Day: April 10, 2024

Some electricity consumers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have urged the Federal Government to reconsider the recent tariff adjustments in order to deter instances of electricity theft. Business owners, primarily printers operating in areas such as UTC and Murg Plaza in Area 10, FCT, expressed their concerns to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday. They said that the current high cost of electricity could potentially lead some consumers to bypass their meters. NAN reports that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had raised the electricity tariff for Band A customers from N68/KWh to N225/KWh. Band A customers, who receive electricity supply for at least 20 hours per day, are directly impacted by this increase. These business owners, who rely on heavy equipment for their operations, expressed apprehension regarding the implications of the elevated tariff. They argued that such a high increase to N225/KWh would significantly strain their businesses, especially amidst the prevailing economic challenges in the country. Mr Amos Okolo, a printer, acknowledged the government's initiative to provide 20 hours of electricity, but stressed that the associated cost is prohibitive for business owners. He highlighted the financial strain it would impose, leaving little to sustain both his business and family. Mr Samuel Kolawole, another printer, shared same sentiments, emphasising the adverse effects of the high tariff on businesses. He advocated for a reduction in the tariff to ensure affordability for both affluent and lower-income consumers. While recognising the benefits of extended electricity supply, he stressed the importance of pricing that is conducive to business operations. Similarly, Mr Abel Ajibola, a graphic designer at Murg Plaza, commended the government's intentions, but criticised the exorbitant nature of the new tariff, particularly for small businesses. He noted the need for a tariff review to prevent instances of electricity theft stemming from unaffordable pr icing. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has encouraged the Muslim Ummah to actively pursue knowledge to strengthen their faith. In his Eid message on Wednesday, Abubakar emphasised the importance of continuing to pray for leaders and prosperity of the country. 'We should express gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting us the gift of life and good health, allowing us to observe the 30 days of fasting and celebrate Eid-el-Fitr. 'Today marks a significant day in Islam as Muslims worldwide commemorate the conclusion of Ramadan and the Eid-el-Fitr festivities. 'Moreover, let us perpetuate the spirit of compassion and support for one another, as demonstrated during the month of Ramadan, and extend assistance to those in need,' he appealed. The Sultan commended the Sokoto State Government, under the leadership of Gov. Ahmed Aliyu, for its commitment and collaboration with Muslim scholars to foster unity. He also praised th e government's ongoing efforts to support the less privileged, civil servants, and ensuring the security and progress of the state. Meanwhile, Gov. Ahmed Aliyu urged the Muslim community in the state to uphold the virtues of Ramadan to attract Allah's abundant mercy and forgiveness. Aliyu, in his Eid message to the Muslim community following the conclusion of the 2024 Ramadan fast, implored affluent individuals in the state to continue demonstrating compassion and generosity toward the less fortunate to earn Allah's blessings. 'I am aware of the numerous acts of assistance provided by some of our affluent citizens to the needy in our society, which is truly commendable. 'On our part, the government has allocated significant resources to aid the less privileged and vulnerable groups throughout the state,' he stated. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, joined Muslim faithful to observe Eid-el-Fitr prayers at the Dodan Barracks in Ikoyi, Lagos. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the President, accompanied by top government functionaries, arrived the Eid praying ground at 10:02 a.m. Tinubu, who spoke to the Muslim faithfuls through the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, urged them to be tolerant and empathetic towards one another. 'We should sustain the good behavior, though Ramadan is over. We have no business fighting one another. We should have religious harmony. 'The empathy and love that we showed during the Ramadan, must continue; Ramadan has gone, good behavior is not gone. 'Let us give to the needy. Always show charity. May Almighty Allah guide us and protect Nigeria,' the President said. Earlier, while leading the prayer session, Grand Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheik Sulaiman Abou Nolla, said fasting had great blessings. While noting that fasting was one of the five pillars of Islam, the Imam said the month of Ramadan is the month of grace, mercies, forgiveness and acceptance of prayers. The cleric called for unity among Nigerians, stressing that togetherness and unity in diversity remained key to national development. While calling on government across all levels to provide succour to the people, the cleric urged the citizens to be disciplined, law-abiding and ensure peace and harmony in various communities. He prayed for God's guidance and protection for the President, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state and their lieutenants as they make decisions that would benefit the people. Some of the dignitaries at the prayer ground included, former minister of works and housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola and Minister of Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola. Others are the Lagos Council of Traditional White cap chiefs, Tinubu's Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola and Lagos Head of Service, Olanode Agoro among others. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Nollywood Actor, Junior Pope Odonwodo, popularly known as 'Jnr Pope', on Wednesday lost his life in a boat mishap in Anambra. Samuel Olatunji, a filmmaker, who took to his Instagram page to disclose the sad development said that the deceased with three others were involved in the accident on Anam River, while going to a movie location. Olatunji wrote 'Junior Pope passes on??. 'Sad day for Nollywood. Four actors including Jnr. Pope fell into Anam River on their way to location and their bodies have been recovered. 'What a sad day for Nollywood. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Multiple sources confirmed this sad development to us.' The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Junior Pope, in 2006, joined the Nollywood industry and started attending movie auditions as well as acting minor characters in movies. He usually played the role of a bodyguard, palace attendant, and servant in movies. In 2007, he rose to fame after acting in the Nollywood blockbuster movie, 'Secret Adventures', a m ovie directed by Tchidi Chikere. He acted in more than 150 Nollywood movies which include: 'Secret Adventures', 'Mad sex', 'Bitter Generation', 'Vengeance of Bullet', 'The Cat', 'The Generals', 'Wrong Initiation' among others. In 2010, he won the award for Nollywood Most Promising Actor in Nigeria at the Entertainment Factory Awards. He is known for acting criminal, villain, armed robber, militant and hitman roles in movies alongside Emma Ehumadu, Sylvester Madu, Zubby Michael, Jim Iyke, Alaso Wariboko, Gentle Jack, Hanks Anuku, Jerry Amilo. Other awards he won include Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards and Best Actor of the Year at the Africa Movie Academy Awards among others. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

No fewer than 250 people have received free diabetes screening in Asaba, Delta, to celebrate the 2024 World Health Day. Dr Peace Ighosewe, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Asaba Specialist Hospital, who led other management staff in organising the event, said the screening was part of efforts by the hospital to promote healthy living. The World Health Day which was established on April 7, the founding date of the World Health Organisation (WHO) serves to raise awareness of global health issues and garner support for their resolution. Ighosewe said that healthy living was key to good health for Nigerians. She said there was need to create awareness on the importance of healthy living and that everyone had the right to access good health at an affordable cost. 'We are also engaging in a health walk and talk, to celebrate the 2024 World Health Day,' she said. Ighosewe added that the event was also organised in line with the theme for this year's World Health Day, which is: 'Your Health, Your Right'. T he News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a cross-section of Asaba residents including the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, Mrs Veronica Abang-Gwam, participated in the diabetes screening at the hospital. Ighosewe further added that the general public was sensitised on the need to exercise regularly, to help maintain physical fitness and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. 'Eat a balanced diet which will provide essential nutrients for optimal health; go for routine medical checkups to allow for easy detection, timely intervention and management of any health issues. 'In line with the 'MORE Agenda' of Gov. Sherrif Oborevwori's administration, the Asaba Specialist Hospital will continue to do its part, to empower members of the surrounding communities with the right information on the importance of prioritising healthy habits. 'These healthy habits can significantly improve their physical health, mental wellbeing and quality of life,' Ighosewe said. Dr Dominic Uwadia, Con sultant Family Physician and Head of Department, Family Medicine, Asaba Specialist Hospital, who also spoke at the event, said the hospital would continue to promote healthy living and disease prevention in the state. Uwadia urged the people not to wait till they get ill before getting necessary medical attention. Ms Faith Emetonjor, the Medical Laboratory Scientist of the hospital, also advised people to live a healthy life, nothing: 'Your Health is Your Right'. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A 40-year-old woman was allegedly murdered by her husband at Grootfontein Tuesday night. The woman was employed as a radiographer at the Grootfontein State Hospital. The Namibian Police Force's regional commander for community affairs in the Otjozondjupa Region, Senior Inspector Maureen Mbeha, in an interview with Nampa said the woman's next of kin are yet to be informed of her death, thus her name could not be released. She said the incident occurred around 23h00 on Tuesday in Extension 5, when the deceased was reportedly stabbed multiple times with a kitchen knife by her husband, who allegedly also poured acid on her body. The 48-year-old husband then attempted suicide by drinking some of the acid, said Mbeha. When the police arrived at the couple's residence, the man was still fighting for his life and he was transported to the Grootfontein State Hospital. He was then transferred to the Katutura Intermediate Hospital under police guard on the same night. Mbeha stated that by Wednesday morning, the s uspect was reported to be in critical condition at the Katutura Intermediate Hospital. The couple have a minor daughter, and police investigations into the matter continue. Source: Namibia Press Agency