Day: April 20, 2024

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has called for a cultural and spiritual reawakening of its people following the conclusion of the Amaseikumor Festival in Gbaramatu, Delta. Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President, INC, made the call on Saturday in a communique assessing and dissecting the activities showcased at the five-day festival. Okaba called on the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism to support and popularise the Amaseikumor festival. He stated that ljaw culture remained a strong identity of the people and as such would be promoted for its uniqueness and civilisation. According to him, the INC uses this period of Amaseikumor to call for cultural and spiritual reawakening of the Ijaw people to the common cause and showing ijaw wealth to the world. 'Tourism, besides natural resources is a major foreign exchange earner around the world. 'Not only in petroleum, which is a fleeting resource but also in the arts, tradition, culture and hospitality of Ijaw people. 'Countries l ike Brazil, Egypt, Israel and others survive very well on income from tourism. 'Gbaramatu is rich in culture, just as it is rich in oil; the investment possibilities and potentials in culture is open to investors both in the public and private sectors.' Okaba added that cultural festivals bring people together and foster unity. 'By celebrating our cultural heritage, it is easy to break stereotypes, promote social cohesion, encourage dialogue and boost local economies. 'The 2024 Amaseikumor festival featured songs, dance and drama all through the five days of commemoration and this festival has contributed to building a more inclusive and harmonious society. 'The festival was an acknowledgement of man as an embodiment of body, soul and spirit which was re-enacted in dance and song to commemorate the spiritual roots of the Gbaramatu people. 'It was truly an observance filled with spiritual and physical joy. The great hospitality of the Gbaramatu community was on display, as invited guests came from far an d near and were all thoroughly enthralled. 'The ambience all through the event was that of peace and tranquility. No single incidence of violence, not even simple affrays which are common in such large social gatherings. 'This confirms ljaws as very peaceful people, contrary to some revisionist public commentators and quasi-intellectuals who like to label them as violent people. ljaws are free spirited and peace loving people', he said. The INC president further felicitated warmly and congratulated the kingdom on the successful celebration of the annual festival. 'It was five days of world class cultural display and theatre showcasing Ijaw civilisation and tradition at its very finest,' he added. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of Cameroon on Transboundary Ecosystems Conservation. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the MoU, signed on Friday in Abuja, is on cooperation framework on Transboundary Ecosystems Conservation and Sustainable Management of Forestry and Wildlife Resources. Speaking at the event, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, said the bilateral agreement demonstrated the importance of cooperation in tackling global challenges. He said the event was also was of great significance as it underscored the commitment of the present administration to collaborate with Cameroon in managing and conserving shared natural resources. Lawal said that Nigeria and Cameroon not only shared common border but also common vision on the best approach towards the protection and conservation of natural resources. 'Apart from the global phenomenon of climate change and environmental challenges, social factors including over-populatio n, poverty, food insecurity has continued to immerse these resources to the brink of extinction 'While this is going on, transboundary criminality such as illegal logging, poaching and wildlife trafficking have further aggravated the trend. 'It seem to have vindicated the reverberating but appalling warning revealed in the landmark Inter-Governmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), 2019 Global Assessment Report,' he said. The minister said that the 2019 Global Assessment Report said that about one million species were threatened with extinction, and many within decades. He said the agreement symbolised a milestone and provided a platform for the establishment of a joint transboundary management framework. Lawal said the agreement would facilitate cooperation and coordination between two countries on matters relating to the conservation and sustainable use of our natural resources. 'This framework will be instrumental in ensuring the effective conservation and sust ainable management of our forests and wildlife resources, which are critical to our ecosystem services, livelihoods, and sustainable development. The minister assured that Nigeria would not fail in playing its part in ensuring successful implementation of the agreement. 'We must continue to engage in constructive dialogue, and remain steadfast in ensuring that our natural resources are sustainably managed and conserved for the benefit of present and future generations,' he said. In an address, the Minister of Forestry and Wildlife, Cameroon, Mr Jules DoretNdongo, said it was an hounour to witness signing of the Transboundary agreement between his country and Nigeria. He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for agreeing to host the long awaited bilateral partnership. DoretNdongo urged all stakeholders to be more committed to the implementation of the agreement. In a Goodwill message, the Country representative, UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Dr Oliver Stolpe, congratulated the governm ents of Nigeria and Cameroon on milestone achievement of the signing of the MoU. 'This signals the importance that both countries have given to wildlife and forest crime and collaboration and cooperation to combat these crimes. 'UNODC pledges its support to the implementation of the cooperation agreement and in the efforts to combat crimes that affect the environment in general,' he said. Stolpe was represented by Mrs Folusho Adelekan, Wildlife Team Lead, UNODC. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Ondo State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, on Saturday allegedly assaulted Mr Tayo Ikujuni, an Assistant Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The assault took place during the conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in the state. It happened at Ward 9, Eji-Oba High School, Oba-Ile in Akure North Local Government Area of the state. Yusuf-Ogunleye, who confirmed to have harassed Ikujuni and collected his cell phone and threw it away, said 'the journalist failed to produce his identity card when asked. Recalling the ordeal, Ikujuni said that the commissioner ordered some of his political thugs to seize his Samsung tablet. 'Trouble started at about 11:45 a.m., when I inquired if the electoral materials has arrived, since they have started counting. 'Immediately, Yusuf-Ogunleye shouted, 'who are you. You're a useless journalist. You're a stupid journalist. Go away from here. 'He had to collect my Tecno phone and damaged my Samsung tablet and my wrist watch. 'It was the quick intervention of some party chieftains and security personnel that rescued me from the midst of the commissioner's violent looking thugs,' Ikujuni said. Reacting, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, decried the attack and physical assault on Ikujuni by the commissioner. Its chairman, Mr Leke Adegbite, said the act was barbaric and unacceptable. In a statement, Adegbite said the action of the commissioner was uncivilised and called on Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa to immediately suspend Yusuf-Ogunleye and launch investigation into the incident. 'Ondo NUJ observes with sadness that Mr Yusuf-Ogunleye's attitude to media professionals was unbecoming of a public office holder. 'We call on Mr Governor to place Mr Saka Ogunleye on indefinite suspension for his physical assault on a senior journalist like Tayo Ikujuni, who was performing his constitutional roles of monitoring the APC primary. 'We call on the commissioner to replace damaged handset of the jou rnalist and tender unreserved apology to the victim and the media industry. 'We equally direct media houses and professionals to halt the coverage and activities of the commissioner until our demands are met.' Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mohammed Ndarani has called on the National Assembly to draft a new constitution instead of panel-beating the 1999 constitution made by the military regime. Ndarani said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) while reacting to his submission of a memorandum on the review of the 1999 Constitution to the House of Representatives on Saturday in Abuja. He said the National Assembly has the power to draft an entirely new constitution, urging it to invoke its power to make a people's constitution for Nigeria. 'Developments in this country today justify the complete overhaul and comprehensive amendment to our 1999 constitution, which was only made as an annexure to a Military Decree. 'We have attempted to beat into shape and modify it through a myriad of amendments, but these efforts have still left much to be desired as they have not yielded the desired dividends.' The SAN said they submitted the memorandum as an affirmation of their absolute faith and con fidence in the National Assembly. 'We believe that they will, without bias, collate and harmonise our views and other public views in this regard to produce a formidable document that will effectively, and truly reflect the historical, cultural, and traditional values of all Nigerians.' He said that in their submission, they proposed a constitutional amendment that would reintroduce the Parliamentary form of government. 'We contend that the present Presidential form of government has outlived its usefulness. 'Western liberal democracy has not worked for Africa and the historical and traditional antecedents in Nigeria favour parliamentary governance.' He disclosed that they also proposed the adoption of the six geopolitical zones to act in the capacity of regional governments. He said they also recommendeded the independence and autonomy of the Local Government in tandem with the parliamentary system of government being proposed. 'We support and recommend the formation of State Police in all the states of the federation, which we consider long overdue. 'We recommended a comprehensive and all-embracing reform of the judiciary to make it capable of standing, performing optimally under the Parliamentary system of governance''. Ndarani said that they also recommended Electoral Reforms to strengthen INEC to deliver transparent, credible, free and fair elections. 'There is an overwhelming need to re-strategise, overhaul and amend or enact a new electoral act and regulations to make the process responsive to the will, yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians. 'We have submitted our own recommendations hoping that the new constitution, or such amendments, would make provision for a referendum as a condition for the passage of any law or amendments being anticipated thenceforth. 'This, in our opinion, is what will give the said constitution or act the touch of the people and imbue it with the much-needed legitimacy and bring the laws closer to the people and the people closer to the law and the lawmakers.'' Sou rce: News Agency of Nigeria

Mrs Oghogho Musa, the President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), has stressed the need for regular health talk and physical exercises for women. She also advised women in barracks to take charge of their health through regular medical check ups. Musa gave the advice during the monthly DEPOWA Aerobics with the theme 'Walk for Health' at the NDC Base Camp, Ushafa in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday. She said the event was organised to encourage women to be active and live a healthy life. She urged the women to make the walk their daily routine or at least four times a week with 10,000 steps daily. She said 'we must take charge of our health and I believe we have learnt one or two things. 'Today, like the doctor just informed us, some people have high Blood Pressure (BP) and blood sugar and with this exercise, we are able to identify those people and extra care will be taken. 'For those that are already on medication, please stick to your drugs, visit your doctors and make sure you do all that you have been advised to do. 'We have doctors around us, we have nurses too, we have people that are knowledgeable about these things and we need to please ask questions, talk to people and open up because a problem shared is half solved.' She said the event was organised to encourage women to be active and live a healthy life. She urged the women to make the walk their daily routine or at least four times a week with 10,000 steps daily. She said 'we must take charge of our health and I believe we have learnt one or two things. 'Today, like the doctor just informed us, some people have high Blood Pressure (BP) and blood sugar and with this exercise, we are able to identify those people and extra care will be taken. 'For those that are already on medication, please stick to your drugs, visit your doctors and make sure you do all that you have been advised to do. 'We have doctors around us, we have nurses too, we have people that are knowledgeable about th ese things and we need to please ask questions, talk to people and open up because a problem shared is half solved.' Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement, North-Central zone, Mrs Abiodun Essiet, has donated 80 bags of rice to victims of attacks on Omala Local Government Area in Kogi. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Agojeju-Odo and Abejukolo communities in Omala were attacked by suspected herdsmen on April 4. A total of 25 persons were reportedly killed and several others injured by the assailants. The President's aide and a delegation from the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme, visited the area to commiserate with the people over the unfortunate incident. Essiet emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence which remained an important tool and pillar for development, adding that it could make or mar any community. Represented by Lateefa Isah, Essiet conveyed the goodwill message of President Tinubu to the people of Omala, and donated 80 bags of rice to the victims. She reiterated the commitment of the President to continuou sly support all Nigerian citizens. 'These bags of rice are part of the palliatives from Mr President. They were delivered by my office to assist victims of conflict in Omala Local Government Area. 'President Tinubu is committed to protecting lives and property of all Nigerians. He has also resolved to engage Nigerian citizens at the grassroots for all-inclusive governance,' she said. Also, the Head of Kogi State CARES Coordination Unit, Sani Haruna, said Omala community had benefited from NG-CARES intervention through the Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA). He described NG-CARES as a development programme designed to expand access to livelihood support and food security services, as well as grants for poor and vulnerable households and firms. Haruna urged the community to take advantage of the government's intervention through the NG-CARES programme to attract more developments to the area. According to him, CSDA and Fadama are some of the NG-CARES intervention that the Omale comm unity could benefit from. The District Head of Abejukolo, Chief Suleiman Abimaje, who spoke on behalf of the community, appreciated the Federal and State Governments for their support. Abimaje appealed for the siting of a military base in the area to curb the incessant attacks by herdsmen. Source: News Agency of Nigeria