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Nigeria to Host World Athletics Africa Road Running Conference, as NSC Formulates Organizing Committee

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In preparation for Nigeria’s hosting of the upcoming World Athletics Africa Road Running Conference, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has constituted the event’s Organizing Committee, naming Chief Solomon Ogba, First Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), as the Chairman.

The Committee comprises distinguished sports administrators and seasoned professionals drawn from both the sports industry and corporate sector.

Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, emphasized the careful selection process behind the committee’s composition. “The members of the Committee were meticulously selected because of their professionalism and tested qualities, and I have no doubt that they will all bring their wealth of experience to bear to ensure we stage a befitting Road Running conference which will be the first of its kind in the country,” he said.

Director General of the Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, added that hosting the conference will open doors for more international events in Nigeria. “This is another milestone for refocusing and resetting our Sports developmental goals, and I have no doubt that we have picked a good team to achieve the successful hosting of the Conference,” the DG stated.

Full list of committee members:
1. Chief Solomon Ogba – Chairman
2. Mr. Segun Ogunleye – Member (Corporate Nigeria)
3. Mrs. Oge Kasie-Nwachukwu – Member (Corporate Nigeria)
4. Mr. Danladi Verheijen – Member (Corporate Nigeria)
5. Ms. Aku Aghazu – Member
6. Ms. Otonye Iworima – Member
7. Mr. Travih Nunayon – Member
8. Mr. Yusuf Ali – Member
9. Mr. Femi Adeniran – Member (Corporate Nigeria)
10. Ms. Aisha Shuaibu – Member
11. Mr. Salihu Abubakar – Member
12. Mr. Kunle Solaja – Member
13. Mr. Dare Esan – Member
14. Ms. Tayo Popoola – Member
15. Mr. Israel Iwang – Secretary

57 Children Died Of Hunger In Gaza – Official 

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Fifty-seven children  died from the effects of malnutrition during the ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip, a representative of the World Health Organisation, WHO, said, citing Palestinian Health ministry.

WHO’s Representative in the Palestinian Territories, Rik Peeperkorn, said in a video call that the UN organisation has not yet verified these figures.

However, he noted that  WHO has observed an increase in malnourished children.

In connection with this, he reported  many young patients with pneumonia and gastrointestinal diseases.

“You normally don’t die from starvation, you die from diseases associated with it,” he said.

From  WHO’s headquarters in Geneva, it was stated that in recent weeks, more than 57 children may have already died due to the food crisis.

Since the beginning of March, the Israeli military has not allowed aid deliveries into the Gaza Strip.

The armed forces accused the Palestinian extremist organisation, Hamas of selling aid supplies at inflated prices to the suffering population and using the proceeds to pay for their fighters and weapons.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation, FAO, warned at the beginning of the week of an escalating famine in the coastal strip.

A recent analysis  indicated that the entire population of the Gaza Strip, around 2.1 million people, are affected by acute food insecurity.

Of these, 244,000 people are already suffering from famine, FAO said. dpa/NAN

Kebbi, UNICEF, Canada Partner To Improve Primary Healthcare

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Kebbi State government, United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, and Global Affairs Canada, GAC, are  partnering to improve health indices, especially primary healthcare and community system in Kebbi. 

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Yunusa Musa-Ismail, made this known at a two-day engagement meeting in Birnin Kebbi, yesterday.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the meeting was organised by UNICEF, funded by Global Affairs Canada,  to enhance access to gender-responsive sexual and reproductive health, maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition services.

Musa-Ismail said government had appreciated GAC for selecting Kebbi as one of the three states  to benefit from the initiative.

He said “I assure you that we will do everything humanly possible to support and promote healthcare  at all levels.

“The state government provided facilities to 14 healthcare centres last year, as the 500 health workers  recruited would be trained to ensure maximum benefit and effective service delivery.”

He reaffirmed  government’s commitment to ensure a successful implementation of the intervention, adding that it would develop templates. 

The commissioner urged the participants to carefully study the plan to avoid making mistakes and ensure strict compliance to achieve the objectives.

Earlier, the Chief Field Officer, Sokoto Field Office of UNICEF, Mr Michael Juma said the health indicators in the state require a lot of rethink.

He added that nutrition, which is critical for child development, remains high, with early marriage also high.

According to him, the delivery of healthcare in the 21st century is not what it used to be, saying there is the need for a paradigm shift.

He said “we are, therefore, targeting more than 2.6 million women and children across Kebbi, Bauchi and Kaduna States, in an initiative to address the challenges of adolescent pregnancy, malnutrition and anemia.

“The initiative seeks to empower women and adolescents to claim their health rights and increase accountability in service delivery.”

He described the programme as a demonstration of Kebbi’s commitment to ensure equitable and quality healthcare for the people NAN

Gov Aliyu Tasks Sokoto Pilgrims On Devotion, Good Conduct

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Sokoto Governor Aliyu

From  Ibrahim Goronyo, Sokoto 

Sokoto State governor Ahmed Aliyu  has urged intending pilgrims to dedicate themselves to acts of worship while in the holy land. 

The governor made this plea while addressing the first batch of intending pilgrims, emphasizing that this would enable them to perform an accepted Hajj.

He also charged them to be good ambassadors of the state and country, stressing the need for them to avoid  acts that could tarnish their image and that of the state. He assured that  government would monitor their welfare. 

Aliyu, represented by his Deputy Alhaji Idris  Gobir, asked the pilgrims to pray for peace in the state and country. 

Earlier, the Chairman of the State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Aliyu Musa, stated that the first flight comprised 428 intending pilgrims from various local government areas.

Zulum Condemns Terrorism, Sympathises With Victims Of Attacks

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Zulum

From HASSAN JIRGI Maiduguri 

Borno State governor, Babagana  Zulum, has  condemned the recent spate of attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in various parts of the state.

He lamented the recent attack on Maiduguri-Damboa Road, Marte, Chibok, Gwoza, Kala Balge and other affected communities.

Zulum expressed his heartfelt sympathy to the families of all victims affected by the tragic incidents, which included an Improvised Explosive Device, IED, attack along  Maiduguri-Damboa Road.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Mr Dauda Iliya, the governor reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to work closely with the federal government, military and other security agencies to contain the security challenges.

The statement added that the explosion, which occurred on  May 12, claimed the lives of two staff  of  Damboa Local Education Authority who were en-route  Maiduguri to sit for the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, TRCN, examination. Several members of the armed forces and innocent civilians have also lost their lives in the recent wave of violence.

“These acts of terror are deeply condemnable. The recent tragic loss of our education staff, gallant troops and innocent civilians is a painful reminder of the challenges we continue to face,” Governor Zulum stated.

He added: “I am more determined than ever to support the military, security agencies and our volunteer forces in the fight to end terrorism and insurgency in our state.”

Governor Zulum recalled his recent visit to Gwoza, where he engaged  military personnel and  Izge community, as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce resilience and ensure the protection of lives and property.

According to him, the recent surge in attacks will not deter our resolve to tackle the scourge of the 16-year-long insurgency. I urge the people of Borno to remain resilient and prayerful. This is a partial eclipse  and we shall overcome it,” the governor assured.

He extended his thoughts and prayers to the families of the fallen heroes, innocent civilians and all citizens of Borno State during this difficult period. 

2027: Ohanaeze Charges Gov Otti To Adopt Tinubu’s Candidacy

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From CHARLES ONYEKWERE, Enugu

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has charged Governor Alex Otti of Abia State to adopt President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election. 

Ohanaeze also urged South East citizens to align with the political leadership of the Minister of Works, David Umahi as President  Tinubu embarks on  official visit to Abia State on May 23 to inaugurate the Port Harcourt Road project in Aba.

The body commended Governor Otti for his remarkable achievements in the completion of the Port Harcourt road project, an endeavour that has languished in neglect for over 15 years.

In a joint statement issued yesterday by the factional Deputy President-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro and the National Spokesperson, Chief Thompson Ohia, Ohanaeze  stated that it is indeed a testament to his administration’s commitment to infrastructural development and progress of Abia State.

It said the president’s state visit presents an invaluable opportunity for Otti to align Abia State with President Tinubu’s overarching vision and policies at the national level, adding that such alignment promises to usher in greater prosperity not only for Abia State, but for the entire Igbo Nation.

The statement reads: “ln the light of the aforementioned, Ohanaeze Ndigbo earnestly calls on Governor  Otti to summon his moral fortitude and emulate the commendable example set by the Anambra State governor, Charles Soludo.

“Governor Soludo seized the occasion of President Tinubu’s recent visit to Anambra State to boldly declare his official adoption  as the sole candidate for the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the upcoming 2027 presidential election.

“It is imperative that  Otti follows this lead, thereby affirming our collective commitment to national unity and progress.

“As we prepare for President  Tinubu’s visit, we urge all Abians and members of the Igbo community to join in extending a resounding welcome to our president on  May 23. 

“This act of solidarity is not merely a ceremonial gesture; it is a profound statement of support for the policies that can lift our communities and foster development across our region.

“Let this occasion herald a new chapter of collaboration and unity between the Igbo Nation and the federal government, epitomised by our endorsement and support for President Tinubu’s leadership as we look towards the future.”

Ukachukwu Is Unknown To Anambra APC, Says APGA Stalwart

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From CHARLES ONYEKWERE, Awka

Coordinator of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Media Warriors Forum, Evangelist Chinedu Obigwe, has described the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate for the forthcoming November 8 election, Nicholas Ukachukwu, as a “floating politician” unknown to the party.

Reacting to a purported statement credited to the  Imo State governor , Hope Uzodimma, suggesting that there is no alliance between President Bola Tinubu and Governor Charles Soludo, Obigwe stated that Ukachukwu is not known to the president or even members of the APC in Anambra State.

According to him, Ukachukwu will continue “floating” until after the well-deserved declaration of Governor Soludo as the winner of the November 8 governorship election.

He dismissed  reports allegedly originating from Governor Uzodimma, claiming it was orchestrated by the “drowning political camp” of Ukachukwu, now known in Anambra as Ikuku Ojor.

Obigwe insisted that Uzodimma did not issue the statement, asserting that he does not know Ukachukwu.

“The person lured with money by the drowning political camp of  Ukachukwu to act as if he is speaking on behalf of Governor Uzodimma is Ijeomah Arodiogbu, the South East Chairman of the APC.

“I say this based on what transpired during President Tinubu’s recent visit to Anambra. If not for the magnanimity and large-heartedness of  Soludo,  Ukachukwu would not have been allowed to come anywhere near the visiting governors, ministers and the president.

“Amusingly, he used the opportunity given to him by Governor Soludo to exchange greetings with APC governors who looked at him and asked who are you?’

“He then introduced himself as the APC governorship candidate in Anambra. Even after that, they still treated him like a complete stranger,” Obigwe said.

He  stated that President Tinubu’s visit to Anambra exposed Ukachukwu as a total stranger in the APC, alleging that he used money to hijack the party’s ticket in the state.

Lagos APC Primaries:  Party Members Reject Results, Protest In Agege

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Some members of the All Progressives Congress,APC, in Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State  yesterday staged a protest over the results of last Saturday’s primaries of the party.

The party members, chanting words rejecting the outcome of the primaries during the protest at Oke-koto area of Agege, said the announced results did not reflect the will of APC members in the area.

They said Mr Babatunde Azeez and Mr Abiodun Akinola,announced as chairmanship candidates for Agege LG and Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area,LCDA, respectively, were imposed on  party members.

Mr Sabitu Kamorudeen, Chairman of 2023  Presidential Campaign Council ,PCC, in Agege, who led the protest, said most party members were against the emergence of the candidates for the two council areas.

According  to him, the two candidates were hand-picked by some party leaders to serve their selfish interests.

“We are here to challenge those using President Bola Tinubu’s name to impose their candidates.

“The results are not only misleading but are  a gross misrepresentation of the democratic will of our party members in Agege and Orile-Agege.

“The outcomes are not  a reflection of due process but  reek of  manipulation and abuse of party machinery by entrenched interests,who have hijacked our local politics”, he said.

Speaking , Mr Adetunji Akinyemi, the spokesperson PCC Orile-Agege LCDA, said that  members of the APC in the area  acknowledge and respect the supremacy of party directives and structures.

According to him, such deference must not be misconstrued as passive endorsement of tyranny or authoritarianism cloaked as leadership.

“We cannot support a scenario where a single individual, wielding inordinate influence, positions himself as the sole arbiter of who rises or falls within the party in Agege.

“That is not party discipline it is political capture, and it is antithetical to the democratic ethos of our party, the APC.The political climate in Agege and Orile-Agege is uniquely troubling,” he said

Also Mr Akeem Ashiru, one of party leaders in the area,urged the state council of APC, political leaders and members of the party’s  National working Committee to act on the matter and check what he called hijack of the party in Agege and Orile Agege.

“This is Lagos and this is Agege, it is not a political estate to be inherited or transferred at will.

“For many of us,  Agege is not only our constituency,  it is our home.We have no ancestral retreats beyond these communities and so we must insist on justice, fairness and the preservation of peace”, Ashiru said.

Asanat Lawal, a member of the group, said that their allegiance remained with the broader APC.

According to her, party members are committed to the party and second-term bid of President Bola Tinubu, but  will not remain silent in the face of oppression.

“We will continue to resist every attempt to destroy our democratic foundation of our local politics and we will defend the rights of our people to be represented by individuals of their choosing not by fiat, coercion or hereditary succession”, she said.

NAN reports that the party  has inaugurated an appeal committee to look into  alleged malpractices, manipulation and allegations raised by aspirants and delegates that participated in the primaries .

The party advised discontented aspirants to submit their appeals to the committee.

NAN reports that the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, LASIEC, had fixed July 12 for  the local government election in the state.

Security: EKSG Begins Recruitment Of Over 500 Amotekun, Agro-Marshals, Anti-Gracing Corps

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In a bold step to further enhance security of lives and property across the state, Ekiti State Government has begun the process of recruiting over 500 personnel into the Amotekun Corps, Agro-Marshals, and Anti-Gracing Task Force. 

The recruitment process which is geared towards reinforcing the state’s ability to curb criminal activities, protect farmers as well as enforce anti-gracing laws effectively, began in Ado- Ekiti on Tuesday. 

Speaking with journalist during the screening exercise held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado- Ekiti , the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Brigadier-Gen Ogundana Ebenezer , Retd, said the exercise is a critical step towards beefing up the security architecture of the state and expand personnel aimed at addressing the growing security challenges across the country, particularly in rural communities.

Describing the exercise as a proactive step by Governor Biodun Oyebanji to step up security of lives and property, government infrastructures and agricultural development, General Ogundana  said the move underscored the state government’s dedication to enhancing the operational capacity of local security outfits to combat crime, protect agricultural sector and rural communities, as well as address the security concerns related to open gracing thereby contributing to the reduction of farmers-herders conflicts.

Gen. Ogundana emphasized that the recruitment drive is not only a response to security threats but also a proactive step in ensuring the realisation of government’s vision for a robust agricultural sector by strengthening security around the farms and in the grassroots. 

He explained that the screening exercise and the recruitment process for the new personnel is being carefully considered for local knowledge and familiarity with the terrain, stressing that deploying security personnel that are well familiar with their environment would greatly improve surveillance and intelligence gathering.

The Special Adviser explained that after the screening exercise, all the successful candidates would undergo comprehensive training to ensure that they are fully ready and equipped to tackle the state’s security challenges effectively and professionally.

“The screening exercise going on here today is for those that have been shortlisted to be recruited into Amotekun, Agro-Marshals, and Anti Gracing Corps in Ekiti State, which is a proactive measure by Governor Oyebanji to recruit more men into the local security outfits.

“After the screening, we will train them and after that return them to their respective local government areas to go and protect the area, and you are also aware of the Governor’s Agriculture projects, which is  creating employment for the youth and since most of the forests been used by the criminals as hideout had been turned to farms, we have to protect the farmers and the farms and that’s why we are increasing the strength and capacity of Amotekun in the state”, he added. 

The  young men that turned up for the exercise were drawn from across all the local government areas of the state with input from their community leaders.

Lamido Urges Tinubu To Settle N45bn Debt Owed Abiola 

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A former Governor of Jigawa, Sule Lamido, has urged President Bola Tinubu to settle a N45 billion debt allegedly owed to late Chief Moshood Abiola.

He made the appeal during the launch of his autobiography, ‘Being True to Myself’, held yesterday at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.

Lamido said the payment would symbolically and morally close the June 12 struggle and Abiola’s unjust treatment following the annulment of the 1993 presidential election.

He stated that the June 12, 1993, election is widely believed to have been won by Abiola.

Lamido said, “Before concluding, I appeal to President Tinubu to finally close the June 12 chapter.

“In his book, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida acknowledged Abiola’s victory in that election.

“When I visited him, he also confirmed Abiola is owed N45 billion. He was doubly punished: denied both the presidency and his due”.

Lamido urged the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris, who represented Tinubu, to deliver the message to the President.

“Please tell the President to pay the Abiola family the N45 billion. That will finally close the June 12 chapter”, Lamido emphasised.

The News Agency of Nigeria ,NAN, reports that Babangida recently confirmed, after 32 years, that Abiola had indeed won the historic June 12 election.

The annulment marked a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic history, triggering political unrest and accelerating Babangida’s resignation.

Earlier, former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, described Lamido’s autobiography as a candid, insightful reflection on Nigeria’s political journey.

Abubakar, represented by ex-INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega, stressed the value of such books in promoting civic awareness and preserving history.

NAN reports that the book was launched by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, with Dr Iyorchia Ayu serving as the reviewer.

Ayu described the work as “a personal encounter with power and leadership.”

Other guests included Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.