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  • Child marriage: Bayelsa Govt summons 4-year-old girl’s parents, 54 years old groom

    Child marriage: Bayelsa Govt summons 4-year-old girl’s parents, 54 years old groom

    By Nathan Nwakamma

    The Bayelsa Government has invited parents of a four-year-old girl and the 54-year-old man allegedly involved in a marriage in Akeddei community in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the government’s intervention is coming on the heels of media reports of a Dec. 26 marriage between the ‘bride’ and a 54 years old.

    The Bayelsa Government’s reaction is contained in a statement provided to NAN in Yenagoa on Saturday.

    The statement is jointly signed by Dr. Dise Ogbise-Goddy, Chairman, Gender Response Initiative Team (GRIT) Bayelsa and Mr Paniebi Jacob, Director, Child Development in the  Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Social Development.

    The state government, which frowned at the development, also expressed concern over the “illegal marriage” based on tradition and customs, saying it was repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience.

    According to the statement, the Ministry of Women, Children Affairs and Social Development and GRIT have acknowledged the receipt of a formal complaint from a child rights advocacy group, DO Foundation, on the controversial marriage.

    Jacob, Ogbise-Goddy  and the state Human Rights Commission, said the traditional ruler of Akeddei community honoured the government’s invitation and promised to produce the child, her parents, the groom, the youth leader and the chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC).

    The statement noted that the Bayelsa Government did not support child marriage under any guise.

    “That is why the state government did not hesitate to assent to the  passage of the  Bayelsa State Child Rights Law.

    “We are taking steps to rescue the child from all the key actors in relation to this illegal ceremony that they tagged a ‘mere spiritual’ affair.

    “The law is clear on issues of tradition and customs that are repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience  and working with the Bayelsa State Police Command, we shall ensure incidents like this do not occur in the state again.

    “On behalf of the governor of Bayelsa State, we express our gratitude to all the non-governmental organisations, including FIDA and DO Foundation, that have risen to the rescue of this innocent child.

    “Bayelsa State is children-friendly and this case will be pursued to a logical conclusion.”

    However, NAN learnt that the alleged marriage involving  the man, simply identified as Elder Akpos, was at the instance of the girl’s parents.

    According to a source, who pleaded anonymity for fear of penalty for desecrating traditions, the parents of the girl claim that the 54-year-old man was her husband in their previous life.

    According to the community source, the girl claimed that the man was her husband who died mysteriously in their previous life.

    The toddler has narrated that over the years, she has been moving from place to place, to be given birth to by different parents, searching for her former husband.

    The source said: “The little bride said if she was not allowed to marry her husband, she would have no other business in Akeddei community, and that she was going to die peacefully and go her way.

    “In order to avoid losing the girl to death, the people of Akeddei decided to organise a glamorous wedding ceremony to mark the union of the two previous life lovers.”

    NAN

  • Police adopt community-based approaches to fight crimes in Kano

    Police adopt community-based approaches to fight crimes in Kano

    By Aminu Garko

    Dec 30, 2023

    The Police Command in Kano said it had adopted a community based approach to end all forms of criminality, especially violent and associated crimes in the state.
    Commissioner of Police Hussaini Gumel, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  in a telephone interview on Saturday in Kano that the step was part of the efforts of the command to get rid of criminal activities.
    He said that the approach was  to remove the bottlenecks and provide the window for all residents to keep offering timely information and intelligence on suspected characters in their midst.
    He explained that effective operational order had since been issued to  Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers across the 44 LGAs on the security measure to be taken in their areas of supervision.
    The commissioner of police expressed optimism that the security measures in place would continue to reign across the state, especially in this period of the Yuletide, ushering the new year 2024.
    CP Gumel said that the  command had also  reached out to traditional, religion leaders and development associations to mobilize residents to support the step.
    He explained that prompt intelligence  information on movement of dubious character could facilitate quick reaction to apprehend men of underworld before, during and after perpetrating evils amongst communities across the state.
    ” There is no more space for any form of criminality in our area of supervision as competent intelligence officers have been deployed in and outside the metropolis  to build confidence of the people and beef up the desired security relentlessly.
    “All we want from members of the general public is to keep volunteering information needed to nearest security outfits for prompt necessary action,” he said.
    NAN
  • DHQ dismisses allegation of maltreatment of women in Plateau

    DHQ dismisses allegation of maltreatment of women in Plateau

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    The Defence Headquarters has dismissed as “misleading”  a video footage being circulated on social media depicting soldiers allegedly mistreating women under the caption: “Operation Rainbow in Plateau State”.

    The Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, in a statement on Saturday, described the video as misleading.

    Gusau said the video in question originated from a 2021 incident in Sambisa Forest, involving spouses of Boko Haram members during the capture of their strong holds.

    He said the video never emanated from Plateau, and “not in Plateau as being claimed”.

    “DHQ wishes to clarify that the soldiers involved in the aforementioned incident were then promptly sanctioned and dealt with by the military authority at the time it occurred for their unprofessional conduct.

    “The dissemination of this old video, with a misleading location tag, is causing unnecessary alarm and has the potential to exacerbate the security situation on the Plateau.

    “We urge the individual responsible for recirculating this video to cease and desist from further dissemination, as their actions are only serving to add fuel to the security challenges currently being addressed by Operation Safe Haven,” he said.

    Gusau said the armed forces were actively engaged in aggressive operations and dedicated to bring the perpetrators of recent dastardly acts to justice.

    According to him, the DHQ remains committed to fostering peace and stability in Plateau, and call on stakeholders and members of the public to support the efforts by refraining from spreading misinformation that could undermine the collective goal of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the residents.

    NAN

  • I’ll sustain Akeredolu’s legacies — Aiyedatiwa

    I’ll sustain Akeredolu’s legacies — Aiyedatiwa

    By Segun Giwa

    Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has promised to sustain the legacies of his predecessor,  late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

    Aiyedatiwa said this during a candlelight procession organised by members of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA),Ondo State chapter, in honour of late Akeredolu, at Government House, Akure, on Friday night.

    He described Akeredolu as a fearless legal luminary and a dedicated leader.

    The governor said Akeredolu’s commitment to justice and service to the people earned him the title of “Senior Advocate of the Masses.”

    “What you have done this night is commendable; it means all you were doing before, when he was alive, was not eye service but genuine love. This means a lot to me personally.

    “We will ensure we complete all the ongoing projects he left behind,” he said.

    Aiyedatiwa appealed for continuous prayers, saying, “All you can do for us right now is to continue to pray for us that God should grant all of us the fortitude to bear this loss.”

    Earlier, NBA Chairman, Akure Branch, Mr Bayo Aina, said the candlelight gathering signified their unwavering commitment to support and perpetuate Akeredolu’s impactful work, even in death.

    Aina said the association would ensure that his legacy remained an illuminating beacon guiding the state’s governance and legal sphere.

    NAN

  • Ondo Assembly passes N395bn Appropriation Bill for 2024

    Ondo Assembly passes N395bn Appropriation Bill for 2024

    By Alaba Olusola Oke

    Ondo State House of Assembly on Friday passed the 2024 Appropriation bill of N395.2 billion.

    The passage followed the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, presented by its Chairman, Mr Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, during the plenary session.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), recalls that Acting Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa recently presented a N385 billion Appropriation Bill to the Assembly.

    NAN reports that the proposed budget comprised Capital Expenditure of N222.2 billion with the Recurrent Expenditure of N172.9 billion.

    Ogunmolasuyi, who represents Owo Constituency 1/APC, said that the estimate passed by the assembly was higher than what the governor presented by over N10.7 billion.

    “The committee after an interface with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for defense of their estimates, amended the original bill and recommended N395 billion.

    “The state government should take necessary steps to ensure that internally generated revenue is sustained and improved and that the budget meets the needs of Ondo State people.

    “The Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget and Ministry of Finance, in conjunction with the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service, should ensure that they boost revenue of the state with details of extant laws,” he said.

    The lawmakers unanimously adopted the report thereafter.

    The bill was read for the third time by the Clerk of the House, Mr Benjamin Jayeola, as directed by the Speaker, Chief Olamide Oladiji.

    Commenting on the bill, Oladiji said that if signed into law, it would turn around the state and trigger development and growth.

    He said that with the bill, the governor would be well equipped to serve people of the state and deliver dividends of democracy.

    Oladiji prayed that God would grant the state governor wisdom and wherewithal to steer the state to a destination of fulfilment.

    He commended the committee for its promptness and timeliness as regards the bill and extended the appreciation to the state Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget for a job well done.

    The lawmakers also passed the N6 billion Appropriation Bill for the services of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) for 2024.

    The ODIRS Bill has N5.4 billion for the Recurrent Expenditure while N855.4 million is for the Capital Expenditure.

    The lawmakers earlier paid tribute to late Governor of the state, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who died on Wednesday.

    Mr Olatunji Oshati (APC/Ose) said that late Akeredolu was a unifying personality with honesty, asking all especially politicians to toe the path of the former governor to ensure good governance.

    Similarly, the speaker said that the news of the demise of the late governor was devastating, describing him as a fighter for justice and humanitarian services.

    He said that he would be remembered for good legacies, having stood for fairness and equity.

    According to him, late Akeredolu was a visionary leader, saying that his massive projects cut across the state.

    He was able to reduce the bar of poverty in the state through increase of revenue of the state to embark on projects that could touch lives of the masses.

    Oladiji prayed that God would grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort his immediate family and the state.

    There was a minute silence observed in honour of the late governor and the lawmakers before the parliarment went on a recess for 28 days.

    NAN

  • It’ll take miracle for Super Eagles to win AFCON – Akanni

    It’ll take miracle for Super Eagles to win AFCON – Akanni

    By Aderonke Ojediran

    Ex-international, Waidi Akanni, on Saturday said the Super Eagles would need a miracle to win the 2023 Côte d’Ivoire Africa Nation’s Cup (AFCON) due to inadequate preparation.

    Akanni said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos with barely two weeks to the kick off of the tournament, which holds from Jan.13 to Feb. 11, 2024.

    “⁠My expectations are same whenever Super Eagles play, they have become very unreliable. So, I won’t expect much from them because I don’t want to be disappointed.

    “Winning AFCON will be a miracle for Nigeria. It will be presumptuous of me to expect Super Eagles to come out tops at the championship.

    “One of the elements of a team is predictability, I can’t predict them because I don’t know their pedigree.

    “I believe I’m not the only one that feels this way about the team, a lot needs to be worked on in the midfield, defence and goalkeeping departments of the team,” he said.

    Akanni, a member of the bronze medal winning U-20 1985 FIFA World Youth Championship team, said the handlers of the team should have included some home-based players.

    “It has always been the same for AFCON with African countries because of the European season. It’s difficult to get a full house of players as a group till about a week to AFCON.

    “I think the coaches should have given some home-based players the opportunity to compete for some positions, not only goal keepers.

    “⁠The final list is predictable as we had all the former players both fit and unfit in the 41-Man list,” he said.

    NAN reports that the team is set to depart for a one-week training camp in Abu Dhabi.

    The team will later proceed to Abidjan where it will face Equatorial Guinea in the opening Group A match on Jan. 14, 2024, and later Côte d’Ivoire, and Guinea-Bissau.

    Super Eagles, three-time champions of the tournament: 1980, 1994, and 2013, hope to win the trophy for the fourth time when the tournament kicks off in January 2004.

    NAN

  • NAFDAC DG Bags African Award For Unique Achievements

    NAFDAC DG Bags African Award For Unique Achievements

    Honoured as Africa’s Medicinal Products Regulation Achiever 2023

     

    By Biola Lawal
    Abuja (Flowerbudnews): The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye has been honoured as “Africa’s Medicinal Products Regulation Achiever” in recognition of her impacts and efforts to protect public health.

    The Award was convered on the NAFDAC Boss at the 6th Biennial Scientific Conference on Medical Products Regulation in Africa (SCoMRA) held in Cairo, Egypt from December 5th to 7th, 2023.

    The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and the World Health Organization who jointly presented the ,Award to Prof. Adeyeye, applauded the transformative leadership of the NAFDAC Director General.

    The accolade highlights the visionary approach of Prof. Adeyeye, recognising pioneering initiatives such as the attainment of ML3 within four years, using digital tools like the Med Safety App for ADR reporting.

    Prof Adeyeye was also recognised for her initiative of GS1-driven traceability for tracking more than one and half million secondary packages of COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic for supply chain visibility.

    The award was received on her behalf by Pharm. Asmau Abubakar, an Assistant Chief Regulatory Officer of the Agency.

    The Award acknowledged NAFDAC’s groundbreaking efforts in combatting substandard and fake medical products, reinforcing the Agency’s dedication to ensuring the safety and authenticity of medicinal products in Africa under Prof. Adeyeye’s leadership.(Flowerbudnews)

     

  • CAN presents “inclusive governance” award to Buni

    CAN presents “inclusive governance” award to Buni

     

     

    By Nabilu Balarabe

    Damaturu:  The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Yobe Council, has honoured Gov. Mai Mala Buni with an award for “inclusive governance”.

    Bishop Yohanna Audu, the Council’s Chairman, presented the award to Buni, when the leadership of the association paid a Christmas homage to the governor in Damaturu.

    He said the award was in recognition of Buni’s fairness to people of all ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds in the state.

    “You won this prestigious award because of your style of leadership that carries everybody along irrespective of tribe, region or religion,” Audu said.

    The chairman also commended the governor for appointing people from all faiths and ethnic backgrounds into his administration.

    He noted that Buni’s commitment to peace was why adherents of different religions co-exist peacefully in the state based on love and trust.

    In preparation for Christmas, Audu said the association organised a unity carol with participants from six North-Eastern states.

    The chairman said the programme went on successfully, even when Muslims were having National Qur’anic Recitation Competition within the period.

    “This is a clear demonstration of the peace, trust, and tolerance we have in the state under your able leadership,” he said.

    Audu listed other supports CAN enjoyed from Buni to include foreign scholarships, pilgrimage slots, palliatives and bulls during festivals.

    Responding, Buni assured the association of more supports and opportunities to all irrespective of religion, ethnic or cultural backgrounds.

    He said the responsibility of building a peaceful society rests on everyone, urging the religious leaders to always preach peace to their congregation.

    “We thank God for the stable peace we now enjoy across the state, and we all have roles to play in improving the relative peace enjoyed,” the governor said.

    Buni said the award would propel him to do more in supporting and carrying everyone along.

    “It’s an award l will live to value it,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews

    NB/VAO

  • Kidnapping: Police rescue 52-year-old security guard in Zamfara

    Kidnapping: Police rescue 52-year-old security guard in Zamfara

     

    By Ibrahim G. Ahmad
    Gusau: The Police in Zamfara have rescued a 52-year-old security guard, Malam Hassan Abdullahi, abducted on Dec, 29, in Gusau.

    According to Yazid Abubakar, the spokesperson of the Police in Zamfara, the man was abducted at about 1:30 am on Friday when gunmen raided a house he is working at Sabon Garin Damba.

    Abubakar said in a statement on Friday that the armed men had invaded the house of one Alhaji Kabiru Umar, a staff of Zamfara College of Art and Science Gusau, where they went away with the security guard.

    “On receiving the information, the Divisional Police Officer of Damba Division, mobilised a team of detectives for a search and rescue operation.

    “They intercepted the abductors at the outskirts of Sabon Garin Damba and on sighting the police the hoodlums fired the victim on his right hand and took to their heels with possible gunshot wounds.

    “The victim was rescued and taken to Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau and is responding to treatment,” the command spokesman added.

    He said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Muhammad Shehu, has commended residents for alerting the police on time about the incident.

    Shehu also commended the police operatives for their timely intervention which led to the immediate rescue of the abducted victim.

    He pledged that the command would continue to pursue the war against bandits and other criminal elements in the state until normalcy is restored. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews