Category: News

…as Diplomatic Community lauds rebranding of Nigerian Culture

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

Otunba Segun Runsewe, has disclosed that his vision is to turn Nigeria into the best cultural market in Africa.

Runsewe said that he would with achieve this with the launch of a new marketing strategy which includes a toll gate, a night cultural market, a pharmacy offering free blood sugar tests to visitors of the market, and a birthday shop.

The NCAC Director General disclosed this when members of the Diplomatic community were hosted to a dinner during a tour of facilities at the Arts and Crafts Village in Abuja.

He said “The Cultural Night Market is the first of its kind in Africa. Between six and nine months of operating the village, we will dovetail into a night market.
Everywhere in the world you cannot start a night market without practicing the market during the day before delving into the night market.”

“You have to operate during the day first, get people acquainted with the idea so that everybody can used to it before extending it into the night shift.”

“It is intended that when the market is fully operational, one can leave the office at 5pm to the cultural village to shop and feel safe and comfortable when he is there”, adding that the diplomatic community will have unhindered access to the cultural market.

Furthermore Otunba Runsewe revealed that the Council in partnership with a world standard pharmacy will host a pharmaceutical space with free medical tests including blood sugar tests for visitors to the space.

Other proposed facilities in the cultural hub include an information/complaint centre-to enhance quality products and services; and a quarterly media interaction session on developments within the village he started.

Meanwhile, the Diplomatic Community led by the High Commissioner of Cameroon to Nigeria and the Doyen of the Diplomatic Community in Abuja, His Excellency Salaheddine Abbas Ibrahim has commended Otunba Segun Runsewe for his laudable efforts at rebranding the Arts and Culture sector to contribute meaningfully to the socio political and economic development of the nation.

The Diplomatic Doyen parted Otunba Runsewe’s back for his dynamic leadership style,
adding that the passion, drive, records and achievements of the Arts and Culture boss is evidently unrivalled.

This, according to him is evident in the support and confidence the diplomatic community has reposed on him.

Salaheddine noted that the NCAC Director General remains a blessing to the sector and urged Council to open up vistas of collaboration where the Diplomatic community can tap in to showcase their cultural strengths.

Ambassadors of various countries including the United States, China, Bulgaria, Mexico, Jamaica, Spain, Cameroon, Cuba attended the event.

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto

The Sokoto state Command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency has on Saturday paraded a farmer of Cannabis Sativa popularly known as Indian Hemp and the substance at its Headquarters along Nasarawa road,Sokoto.

Speaking to newsmen, the Commandant of the Sokoto Command of the NDLEA, Muhammad Iro said they were able to achieve the feat through the efforts of the men of the Command.

Iro further stated that they have undertaken to make Sokoto drugs free state or reduce consumption to the bearest minimum level adding that as an illegal substance they would refer the case to court for legal actions against farming the substance.

Being the first time the Command since its establishment decades ago are experiencing this, the Commandant said the arrest at Sanyinna in Shagari local government has become an eye opener to the command.

He said it was a long time intelligence gathering through vital information before they could make the arrest.

He therefore called on the people of Sokoto state to look out for the substance wherever they may be due to its hazardous effects on human health further cleaeing the ground that the substance is being concealed or planted in the midst of legal grains.

A family man, Anas Sani who is the substance farmer said this was his first time of doing this and wouldn’t have done that had he known it would be discovered.

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command, CP Bethrand Onuoha, has ordered for a thorough investigation into the attack on the Quarters of the Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC).

In a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, said the Command received distress today 1/12/2023 at about 0311hrs on the attack by unknown armed hoodlums who stormed the Quarters of the REC, INEC and started shooting sporadically.

The statement disclosed that the Police guards on duty at the residence engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel and denied them access to the premises. Meanwhile, the Sienna Bus they came with was seen burnt to ashes at the frontage of the house.

“Immediately, the Commissioner of Police deployed a reinforcement Team of Tactical Operatives to the scene while trailing the hoodlums. He commended the guards on duty for their bravery and diligence.”

“The Commissioner while condemning the attacks, tasked the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to commence investigation with a view to apprehending the perpetrators and bringing them to deserved justice.”

“The CP, while assuring the good people of Kogi State of the Command’s unwavering commitment to guarantee the safety of lives and property of all law abiding citizens, urged them to collaborate with the Security Agencies by way of volunteering credible and timely information on the activities of Criminal elements in the State to enable Prompt and commensurate response.”

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, stated that President Bola Tinubu is resolute in ending insecurity in the country. Akume emphasized that the administration’s policies across eight target areas are designed to address and eradicate insecurity, fostering an environment for economic development and safe business operations. Speaking at the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 12th Lecture Series, Akume highlighted the interconnectedness of leadership, policy implementation, and national development in building a prosperous nation. He emphasized the importance of inclusive and sustainable approaches to promote development beneficial to all citizens. The series aims to facilitate interactions with the government, offering insights into policies and their contributions to national development. Dr. Bem Audu, the Director of the Centre for Leadership and Complex Military Operations at NDA, stressed the significance of understanding government policies to constructively contribute to Nigeria’s development.

Rising-Up for a United Nigeria (RUN), a quintessential rights group dedicated to youth and national development through proactive policy interventions has described Chief Hon. Mike Msuaan (MON) as a beacon of hope for the Nigerian youth and a bridge builder who has made giant exploits beyond his Tiv and Benue roots.

This followed the conferment of a well deserved and meritorious Chieftaincy title of Otunba Akweje and Yeye Akweje on him and his wife Mrs. Joy Msuaan by the Olowu of Owu-Kuta Kingdom in far away Osun State by HRM (Dr) Adekunle Oyelude Makama, CON amidst pomp and unending celebration, in recognition of his exemplary political stewardship.

In a statement signed and widely distributed to journalists in Abuja by Amb. Solomon Adodo, the group expressed satisfaction with the numerous achievements of Hon. Mike Msuaan (MON) in the area of youth mentorship, job creation, educational development, capacity building and cross cultural networks which have earned him national recognition and acclaim.

According to the statement, “we delighted to identify with this illustrious and legendary youth leader who has over the years prioritized job creation, award of scholarships, mentorship skills acquisition and the building of bridges for peace and national development. His installation as Akweje of Owu-Kuta is a clear indication that the whole world is keenly watching and excited with the silent but legendary exploits of his political career. We are indeed proud of him. He is our ambassador and a role model to emerging leaders”

As a young man of exceptional leadership abilities as well as striking attributes of humility, honesty, integrity, unwavering wisdom, a dependable personality and one with dedication to duty, RUN joins well meaning Nigerians and especially youth leaders in congratulating Otunba Akweje Msuaan on this “milestone which has served to solidify him as a promising gentleman who is strategically placing himself for greater service, no doubt, this title will be a source of encouragement to him to continue to serve the country and humanity”.

A Nigerian Air Force helicopter crashed and exploded at the NAF Base in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, just after take-off. The incident occurred before 8 am, and while the cause of the crash is yet to be determined, it resulted in thick smoke and flames. Five persons on board the MI-35P helicopter survived with minor injuries and are receiving medical attention at the NAF Medical Centre in Port Harcourt. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, is en route to assess the situation. The crash happened during an operation against oil thieves in Rivers State, according to Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information. The incident underscores the risks associated with military flying and the challenges faced by NAF pilots and technicians in their defense and deterrence tasks. The NAF base has heightened security measures, restricting access to staff members and workers.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, announces plans for oil exploration in Tongeji Island and Olokola, potentially granting the state frontier status among oil-producing states. During the presentation of the 2024 Appropriation Bill, themed ‘Budget of Sustained Growth and Development,’ the governor outlines initiatives for the state’s evolving role, including the establishment of the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Ministry of Energy. Additionally, an education summit is slated for the first quarter of 2024 to address challenges and revitalize the education sector in Ogun State.

NANS factions stage a protest at the National Hospital, Abuja, alleging delayed treatment for colleagues injured during a factional crisis. The violent incident prompts patients to flee hospital wards. Police intervene to restore order, deploying officers in the Federal Capital Territory’s Central Area. A clash between NANS factions on Thursday resulted in injured students being hospitalized. Allegations of inadequate medical attention lead to the Friday attack on the hospital. Meanwhile, DSS operatives intercept NANS members with firearms en route to a convention. Roads around the International Conference Centre and National Hospital remain deserted. FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, to provide further details.