HammerTimes News Online

Tag: state

  • Ondo: Lovers found dead in apartment

     

    A middle-aged man identified as Eric and his yet-to-be-identified girlfriend have been found dead in their room at their residence in Ondo City in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    They were found dead on Saturday in the man’s apartment located in the Ayeyemi area of the city.

    However, some neighbours and residents of the area suggested that the couple had put on a generating set and charged a phone in a socket placed on the bed,indicating that it is possible that the woman’s chain made contact with thesocket, resulting in electrocution.

    A resident identified as Ayo said Eric’s relatives found the bodies when they checked on him after he didn’t answer his phone. On getting to his residence, they looked through the window and saw the bodies, and then broke down the door to gain access into the house.

    The spokesperson of Ondo State Police Command, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya confirmed the incident in a telephone chat.

    She disclosed that the deceased had been dating each other for about two years now and both families are aware of their relationship.

    Their remains have been evacuated and deposited at the morgue in a nearby hospital.

  • Proforce Armoured Vehicles as game-changer in winning war against insurgency and other crimes in Nigeria

    The Nigeria’s automotive was  established  in the  1950s aimed at  producing both passenger vehicles and commercial trucks. This was made possible by likes of  Federated Motors Industries, a subsidiary of United Africa Company, and SCOA’s who produces  Peugeot 404 and  pickup trucks respectively.
    Information available at the  National Automotive Design and Development Council website,  Nigeria currently has 31 licensed car, truck, and bus manufacturers with a combined installed capacity of 205,000 vehicles per year (NADDC).
    The majority of the materials used in its production are Steel, aluminium, glass, and polymer (plastics and fibre reinforced composites, rubber and textile fibres).
    However, one of the issues the industry faces is that at least 85 % of the components used in the manufacturing process are imported, implying that Nigeria is an assembler rather than a manufacturer.
    Armoured vehicle manufacturing is a concentric diversification strategy of the automobile industry as it is an expansion into a segment of the automobile industry.
    The need for armoured vehicles to provide greater protection than personal bodyguards has increased more than ever, particularly in countries where security is a major concern, such as Nigeria. A civilian armoured vehicle is specially designed with reinforced structures to protect its occupants from bullets, explosions, and assaults.
    What distinguishes civilian armoured vehicles from the traditional military-built armoured vehicles, such as the MRAP, is that it is meant to be stylish and comfortable while preserving the distinctive high-level protective characteristics such as bulletproof glasses and layers of armoured plate, well-protected tyres and several defensive devices.
    These Armoured vehicles can be described as game changers in the ongiing campaign against insecurity in all parts of the country. The durablity of these vehicles makes it easy for troops to manuveaur in a dangerous environment as it can protect personnel from mines and other explosives.
    As a result of the  characteristics of these vehicles, insurgents and other criminal elements have been deciminated and rooted out.
    Armoured vehicle manufacturing has a few players in Africa, and one of such players is Proforce, a pioneer in West, East and Central Africa and has been manufacturing armoured vehicles and other defence/ security appendages.
    Proforce Limited is a subsidiary of O’la Kleen Holdings. Proforce, also regarded as a Defence solution provider, is Nigeria’s first ever indigenous manufacturing facility for armoured vehicles as well as a wide spectrum of defence solutions since 2008, filling the gap in the industry for armoured vehicles. For over ten years Proforce.
    Limited has been a total defense solution provider specializing in armoured vehicles and personal protection. It has exploited its deep technical know-how and diversified into other areas of Defense featuring an extensive portfolio of land, sea  and aerial solutions. It arms a variety of vehicles such as Toyota Land Cruiser to Range Rovers.
    Its factory in Ode Remo in Ogun state builds Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), while its second factory is in Port Harcourt, with an upcoming one in Abuja and Katsina and with collaboration from the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria.
    The facility boasts a production site, staff residence, R&D centre, admin, maintenance, overhaul and repair, and a clinic.
    Ade Ogundeyin (CEO) has a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Lagos and is a registered Engineer with COREN. He serves as the group managing director of Ola-Kleen Holdings Limited, a Nigerian conglomerate with operations abroad in Ghana, Liberia, the United States, Kuwait, and China. He has participated in numerous international training and spoken as a guest speaker at several entrepreneurship seminars inside and outside of Nigeria.
    The Africa International Business Forum awarded Mr. Ogundeyin with the Africa Industrialist Award at the House of Lords Parliamentarians in the United Kingdom in 2015 (2014 Business Excellence Award). In addition, the Federal Government of Nigeria named him a member of the Nigerian Industrial Policy and Competitiveness Advisory Council (May 30, 2017)
    Proforce clientele serves two major segments, which are civilians and parastatals in the Defense industry:
    For the civilian armoured vehicles, their clientele cuts across major industries in Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, and Chad. The major clientele is High-net-worth individuals, VIPs, entertainers, sportsmen, women, and politicians locally and internationally.
    Parastatals in the Defense industry- Proforce Limited has over 14 years of experience in the defence industry, working with numerous parastatals such as the Military, the Police force, Nigerian Prisons Services, Air force, the Navy, and banks etc. Some of which are: The central bank of Nigeria, Firstbank, Sterling bank, Polaris Bank, Heritage Bank and other companies such as Nigerian Breweries, Shell, Agip, Lafarge.
    Proforce products include a wide variety of defence products such as Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), Armoured Cash-In-Transit Vehicles (CITs), Armoured SUVs, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV-Drones), Armoured Saloons and Sedans, Bulletproof Helmets and Vests, Military Trucks, Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs), Armoured Boats and Marine Vessels, Architectural Armouring (safe houses/rooms, e.g., for banks and embassies).
    Their products/ vehicles cater to the Military, Police, Security, Cash in Transit, Marine, Body Armour, and Architectural Armouring.
    Their services, on the other hand, include installations of ballistic glasses, run-flat tire inserts and the like and manufacturing of ballistic glasses, protective overlaps around door discontinuities and major joints, as well as maintenance repair and overhaul of delaminated or damaged bullet-resistant glass, armour upgrade, refurbishment of accidented vehicles, replacements of damaged run-flat inserts, etc.
    The business operates like a typical manufacturing plant which manufactures, sells and engages in after-sales and maintenance. Proforce makes its profit from the sale and after-sales and repair of its armoured vehicles. Proforce financial results are not publicly available.
    The competitors of Proforce Limited are foreign-owned but with operations in Nigeria. Lenco armoured trucks, based in Canada, is one example. Lenco manufactures for law enforcement agencies, State Police and Sheriff’s Department SWAT teams in the United States, the US Army, Navy, Air Force, and US Marines, as well as international police forces.
    The second company is INKAS Nigeria, which is a civil and customized security automobile manufacturing organization. INKAS, a privately held group of companies, was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. INKAS recently established a presence in Lagos, Nigeria. INKAS Nigeria is a collaboration between the INKAS Group of Companies and Sapid Holdings.
    The third company is Texas Armoring Corporation, which designs and manufactures armoured vehicles using lightweight synthetic fibre armour laminates. It was founded in 1993 in Ogden, Utah, and now has a facility in Abuja.
    In the month of July 2022, Proforce Limited introduced the PF Fury, PF Viper, a Toyota Land Cruiser with 360-degree armour protection at the Nigerian Army Research and Development (R&D) expo held in Owerri, Imo State. The ultra-light combat vehicle known as the PF Fury was created to meet the needs of the Special Operation Forces and Infantry of the Nigerian Armoured Forces and is tailored to different missions.
    Some months prior in April 2022, to further strengthen production, AERACCESS (a French company specializing in the design and manufacture of drones for the security and surveillance markets as well as the civil market), and Proforce Signed an MOU to launch a training centre to establish drone production lines, that is, a “Drone Academy” in Nigeria.
    According to the CEO, “When you say Made-in-Nigeria, it means a lot to us as we design our own. Because all these vehicles are patent, we’re industrializing Nigeria; manufacturing is the backbone of any economy and we have provided jobs and been able to show on the international stage that Nigeria and Africa can compete against other countries”.
    With an indigenous producing Armoured vehicle plant like PROFORCE, the end of insurgents and criminality is near in Nigeria.

  • Sun Reporter, others escape death during kingship coronation in Ebonyi State

    Mr Uchenna Inya, a Sun Newspaper Correspondent in Ebonyi State and  many others escaped death as armed men suspectedto be thugs invaded the venue of kingship election in Nkomoro, Ezza-North Local Government Area and  disrupted the process.
    According to Inya, no fewer than 10 cars were vandalised during the kingship elections on Saturday
    Inya whose vehicle was also destroyed said that motorcycles, tricycles and houses were burnt during the incident.
    The corrrespondent while narrating his ordeal in Abakaliki, said he was covering the kingship elections when the suspected thugs invaded the venue of the event.
    He further explained that, policemen, soldiers and a Magistrate, attached to the state judiciary among other persons also ran away to escape the wrath of the the suspected thugs.
    “We went to cover the election/coronation of a new traditional ruler of the community when thugs attacked us and vandalised my corolla vehicle while returning to Abakaliki.
    “The thugs also attacked policemen, soldiers, a Magistrate and some government officials and vandalized their cars.
    “Motorcycles, tricycles and other valuable properties were also destroyed by the thugs.
    “The thugs were armed with weapons including sticks, rods, stones and other weapons,” Inya explained.
    The Police Public Relation Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, said that the command was yet to received any information concerning the incident.
    “We are not aware of any coronation or any information regarding what you asked,”Ukandu said.
    It was gathered that,  the kingship of the community had been a serrious battle between some vested interest.

  • National cohesion critical for fostering stability, progress -UNDP

    The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) says good leadership and national cohesion are critical for fostering stability, progress, and prosperity within our great nation.
    The UNDP Team Lead, Governance, Peace and Security, Mr Mathew Alao, stated this at the graduation ceremony of the Leadership and National Cohesion Course 1 (LNC), at Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Centre (MLAILPKC) Jaji, Kaduna State, on Friday.
    Alao said the graduation was a significant step towards the advancement of peace, security, and unity within our beloved nation, Nigeria and ECOWAS sub-region.
    ”Leadership start with us as parent that brings little children to this world. Leadership starts from grassroots.
    ”Unfortunately, we have lost it. Nigeria today is very individualistic. It’s all about I and my family. And this is leading us to no where. This is why this course is very critical at this moment.
    ”If nothing is done to address the leadership deficit from the family unit, from the community unit and community level, we are not going anywhere. Money can not save our society,” he said.
    He commended the participants of the training for dedication to the programme.
    “Over the past two weeks, you have dedicated yourselves to an intensive programme that not only on leadership skills but also fosters an understanding of the essential tenets of national cohesion.
    “Your presence here signifies a commitment to making Nigeria a better, more unified country, “he said.
    ”Today, we recognize your accomplishments and the bright future that lies ahead.
    ”I would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Commandant and his team of instructors and resource persons at the Centre for your unwavering commitment to equipping our future leaders.
    ”Also acknowledge the generous financial support and strong partnership of the Government of Japan,” he said
    He said the funding and partnership had made the course possible, and dedication to promoting peace and stability in the continent, ECOWAS and Nigeria is deeply appreciated.
    “Together, we are working towards a brighter and more unified future for our planet,” Alao said.
    The Chief of Training, Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Sani Mohammed, noted that the collaborative effort between MLAILPKC and the Japanese Government through the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) which gave raise to the course.
    The Chief of Training was represented by Maj-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Infantry.
    He said a country without national integration was often implied as the country deprived of social cohesion, sense of nationalism and with a failed socio-politico-economy.
    “In bringing up these values, there lies a strong leadership role,” he said.
    He said the overall objective of the LNC was to develop human capacity to equip the participants to be able to handle challenges that arises with leadership.
    “It was aimed at identifying, analyzing and evaluating the drivers of disunity, disintegration and insurrection in the polity in order to provide a pathway for national integration and cohesion,” Mohammed said .
    Also in his remarks the Commandant, MLAILPKC Maj-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, said the LNC was designed to provide the participants with the skills and knowledge required to operate effectively in a complex dynamic multi-disciplinary, multi- cultural and religious environment.
    He said it was also aimed at equipping participants to become role models in their various establishments and in addition, good ambassadors of this Centre.
    “As you graduate today, as the pioneers of the LNC, please know you are vanguards of improved Leadership and National Cohesion.
    “You must always remember that so much has been given to you and as such, so much is expected from you as trained Leadership and National Cohesion Officers, “Adedoja said.
    Adedoja appreciate the Government of Japan, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for their enormous support towards achieving success of this course

  • Why coups persist in Africa- UNDP

    The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has identified lack of core value and over-ambition of young military officers who do not want to wait for their turn as the major causes of coups d’état in Africa.
    The UNDP Team Lead, Governance, Peace and Security, Matthew Alao, said this in an interview with newsmen after the graduation ceremony of the Leadership and National Cohesion Course  at Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji, Kaduna State.
    Alao said that though the military cannot be divorced from the society where it situates, but over-ambition by young military officers, eroding core societal values, religious beliefs, and lack of education are the key reasons for more coups in West African countries and Africa at large.
    Alao who noted that the fundamental problem the world is facing today is the lack of core values, said this resulted to persistent coups and counter-coups staged in Africa by military officers.
    “Our core values are fast breaking down. You will see agitation and expectation on so many issues that may not be reality.
    “Most people don’t go to school. Some do go to school but do not have employable skills. This contributes to what is happening.
    “And, because the military cannot be divorced from the society where it situates, they also feel part of that agitation. When that cry is going on, it speculates and overshadows the event. I think that is one of the reasons for coups.
    “Then, may be over-ambition by the young officers, they don’t want to wait for their turn. The idea of young people wanting to be there is another cause of coups.
    “Young people need to learn, because if young people don’t learn, we will continue to somersault. After all, this country was ruled by 27-year-old officer at a time.
    At a point they delivered, but they didn’t deliver well. If the military of those days had the necessary experience and requisite vision, when Nigeria was still in the morning, they would have planned our future and laid the foundation and we wouldn’t be where we are today.
    “We wouldn’t be clamoring for roads, infrastructure, and all that.
    Suppose the people that found this country, like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, were able to do something up to the late 80s, Nigeria would have been better than this. The situation we are now is dangerous.
    “In those days, Ibadan was flourishing, Kaduna was a hub, Lagos was a factory ground, but within a blink of an eye under the Structural Adjustment Program, everything collapsed.”
    He expressed concern that this leadership deficit was taking a toll on the country and should be addressed right from the family unit to the community level.
    Alao described Nigeria today as very individualistic, saying, “We have lost it. Now it’s all about I and my family. And this is leading us nowhere. This is why this course is very critical at this moment.”
    ”Leadership starts with us as parent that brings little children to this world. Leadership starts from grassroots.
    ”Unfortunately, we have lost it. Nigeria today is very individualistic. It’s all about I and my family. And this is leading us to nowhere. This is why this course is very critical at this moment.
    ”If nothing is done to address the leadership deficit from the family unit, from the community unit and community level, we are not going anywhere. Money cannot save our society.”
    “As an individual, how much do we need, how much can we use to take care of ourselves in a day? And how much are we earning?
    “And how much of resources committed to us are we diverting that is causing the crises today? That communal relationship
    and values been thought to us while growing up has left us and that is why we are stuck today.
    “Everybody is looking for downfall of our leadership. We don’t build up by looking for downfall of our leaders,” he said.
    He said the leadership course, which happened to be the brainchild of the past Commandant of the Peacekeeping Centre, Major General Obinna Onubogu was born due to the spate of coups happening in West Africa.
    “They felt that providing leadership training to the middle-level military and civilians is an antidote to it.
    ”They felt that because that quality training, that orientation on subordination is weakening in the military and political space of West Africa.
    “They felt that UNDP, with the funding made available by the government of Japan, is sponsoring it,” Alao added

  • Sallah : Nasarawa Speaker doles out N4m, 300 bags of rice, rams for constituents. 

    “… pledges to shape the state legislative arm for speedy development, drums support for Gov. Sule’s administration…”
    Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau says he is committed to shape the legislative arm of the State to focus on people driven legislation to improve the lives of rural dwellers.
    He made the commitment while distributing Sallah package to the people of Kokona West constituency at Garaku, Kokona local government area today.
    The Speaker Nasarawa State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau dolled out four million naira, 300 bags of rice and 15 rams to be distributed to his people.
    This is to enable them celebrate the upcoming sallah at ease.
    Speaker Jatau used the medium to called on his constituents to avoid divisive tendencies to allow him continue to consolidate on his developmental initiatives aimed at improving their well-being.
    Speaker Danladi Jatau then called for support to the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule to enable him provide more dividends of democracy, assuring his constituents that the state government is committed to constructing more rural roads in the area and other parts of the State to boost socio-economic activities for development to strive.
    Appreciating Jatau for the gesture, his campaign Director General, Alh. Ibrahim Abubakar said the Speaker has proven beyond doubt that representation is all about the people.
    He assured the Speaker of their total loyalty and support at all times to enable him succeed.

  • Igwe Asadu emerges chairman, South East traditional ruler council 

    His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, (Ogadagidi), Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council has emerged as the new Chairman of South East Traditional Rulers Council.
    Igwe Asadu is also the traditional Ruler of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State.
    The was made in a statement by Mr John Okanyi, Chief of Staff to Igwe Asadu, in Abuja on Saturday.
    Igwe Asadu’s emergence as the Chairman of South East Traditional Rulers was greeted with widespread jubilation across Enugu State and beyond with congratulatory messages pouring in from various dignitaries across the globe.
    HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha and the Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council has joined other Royal fathers and dignitaries nationwide in congratulating the new Chairman.
    Igwe Asadu had earlier emerged the Chairman of Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers following the reconstitution of the 8th Council of Enugu State Traditional Rulers and his subsequent appointment as the Chairman by His Excellency Barr. Peter Mbah, the Executive Governor of Enugu State.
    Igwe Asadu is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Promptime HealthCare Services, USA- a leading healthcare service provider in the USA with over 400 staff in his employ.
    He owns Acredible Health Care Services as well as Lakeview Health Care Services all based in the USA.
    To Carter for his interest in real estate, he founded NSSP Holdings NLC, a leading real estate firm in Dallas and He is a member of peoples club of Nigeria (USA) Branch.
    As a firm believer of Aku-Rue Ulo and job creator, he established Nichole Place Hotel Ltd. Enugu, Nichole Place Hotel at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ezenwanyi Farms Ltd, Dallas Table Water among others.
    His Majesty is a renowned Philanthropist per excellence and a community development and youth empowerment czar.
    He founded the Ogadagidi Global Empowerment Initiative: a non-governmental, nonprofit making outfit, dedicated to providing humanitarian services to his people and beyond.
    He built and equipped an ultramodern free 20-bedded hospital for the community and pays monthly bill of over one million naira to doctors and other staff from 2019 till date.
    He donated N63 million to 63 youths of Edem ani youth on January 2nd 2024 and sponsored 24 persons from Akpa, Ozzi, Edem ani and Ugwunagbo to Abroad to seek for greener pastures.
    He recently constructed 2.1 kilometers asphalt road leading from Odenigbo Nsukka to Edem-ani, sponsored erosion control at Ugwu Aji and has donated up to N27,000,000 for reticulation of water in Edem ani. He built eight houses for the widows and the indigents from Edem ani community.
    In the area of security, he spent millions of Naira in procuring a Hilux Van, motorcycles, Walkie Talkie and other security gadgets to equip the Edem-Ani Neighborhood Watch to secure the community.
    He recently sponsored solar lights in the whole of Edem ani and Ugwnagbo Community to the tune of N12,000,000.
    In education and youth empowerment, he purchased Jamb forms for about 300 youths of Edem origin. He donated laptops and generators to four primary schools in Edem-ani; donated N5,000,000 to some Edem-Ani youths to start businesses.
    He awarded scholarships to indigent University students; sponsored up to eight of Edem ani indigenes for masters degree programmes abroad with a promise to pay for masters degree programme abroad for any Edem ani indigene who made first class or second class upper in any Nigeria university.
    He has sponsored 10 years of the Ogadagidi Children’s Party: a platform he uses to reward outstanding students from public primary schools in Edem-ani, Constructed the culverts that links Otobo Ubogidi, Obinagu Ubogidi and Ozalla Umuneje village.
    Built a food bank that feeds up to 250 people on daily  bases since 2022. As a result of these, his community a unanimously agreed to erect his status at the central place in the community which will be there in perpetuity.

  • FRSC deploys 800 operatives for hitch-free celebration of Eid-el-Kabi in Abia State

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Abia Sector Command, says it has deployed 500 regular marshals and 300 special marshals to strategic locations in the state for a hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    The Sector Commander, Mr Fredrick Ogidan, said this at a news cconference on Friday in Umuahia, while speaking on the command’s level of preparedness for the celebration.

    Ogidan said, “Our patrol men are already on the road doing speed calming, cautioning drivers and ensuring that people drive safe to their destination.”

    He said that the major preoccupation of the corps during such festive periods was not to arrest but ensure that the road would be free of any obstructions and  gridlocks.

    Ogidan said that dangerous driving and overtaking, lane indiscipline as well as excessive speed often lead to road crashes.

    He, therefore, warned the motoring public against engaging in such acts.

    He also said that such road traffic infractions were common on the highways, adding that FRSC personnel were already on the roads to keep the situation under control.

    The sector commander further  said that the command had deployed vehicles for effective patrol and tow trucks for promp clearance of obstructions on the highway.

    He said that the corps was collaborating with Abia Emergency Medical Services, Fire Service, Homeland Security and other security agencies to ensure effective implementation of all directives for a safe celebration.

    He also said that the command  had set up a traffic control camp and rescue operation point, with a  health section that would offer first aid to accident victims before taking them to hospital.

    “Our ambulances would be visible, our tow trucks would be positioned where they could be easily called and our men will be on the road throughout the day.

    “In the office, we have a 24 hours rescue team on ground and we can be contacted on our 122 line, which is toll free,” Ogidan said.

    He said that the command had commenced effective enforcement of disallowing the use of trucks and articulated vehicles to convey passengers and goods simultaneously.

    “We have visited  the Lokpanta Cattle Market to further drive the message home that any articulated vehicle conveying goods and passengers would be stopped and sanctioned.

    “The  passengers on the trailer will be made to take appropriate alternative means of transport, while the trailer driver would be made to pay fines,” he added

    Ogidan said that the Abia Government had provided the command with special courts to facilitate timely prosecution of traffic offenders.

    “Our special operation starts from today to the 21st.

    “During the programme, we will be doing a lot of arrest of traffic offenders and arraigning them before a magistrate for prosecution.

    “There is yet another arrangement, which is the prosecution of drivers of vehicles involved in crashes, resulting in death of passengers.

    “The driver will be prosecuted not just for minor traffic offence but for driving a vehicle in a manner that led to the loss of life and property.

    “We would be organising a minimum of two mobile courts, doing one on the 19th and another on the 20th,” Ogidan said.

    He advised Abia residents to abstain from causing road obstructions, use of phones while driving and overloading of vehicles.

    He also urged motorists to wear seat belts and use child restraints because they have the ability to reduce the impact of any crash by at least 50 per cent.

    “All hands are on deck to ensure that the celebration period is hitch-free and accident-free,” Ogidan said.

  • Nasarawa lawmaker, Hon Ven – Bawa distributes 2 trailer loads of fertilizer, cash to constituents worth N50 million

    “…as Gov. Sule announces plans to construct Under Pass, other link roads in Akwanga LGA as Nasarawa Speaker, Sen. Wadada, Rep J J Umaru, State APC Chair, others grace occasion…”
    Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, says he would construct Under pass in Akwanga Local Government Area of the State.
    He also said that he would construct a road linking Alushi Junction to Mada hill in Akwanga LGA to boost the  socio-economic activities of the people of the area and its environs.
    Gov. Sule made this known while flagging off 2nd Annual Value Addition Agricultural Empowerment Scheme and Cash Reward For Excellence of Hon Larry Ven-Bawa, member representing Akwanga North constituency at the state legislature today in Andaha, Akwanga LGA.
    Gov. Sule appreciated Hon Ven-Bawa for providing the much needed dividends of democracy to his people.
    He called on the people of Akwanga to unite irrespective of their affiliations for development to continue to thrive in the area.
    ”  I want to call on the Executive Chairman of Akwanga, His Deputy, Hon Larry Ven – Bawa and Hon Kwanta Yakubu among others to unite and work together for speedy development to be achieved in this Local Government.
    ” You must work together to ensure speedy development in Akwanga,” he said
    The Governor assured of his administration’s continuous commitment to provide infrastructure and other projects that would have direct bearing on the people of the State.
    On his part, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly appreciated Hon Ven-Bawa for providing the fertilizers to the people of his constituency.
    Jatau said that the gesture would go a long way in boosting agricultural production in the constituency and the state at large.
    The Speaker appreciated  Gov. Sule for the good working relationship and assured him of the 7th assembly under his leadership to give the Governor maximum support to succeed.
    ” Your Excellency, your are doing well. The people of our constituencies are feeling your impact due to our good working relationship with you.
    ” I want to assure you of our continous synergy and support for the overall development of the state,” he said
    The Speaker urged the people of Akwanga North constituency to continue to pray and support Gov. Sule and Hon. Larry to succeed.
    On their parts, Sen. Ahmed Aliyu Wadada (SDP- Nasarawa West) Reps Jeremiah Umaru (APC- Akwanga/Wamba/ Nassarawa Eggon) Hon. Aliyu Bello, State APC Chairman, HRH Chun Mada, Mr Samson Gamu Yare, among others appreciated Hon Ven-Bawa for the gesture.
    They said that the fertilizer and cash distribution would not only boost agricultural yield but would also improve on the standard of living of the people of the constituecy.
    They urged the beneficiaries not to sale the product but use them to boost food security in the constituecy and the state at large.
    On his part, Hon Larry Ven – Bawa, member representing Akwanga North constituency at the state legislature said that he decided to purchased  two trailer loads of NPK fertilizer to boost agricultural yield of the people of his constituency.
    The Chief Whip of the House said that he also distributed cash ranging from N1million, N500,000 and N50,000 each to his Campaign Council, Value Addition Media Team, Campaign Coordinators, delegates and supporters in order to improve on their standard of living.
    According to him, in this raining season, it is time that farmers go to the farm to plant crops and dresses them.
    “Value Addition demands that I should take advantage of the season by proving bags of fertilizer for the farmers so that their economic status will be enhanced and food shortage will be a thing of the past
    ” Today’s programme is made up of two events, The Agricultural Empowerment Scheme and Cash Reward For Excellence.
    ” I have the mandate to liberate Akwanga North Constituency from the shackles of misrule, misrepresentation and gross underperformance
    ” In order to accomplish the mandate, I have come out with a working and guiding documents known as ” Value Addition” The value addition has become my identity” he said.
    He said that the financial Reward for Excellence are for people who stood by him, Kwantamania and A A Sule before, during and after primary and general elections.
    ” These categories of people are my Campaign Council, Coordinators, Value Addition Media Team, Value Addition Placard Association and delegates that voted for me during the primary election
    ” The exercise is an expression of my gratitude to them for the sacrifices that they made for our sake, all in all for today’s program I spent almost N50 million” he said.
    Ven – Bawa assured of continous good and sound representation at the state legislature.
    He also appreciated Gov Sule for the numerous projects executed in his constituency and the state at large.
    The lawmaker called on the people of his constituency to continued to support the Governor to succeed.
    Earlier, Hon. Safiyanu Isa Andaha, the Chairman of Akwanga Local Government Area thanked Gov. Sule for the distribution of tractors to the people of the state.
    He said that the Governor’s gesture would boost food security in the state
    Hon Safiyanu assured the Governor of his peoples’ resolved to continue to support him to succeed.
    He, however appealed to the Governor to construct Andaha road network, a request the Governor granted.
    It would be reported that the event also had in attendance, traditional rulers, politicians, supporters and well wishers.

  • EFCC arrests 127 suspected internet fraudsters in Akure

    Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 127 suspected internet fraudsters in Akure, Ondo State.

    The Spokesman of EFCC, Mr Dele Oyewale, said in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    According to him, the alleged internet fraudsters were arrested in an early morning sting operation  at a “ Yahoo Party” held simultaneously at Signature  and Abah Clubs  on  Saturday, in Akure, Ondo State.

    ”Credible intelligence showed that the alleged party was initially scheduled for Wednesday,  June 5,  2024 but was later moved to Saturday to beat security and intelligence networks of the EFCC.

    ”The suspects have given useful information to investigators of the Directorate.

    ”Items recovered from them include ten exotic cars, phones, laptops, motor-cycle, wristwatches and many incriminating documents,” EFCC spokesman said.

    According to him, they will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. (NAN)