debt services.

The Governor said “the implementation of the budget would see to completion of various ongoing capital projects, including the final construction phase of the 37-kilometre Lagos Red Rail Line from Agbado to Ebute Metta.”

He explained that the funding for the second phase of the Blue Line from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko had equally been approved in the budget.

According to him, the Ojo General Hospital project and mental health facility in Ketu-Ereyun being undertaken by the State Government would race to completion.

The Governor said that ”the contractors handling various road and school construction projects in Badagry, Amuwo Odofin, Ikorodu and Eti Osa could now have access to funds to deliver the projects.”

“I’m delighted to assent to the 2023 Appropriation Bill transmitted to me after it was passed by the House of Assembly. The budget went through a rigorous review and passed through all the relevant statutory channels required before we now have a live document that can be implemented. This is a budget that speaks to the aspirations and the needs of Lagosians”, he said.

The Governor stressed that; “The budget is audacious and its size is a reflection of the confidence our citizens repose in us. It is also a significant improvement in the discharge of the citizens’ civic responsibility in the areas of taxes and levies that are due to the Government. I give assurance of our commitment to prudent implementation and improvement in service delivery that will bring about more dividends of good governance.”

He assented to the budget at a short ceremony held at the Governor’s Office in Alausa, Ikeja within his cabinet and member of Lagos State House of Assembly. These include Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo, Chairman, Lagos House of Assembly Committee on Appropriation, Gbolahan Yishua and Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr Sam Egube.

Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his appreciation to the leaders and members of the House of Assembly for timely consideration and independent ratification assignment done on the document.

The Governor promised to raise the level of implementation of the Appropriation Law, pledging that the ongoing electioneering would not slow down governance process.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said although Lagos had the highest budget among the federating units.

He said that the budget size was a far cry from the actual number that should have been proposed which befits Lagos developmental aspiration.

The Governor said the State could do a lot more if the citizens would partner with the Government by committing to pay their taxes.

He said; “The people must know that our Government is committing to protecting their lives and their means of livelihood. We can provide a lot more opportunities for our citizens in transportation, education, public health and other areas of human endeavour. To achieve these objectives, residents must see the real partner in us.

“We have seen the growth across the city and opportunities for business. Our budget must speak to this growth. Lagos needs to be in the comity of cities that can take opportunities to another level and ventilate its economic potential.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his appreciation to the leaders under the Speakership of Mudashiru Obasa and members of the House of Assembly for the timely consideration and independent ratification assignment done on the document.

The Governor promised to raise the level of implementation of the Appropriation Law, pledging that the ongoing electioneering would not slow down the governance process.

The Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Sam Egube, explained that the budgetary items reflected the wishes of the residents across the State’s five traditional divisions.

He said the coatings were in alignment with long-term sector objectives and agreement with Lagos State Development Plan.

Chairman, House Appropriation Committee, Gbolahan Yishau, thanked the Governor for bringing an “implementable document” to the House, pointing out that the fiscal document was diligently reviewed before the final draft was approved.

 

 

Mercy Chukwudiebere

We are not supplying arms to Russia – North Korea

Nnenna Okoronkwo
-
0

North Korea says they have no role in supplying arms to Russia after the United States accused Pyongyang of supplying rockets and missiles to the Russian Wagner Group and helping bolster Moscow’s forces in Ukraine.

A senior North Korean official, in a statement on Sunday, slammed the US allegations as a groundless rumour aimed at justifying Washington’s own military aid to Ukraine.

The US had designated Wagner as a “transnational criminal organisation” earlier this month, citing the private military group’s alleged weapons dealings with North Korea – something that is prohibited by United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The White House also showed what it said were US intelligence photographs of Russian rail cars entering North Korea, picking up a load of infantry rockets and missiles, and returning to Russia.

But the director general of the North Korean Department of US Affairs, Kwon Jong Gun, rejected the accusations on Sunday, warning that the US will face a “really undesirable result” if it persists in spreading the self-made rumour.

“Trying to tarnish the image of [North Korea] by fabricating a non-existent thing is a grave provocation that can never be allowed and that cannot but trigger its reaction,” Kwon Jong Gun said.

He added that the US move was “a foolish attempt to justify its offer of weapons to Ukraine.” Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden promised 31 Abrams tanks, one of the US army’s most powerful and sophisticated weapons, to help Kyiv fight off Moscow’s invasion.

The move drew a rebuke Friday from Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who accused Washington of further crossing the red line by sending the tanks into Ukraine.

Kwon Jong Gun reiterated Pyongyang’s concerns over the tank transfer on Sunday, calling it an “unethical crime” aimed at perpetuating an unstable international situation.

Along with China, Russia is one of North Korea’s few international friends. Russia, one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, has long held the line against increasing pressure on nuclear-armed North Korea, even asking for relief from international sanctions for humanitarian reasons.

Meanwhile, other than Syria and Russia, North Korea is the only country to recognise the independence of Luhansk and Donetsk, two Russian-backed separatist regions in eastern Ukraine.

In November, after the White House said Pyongyang was covertly supplying Russia with a significant number of artillery shells, North Korea said it had never had arms dealings with Russia and had no plans to do so.

 

Reuters/S.O

 

NARD Calls For Increased Allocation To Improve Health Sector

Temitope Obatoke
-
0

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), has called for increased budgetary allocations to the healthcare sector to improve the quality of healthcare delivery in the country.

The President of NARD, Dr Innocent Orji, said this at the end of the 3-day National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the association in Uyo on Saturday.

The meeting was tagged Uyo 2023 with the theme, Improved Welfare of Healthcare Workers: A Panacea for Brain Drain (Political and Doctor’s Perspectives).

Orji, who said that the increase should be to the tune of 15 percent annual budgetary allocation, added that it would be in line with the 2001 Abuja declaration for healthcare financing in Africa and global best practices.

He said NEC of NARD also urged the Federal Ministry of Health to expedite action on checking brain drain by implementing the one for one policy on replacement of exited doctors and clinical staff.

“NEC welcomed the committee set up by the Federal Government to mitigate the brain drain in the health sector. The association urged a speedy conclusion of the task and immediate implementation of their recommendations to improve healthcare service delivery and reduce emigration of skilled healthcare workers from the country.

“NEC called for increased funding of the healthcare sector in the country, to the tune of 15 percent annual budgetary allocation in line with the 2001 Abuja declaration for healthcare financing in Africa and global best practices. We also call for the digitalisation of the healthcare services to improve the quality of healthcare delivery to Nigerian citizens.”

He said that NEC in its resolution urged the Chief Medical Directors of tertiary hospitals in the country to take responsibility for security in their various hospitals as NARD would no longer continue to watch her members assaulted by staff, patients relatives or security operatives.

He said the association called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate and arrest the perpetrators of illegal shooting of one of its members in Delta and to ensure that they are adequately punished to serve as deterrent to others.

“We demand that the affected doctor be adequately compensated for the trauma and the damaged vehicle replaced. NEC gives IGP two weeks to get this done as we would review the situation at the expiration of the two weeks, the situation and our stand would be taken thereafter if the response is not satisfactory.”

Orji said that NEC called on the  National Assembly to make laws protecting the lives and wellbeing of doctors and healthcare workers as the rate of assault against its members within and outside the hospitals were alarming.

He called on the Federal Government, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and all stakeholders to prevail on the governors of Abia, Ondo and Ekiti to urgently pay arrears of salaries and allowances owed its members.

 

 

 

 

NAN

China’s Smartphone Sales Slump by 13% Year-on-Year

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja
-
0
China’s smartphone sales fell by 13% year-on-year in 2022, the largest plunge for the sector in a decade as consumers spent cautiously, market research firm IDC said on Sunday.

 

The total number of devices shipped was 286 million, down from 329 million in 2022.

That meant total 2022 sales volume was the lowest since 2013 and the time since then that annual sales have dropped below 300 million, IDC said in a report.

Android handset maker, Vivo, was the top-selling brand over the year, with a market share of 18.6%.

However, its total shipments fell 25.1% year-on-year.

Honor ranked as the second best-selling brand, with shipments growing more than 34%, albeit from a low base.

 

Apple Inc (AAPL.O) was the third best-selling phone brand in 2022, tied with Oppo.

Apple’s overall sales fell 4.4% year-on-year, broadly outperforming the market downturn.

 

In Q4, despite being the top-selling brand in the three-month period, year-on-year sales for iPhones were still down, as supply chain issues caused by worker unrest at manufacturer Foxconn’s plant in the city of Zhengzhou compounded worse-than expected demand, researchers wrote.

Strict COVID-19 controls in China, which ramped up in the spring of 2022 across several cities, weighed heavily on its economy which slumped to one of its worst levels in nearly half a century last year.

 

Global Performance

The plunge in smartphone sales in China reflected the sector’s performance globally.

In 2022, global smartphone shipments hit 1.2 billion, the lowest since 2013 and a year-on-year fall of more than 11%, according to IDC.

 

 

 

 

Reuters/Hauwa Abu

NUJ President stresses need for fair, balanced election reportage

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
-
0

Nigerian journalists have been urged to be fair and balance in their reportage during the upcoming general election in the country.

 

The National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, (NUJ), Chris Isiguzo gave the call in Lagos South Western Nigeria, during the official commissioning of Remodelled Lagos council NUJ Secretariat.

 

According to Isiguzo, journalists should ensure they promote development, unity fairness and transparency through their report in order to avoid chaos and anything that will disrupt the smooth running of the elections.

 

“As we go about the coverage of 2023 general election, let us bear in minds that the future of this country is in our hands. Let us not truncate the unity of Nigeria. Let our news help to deliver credible, transparent, free and fair general election. You are strategic to the delivery of a credible election, please do the right thing. Support us in our mantra of projecting and promoting development journalism,” he beseeched.

 

The NUJ boss also lauded the philanthropic gesture of the General Overseer of the Love of Christ Generation Church, London, Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi who singlehandedly sponsored the building of the Remodelled Lagos council NUJ Secretariat to completion describing it as a dream come true.

 

According to Isiguzo, the secretariat should be used to train and retrain journalists to keep them abreast with the knowledge they need to excel in their profession.

 

“We have decided to name the Congress hall of Ladi Lawal Press Center Lagos after our benefactor, Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi.  We’ll continue to immortalize the contributions you have made to the journalism profession in the country. We indeed appreciate you,” he stated.

 

On her part, the General Overseer of the Love of Christ Generation Church, London, Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi  popularly known as Iya Adura urged Nigerians to get their PVC to enable them vote during the general election.

 

According to her, this is not the time to only pray and fast saying that without PVC, nothing can be done.

 

”It’s good to pray and fast concerning our country but if you don’t have your PVC, your prayers may not yield the needed result. Don’t just fold your hands and keep saying we don’t know what they’re doing, without your PVC, there’s nothing we can do. Go and get your PVC to enable you vote, enough of sitting and just watching,” she emphasized.

 

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State, Bishop Stephen Adegbite also reiterated the need for Nigerians to get their PVC and vote with conscience urging them to avoid selling their votes.

 

“Go and get your PVC and vote with your conscience. Don’t allow intimidation to distract you from voting the candidate of your choice. We need a change in our nation. Use your vote wisely,” he reiterated.

 

Earlier, the Chairman, NUJ Lagos State Chapter, Adeleye Ajayi solicited the assistance of well-meaning Nigerians to furnish and equip the Remodelled Secretariat applauding the efforts of Mother Esther Ajayi and his predecessors including Mrs. Funke Fadugba and Dr. Qasim Akinreti for making the dream come true.

 

High points of the event were the unveiling of the newly remodeled Secretariat and recognition award to Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi.

Over one million public officers complete asset declaration forms-CCB

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
-
0

The Code of Conduct Bureau, (CCB), says over one and a half Million Asset Declaration Forms have been filled completely by Public Officers in Nigeria and returned to the Bureau in the last one year.

 

This according to the bureau, is as a result of training Public Staff under its Strict Compliance Training Programme.

 

The Chairman of the Bureau, Professor Mohammed Isah, disclosed this at a one-day sensitization conference with the theme: ‘Fighting Corruption in Nigeria; the Past, the Present and the Future.’  

 

The event which took place at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital, was organized by the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) and had all anti-corruption bodies in attendance.

 

Professor Isah said the Bureau, over the last seven years has carried out sensitization programmes in various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) aimed at increasing education and reducing corrupt tendencies.

 

“With the fact that over a thousand cases investigated and prosecuted by the Bureau are still pending and awaiting trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, this hinders efficiency and output of the Bureau”, Professor Isah said.

 

He expressed hope that with the amendment of the CCB and CCT Act, the Tribunal will be decentralized into zones to facilitate quick dispensation of justice.

 

“There is the need for collaboration among anti-corruption agencies and where necessary efforts should be appreciated and acknowledged”, he added.

 

In his remark, the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Professor Itse Sagay, said the committee since its inauguration on August 15 2015, had been able to coordinate and harmonize anti-corruption activities to achieve better results.

 

In attendance at the programme were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, the Solicitor General of the Federation, Army Chiefs, High Court Judges, Heads of Paramilitary Organizations, Civil Society amongst others.

Israeli security cabinet approves gun carrying measures

Nnenna Okoronkwo
-
0

Israel’s security cabinet has approved measures to make it easier for Israelis to carry guns after two separate attacks by Palestinians in Jerusalem over the past two days.

The attacks took place after an Israeli army raid in the occupied West Bank killed nine people.

The new measures also include depriving an attacker’s family members of residency and social security rights.

The full cabinet is due to consider the measures on Sunday.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had promised a “strong” and “swift” response ahead of the security cabinet meeting.

Israel’s army also said it would be reinforcing troop numbers in the occupied West Bank.

“When civilians have guns, they can defend themselves,” the controversial far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, told reporters outside a Jerusalem hospital.

The measures will revoke the rights to social security of “the families of terrorists that support terrorism”, the security cabinet said.

The proposals are in step with proposals from Mr Netanyahu’s far-right political allies, who allowed him to return to power last month.

The announcement came after Israeli police said a 13-year-old Palestinian boy was behind a shooting in Jerusalem’s Silwan neighbourhood on Saturday that left an Israeli father and son seriously wounded.

An Israeli police force spokesperson previously said the assailant ambushed five people as they made their way to prayers, leaving two in a “critical condition”. The 13-year-old was shot and injured by passers-by and is being held in hospital.

In a separate shooting on Friday at a synagogue in East Jerusalem, seven people were killed and at least three more injured as they gathered for prayers at the start of the Jewish Sabbath. The gunman was shot dead at the scene.

The man behind Friday’s synagogue attack was identified by local media as a Palestinian from East Jerusalem.

Police have arrested 42 people in connection with that attack.

Israeli police commissioner Kobi Shabtai called it “one of the worst attacks we have encountered in recent years”.

Palestinian militant groups praised the attack, but did not say one of their members was responsible.

Mr Netanyahu called for calm and urged citizens to allow security forces to carry out their tasks, while the military said additional troops would be deployed in the occupied West Bank.

“I call again on all Israelis – don’t take the law into your hands,” Mr Netanyahu said. He thanked several world leaders – including US President Joe Biden – for their support.

Tensions have been high since nine Palestinians – both militants and civilians – were killed during an Israeli military raid in Jenin in the occupied West Bank on Thursday.

This was followed by rocket fire into Israel from Gaza, which Israel responded to with air strikes. Since the start of January, 30 Palestinians – both militants and civilians – have been killed in the West Bank.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas suspended its security co-operation arrangements with Israel after Thursday’s raid in Jenin. Friday’s synagogue shooting happened on Holocaust Memorial Day, which commemorates the six million Jews and other victims who were killed in the Holocaust by the Nazi regime in Germany.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, saying that one of the victims was a Ukrainian woman.

“Terror must have no place in today’s world – neither in Israel nor Ukraine,” he said in a tweet. British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly wrote on Twitter: “To attack worshippers at a synagogue on Holocaust Memorial Day, and during Shabbat, is horrific. We stand with our Israeli friends.”

President Joe Biden talked to Mr Netanyahu and offered all “appropriate means of support”, the White House said. Shortly after the incident, Mr Netanyahu visited the site, as did Mr Ben-Gvir.

The controversial national security minister promised to bring safety back to Israel’s streets, but there is rising anger that he has not yet done so, the BBC’s Yolande Knell in Jerusalem said.

Israeli emergency service personnel and security forces attended the scene of Friday’s shooting. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was “deeply worried about the current escalation of violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory”, a spokesperson said.

“This is the moment to exercise utmost restraint,” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

On Saturday, the European Union expressed alarm at heightened tensions and urged Israel to use lethal force only as a last resort.

“The European Union fully recognises Israel’s legitimate security concerns – as evidenced by the latest terrorist attacks – but it has to be stressed that lethal force must only be used as a last resort when it is strictly unavoidable in order to protect life,” said the EU’s chief diplomat, Josep Borrell.

Israel has occupied East Jerusalem since the 1967 Middle East war and considers the entire city its capital, though this is not recognised by the vast majority of the international community. Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the future capital of a hoped-for independent state.

 

Al Jazeera /S.O

 

Harmattan Affects Poultry Operators, Birds in Jos

Kamila Bello
-
0

The Poultry Farmers Association in Plateau State has expressed worry over the level of challenges faced by poultry operators in the state, particularly in Jos the capital and other parts with intense cold.

The association’s Chairman, Johnson Bagudu, said the harmattan which comes with severe cold, especially in January, has affected the poultry business in many ways as the cold has several detrimental impact on the birds/chickens.

According to him, this outcome, poses lots of challenges for poultry owners, while making strenuous efforts to remain in business and keep afloat.

“In fact, the harmattan is kind of a disaster to us because the cold affects the chickens as well as their production drastically. The production of the chickens in this harmattan has dropped to about 70 percent.

“Yet the chickens keep eating at the normal rate which must be provided by the poultry owners despite their low production. That implies that the business undoubtedly suffers some setbacks this period.

“Besides, many chickens have died due to the weather, and since no one can actually regulate or control the weather, the chicken owners leave everything to fate.

“During this harmattan period you will see the chickens looking sickly, dull and cold, but whenever the weather is a little bit warm, you will see them very agile/active and jumping from one place to the other,” he said.

According to Bagudu, they can’t really do anything to keep the chickens warm during the harmattan, because at their matured stage their feathers serve as protection.

He said among the problems are the high cost of feeds, day-old chicks, their drugs/treatment as well as consistent and ready market for sales.

READ ALSO: NiMet predicts three-day harmattan

 

FA Cup: Kelechi Iheanacho Fires Leicester Into Fifth Round

Chidi Uduma Nwoke
-
0

A lone strike from Super Eagles of Nigeria forward Kelechi Iheanacho fired Leicester City into the fifth round of the FA Cup after the Foxes beat Walsall 1-0, at the Bescot Stadium in Walsall, England.

Leicester started with Patson Daka in attack with Harvey Barnes and James Maddison supporting on the flanks. Iheanacho was on the bench.

Walsall defended brilliantly in the first half to keep the visitors out as the match was -0-0 at halftime.

Early in the second half, Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans missed a penalty as he saw his effort strike the post after Daka was fouled inside the box.

Substitute Iheanacho then opened the scoring for Leicester in the 68th minute when his long range shot was deflected into the net, beating Walsall goalkeeper Owen Evans.

Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho (14) celebrates goal against Walsall with teammates.

Iheanacho continues his impressive FA Cup record as the highest scoring African with 17 goals in 23 appearances in the history of the competition.

The match finished 1-0 in favour of Leicester City as both sides couldn’t find another goal in the encounter.

Saturday’s FA Cup results

Walsall 0-1 Leicester City

Accrington Stanley 1-3 Leeds United

Blackburn Rovers 2-2 Birmingham City

Bristol City 3-0 West Brom Albion

Fulham 1-1 Sunderland

Ipswich Town 2-2 Burnley

Luton Town 2-2 Grimsby Town

Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 Fleetwood Town

Southampton 2-1 Blackpool

Preston North End 0-3 Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester United 3-1 Reading.

1...2,0562,0572,058...3,621Page 2,057 of 3,621

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