Month: April 2024

Twenty-five victims of Thursday’s banditry at Agojeju-Odo community in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi were buried on Saturday.

Chief David Akpa, District Head and Ochala Onu-Ife Bagaji Odo, Omala, Kogi, told newsmen in his palace that those buried included two women and four children.

Akpa described the attack as barbaric and wicked given the way and manner the bandits unleashed mayhem on his people.

‘We are mourning our loved ones who were killed in cold blood. We have never had any misunderstanding either with bandits or with herdsmen before now.

‘As it is now, we are living in fear, more so that we heard that they are coming to Bagaji Odo, where surviving victims are taking refuge.

‘We are pleading with the federal and state governments to come to our aid and protect us from bandits,” he pleaded.

Akpa explained that Thursday’s attack was the second in the year sending serious fears into residents.

A community member had alleged on Thursday that a running battle between militia groups in parts
of Benue and some bandits led to the onslaught on the sleepy towns of Agojeju-Odo, Ajokpachi-Odo, Bagaji and environs.

‘They destroyed farm produce with ease in an attempt to draw the communities into the conflict,” he said.

Retired Commodore Jerry Omodara, Special Adviser on Security to Gov. Usman Ododo, said on Friday that the governor had ordered a thorough investigation of the incident.

‘The killing of innocent and harmless residents of the community by alleged hired militiamen is very callous, unacceptable and condemnable,” he said.

Omodara said property; especially houses, vehicles, and crops were destroyed in the attack.

He called on people of Agojeju-Odo and neighbouring communities to remain calm as government and security agencies were on top of the situation.

Police spokesman in Kogi, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, also confirmed the attack and assured that security operatives were keeping vigil over the community to forestall further attacks.

‘A tactical response team of the police, the military,
and members of vigilance groups has been deployed in the area. Normalcy has since returned to the troubled community.

‘Investigation into the incident has started to bring the perpetrators to book,” Ovye-Aya assured.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Eleven houses where destroyed by strong winds and rain at Onderombapa in the Aminuis Constituency of the Omaheke Region on Thursday.

Families in the settlement were left destitute after the heavy rain left them with houses with roofs blown away, walls destroyed, crops destroyed and one vehicle wrecked.

Representing the Omaheke Regional Council, Aminuis Constituency councillor Peter Kazongominja affirmed that 11 houses were destroyed, saying the regional disaster risk management was tasked to assess the situation and will decide on the way forward. He urged the government to approach this situation differently than in other previous disasters.

‘We had the same problem at Otjongombe two years back and up to date nothing was done to assist our people, we did the same thing we are doing now assessing the situation. I am urging our government to act this time so that we assist our people,’ Kazongominja said.

Naomi Kandjii, the 72-year-old owner of the car smashed by a tree during the storm told this agency tha
t it was a great loss to her and others who were affected directly and indirectly by the storm.

‘As you can see that car is totally destroyed, I am stranded, I do not know what to do right now. No one sustained any injuries although some of those big trees fell on our roofs. I am pleading to our government to come to our aid, we need food as our food was destroyed too,’ she said.

Other villagers from that area claimed that the rain lasted only for half an hour and was accompanied by a very strong wind, something they said rarely happened there.

Terii Kanguvi, senior traditional councillor in the Ovaherero Traditional Authority said the rain came very fast and caused the damages, adding they received 80mm in just a few minutes.

‘We are busy now trying to assist where we can and we are also asking for anyone who can help during this difficult time to come forth, while we are waiting on the government to help our people with destroyed houses and properties,’ Kanguvi said.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja on Saturday matriculated 102 new intakes for its 2023/24 academic session.

Prof. Azikiwe Onwualu, Acting President, AUST, in a speech at the ceremony, advised the new entrants to take advantage of Information Communication Technology (ICT), in tackling challenges bedeviling Nigeria.

Onwualu noted that ICT knowledge was being applied to every sector of the economy and called on the students as well as youths in the country to embrace it.

According to him, part of the reason Nigeria is still grappling with credibility of elections is the failure of youths to embrace ICT.

He opined that if ICT was properly utilised in the country’s elections, there won’t be credibility issues.

He said that governance was facing same fate of credibility because it was not technologically-driven.

‘If governance is technologically-driven, it will be easy to monitor what the politicians are doing.

‘Technology is the way to go. My happiness is that we have the oppo
rtunity to train these young ones for another three to four years from now. They are going to be leaders in the technology world.

‘We are expanding our facilities so that we have a new generation of technology entrepreneurs. No matter the field of science or engineering, business or whatever you want to do, it has to be technologically-driven.

‘We have even changed our curriculum in such a way that no matter the course you are studying at AUST, you have to be good with ICT, artificial intelligence and others,’ he said.

Similarly, Dr Usman-Bello Abdulmalik, Acting Dean, School of Science and Science Education, advised the matriculants to remain committed to academic excellence tin order to achieve their goals.

Abdulmalik, who is also the Chairman, Senate Ceremonial Committee, advised the students to be focused and avoid distractions.

He particularly cautioned them against joining bad groups as such evil gangs could derail their future.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

WINDHOEK: A 33-year-old male paramedic student from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) died on Thursday during a practical session at the City of Windhoek (CoW) Emergency Training Centre.

A media statement issued on Friday by CoW said the incident happened at about 15h00 when the student was participating in a practical component of confined space training, which is part of their second-year Bachelor of Emergency Medical Care training requirements.

‘This training session was conducted in collaboration with NUST, as per the Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions,’ it reads.

The statement further noted that immediate basic life support measures were initiated, and the student was promptly transported to the Katutura Intermediate Hospital for further medical attention, however he succumbed despite the efforts.

‘An investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident is ongoing, and the City of Windhoek is fully cooperating with the relevant authorities,’ it ad
ded.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

Dr Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, on Friday restated the commitment of the government to develop Kotangowa ICT market into a world class marketplace.

Babatunde disclosed this during an inspection of the area earmarked for the relocation of Ikeja computer village in the urban regeneration programme of the state government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls the Lagos government had announced that the Computer Village would be relocated before the end of 2017.

Babatunde said that the contract of Bridgeway Global Project Ltd., former consultant for the market project had been terminated over two years ago.

He said that the government had taken over control of the project from the company and assigned it to the Urban Development Department in the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, headed by Mrs Bola Bello.

He said that Bridgeway had no right to continue to collect fees from traders at the market and urged them to desist
from doing so.

The special adviser said that the government would ensure that any money illegally collected from the traders or shop owners was refunded, after proper verification.

He said that anything that had to do with project control should be in line with Lagos State Building Control Agency’s guidelines and regulations.

‘Director from Urban Development, Mrs Bola Bello and her team will be the ones to represent the State Government on this market project till further notice and if you have anything to do on this market project, please liaise with her,’ Babatunde said.

The General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Mr Gbolahan Oki, urged traders and sellers in the market to keep the place clean.

He urged them to avoid littering and any other actions that could make the environment unclean.

Oki advised them to keep the access roads to the market clear, to avoid traffic congestion.

He urged them not to pay any money for anything that was related to the market until further instructions wer
e given, to prevent exploitation by unauthorised parties.

The general manager informed them that the government would be removing illegal structures built without proper permits to facilitate the proper development of the market.

Mr Ogunkelu Sylvester, Chairman of the State House of Assembly Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, said that the legislative branch was at the market to investigate issues raised by the market association in a petition.

He said that they would report their findings to the speaker for further decisions.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John, on Friday urged Nigerians to work unanimously in preserving the nation’s cultural heritage.

Ade-John made the call during her visit to La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Ikegun, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

The minister was received by the Founder of the beach resort, Chief Olawanle Akinboboye, who led her and her entourage on a tour of the vast 65 acres of the resort.

‘Through initiatives like La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, we harness tourism’s power to showcase Nigeria’s beauty and diversity while fostering economic growth and sustainable development.

‘I urge all stakeholders present to continue supporting endeavours that celebrate our Nigerian identity and promote our cultural heritage, ensuring places like La Campagne Tropicana serve as beacons of pride and inspiration.’

The minister said she would be deeply committed to promoting and preserving the Nigerian heritage for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

She described the tourism asset as a b
eacon of creativity and ingenuity.

She appreciated Akinboboye for allowing her team to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of the Nigerian culture and heritage visible everywhere at the resort.

She also expressed her appreciation to the management of the beach resort for its unwavering commitment to excellence and dedication to showcasing the best of Nigeria.

She expressed optimism that her visit would mark the beginning of a new era, a renaissance of Nigerian culture and heritage shining brightly for generations to come.

‘La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort is a beacon of creativity and ingenuity, a testament to Nigeria’s richness and diversity.

‘Through its intricate presentation of architecture, cultural practices, cuisine, and entertainment, the resort encapsulates the essence of our unique identity, inviting visitors to discover and appreciate our heritage.

‘As we gather amidst the breathtaking beauty of this resort, let’s reflect on the significance of our shared cultural heritage.

‘Nigeria
, with its myriad traditions, languages, and customs, is a treasure trove of diversity, a mosaic of experiences waiting to be explored and celebrated.

‘This resort serves as more than a destination for leisure it is a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue, a space where people from all walks of life can come together to learn, share, and celebrate what makes us uniquely Nigerian.’

The Minister went on a boat cruise; inspected the holiday homes at the resort; and the Bolekaja bar- a heritage of transport scenario of the nation in the 60s, preserved at the resort for future generations.

She also went on tour to the founder’s camp, where Akinboboye first landed at age 26, to begin the actualisation of his dreams.

Then a tour of the houses with live trees strutting out of their roofs as well as the Oja Africa where all African nations have a stand, to sell their artefacts, arts and culture, and many other locations around the resort.

Ade-John also had the opportunity to witness a rare performance of Ar
a Thunder, one of the major stars of Atunda Entertainment, also founded by Akinboboye.

Earlier, Akinboboye appreciated the Minister for her visit.

He emphasised that tourism was not just about sites and destinations but also about the culture and traditions of the people.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria