Category: cover

Don’t wait for white-collar jobs, NYSC advises corps members

 

The National Youth Service Corps has advised members of the 2024 Batch B Stream I, who have just concluded their service year, to focus on wealth creation.

 

NYSC Coordinator in Rivers State, Mr Moses Oleghe, gave the charge on Tuesday during the passing-out ceremony of corps members held in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

 

He reminded the corps members of the core values instilled in them throughout their service year and encouraged them to become agents of positive change in society.

 

Oleghe discouraged the pursuit of white-collar jobs as the sole path to success, urging the corps members to embrace entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

 

“Creativity, hard work, discipline, focus, determination, and dedication are the ingredients needed to achieve your aspirations.

 

“Rather than wait for white-collar jobs, outgoing corps members should channel their energy into establishing businesses and creating wealth with their own hands,” he advised.

 

Presenting service statistics, Oleghe disclosed that a total of 2,302 corps members had successfully completed their service year in Rivers.

 

He noted that regrettably, two corps members died during active service, while 17, comprising seven males and 10 females, had their service extended.

 

Additionally, the NYSC coordinator reported that two corps members were granted pardon, while 23 others – 13 males and 10 females – absconded from service.

 

NAN

Tinubu orders repair of Niger bridge damaged by floods

 

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry for Works to repair the damaged bridge linking the north and southern parts of the country washed away by recent flood in Mokwa, Niger State.

 

The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, disclosed this on Tuesday when he led a delegation from the ministry on a condolence visit to Mokwa to commiserate with the people over the flood disaster.

 

NAN reports that the flood disaster, which occurred on May 29, claimed the lives of 158 people.

 

Goronyo told the village head of Mokwa during the visit that the president directed the ministry to provide an access road for vehicular movement and to do everything possible to restore the damaged bridge.

 

“The President gave a clear directive for me to come and commiserate with the government and people of Niger state over the ugly incident.

 

“In his directives, he said we should do everything possible to restore the access road for vehicular movement on the damaged bridge washed away by the flood.

 

“The president directed that we provide an access road for vehicular movement and create an access road due to the high volume of articulated vehicles carrying goods from the north to the south,” he said.

He said that the ministry would continue to do more in areas of infrastructure in the country, particularly in Niger that host alot of Federal road networks due to its strategic location connecting North and South.

 

Responding, the village head of Mokwa (Ndalila of Mokwa), Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, disclosed that over 200 houses and four bridges collapsed, with many people still missing.

 

He said the affected bridges included the rail bridge and the main bridge connecting the North and South.

 

He appealed to the government to resettle affected persons.

 

Also speaking, the Deputy Governor of Niger, Yakubu Garba, thanked President Tinubu for the condolence visit and expressed happiness over the show of concern from the Federal government.

 

NAN

Police rescue abducted Nasarawa traditional ruler

 

The Nasarawa State Police Command has rescued the traditional ruler of Dari, Emmanuel Omanji, abducted in his palace in Dari, Kokona Local Government Area of the state, on May 28.

 

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, made this known in a statement issued in Lafia, the state capital, on Tuesday.

 

“The command is pleased to report that the Sangarin Dari, who was abducted on May 28, was successfully rescued unhurt,” he said.

 

Nansel said that the traditional ruler was rescued at about 11 pm on Monday, June 2.

 

“The rescue operation took place in the Panwasa Mountains, Mada Station, following sustained pressure from the command’s Search and Rescue Team,” he added.

 

The police spokesperson said that Omanji was taken to the hospital for medical attention immediately after the rescue and has since been reunited with his family.

 

“Efforts are ongoing by our operatives to apprehend the fleeing suspects involved in the abduction,” Nansel added.

 

The command’s spokesperson, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Mr Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, appreciated members of the public for their invaluable support and timely information, which greatly assisted in the rescue operation.

 

Jauro-Mohammed also commended the efforts and collaboration of other security agencies and local vigilante groups, whose support, he said, was instrumental to the success of this mission.

 

NAN

No plan to dump APC, says Okorocha 3

 

A former Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, has dismissed speculations suggesting that he plans to leave the All Progressives Congress.

 

The former Imo West Senator stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Sam Onwuemeodo.

 

Okorocha also refuted a recent report which claimed that he described the APC as a party desperate to hijack power, saying that the report is a fabrication by his detractors.

 

Okorocha stated that as a founding member of the ruling party, he could not make such a statement about his party.

 

He noted that if he had any concerns about the party, he would not express them on social media.

 

“Almost eight years after leaving office as Executive Governor of Imo State, and several years after serving as Senator representing Imo West, those with a phobia of Rochas Okorocha still cannot sleep with their two eyes closed.

“For days now, they have circulated a fake story on social media, falsely quoting me as saying: ‘APC is no longer a political party but a party desperate to hijack power at all costs. I am at the corner looking at them — Senator Rochas Okorocha.’

 

“Okorocha would never describe a party that has been in government since 2015, and still counting, as ‘desperate to hijack power.’ What power again?

 

“Okorocha remains a bonafide, committed member of the APC. He never made the statement being circulated by those envious of his political journey,” the statement reads.

 

Okorocha stated that he was the only sitting governor from the South-East who joined the APC during its formation, risking his re-election in 2015 at a time when the party had little support in the region.

 

“Okorocha took a political risk when major South-East leaders doubted the viability of the APC. He was ridiculed for his decision, yet he stayed committed.

 

“It’s important to recall that, due to his dedication, he was unanimously elected by fellow APC governors as the pioneer Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, which he helped to build into a strong force,” the statement added.

Sallah holidays: Delta postpones 2025 BECE

 

Delta State Government has announced a new date for commencement of the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination, earlier scheduled to begin from June 9 to June 13 for both public and private secondary schools in the state.

 

A Tuesday statement from the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Daniel Akiri, on behalf of the state Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu said, “that the examination would now commence from June 16 to June 20.”

 

The statement explained that the “shifting of the examination to a new date was occasioned by the Federal Government declaration of public holidays on June 6 and June 9 respectively to mark Eid-ul-Adha and Democracy Day celebration on June 12.”

 

“We regret the inconveniences the development, especially the change of the earlier date might have caused,” it concluded.

PUNCH Online reports that BECE in Nigeria is an important national exam taken by students at the end of Junior Secondary School (JSS 3), marking the completion of the country’s nine-year Basic Education phase.

 

It is organised by NECO at the federal level and by individual State Ministries of Education at the state level.

 

The exam assesses students’ academic readiness to advance to Senior Secondary School (SSS 1) or to pursue vocational education.

 

It typically covers core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Basic Science, and serves as a critical gateway in Nigeria’s 9-3-4 education system.

Corn prices soar in Enugu due to changing climate 3rd June 2025

 

The price of corn in Enugu has risen by 50 per cent, according to a survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday.

 

The steep increase in the cost of both boiled and roasted corn has put the staple out of reach for many families and corn enthusiasts in the state.

 

Although the survey indicated that prices may fall in a few months when the majority of corn farmers begin harvesting, this seasonal influx is expected to first cause a temporary increase in supply, followed by a subsequent drop in prices.

 

Several farmers and sellers who spoke to NAN attributed the price hike to the lack of rainfall, a consequence of climate change. Those currently harvesting their crops also cited the high cost of hiring labourers and the rising prices of other market commodities as contributing factors.

 

A corn seller, Miss Amarachi Eze, explained that seven pieces of corn she purchased for N1,000 in 2024 are now sold for N2,000, with each piece retailing between N400 and N500, depending on size.

 

“If you sell all seven at N500, you make N1,500 profit, but if you sell at N400, the profit is N800. This is because I buy directly from the farmers.

 

“Out of this profit, you pay for transport, charcoal, and paper to serve customers. The cheapest bag of charcoal is now N500. When you add other expenses, it all contributes to the price increase,” she explained.

 

Another seller, who identified herself as Mama Ejima, noted, “The corn is just coming into season, as many farmers have not started harvesting, so prices will soon drop.

 

“I bought a small bag containing about 80 pieces for N25,500, which sold for N13,000 last year.”

She added that she had no corn selling for N200, with prices now ranging from N300 to N500. “At this time last year, corn was everywhere,” she said.

 

A farmer, Mr John Oroke, blamed the increase on delayed rainfall due to climate change, emphasising that fertiliser applied without sufficient rain can damage the crop.

 

He noted that corn requires constant rainfall for a good yield, but the current rainfall pattern in Enugu is inadequate for corn farming.

 

Another farmer, Mr Emmanuel Okafor, highlighted the high cost of hiring farm labourers. He also lamented that extreme heat and erratic rainfall had damaged his crops, and that part of his farm was destroyed by herders and their cattle.

 

“I am calling on the government to assist Enugu farmers with irrigation for year-round corn farming and to address the issue of conflicts between farmers and herders,” he appealed.

A buyer, Mrs Ogechukwu Nweke, expressed her frustration at the soaring cost of goods, including corn.

 

“But what can we do? We have to buy it. I am appealing to the government to support farmers to increase their yield,” she said.

 

(NAN)

Kano, EU partner on education, renewable energy 3rd June 2025

 

The Kano State Government has expressed readiness to deepen its partnership with the European Union in the areas of education, renewable energy, and other sectors critical to human development.

 

Governor Abba Yusuf stated this on Tuesday when he received the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Gautier Mignot, at the Government House in Kano.

 

A statement on Tuesday b the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Tofa, quoted Yusuf as appreciating the EU for selecting Kano as the host of the first-ever Study in Europe Fair on the African continent. He described the gesture as a sign of the union’s confidence in the state’s potential.

 

The governor said, “We are optimistic that with stronger collaboration, we can improve our educational sector and also tackle the challenge of power supply to boost industrial growth and economic development.”

He noted that his administration had recorded significant achievements in various sectors over the last two years, and called for EU support in the implementation of the state’s development blueprint.

 

In his remarks, Mignot said the visit was aimed at exploring areas of collaboration with the state government, especially in education, the digital economy, and youth development.

 

He added that his delegation would visit some completed and ongoing EU-funded digital economy projects in the state and engage with relevant stakeholders on youth-focused initiatives.

 

 

Stop Wike’s monthly media chats, IPOB lawyer urges Tinubu

 

A human rights lawyer and counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called on President Bola Tinubu to stop the monthly media chat of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing it as wasteful and extravagant.

 

In a press statement released on Tuesday, Ejimofor said the media chat serves no purpose except to waste public funds and give the minister the opportunity to grandstand on national issues.

 

He expressed concern over the huge allocation of hundreds of millions of naira each month to finance the FCT minister’s media appearances.

 

He said it is lamentable and unconscionable, coming in the face of millions of Nigerians battling record inflation, stagnant wages, and deepening poverty, describing it as an exercise that offers little substance and reeks of misplaced priorities.

 

The statement read in part, “As millions of Nigerians battle record inflation, stagnant wages, and deepening poverty, it is unconscionable that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, reportedly spends hundreds of millions of naira monthly on an ostentatious media chat – an exercise that offers little substance and reeks of misplaced priorities.

“Framed as a public engagement, this monthly spectacle is anything but a tone-deaf misuse of public funds – especially in a country where many survive on less than $2 a day, and access to basic healthcare, education, and shelter remains a daily struggle.

 

“To illustrate the waste: The cost of one media edition could fund emergency relief and shelter for thousands displaced by the recent floods in Niger State. It could refurbish crumbling primary schools, equip rural clinics, or sustain nutrition programs in IDP camps for several months.

 

“The optics are disheartening. The implications are worse. Nigerians are not asking for a televised circus – Nigerians are crying out for competent governance, prudent spending, and people-centred leadership.

 

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must take urgent action: call the FCT Minister to order, halt this wasteful spending, and redirect focus to service delivery. This is not a time for flamboyance and fanfare. It is a moment that demands humility, responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to the public good. Nigeria deserves better. The time to act is now.”

Novak Djokovic Reaches Record 19th French Open Quarterfinal

 

Novak Djokovic eased into a record-breaking 19th Roland Garros quarter-final with a comfortable straight-sets victory over Cameron Norrie on Monday.

 

The three-time French Open champion will renew his rivalry with third seed Alexander Zverev in the last eight on Wednesday after seeing off Norrie 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 on Court Philippe Chatrier.

 

His tally of 19 quarter-final appearances at Roland Garros is the record for a single Grand Slam tournament.

 

“I feel good. I know I can play better. But 12 sets played, 12 sets won, it’s been solid so far,” said the 38-year-old after his 100th French Open win.

 

“It’s great, but victory number 101 would be better. I’m very honoured… But I need to continue now.”

 

Djokovic holds an 8-5 winning record in his head-to-head with German Zverev, but retired injured from their last meeting in the Australian Open semi-finals in January.

 

“He’s 10 years younger. He calls himself a veteran of the game. What should I call myself, then?,” Djokovic said of his next opponent.

 

Britain’s Norrie, a former top-10 player now ranked 81st, has lost all six of his career matches against Djokovic.

 

The sixth-seeded Djokovic showed no ill-effects from a “complicated” trip back to his hotel on Sunday night after attending Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League title celebrations at the Parc des Princes.

PSG forward Ousmane Dembele presented the trophy to the crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier ahead of Djokovic’s match.

 

“They (security) were suggesting us at one point not to go back at all, to maybe find a place to sleep somewhere around here for a night, because at that point it was already past midnight and some gas bombs and cars under fire and stuff happening on the street that was really dangerous,” Djokovic said.

 

“In the end we talked. We waited for a bit, and then we decided to go. Then it was fine. In the end we reached the hotel all good, but it was quite noisy with a lot of things happening outside of the hotel…

 

“At some point it was getting out of hand, but it’s understandable that people are so excited.”

 

The Serb, hoping to set a new outright record of 25 Grand Slam titles this week, dominated against Norrie from the start.

He broke serve three times in a one-sided opening set before battling through a closer second, crucially saving a break point before holding for a 3-2 lead.

 

Norrie, playing in the second week in Paris for the first time, mustered little resistance in the third set as Djokovic wrapped up victory on his first match point.

 

AFP

EPL: Bruno Fernandes rejects Al-Hilal, opts for Man United stay

 

The captain of Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes, has rejected the Saudi club, Al-Hilal offer while opting to stay in his club.

 

This was disclosed by Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano on X on Tuesday.

 

According to him, Fernandes rejected the club’s significant contract proposal.

“Despite crazy contract proposal from the Saudi Pro League club, Bruno Fernandes wants to continue playing football in Europe.

 

“Man United Captain wants to play at top level in Europe. Decision made,” he wrote.

Exit mobile version