National Light Newspaper

20/07/2023

Soludo meets ndi Anambrain Abuja today

ALL is set for a town hall meeting with Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and Anambra indigenes resident in Abuja Federal Capital Territory (FCT), today.

Scheduled to kick-off at 6:00 o'clock in the evening, the interface between Mr. Governor and a select audience of ndi Anambra from all sectors will hold at Bolton White Event Centre, along Kigoma Street, Wuse Zone VII, Abuja.

According to a release signed by Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu, attendance to the event is strictly on invitation, with guests expected to be seated by 5:30pm.

The release also said the forum will be chaired by renowned Anambra-born industrialist, Sir Emeka Offor.

It will be recalled that Mr. Governor had recently held similar interactive session with Anambra indigenes in Lagos during which the state government reiterated the call on Anambra-born business brands to come home and invest.

Pitching under Akulueuno think-home clarion, Prof. Soludo showcased policies and incentives provided for ease-of-doing business in Anambra State across all sectors of economy.

20/07/2023

We'll intervene in Anambra erosion – FG

AMID resurgent ecological disasters threatening parts of Oba in Idemmili South Local Government Area and neighbouring towns in Anambra State, federal government has pledged its intervention.

Explaining the intervention as part of President Bola Tinubu's keenness in partnering the state government on its green and healthy environment policy, Assistant Chief Civil Engineer at Ecological Project Office, Mr. Lawal Mohammed, said the intervention will be speedy in order to end the menace and halt it from spreading.

Mohammed stated this during an interface with journalists in Awka shortly on arrival of his delegation's on-the-spot assessment of some erosion sites the state, yesterday.

Describing the delegation's finding as gory, federal government cannot afford any more delay in addressing environmental scourge devastating Anambra State through gully erosion.

“However, it is noteworthy that Ecological Fund Office is an office under Office of Secretary to Government of the Federation headed by a Permanent Secretary. The Fund constitutes one per cent of Federation Account and it is known as Derivation and Ecology Fund. The prime objective of the initiative was to have a pool of funds that would be solely devoted to the funding of ecological projects to mitigate serious ecological problems,” he said.

20/07/2023

1.6m Nigerians in modern slavery – NAPTIP
.. OVER 1.6 million Nigerians are living in modern slavery.

The figure was contained in release issued by National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) during a press conference in Abuja, yesterday.

Explaining the forum as part of activities lined up to celebrate 20 years anniversary of NAPTIP and this year's edition of World Day Against Human Trafficking, Director General of NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri Azi, said current global slavery index shows about 50 million live in modern slavery worldwide.

“For anyone that has followed the NAPTIP story since inception has visibly seen the agency progressed from its very first command in Benin, Edo State to offices in 32 states, the last seven offices acquired in the past year and a half. In 20 years, we have seen the crime of human trafficking spread like wildfire in terms of the enormity, trends and patterns. It has not been an easy fight to dismantle these networks, but we remain undaunted.

Only recently did the 2023 Global Slavery Index opine that globally, it is estimated that 50 million people were living in modern slavery on any day in 3021, an increase of 10 million people since 2016. What this narrative indicates is the urgent need for a more strategic and deliberate global response to these problems
Nigeria is better poised to control and tackle human trafficking due to the collaborative efforts of everyone. The public is better informed about issues of human trafficking, and this is due to the amplified visibility of NAPTIP,” she said.

Also speaking, Permanent Secretary of Ministry Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo who was represented by Director Humanitarian Affairs, Grema Ali, highlighted some achievements of the agency to include awareness campaigns and sensitisation.

20/07/2023

Mystery: Eight family members die overnight in Anambra
... Neigbours suspect fe**sh, foul practice, other odds

NKWELLE-EZUNAKA community in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State is reeling in shock after lifeless bodies of eight members of one family were found in their residence, on Tuesday, without any trace of what caused their death.

The deceased persons include a man, his wife, her mother, their four children and a servant.
Residents say their death dealt utter shock on the entire community because it was shrouded in mysterious circumstances.

A resident who refused to be named said one major mystery surrounding the family's deaths was the fact that they were all found dead in their sleep just the next morning after moving into their newly constructed building.

With speculation getting more rife by the hours, sources blamed a carbon monoxide poisoning, while others claim that the land on which the house was built had a history of controversy, possibly involving occult practices or black magic rituals within the premises.

Local authorities have launched a thorough investigation to unravel the truth behind this horrific incident.

The police are working closely with experts in various fields to conduct autopsies and collect evidence from the scene.
Detectives are also interviewing neighbours, family members, and construction workers involved in the project

20/07/2023

Nigerian equities lose N6b

NIGERIAN equities market lost N6 billion to close with negative market capitalisation, yesterday.

Recording a minor downturn of 1.31 per cent, trading in commodities ended at N34,716trillion in value, shedding N6 billion compared to the previous day's closing value of N34,722 trillion.

All-Share Index (ASI) decreased by 0.01 per cent to close at 63,757.23 points, from its previous closing of 63,766.72 points on Tuesday.

Honey Flour led gainers' chart with 10 per cent increase in its share price with Geregu leading losers' chart with 10 per cent decrease in share value.

Transactions in Japaul Gold recorded highest volume of shares the close of trading, though over all trading activity was slightly lower, with number of completed deals dropping to 7,403 from 8,970 in the previous session.

Japaul, FCMB and Sterling NG that recorded highest trading volumes among all equities traded 77.98 million, 36.62 million, and 31.24 million units of shares, respectively.

Total value of shares traded stood at N10.08 billion, a sharp decline from the N42.81 billion recorded on Tuesday after the market experienced sharp decline in trading volume of 45.5 per cent, falling to 473.49 million shares from 868.80 million shares the day before.

This meant a difference of 395.31 million shares traded in the market

20/07/2023

Fuel price hike stirs tension, threats across country

-... Nigerians'll start eating grass, soon – HURIWA .. -Workers' patience may run out – NLC .. APC provoking Nigerians – PDP .. -Blame market forces – FG

PERSISTENT nationwide rise in pump price of petroleum products is set to spark off an Armageddon in the country as labour leaders, organised private sector, political camps and other stakeholders took time in different forums to berate federal government over the development, yesterday.

Rising against the development, a social advocacy forum, operating under the ageis of Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), described the latest hike as toxic, despicable and absolutely intolerable.

Predicting that Nigerians may soon start eating grass due to economic hardship, HURIWA regretted that the people may be left with no other choice but mass public protest except federal government reverts the trend.

According to HURIWA, selling petrol at N617 per litre is absolutely unacceptable.
Also speaking, President of Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero said workers' patience may soon be exhausted unless fuel subsidy removal is revisited.

Ajaero stated this in a television audience participation program, yesterday.
“Nigerians are being deceived, that is the official reaction. Because in the first instance, if you are saying that the independent marketers are now bringing the products into Nigeria; Nigerians would want to know how many of them and for us to see the list of those who are importing the products into Nigeria. NNPC cannot import and say it is imported by independent marketers. That is not true. They are taking away all that the poor are trying to benefit from, and they are giving it to the rich. In the battle that will ensue, I think they need to buy more bulletproof vehicles for the rich to move around because when people cannot get food to eat, they will run to the street,” he said.

Grappling with the hike in Abuja, yesterday, People's Democratic Party (PDP) described current N617 per litre price for petrol as not only extortionist but an act of provocation of the people by All Progressives Congress (APC).

National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Debo Ologunagba, accused APC of insensitivity and callousness towards Nigerians.

“The party cautions that the increase is worsening the already suffocating economic situation under APC and has the capability of triggering a very serious crisis in the country if not abated. It is appalling that instead of seeking ways to stabilise and grow the economy, APC administration has abandoned welfare of Nigerians which is primary purpose of government under Section 14 of Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and left citizens to vagaries of market forces and exploitative cabal; a disposition that is characteristic of a government that is not accountable to the people. PDP is alarmed that with its ill-thought out, badly planned and hurriedly-executed policies, APC is running Nigeria's economy aground with value of naira rapidly plummeting businesses and production shutting down; citizens losing their means of livelihood, commercial and social activities crippled, with millions of families no longer able to afford their daily needs as costs of food, medication and other essential goods and services continue to skyrocket,” he said.

Meanwhile, Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has blamed continuous rise in petrol pump prices in Nigeria to market forces.
Addressing journalists after a closed-door meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima at State House, yesterday, Kyari explained the trend as a direct consequence of fuel subsidy removal

20/07/2023

Anthrax: FG issues new alert
.. Ekiti bans ponmo meat, others

FOLLOWING confirmation of Nigeria's first case infection in a farm in Suleja, Niger State, on Monday, federal government has renewed warning on animal rearers and veterinary units to expedite preventive action against the looming epidemic of anthrax infection.
The warning was contained in an alert issued by Director-General of Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Prof. Babatunde Salako, in Lagos, yesterday.

Speaking during an interview, Salako explained that government is putting adequate machineries in place to track the disease, through vaccination for animals and their handlers, adding that livestock production firms should key into the program in order to curb further spread.

“Veterinary doctors should be more proactive in the treatment of cases and inspection of animals for public consumption. Vaccination for animals and people targeting those at risk will greatly reduce the spread of the disease, morbidity and mortality resulting from it. The government should support those in animal husbandry to access vaccine for their stock and help farmers who in the course of the epidemic may lose their stock to prevent catastrophic economic loss,” he said.

Salako also urged Nigeria Centre Disease Control (NCDC) and Ministry of Agriculture to cooperate in coordination of public health response.
Although diagnosis is simple, we reconfirm the readiness and capacity of laboratories around the country to receive and process samples for diagnosis. NCDC should come out with clear instructions on how to handle infected animals and people, more awareness among the public about the symptoms and signs should be intensified through the media,” he said.

Meanwhile, consumption of ponmo, smoked meat and bush meat have been banned in Ekiti State.
Explaining the ban as government's response to confirmation of anthrax index case in the country, a statement issued yesterday by Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani and Special Adviser to Governor Adeleke on Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade urged residents to comply with the ban to stave off the disease from Ekiti State.

It will be recalled that experts describe anthrax as a zonotic disease in herbivores caused by a bacterium called bacillus anthracis which affects animals such as cattle, sheep and goats.
According to them, anthrax disease can also infect humans who come in direct contact with infected animals or consume contaminated animal products

17/07/2023

ICPC, CSOs call for protection of whistle blower

… Cautions against corruption and misconduct of public offices

By lfeanyi Ndukwe and Chikaodili Chukwuleta

FIGHTING corruption is a collective responsibility for every Nigerian who is in support for a transparent and democratic nation bound by unity and progress.

This was disclosed by the Director, Public Enlightenment, lndependent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (lCPC), lnalegwu Shaibu at the One Day Review Meeting and Training on Strengthening the Capacity of Community Based Organisations on Whistle blowing and Whistle blower Protection.

The event, held in East End Hotels, Awka, was graced by professionals, civil servants, media practitioners and major stakeholders in the economic and financial matters.
Mr Shaibu explained that the whistle blower policy offers protection of the individual as well as safeguard his reputation. He appealed to concerned citizens to report any financial related matters in their various communities.

On his part, Anambra State Director, National Orientation Agency(NOA), Joseph Uchendu described a whistle blower as an informant who voluntarily discloses to the government a possible misconduct that is ongoing or possible to occur with basic concern to humanity.
"Though the information by the whistle blower could be Messianic in nature, he must, however,ensure honesty and legality of his information," he stated.
Sir Uchendu said NOA will continue to partner with all CSOs and respective institutions towards curbing corruption in Nigeria.

President, lnternational Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (lPCRC), Comrade Chris Azor bemoaned the effects on corruption on our society.
According to him, it is the duties of citizens to hold government accountable and demand transparency in governance.

He appealed to participants to take accountability of the projects in their communities and ensure that such projects are concrete and actualised.
Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, represented by Mrs Ezechi Chioma said the Soludo-led government is ready and willing to partner with sister agencies to make Anambra, a livable and prosperous homeland.

She hailed the leadership of the CSOs and called for total commitment and dedication to ensure a corrupt free society,
" CommunityWhistle blowing is an ardent tool to assist the local vigilante to curb criminal elements," she said.

In his address, Coordinator, African Centre for Media and lnformation Literacy(AFRICMIL) represented by NkechiUgwu, expressed optimism that implementation of the Whistle blower Law will harness protection of the persons involved and reduce corruption in public domain.

He encouraged participants to ensure maximum impact as an outcome of the trainings.
Highlights of the event include interactive sessions among the organisers and participants to checkmate the influence of their respective project monitoring and accountability, light refreshments and exchange of pleasantries .

17/07/2023

Police recover 1000 bags of cement abandoned by gunmen in Anambra bush

By Izunna Okafor

POLICE operatives in Anambra State have recovered a trailer-load of cement, which was hijacked from its owner and diverted into the bush by a yet-to-be-identified armed men.
The trailer, containing 1000 bags of cement, was snatched on gunpoint at Obiliokite in Delta State, but was recovered in a bush in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

According to a press statement issued by the spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, the HOWO Trailer with Reg. No. Delta AKU 247 XB containing 1000 bags of Bua Cement was recovered over the weekend by a team of police operatives attached to Area Command Headquarters, Ihiala, working with operatives of Anambra State Vigilante.

While noting that the armed men who hijacked the cement diverted at the Okija axis of the Onitsha-Owerri expressway when they sighted the police/vigilante joint patrol team, and then abandoned the truck in the bush and fled; the police spokesman also noted that the Anambra State Police Commissioner, CP AderemiAdeoye had ordered a manhunt for the hijackers.

He said, “information revealed that the truck was hijacked at gunpoint by yet unidentified persons on 14/07/2023 at Obiliokite in Delta State.
“The armed criminals on sighting the joint patrol comprising of the police and vigilantes along the Onitsha-Owerri expressway pulled off the road at Okija, abandoned the truck, and fled.
“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP AderemiAdeoye has ordered a manhunt for the gunmen. He called on locals within the area to help with any useful information that will help in apprehending the fleeing suspects. He assured that any information given in this regard shall be treated with the confidentiality it deserves.
DSP Ikenga also revealed that the recovered truck-load of cement had been released to its rightful owner on the instruction of CP Adeoye, while calling on the members of the public who have useful information about criminals and/or their activities to contact the Police Control Room number 07039194332.

24/06/2023

JUNE 2023 MONTHLY SANITATION

31/05/2023

Stock market gains N1.5t after Tinubu's inauguration,

NIGERIAN stock market yesterday continued its bullish trend that started on Tuesday after President Bola Tinubu’s inuguaration.   Intense bargain-hunting for Nigerian equities rallied the market to a net capital gain of N1.51 trillion, its highest gain in a day in two and half years.   The naira...

31/05/2023

Soludo signs landmark MOU with UNDP,