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Author: Usman Aliyu

  • Time to embrace state police is now -AIG

    Time to embrace state police is now –  AIG

    Police

    By Usman Aliyu

    Benin, June 30, 2024 (NAN) A retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Ambrose Aisabor says it’s time for Nigeria to embrace state police to mitigate the security situation in the country.

    Aisabor told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Benin that the failure of the centralised police system to nip insecurity in the last 15 years necessitated the need for a decentralised policing.

    “It is time to embrace state police; the debate whether or not Nigeria should go for state police has been raging with many Nigerians urging the government to embrace it.

    “The question now is why are many people clamouring for state police? It is principally due to the failure of the federal police.

    “Due to the new dynamics in security, the centre can no longer hold (water). The security situation in the country is getting worse on a daily basis.

    “When is Nigeria going to be ripe for state police? The main argument is that state governors will misuse the outfit; but police are susceptible to misuse at every level of government.

    “So many civilised countries are practicing multilevel policing. There are always safeguards for checks and balances.

    “When you look at what we are having now, most of the police requirements are already being borne by the various state governments.

    “Apart from salaries and allowances which the federal government is responsible for, other logistics needs of the police are being handled by governors,” he said.

    The retired police chief explained that even the community policing that was being set up could only thrive well under the states.

    “You cannot decree community policing from Abuja; the states are closer to the people than Abuja,” Aisabor said.

    He noted that many countries practicing multilevel policing were enjoying the system.

    According to him, these countries do not have policing at the state level alone, they also have at the local, educational and big companies’ level.

    He stated that the chance of any Inspector-Inspector of Police (IGP) supporting the idea was slim for the obvious reason of loss of power and control. (NAN) (www.nannews.com)

    AUO/JI

    Edited by Joe Idika

  • Edo poll: Ex-aspirant slams candidates over failure to state focus

     

    Campaign

    By Usman Aliyu

    Benin, June 30, 2024 (NAN) A former aspirant for the 2024 Edo gubernatorial election, Prof. Sylvester Akhaine, has expressed disappointment over the failure of the vying candidates to drive their campaigns with how to solve the state’s challenges.

    Akhaine, who contested in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, expressed the disappointment in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Benin.

    He regretted that the campaigns had been devoid of substance, with candidates focusing on rhetoric rather than presenting tangible solutions to the state’s challenges.

    According to him, Edo has suffered years of infrastructure deficit as a result of a self-serving crop of leaders that had governed the state.

    “Today, the landscape of Edo State is visibly underlined by infrastructural deficit and the absence of basic social facilities.

    “The condition of schools is damnable to the extent that only an insignificant number of staff is on the government payroll.

    “Others are hired by development associations and old boys associations. Education budgets are among the lowest in the country.

    “Indeed, this reality contradicts claims by successive governments to the effect of having addressed them with billions of our hard-earned resources,” the professor said.

    The APC chieftain, who also decried the security situation in the state, said the state needed a new government bold enough to invest in infrastructure and education.

    “Whoever wishes to govern the state must pre-occupy him/herself with the issues outlined above.

    “The aspirant must explain the issues clearly to our people, including how resources will be mobilised to solve the problems beyond the monthly allocation from the central pool.

    “We need a government bold enough to invest in infrastructure and education.

    “We need policies and programmes that are meaningful to the ordinary people, not social media figures and propaganda,” Odion-Akhaine said.

    He added that in comparative and relative terms  Edo State could not be ranked as a leader in any notable sector of socio-economic activities due to neglect by successive governments. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AUO/JI

    Edited by Joe Idika

  • NGO offers healthcare services to persons with albinism in Edo

     

    Medical professionals attending to some persons with albinism during the free skin and eye care services organised by the Initiative for Advancement of the Albinism Cause (INAAC) in Benin on Saturday

    Care

    By Usman Aliyu

    Benin, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Initiative for Advancement of the Albinism Cause (INAAC) on Saturday offered free skin and eye care services to more than 100 persons with albinism in Edo.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the free healthcare service was organised to commemorate the 2024 International Albinism Awareness Day.

    In her address, Founder and Executive Director of the initiative, Miss Joy Odigie, said the event was planned to bring the community together in a significant and impactful way.

    According to her, the 2024 International Albinism Awareness Day has the theme, “10 Years of Collective Progress” and celebrates the shared commitment and relentless efforts over the past decade to improve the lives of persons with albinism.

    The initiative, Odigie said, started to subsidise skin cancer surgeries for persons with albinism due to the increasing burden effect of the disease.

    “Climate change has led to rising temperatures and heat waves, negatively affecting the skin of people with albinism in Nigeria.

    “We are now recording increasing cases of skin tumors and cancers, especially among rural dwellers and poor persons with albinism who lack access to sunscreen lotions, skin checks, and services,” Odigie said.

    She said that since the NGO introduced the skin cancer surgeries’ subsidy two years ago, about four individuals had benefited, with four more waiting in line.

    “We partner with a hospital in Benin to run the subsidised skin tumors and cancer surgeries.

    “The hospital offers a 20 per cent to 30 per cent discount to patients, while the NGO covers an additional 30 per cent to 40 per cent of the remaining medical bills,” she said.

    The founder, however, announced a plan to launch skin and eye trust foundation for persons with albinism to provide critical resources to address their unique challenges.

    A Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) expert attending to a child with albinism

    According to her, these challenges range from low vision to skin cancers with the aim of enhancing quality life for this vulnerable set of people.

    “However, for this fund to be successful, we need the support of government and non-governmental actors, organisations and other partners.

    “Your contributions and involvement will be vital in ensuring that this fund can make a meaningful impact.

    “Your support and commitment exemplify the spirit of community and solidarity that drives our mission,” said Odigie.

    Taking the beneficiaries on tips for healthy life, Dr Aisha Sokunbi warned them against exposure to sunlight which could damage their skin.

    Sokunbi, a Dermatologist, urged governments and well-meaning individuals to always help reduce the burden on this group due to their skin type.

    NAN reports that the services also include ear checks and treatment as well as blood pressure check, among the aged ones. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AUO/COF

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    Edited by Christiana Fadare

  • UNIBEN shuttle service increases transport fare

    UNIBEN shuttle service increases transport fare

    Increment

    By Usman Aliyu

    Benin, June 29, 2024 (NAN) University of Benin (UNIBEN) Students Shuttle Service Committee has increased transport fare on campus and other routes in Benin with effect from July 1.

    The committee said the decision was part of strategies to beat the high cost of operation as a result of the increase in pump price of petroleum products due to the removal of subsidy.

    In a statement on Saturday by Collins Obhiozele and James Olawale, secretaries of the committee and the students union, cab fare would now be N200 from N150.

    The statement said shuttle fare across Ugbowo and Ekehuan campuses would attract N100, while transportation between the university and New Benin market and King Square would cost N300 and N250 respectively.

    Under the new pricing, boarding a cab by an individual on UNIBEN Campus will cost N400.

    The statement sued for strict compliance by the students, but advised them to look out for deviants and report appropriately.

    The statement said the committee would issue warnings and establish an enforcement team to address drivers’ refusal to ply certain destinations and check unauthorised fare hikes.

    It also commended the students for their understanding and cooperation in this period of power outage in the university, assuring that steps had been taken to address the challenge.

    “While this compromise did not meet the driver’s demands, we successfully negotiated a balance between their needs and those of the students, who are also facing challenges.

    “We addressed drivers’ refusal to visit certain destinations and authorised fare increases.

    ‘And the shuttle service committee has assured us that they will issue warnings and establish an enforcement team to ensure compliance,” the statement said. (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)

    AUO/JI

    Edited by Joe Idika

  • NDLEA arrests 220 for drug-related offences in Edo

    Drug

    By Usman Aliyu

    Benin, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it arrested 220 suspects for drug-related offences in Edo from February till date.

    NDLEA Commander in Edo, Mr Callys Alumona, disclosed this in Benin on Wednesday in his address at an event to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

    According to Alumona, the suspects include 148 males and 72 females.

    The NDLEA boss noted, however, that 18 convictions were secured with 115 trials currently pending before the Federal High Court in Benin.

    “It is interesting to note our effort in eradicating substance use in Edo state, especially, Ihama Road, Boundary Road, TV Road, Sapele Road axis of Benin, Ekpoma, Uromi, Auchi, Igarra, Abudu and others is yielding positive results.

    “Worthy to note also is the rigged determination of the command to dismantle and sanitise the two notorious drug areas in Benin City – Ihama Road and Country Home.

    “Both petty dealers and users have been consistently arrested and drugs seized.

    “Two drug barons out of the four under watchlist that distribute drugs to these notorious locations have been arrested and are currently facing trial,” he said.

    The commander said the command also seized a total of 1,676.99 Kilogrammes of illicit drugs and 3,558 bottles of Codeine-based syrup, a substance that is usually abused.

    He said that Cannabis farms, measuring a total of 18.5 hectares, and approximately 46.251 kilogrammes of the substance were destroyed in the state within the period.

    He, however, recounted that the command rehabilitated and counselled 154 suspected drug addicts, eight of which were indoor clients.

    Notwithstanding the success story, the NDLEA commander said the agency lacked adequate operational vehicles in the state.

    He also hoped to see improved volunteering of credible information to aid an intelligence-led policing of the state.

    He described the 2024 theme, “Evidence is Clear, Invest in Prevention”, as apt.

    The agency, he said, was already investing in prevention by mounting a serious war against drugs.

    Such steps, he said, include supply reduction via arrest and prosecution, and demand reduction through counselling and rehabilitation of victims.

    In his address, Edo Commissioner for Health, Dr Samuel Alli, called for renewed commitment and collaboration amongst security agencies to combat the menace.

    The commissioner also stressed the need to address the underlying issues such as poverty and ignorance that usually lead the youth to indulge in illicit affairs.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commissioner was represented by Dr Adesuwa Urhoghide-Edigin, Director, Regulation & Monitoring in the ministry.

    NAN reports that the event featured lectures and plays by the NDLEA drama group and members of the National Youth Service Corps. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AUO/CHOM/MAS

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma and Moses Solanke

     

     

     

  • UK-trained educationist advocates urgent overhaul of Nigeria’s education system

     

    A renowned educationist, Mrs Yetunde Kamson

    UK-trained educationist advocates urgent overhaul of Nigeria’s education system

    Education

    By Usman Aliyu

    Benin, June 23, 2024 (NAN) A UK-trained  Educationist, Mrs Yetunde Kamson, has called for an urgent transformative overhaul of Nigeria’s education system.

    Kamson told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Benin that the nation’s education sector required renewed vigour and significant improvement.

    According to her, Nigeria will need to draw inspiration from the successful education reforms in countries such as Finland and South Korea.

    She said that there were innovative approaches to teaching, teacher training and resource distribution that Nigeria should imbibe to achieve success in the education sector.

    The education consultant further said that issues of inadequate infrastructure, limited access to quality education in rural areas and teacher training required urgent attention.

    “Inadequate funding, overcrowded classrooms, insufficient resources, and disparity in educational quality between urban and rural areas are hindrances to education development in the country.

    “High number of out-of-school children, teacher recruitment and retention difficulties are critical issues in Nigeria’s education system,” she said.

    Kamson called for adequate investment in the education sector to address the observed gaps, and to set the system on a path for urgent recovery.

    “For technology to be truly transformative, there should be substantial investment in infrastructure, educator training, and digital tool incorporation within the curriculum.

    “These initiatives are not just a local concern, but also align with the global commitment to education as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals.

    “Particularly the goal that aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030,” she said.

    She called for improved rural educational infrastructure and equitable resource distribution to ensure community engagement and to bridge the educational opportunity gap.

    “Government at all levels should focus on funding, policy development, regulation, and maintenance of quality standards.

    “The private sector should contribute through partnerships, investments in educational technology, and support for skills development initiatives.

    “Civil society organisations can advocate for reforms, provide community-based solutions, and promote transparency and accountability,” she said.

    Kamson made case for infusion of vocational and technical education in Nigeria’s educational landscape.

    “This form of education provides practical skills, prepares students for the labour market, and encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

    “To enhance its prominence, vocational education should be integrated into the mainstream curriculum to expand opportunities and strengthen industry partnerships,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AUO/AZU/

    =======

    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • Edo Govt. condemns rape, murder of 22-year-old UNIBEN fresh graduate

    Edo Govt condemns rape, murder of 22-year-old UNIBEN fresh graduate

    Condemnation
    By Usman Aliyu
    Benin, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Edo Government on Wednesday condemned the alleged rape and gruesome murder of one Glory Adekolure, a fresh graduate of the University of Benin (UNIBEN).

    The victim was reportedly raped and killed at Iyowa Community, Benin City, on Thursday, June 13, 2024.

    A source said that Glory, 22, was on her way home after processing her clearance forms, when she was tortured and raped to death by yet-to-be-identified persons.

    Her corpse was later dropped close to her mother’s house.

    In a statement by the state government in Benin, communications and orientation commissioner Chris Nehikhare expressed shock and sadness over the incident.

    “Gov. Godwin Obaseki has ordered the Commissioner of Police, Funso Adegboye, to fish out the perpetrators of the evil act within the next seven days,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AUO/BEKl/ETS

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    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki and Ephraims Sheyin

  • Eid-el Kabir: NSCDC mobilises 1,210 personnel in Edo

    Security
    By Usman Aliyu
    Benin, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Edo Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 1,210 personnel to ensure maximum security during the forthcoming Eid-el Kabir celebrations.
    The command’s Public Relations Officer, Efosa Ogbebor, in a statement on Friday in Benin, said that NSCDC would provide maximum security at various Eid praying grounds, palaces, monuments and recreational centres across the state during the festivities.
    Ogbebor stated that the NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mr Gbenga Agun, assured residents of security of their lives and property before, during and after the festival.
    “I have directed all commanders, heads of tactical units, area commanders and divisional officers to ensure smooth, crime-free and secure celebration before, during and after the Eid-el Kabir festival.
    “The personnel deployed have been tasked with critical responsibilities of safeguarding national assets and infrastructure, a core mandate of the corps, protection of lives and property and crowd control, amongst others.
    “NSCDC personnel will work in collaboration with other sister-agencies,” he said.
    The NSCDC boss appealed to members of the public to give maximum cooperation to the personnel and support them with useful information about criminal elements.
    The commandant felicitated all Muslims and wished them joyous Eid-el Kabir celebrations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AUO/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Albinism Day: NGO seeks support to sustain subsided surgeries 

     

    Support

    By Usman Aliyu

    Benin, June 13, 2024 (NAN) A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Initiative for Advancement of the Albinism Cause (INAAC), has called for support to sustain its skin cancer surgery programme for persons with albinism.

     

    Miss Joy Odigie, Founder, INAAC, made the call on Thursday in Benin at the annual 2024 International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD).

     

    Odigie said that persons with albinism were prone to skin cancers due to the lack or minimal amount of melanin in their skin.

     

    “Melanin pigmentation gives the skin its dark colouration as well as provides natural protection for the skin against the harmful effects of the sun rays.

     

    “When persons with albinism have prolonged exposure to UVA and UVB rays of the sun, they can develop skin tumors, freckles, and skin cancers,” she said.

     

    According to her, the increasing burden of skin cancers among persons with albinism in Nigeria prompted the NGO to start a subsidised skin cancer surgery programme.

     

    “Climate change has led to rising temperatures and heat waves, negatively affecting the skin of people with albinism in Nigeria.

     

    “We are now recording increasing cases of skin tumors and cancers, especially among rural dwellers and poor persons with albinism who lack access to sunscreen lotions, skin checks, and services,” Odigie said.

     

    She said that since the programme’s inception two years ago, about four individuals had benefited, with four more waiting in line.

     

    “We partner with a hospital in Benin to run the subsidised skin tumors and cancers surgeries.

     

    “The hospital offers a 20 per cent  to 30 per cent discount to patients, while the NGO covers an additional 30 per cent  to 40 per cent of the remaining medical bills,” she said.

     

    She, however, said that the NGO was struggling to sustain the programme due to insufficient funding and high cost of medical treatment.

     

    “For instance, a type of surgery that used to cost about N120,000 now goes for about N250,000 due to high cost of medical services and consumables.

     

    “Also, some of the patients find it difficult to pay the subsided amount while those who live outside Benin City find it difficult to pay transportation fees to access treatment at the hospital.

     

    “We are calling on well meaning Nigerians, government and NGO’s to support these subsided surgeries and if possible make it a free surgery programme,”she said.

     

    She noted that the theme for the 2024 IAAD, “10 Years of Collective Progress,” highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing the wellbeing of individuals with albinism. (NAN) (wwwn.annews.ng)

    AUO/AYO/IU

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    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi / Isaac Ukpoju

  • Why I defected from PDP to APC – ex Edo commissioner 

     

    Defection

    By Usman Aliyu

    Benin, June, 11, 2024 (NAN) Mr Charles Idahosa, a former commissioner for Information in Edo, on Tuesday said that Gov. Godwin Obaseki’s disregard for leaders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) forced him out of the fold.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Idahosa, who has moved to the APC, also resigned his membership of the PDP Board of Trustees.

    Speaking with NAN in Benin, the former commissioner said he played a critical role for Obaseki to secure his second term ticket and his subsequent victory at the 2020 governorship election.

    Idahosa had defected to APC from PDP in 2020 after claiming that he could not stand and watch Obaseki being oppressed and badly treated by APC leaders who had denied him a return ticket.

    “I stood up against former governor Adams Oshomhole, who was then the APC national chairman. I had worked with him in various capacities before the 2016 governorship election.

    “So, because I saw that Obaseki was being victimised, my supporters and I decided to move with him to the PDP where he eventually secured the ticket and returned as the governor for the second time.

    “Unfortunately, when he came, he wasn’t fair to the people and party leaders that helped him to power.

    “He keeps saying that people are angry with him because they wanted him to share state money with them and I have challenged him to mention names so that the whole world will know them.

    “So, I just got frustrated and left the party because he has not been fair to party leaders and the people that stood for him in 2020 when he had problems in APC, ” Idahosa said.

    The former PDP chieftain also added that besides the ill-treatment, the state had not experienced development in the last seven years.

    He explained that the projects being counted as achievements were projects executed decades ago which he renovated.

    “This government has not done well in all ramifications. The state Secretariat, Ogbe Stadium, which he counts as achievements, were built by Dr Samuel Ogbemudia of blessed memory; the structures were only renovated.

    “All the promises he made in 2016, he has not fulfilled any. He promised Edo Galegale seaport, he promised to build 18 mini stadiums, Edo North international Airport and Benin-Auchi railway line and may more.

    “All these promises have not been fulfilled. Only the civil servants have benefited from this government and I ask, what is the population of the civil servants in the state? very small,” he added.

    According to him, the much talked-about EdoBEST is for selected schools.

    “We contribute money to pay teachers in my local government, Uhunwode.”

    “I totally disagree with the policies and programmes of this government, so I just left.

    “But I have heard people complaining about my leaving the party and I wonder when it became an offense to leave a party.

    “There is no law saying you should not move if you are not comfortable where you are. Defection also happens in advanced countries because there is freedom of movement and association.

    “My movement will not affect anything because I am a founding member of the APC and the PDP, we just had to leave the party on various occasions we felt mistreated.

    “I can tell you that this time, I am not leaving the APC for any other party again. I just feel that after 70 years of age, I need to retire.”

    He said he would not contest for elective position because he had held many positions in and outside the state.

    “So, I have no reason to be afraid to tell the truth ,” Idahosa said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AUO/CHOM/JI

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Joe Idika