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Author: Diana Omueza

  • Promoting inclusivity for PWDs through access to public buildings

    Promoting inclusivity for PWDs through access to public buildings

    By Diana Omueza, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

    In 2018 the Nigerian government passed the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Act, bringing to end the struggle for a legal framework for the integration of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the country.

    The National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD) estimates that there are 35.1 million persons currently living with disabilities in Nigeria.

    Nigeria is one of the first countries in Africa to sign a Disability Rights Act. Series of legislation have since taken place at the national and sub-national levels for the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities in the country.

    The Disability Act provides for the full integration of PWDs into the society, establishes the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and, vests in the commission the responsibilities for their education, health care, social, economic and civil rights; and for related matters.

    The Act among other provisions also states that from the date of its passage, “there shall be a transitory period of five years within which all public buildings and structures, whether immovable, moveable or automobile which where inaccessible to PWDs shall be modified to be accessible and usable by PWDS including persons on wheelchairs“.

    The spirit of that section of the Acct is to ensure that PWDs have access to physical environments and buildings on an equal basis with others.

    However, several years after the passage of the Act, in spite the imposition of sanctions in the form of fines and imprisonment for defaulters, access to public buildings still remains a major challenge for PWDs.

    A recent research carried out by the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), a disability advocacy group, revealed that disability budgeting may be an issue impeding the modification of public buildings for the benefits of PWDs.

    The research, which assessed five government Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ascertain their compliance with the disability Act, showed the lack of critical physical accessibility features for PWDs.

    “Some of the MDAs with multiple storeys, PWD employees are restricted to the ground floor as there are no lifts/stair-lifts in the buildings, and none of the MDAs has an accessible toilet, even though the general toilets are somewhat inaccessible the PWDs’’, the document said

    It further said that: “18.1% of PWDs believe that the MDAs are not accessible to persons with disabilities, 36.4% believe they are largely accessible and 45.5% believe they are somewhat accessible.”

    Similarly a report by the Whistlers showed that the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja which accommodates not less than five MDAs in each bloc has no ramps leading to the elevator area.

    According to the report, only one or two MDAs have ramps that lead to the elevator, while persons on wheelchair are usually assisted to get into the elevator area in other parts of the complex.

    Similar studies show substantial non-compliance to the provisions of the Act. This calls for concern.

    However, a 2023 survey conducted by the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), ranked Lagos State as top of states which exceeded the required criteria for implementing the access to infrastructure and other services for PWDs.

    The survey, which was carried out to assess the level of implementation of the Act and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) criteria across different Nigerian states, saw a lot of states lagging.

    Mr Christian Agbo, Chairman of the National Association of Persons with Disability, Abuja Chapter, attributed non-compliance to the Act to the failure institutions responsible for creating awareness about it to effectively discharge their responsibilities.

    Agbo, who uses wheelchair for mobility, said even government-owned media organisations have failed to sensitise the public to the need to make public buildings accessible to PWDs.

    “The media and agencies responsible for the sensitisation of the public on the Act and its provisions are doing little in this regard.

    “Shockingly, even the National Orientation Agencies (NOA) under the Federal Ministry of Information and Orientation which I believe has the core mandate of disseminating this information is not accessible to us.

    “The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the foremost news outlet in the country, has no ramp for PWDs to gain access to the building, though I am aware there is an elevator there.

    “So if these public buildings where we should get some succour and support are not accessible, you can imagine what the rest public buildings are like,“ he said.

    He urged the media and journalists to contribute their quota by mainstreaming disability issues in their reportages, especially in the area of access to public buildings.

    Agbo also called on the Ministry of Works and Housing, saddled with the responsibility to engage other government organisations to ensure that public buildings are dully modified.

    He also called on the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities responsible for implementing the Act to live up to its mandates.

    Mr Jake Epelle, the Executive Director, Albino Foundation, also called for awareness creation about the Act and urged PWDs and organisations of PWDs to intensify efforts on awareness creation and advocacies to ensure compliance to the legislation.

    Mrs Grace Jerry, Executive Director, Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), a disability advocacy group, recommended that MDAs develop implementation policies and strategies to ensure implementation of the law, especially with the provisions on physical accessibility.

    Jerry also appealed to the government demonstrated enough political will to ensure implementation of the provision of the Ac.

    Mr David Anyaele, the then Executive Director of the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), attributed the unimpressive report and low implementation of the Act to lack of adequate awareness of its provisions.

    “In terms of access to public buildings and transportation facilities among my community of persons with disabilities, it has remains weak.

    “Both government and privately owned transportation facilities are not accessible to persons with disabilities,” he said.

    Anyaele also said absence of political will, ignorance of the important players in policy making, and lack of funding for disability-related issues and institutions such as the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, had continued to hinder the implementation of the law.

    While PWDs in Nigeria saw a significant degree of institutional relief five years ago when the bill was assented to, unfortunately it is yet to garner momentum in its implementation and execution.

    PWDs still face major barriers excluding them from society such as lack of access to public transportation, social stigma and discrimination, educational barriers, employment disparities, and financial constraints which called for concern.

    Stakeholders across board believe that accessibility and inclusion is not just about lifts and ramps, but a society where all barriers are removed for PWDs. (NANfeatures)

     **if used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.

  • NGO pledges partnership with pharmaceutical firms to assist vulnerable Nigerians

    NGO pledges partnership with pharmaceutical firms to assist vulnerable Nigerians

    Partnership

    By Diana Omueza

    Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Hope Everyday Foundation, an NGO, says it is seeking partnership with Emzor Pharmaceuticals and other pharmaceutical companies to provide medical aid to underprivileged Nigerians.

    Dr Nkechi Akinwale, Executive Director of the foundation said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

    Akinwale who spoke shortly after official inauguration of her NGO, said that the foundation is planning to hold a medical outreach to some hard to reach communities within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    “Today is actually the official inauguration of the foundation, however we have been carrying out medical outreaches since the foundation was founded in March 24.

    “Hope Everyday foundation was founded out of the passion and the desire to provide free medical services to those who are unable to access or afford medical services due to finance or location.

    “Our drive is to give hope to the hopeless, by rendering comprehensive medical services, from doctor’s consultations, to laboratory services, free medications, medical referrals, counseling and awareness campaigns among others.

    “Our intends to partner with pharmaceutical companies like Emzor in order to access bulk, subsidised and authentic medications for our next outreach and future events,’’ she said.

    Akinwale said that since inception of the foundation, it had held three medical outreaches and offered all medical services freely to at least 159 persons in Tukpechi Community in Kuje Area Council of Abuja.

    She said that the foundation was able to achieve success in all the outreaches already held because of the support from some medical NGOs.

    She however said that more support was needed especially in the area of providing medications for treatment of Malaria, Peptic Ulcer, Typhoid fever and others.

    Akinwale called for contributions and donations of medical items including food and clothing items for the nursing mothers and babies.

    “In all our outreaches we discovered that food supply and clothing especially for nursing mothers with children who are most vulnerable to malaria are very important.

    “So we need support to provide mosquito nets for pregnant women, clothes for children within the ages of zero to 36 months, as well as clothes for mothers,’’ she said.

    She appealed to privileged Nigerians to extend help to the vulnerable group, adding that it is the only part of humanitarian act that lasts long in the hearts of people.(NAN)

    DOM/FEO/EAL

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    Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Ekemini Ladejobi

  • Foundation intervenes in Police, PSC dispute

    Foundation
    By Diana Omueza
    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Cleen Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has called on the Nigeria Police and the Police Service Commission (PSC) to settle any differences between them for improved public safety and security.

    Mr Gad Peter, the Executive Director of the foundation, gave the advice in Wednesday in Abuja, calling for constructive dialogue to resolve the differences.

    “Cleen foundation has observed the on-going impasse between the Nigeria Police and the PSC which has unfortunately garnered significant public attention.

    “As an organisation, we are disturbed by this development but we consider it as a family affair.

    “Both institutions play critical roles in maintaining law and order and ensuring the effective administration of police duties in Nigeria.

    “While the police are responsible for the enforcement of law and order, the PSC tasked with oversight and the appointment, promotion, and discipline of police personnel which are pivotal to the country’s security framework,” he said.

    Peter said that unfortunately the face-off seemed to have stemmed from differing interpretations of their respective mandates and jurisdictional boundaries.

    He said that there ought to the need for engagement in constructive dialogue to resolve these differences and to ensure that their actions became aligned with the broader goal of public safety and service efficiency.

    According to him, the resolution of this dispute is crucial for maintaining the integrity of country’s law enforcement system and for

    He called on President Bola Tinubu to also intervene and resolve the issue by giving an executive order clearly stating the responsibilities of both institutes.

    “We particularly call on the president to intervene on this matter in line with the policy direction of coordination, collaboration and coordination of agencies of government,” he said.

    Peter also recommended an independent review of the circumstances leading to the alleged recruitment challenges.

    This review, he said, should involve key stakeholders and be guided by clear and unbiased criteria.

    He urged the security stakeholders and observers to also intervene and reinforce the collaboration between the police and the PSC.

    Peter also called for lasting resolutions based on the principles of justice and the rule of law, prioritising the nation’s welfare and public safety.

    He said that the foundation remained committed to supporting efforts aimed at promoting peace, enhancing the efficiency and integrity of the country’s policing system.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    DOM/KAY
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    Edited by Kayode Olaitan

  • Eid-el Kabir: ADP urges Muslims to keep praying

    Prayer

    By Diana Omueza

    Abuja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has enjoined the Muslim faithful to continually pray for the country and its leaders for better governance.

    Mr Yabagi Sani, the National Chairman of the party, said this on Monday to felicitate the Muslim faithful on Eid-el Kabir.

    Sani said that prayer should be the only way to commit the hearts and will of every leader to do right and deliver on mandates.

    “I urge us not to limit these acts of charity, love, and sacrifice to the celebration only, but to let it be a culture to imbibe now and forever.

    “Let it be that we have energised ourselves for more and greater work of goodness for humanity and our God.

    “I urge us to pray for a better tomorrow and may our prayers bring succour and healing in our land.

    “Let us continually pray for our leaders and our dear country for peace, love, understanding and prosperity,” he said.

    He advised the Muslim faithful to remember the act of sacrifice in all their activities and ensure to exhibit same virtue to their fellow humans.

    Sani prayed for God’s blessings, peace and prosperity for all the Muslim faithful, citizens and wisdom and guidance for the country’s leaders.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    DOM/KAY

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    Edited by Kayode Olaitan

  • Tinubu vows to preserve democracy, protect citizens’ freedom

     

     

    Democracy

    By Diana Omueza

    Abuja, June 12, 2024(NAN) President Bola Tinubu has vowed to preserve democracy and protect the rights, freedom and liberty of citizens.

    Tinubu said this in a national broadcast to mark the 2024 Democracy Day and the 25th year of uninterrupted democratic rule in the country.

    The President said that as a beneficiary of the historic efforts of the heroes of democracy, he was morally bound to preserve the present form of government.

    “I stand uniquely placed in this regard. I was among those who took the risk to midwife the birth of our democracy. I am now a direct and obvious beneficiary of the fruits of those historic efforts.

    “As President of this nation, I am morally and constitutionally bound to preserve this precious form of governance.

    “I vow to do my utmost best to protect your rights, freedoms, and liberties as citizens of Nigeria.

    “Even more than that, I pledge to do whatever is necessary to cement democracy as our way of life,” he said.

    The President expressed gratitude to Nigerians for the opportunity to lead the country and promised not to turn his back on them.

    He urged Nigerians to beware of those trying to exploit the current challenges in the country to undermine and destroy the democracy for which so much had already been given.

    According to him, as Nigerians, we must remind ourselves that no matter how complicated democracy may be, it is the best form of governance in the long run.

    “We must also be aware that there are those among us who will try to exploit current challenges to undermine, if not destroy this democracy for which so much has already been given.

    “These people do this not to make things better but to subject all other people and things to their control and dominance until the point that, if you are not counted among their elite, then your life will be small and no longer owned by you,” he said.

    Tinubu added that “I understand the economic difficulties we face as a nation.

    “Our economy has been in desperate need of reform for decades. It has been unbalanced because it was built on the flawed foundation of over-reliance on revenues from the exploitation of oil.

    “The reforms we have initiated are intended to create a stronger, better foundation for future growth.

    “There is no doubt the reforms have occasioned hardship, yet, they are necessary repairs required to fix the economy over the long run so that everyone has access to economic opportunity, fair pay and compensation for his endeavour and labour,” he said.

    Tinubu said  his government was aware of the proper way forward to move the country and would take it.

    He acknowledged those who laid down their lives, sacrificing everything to pave the way for the nation and pledged to do all that was necessary to cement democracy in the country.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    DOM/CHOM/BHB

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Buhari Bolaji

     

     

     

  • Leprosy mission says 2,500 new cases discovered annually

    Leprosy mission says 2,500 new cases discovered annually

     

    Leprosy

     

    By Diana Omueza

     

    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN) has disclosed that nearly 2, 500 new cases of leprosy are discovered annually in Nigeria.

     

    Dr Sunday Udo, the National Director of the mission in Nigeria, said this at its Open Minds Project close-out meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.

     

    The Open Minds project is a 4 year mental health project initiative focused on young people affected by leprosy and Neglected Tropical Diseases.

     

    The project was implemented in FCT, Kebbi, and Sokoto States, respectively.

     

    Udo said that for over 10 years, the mission had found and equally treated thousands of leprosy cases in the country; however, 90 per cent of the Nigerian population remained protected from the disease.

     

    “ TLM works in about 30 countries across the world, including Nigeria, and every year, we find approximately 2,500 new people that have leprosy in this country.

     

    “We work in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and in partnership with the National Leprosy Control Programme that we support.

     

    “Over the last 10 years, we have found thousands of cases and treated equally that large number, but the interesting thing is that there is a large backlog of those who have already developed disabilities.

     

    “They run into hundreds of thousands of people, and what we do is to support them with care after cure,“ he said.

     

    Udo said that the mission had raised awareness on the impact of leprosy on the mental health of affected persons and the need to end stigma and discrimination.

     

    He said that the mission had also provided those with disabilities from leprosy with disabilities services and complication management from the disease across different referral centres.

     

    The TLMN country leader also said that the mission was supporting affected persons with livelihood, stating that due to stigma, many of those affected had lost their sources of livelihoods and needed such supports.

     

    He sensitised Nigerians that leprosy was not a death sentence, adding that it was a bacterial infection that was curable, just like tuberculosis, which was curable with the right treatment and medication.

     

    According to him, tuberculosis and leprosy are curable, and there are antibiotics that we give and once you take the medications within six to twelve months you will be fine.

     

    He advised the public to eat well and avoid crowded areas, boost their immunity, and maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to be healthy and remain immune to all kinds of diseases, including leprosy and other bacterial infections.

     

    Udo urged the Federal Government to continue to support the mission and the national leprosy programmes and technical working group to live up to its mandates.

     

    Ms Heather Saranne, Programme Officer, TLM Great Britain, lauded the leprosy mission in Nigeria for its valuable impact in the lives of those affected in the country.

     

    Saranne said that the Nigerian team was so valuable globally, and the British TLM would continue to work with the mission to carry out programmes that would directly improve the lives of affected persons.

     

    “We have been in communication with the team at the leprosy mission in Nigerian because we can’t do this work without them, and because they do all the hard work.

     

    “We have reviewed their performance against achievement and towards the target and the budget, we have done project visits with partners, we have met with projects clients to hear about the things that have gone well.

     

    “We will work together to adopt any of those projects activities accordingly, we also act as the liaison between the project and the relief that will be reporting along with the team here in Nigeria.

     

    “The relationship that we have with the leprosy mission in Nigeria is so valuable that we can’t put into words,“ she said.

     

    Saranne said that based on the testament of the impact on affected persons, there was a need to sensitise the public on mental health issues caused by leprosy stigma and discrimination.

     

    She said that the mission in Britain was more focused on the physical aspect of leprosy and had improved its supported health services through the establishment of hospitals and carrying out of surgical operations.

     

    This she said was also in the plan of the TLM in Britain to incorporate mental health and wellbeing into a lot of its new projects in Nigeria that would be funded by TLM Great Britain.

     

    “Its in our new strategy, and we are not only funding new projects, we are also funding research into the most effective ways to support people with their mental health.

     

    “The new project we have that started here in Nigeria last year will continue for three years as a follow up to our open minds project to help people that can’t help themselves with their mental health,“ she said.

     

    Mr Shehu Auta, Kebbi State Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme Manager, appreciated the leprosy mission Nigeria for its support to the Kebbi state government.

     

    “This is the first leprosy mission that is supporting my state with the tuberculosis and leprosy activities in the state, and they have included Non-Neglected Disease in our programme.

     

    “With the coming of this new programme mental health in leprosy, now we can teach leprosy patient after treating them with socio-economic rehabilitation.

     

    “One aspect of life that we didn’t realise was mental health issue but when the leprosy mission came with the mental health programme, we now recognise that people affected by leprosy are suffering from depression and anxiety,“ he said.

     

    Auta said that the programme would help to control anxiety and depression amongst people living with leprosy and other neglected diseases.

     

    He called the federal government to take ownership of the leprosy programme and to expand the programme for the benefit of affected persons across all the local governments within and outside the state.

     

    Auta urged the government to be responsible and involved in the formulation of infectious disease programmes and projects, partake in executions and implementation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    DOM/EAL

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    Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

  • Prioritise education, healthcare of insugency survivors, Amnesty International tells FG

    Survivors
    By Diana Omueza
    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Amnesty International has called on the Federal Government to provide access to healthcare, education and vocational training for survivors of Boko-Haram insurgences to aid easy reintegration into the society. 
    Mr Isa Sanusi, the Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, made the call at a news conference and inauguration of an investigative report on Monday in Abuja. 
    The report entitled: “Help us build our lives: Girl survivors of Boko Haram and military abuses in North-East Nigeria”, was unveiled by Amnesty International to highlight the plight of survivors of Boko-Haram attacks. 
    Sanusi said that the report revealed the plight of girls and young women who escaped Boko Haram captivity in the north-eastern part of the country who are faced with further suffering, including unlawful detention, among others. 
    “The report investigated how girls survived trafficking and crimes against humanity by Boko Haram insurgents. 
    These include abduction, forced marriage, enslavement and sexual violence.
     “The report is based on 126 interviews, including 82 with survivors that were conducted in-person in the north-eastern part of the country and remotely between 2019 and 2024,’’ he said.
    Sanusi said that on April 4, the Amnesty International wrote to Nigerian federal and state authorities, as well as to UN offices, with its research findings. 
    “Nearly 50 girls and younger women told Amnesty International they risked their lives and the lives of their children to successfully escape Boko Haram,” he said. 
    Sanusi said that many women and girls experienced harrowing journeys lasting up to days where they survived with little food found and water. 
    The report said that 31 girls and young women said they were unlawfully held in military detention for almost four years between 2015 and mid-2023, typically because of their perceived association with Boko Haram. 
    Sanusi said that in addition to these, they were not receiving adequate support as they attempt to rebuild their lives after so many years of horrific and traumatic experience. 
    He added that the girls and women after escaping terrorist captivity experienced also faced abuses in prolonged and unlawful detention which called for concerns.
    “Those not unlawfully detained were left to fend for themselves in displacement camps amidst millions of other people needing humanitarian assistance,” he said.
    Sanusi said that some of the survivors were reunited with their surrendered Boko Haram “husbands” in a government-run transit camp, exposing them to the risk of continued abuse.
    According to him, the call for their support to settle well into the society is necessary because their unique experiences and needs have not been given the deserved attention.
    He said that to this end, Amnesty International therefore, recommended that international partners and the Nigerian authorities should support these girls and young women. 
    This, he said, was to enable them get the assistance they needed to rebuild their lives with dignity and in safety. 
    Sanusi said that Amnesty International was calling on the Nigerian government authorities, UN agencies and donor governments, to urgently make available tailored reintegration services for these girls and young women. 
    “Amnesty International urges the Nigerian authorities to ensure girls and young women have a meaningful alternative to being returned to their Boko Haram “husbands” and given necessary support to rebuild their lives. 
    “Relevant authorities should ensure their livelihood support among others to enable the survivors live well,” he said. 
    Also speaking, Mr Auwal Rafsanjani, Chair Board of Trustees, Amnesty International, reiterated the need to punish both the state actors and non-state actors, perpetrators of crimes to serve as deterrent to others. 
    Rafsanjani called for provision of centres for the treatment of survivors of terrorist crimes. 
    “The government has to play its part in this because civil society organisations cannot replace government. 
    “There are a lot we can do but we are limited, but it is keenly the government that can take constituted and necessary actions to address these things. 
    “We only bring credible research elements so that government can take necessary actions,” he said.
    Rafsanjani called on security personal to treat survivors with dignity and respect, adding that all hands must be on deck to address challenges of human rights in Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
     DOM/DE/KAY
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    Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Kayode Olaitan

  • Insecurity: Group calls for enhanced civil, military relationship

     

    Insecurity: Group calls for enhanced civil, military relationship

    Security

    By Diana Omueza

    Abuja, June 6, 2024(NAN) Cleen Foundation, a public safety and security non-governmental organisation has called on security agencies to enhance transparency and accountability in their operations to boost public trust in communities.

    Mr Gad Peter, Executive Director of the foundation made the call on Thursday in Abuja at a public presentation of a research findings on security dynamics, solutions and civil-military relations in the country.

    Peter said that there was the need for clearer reporting of the activities of security agencies especially the military in communities, adding that cases of abuses and violations of rights should be properly captured.

    “There is a need for enhanced transparency and accountability within security agencies, and this entails ensuring that mechanisms are in place to investigate and address abuses promptly and effectively.

    “Community engagement should take the centre stage in improving civil-military relations and building trust between security agencies and the communities.

    “Transparency and accurate dissemination of information, helps to dispel misconceptions and mitigates tensions that can arise due to poor communication,’’ he said.

    According to him, continuous dialogue and effective communication among security agencies, policymakers, civil society organisations and the public is paramount to a peaceful society.

    Peter commended the efforts of security agencies in significantly degrading the capacity of the extremists groups in the North-West and North-East part of the country.

    He said, though the military operations has positively contributed to enhanced security in crisis prone areas, the safety and protection of civilians should remain paramount during operations.

    “The military and the vigilance groups have supported the fight against insurgence, but there abound issues on how they relates with members of the host communities.

    “These issues are linked to the kinetic approach initially adopted by the military and other dysfunctional approaches adopted by the security agencies.

    “These created a vacuum in cordial civil-military relations in the affected areas.

    “Adopting a non-kinetic approach by the military and paramilitary security forces in the fight against insurgency is an urgent necessity to improve civil/military relations,” he said.

    Mr Paul Nyulaku, Country Director of International Alert, commended Cleen Foundation for the security research to underscore the ways security agencies performs with the aim to improve civil/military relations.

    Nyulaku called for community engagement programmes to facilitate open dialogue between security agencies and the civilian population.

    He  harped on the need to developing a gender-sensitive training programme for security personnel to address issues such as sexual violence and harassment, with a focus on respecting the rights and dignity of women and girls.

    Nyulakus said that the organisation remains committed to supporting public safety and security initiatives that would foster development in the country.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    DOM/FEO/JPE

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    Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Joseph Edeh

     

  • FCT gets new Controller of Corrections

    Outgoing Controller of Corrections, John Francis, handing over the new Controller, Usman Ibrahim in Abuja on Friday

     

    Appointment

    By Diana Omueza

    Abuja, June 1, 2024 (NAN) The new Controller of Corrections, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Usman Ibrahim has assumed duty on Friday in Abuja.

    Ibrahim took over from John Francis, who was recently redeployed to Kaduna State Zonal Headquarters.

    Francis thanked the officers of the command for their support and urged them to extend the same gesture to Ibrahim, whom he believed would take the command to greater heights.

    On his part, Ibrahim expressed confidence for a mutual working relationship, towards achieving the mandate of the service in FCT.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ibrahim was enlisted into the service in 1990 and had served in 14 Custodial Centres.

    Until his deployment as Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Ibrahim was the Controller of Corrections in charge of Operations at the National Headquarters. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DOM/FDY

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    Edited by Philip Yatai