Abeokuta, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Speaker of the Ogun House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, on Wednesday urged necessary government agencies to ensure a holistic implementation of the state’s Anti-open Grazing Law.
Elemide who said this during plenary added that it would be with a view to controlling the movement of herds across the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Speaker was commenting on the report received on Tuesday that some herders were moving cattle on major roads in the state.
“The full implementation of the law will bring about sanity and enhance safety of the motoring public. The attitude of herders is against the existing law,” Elemide said.
He also spoke on the menace of land-grabbers terrorising some residents of the state, as reported by a member representing Ewekoro State Constituency, Yusuf Amosun.
Elemide urged the people to approach the court of competent jurisdiction on matters relating to land-grabbing and forceful invasion of landed property for redress.
He noted that it was high time everyone saddled with the responsibility of enforcing the Anti-Land Grabbing Law braced up and ensured sanity in land administration.
”This will help to avoid unlawful exploitation of the people and possible breakdown of laws and order,” the Speaker said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
YAF/OIF/OLAL
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(Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Olawale Alabi)
Ilorin, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) on Wednesday in Ilorin urged manufacturers to get their products certified through the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP).
Engr. Timothy Abner, SON’s Director of Human Resources, while presenting MANCAP certificates to four companies said certification was a programme put in place by law for manufacturers in Nigeria.
He explained that certification would enable consumers to know that a product had maintained a minimum standard requirement, and it has become necessary for SON to ensure the law was implemented.
“The programme is to recognise those that are abiding by the law and consistently showing that they are operating according to standard, as well as encourage other manufacturers,” Abner said.
SON’s Kwara Coordinator, Mr Ayeni Feyisara, said the organisation has been sensitising manufacturers and encouraging them to get their products certified, in order for their customers to purchase quality products.
“Most manufacturers want to have their products displayed in the market, but not interested in certifying them.
“The fact that a product is acceptable does not mean that it is excellent. So, the certification is for products that are excellent, consistent and ready to meet up with acceptable limits,” Feyisara said.
The State Coordinator stressed that there was the need to applaud companies which followed due procedure and acquired their certificate, in order to encourage them to continue and motivate others.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the four companies certified are HMA Nigeria Ltd., LUBCON Ltd., B&Q ventures and Muhrima Bildej Nigeria Ltd. (NAN)www.nannews.ng
MOB/ISHO/OLAL
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Group advocates improved awareness on violence prohibition law in Kogi
Group photograph of participants at the capacity building training for stakeholders on Kogi State VAPP Law 2022, on Wednesday in Lokoja
VAPP
By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) A group, The Participation For Behavioural Change In Development (PIBCID), has called for improvement in the awareness on the existence of Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, 2022 in Kogi.
The Executive Director of PIBCID, Rachael Akande, made the call at a workshop organised for critical stakeholders on Wednesday in Lokoja.
The workshop was organised by PIBCID and Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF) in collaboration with Kogi office of the Public Defender and Citizens’ Rights Commission (PDCRC).
Akande said that the VAPP law was enacted as a result of prevailing cases of gender-based violence (GBV) and human right abuse in Kogi.
According to her, the main thrust of the law is to eliminate violence in private and public life, prohibit all forms of violence against persons such as rape, maiming of spouse, forceful ejection from home, forced isolation, acid bath and killing, amongst others.
She said that the VAPP law was meant to provide maximum protection and effective remedies for victims and punishment of offenders and other related matters.
Akande noted that the VAPP law was domesticated in Kogi in June 2022, but decried the low level of awareness by the general public.
She stressed the need to sensitise and train the critical stakeholders to create awareness and its effective implementation to curb GBV in the state.
“The level of awareness of the provisions of VAPP Law 2022 in Kogi is still very low. We want more people to know about the law and take advantage of its provisions.
“This workshop is to create more awareness and involvement of relevant stakeholders that would champion the fight against gender based violence in Kogi,” Akande said.
She urged the participants to step down the training in their various organisations and increase the awareness at the grassroots across the state.
Akande also called for the provision of adequate funding for government’s relevant agencies and critical stakeholders, stressing that the issue of GBV is everybody’s responsibility.
Also speaking, the Director General of PDCRC in Kogi, Mr Musa Idris, said the VAPP law in the state was enacted in June 2022 and domiciled with Commission.
Idris said that the PDCRC had successfully handled several cases including domestic violence and rape, resolved several family issues as well as other cases free of charge.
He noted that offences such as rape that attracted a penalty of 40 years imprisonment under the Penal code, now attracted a life imprisonment under the Kogi VAPP law, 2022.
Idris emphasised that the workshop was part of the commission’s effort to sensitise the populace about the provisions of the Kogi State VAPP law, 2022.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that resource persons at the training spoke on several topics, such as “Appraisal of the Provisions of Kogi State VAPP Law, 2022”, and “Overview of Offences and Punishment”.
Others included: “the Roles of Protection officers in the implementation of the VAPP law”, as well as “Roles of critical stakeholders under the Kogi State VAPP law, 2022”.
The Chief Executive Officer of Challenged Parenthood Network Initiative (CPI), Eunice Agbogun, said that the successful implementation of the VAPP law in Kogi demanded a collaborative effort from all stakeholders.
“By working together, these entities can create a system that empowers victims, strengthens the justice system, and ultimately fosters a safer environment for all citizens in Kogi,” Agbogun said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ASA/ISHO/IU
Lafia, June 26, 2024 ( NAN) The Nasarawa State chapter of the Police Community Relations Committee ( PCRC), has promised to support the Police and other security agencies toward tackling all forms of security challenges confronting parts of the state.
Its Chairman in the state, Mr David Abuluya, said this on Wednesday in Lafia.
Abuluya spoke during a townhall on strengthening community policing in Nigeria, with the theme ”Community Policing: Building a Safer Nigeria Together.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by the Ministry of Police Affairs.
Abuluya, who is the proprietor, Nacabs Polytechnic, Akwanga, said that effective partnership with the security agencies would promote lasting peace in the state
” It will also bring speedy development to Nasarawa state, North-Central Nigeria and the country at large.
“So, we will support the police and other security agencies to promote peace and unity at all levels,” he said
The PCRC chairman promised to create awareness on the gains of peaceful coexistence toward the growth and development of the state.
Abuluya urged residents of the state to provide useful information to the police, adding that such move would enable prompt response in distress moments.
He promised to initiate policies and programmes that would promote peaceful coexistence in all parts of the state.
NAN reports that Abuluya was presented with an award by the ministry of police affairs for his dedication and commitment toward a peaceful society.( NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and the Minister of States for Police Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim at the Renewed Hope Police Agenda town hall engagement in Lafia, Wednesday.
Policing
Olukayode Babalola
Lafia, June 26, 2024. (NAN) The Federal Government has restated its commitment to the implementation of the Renewed Hope Police Agenda, a policing strategy designed based on local peculiarities and considerations with communities and stakeholders participation.
The Minister of States for Police Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, stated this during a citizens town hall engagement on strengthening community policing in Nigeria on Wednesday in Lafia.
The theme of the town hall engagement is, Community Policing: Building a Safer Nigeria Together.
She pointed out that the town hall engagements across the country would catalyse grassroots understanding of security dynamics and foster community-specific solutions.
The minister stated that security is inherently local, and people’s approach must reflect an appreciation for each community’s distinct characteristics, challenges, and strengths.
“Security is local, and must acknowledge and embrace the unique dynamics of each community in our pursuit of a safer nation.
“Today’s town hall is a reflection of the significant shift in our approach to policing. As you may be aware, Section 14(2)(b) of The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 puts the security and welfare of our people as the government’s priority, ” she said.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said that President Bola Tinubu has placed security at the centre of the administration’s eight(8) priorities, and they have commenced the implementation of the Renewed Hope Police Agenda, which will ensure that the police force is strategically positioned to fulfill its mandate.
According to her, at the heart of this Renewed Hope Police Agenda is the implementation of a community policing strategy that is designed based on local peculiarities and considerations, with the full participation of members of the various communities and stakeholder blocks, to ensure inclusivity and full ownership.
She lauded Nasarawa state for its uniqueness in terms of its diversity and for demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges, especially security challenges.
She noted that the substantial miner deposits Nasarawa State that attracted both local and international attention, its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with the attendant socio-economic opportunities had increased the security burden on the state.
The minister reiterated that the Renewed Hope Police Agenda for Nasarawa State, therefore, seeks to build on local efforts while supporting the existing collaborations that have made the state a shining example of effective security measures within the North Central region.
She outlined the six foundational pillars that serve as strategic frameworks designed to redefine and strengthen the Nigeria Police Force, which include Technical and Operational Excellence: Infrastructure Advancement: Welfare Enhancement: Policy Framework Development and Re-branding, Strategic Communication, and Public Trust Management.
Also speaking, Alh. Mogaji Olaniyan, the National Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), represented by the National Vice Chairman, Don Kenneth Otuonunyo, said that police were the main focus in policing and that security revolved around them.
He noted that there was a wide gap between Nigeria Police Force and the society, making policing difficult in the country.
He maintained that the community must be ready to collaborate with the police by availing them with information that would enhance their performance in the country.
“Police work 24 hours every day without a break and they need support and encouragement to succeed,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa state lauded the Minster of State for Police Affairs for her dedication and leadership in driving the critical reform aimed at transforming policing in Nigeria.
He said that the town hall would provide the state government with a crucial platform to explore new ideas, gather valuable insights and strengthen the state’s collective approach to ensuring the safety and security of the state.
“We are confident that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and his renewed policing strategy, we will see enhanced collaboration, innovative solutions and a stronger commitment to addressing our security challenges in Nigeria,” he said.
He urged the private sector and other relevant stakeholders to support the Renewed Hope Police Agenda to achieve its objectives.
In his welcome remarks, the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Kayode Egbetokun, represented by the Deputy Inspector General, Intelligence, DIG Dasuki Galadachi, revealed that his in conjunction with the United Nations Development Programme(UNDP) had approved the Crime Data Analysis and mapping survey in all the local government areas in the country.
He said that the data analysis would determine the strategy to be deploy to tackle security challenges in each local government area of the country. (NAN)
Onne (Rivers) June 26, 2024 (NAN) No fewer than 2.1 million persons aged between 15 and 64 years in the South-South region, use psychoactive substances, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said.
Stella Ngwoke, the Commander, NDLEA command in Port Harcourt Ports, made the disclosure in Onne on Wednesday at an event to mark the 2024 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse.
Ngwoke who quoted statistics from the National Drug Use Survey, 2018, said that about 14.3 million persons aged between 15 and 64 used illicit drugs in the country.
“We are talking about drug use for non-medical purposes. It has also been discovered that one out of every four drug user, is a woman.
“In Rivers, the prevalence rate is 15 per cent of the said population which is estimated at 580,000 people,” she said.
The commander listed, hemp, tramadol, morphine and cough syrups containing codeine as the mostly abused substances in the South-South region.
Ngwoke said that the current realities about drug intake in the country required that governments at all levels and relevant stakeholders should rise to the occasion.
She said that NDLEA had already taken proactive steps to ensure a balanced approach towards reducing the demandfor the regularly abused drugs.
The NDLEA official said that part of the approach was the suppression of the supply of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances as stipulated in the National Drug Control Master Plan, 2020-2025.
The commander said that already, the agency’s interdiction effort at the ports had led the the seizure of large shipment of drugs from India.
Ngwoke stated that in May, the agency seized no fewer than 1,750 cartons of cartons of cough syrup with codeine, weighing 26,250kg.
‘”Also, in June, another seizure of 875 cartons of cough syrup with codeine, also containing 17,500 bottles,and weighing 26,250kg was made.
“The street value of the drug in these two operations is estimated at over N4 billion,’’ she said.
Ngwoke said that in addition to the seizure, mop-up operations were carried out around the Port Harcourt Ports corridor to dislodge drug joints.
Also speaking, the Special Guest of Honour, Mr Mohammed Babadende, expressed worries that drug abuse was ravaging the country.
He said that drug abuse had since metamorphosed into a global problem with a multifaceted challenge that touched on the lives of millions of people globally.
Babadende commended the NDLEA for working assiduously to tackle drug abuse, trafficking and addiction in the country.
“We all know that drug availability, affordability and accessibility are directly influenced by addiction,” he said.
Mr Bayo Adepoju, the Deputy Director, Port Operations, NAFDAC, said that although tramadol and codeine were prescription drugs, it is illegal for anyone to have them in large quantity.(NAN) www.nannews,ng
Lafia, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has decried the poor state of infrastructures in public universities in the country.
Dr Sunday Orinya, Chairman of the union in the institution, voiced the concern during a peaceful protest it organised on Wednesday in Lafia.
Orinya, who explained that the protest was in compliance with the directive of its National Executive Council (NEC), called on the Federal Government to honour all agreements reached with the union.
“NEC directed all branches to sensitise and mobilise her members for a possible strike action over the silence of the federal government on the lingering issues affecting public universities.
“The looming industrial action is a resolution reached by ASUU at its emergency NEC meeting held recently at the University of Abuja,” he said.
The Chairman particularly called on the federal government to implement the renegotiated agreement reached with the union in 2009.
“For the avoidance of doubt, there was a joint renegotiation committee of the 2009 agreement comprising representatives of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and the ASUU team, which produced the first, second and third draft agreements.
“The first draft was coordinated by the Emeritus Prof. Munzali Jibril, who took over the chairmanship of the joint renegotiating committee from Dr Wale Babalakin.
“The draft was submitted in May 2021, but was rejected by government a year later; but the second and current draft came to be after the government’s team was reconstituted in April 2022 chaired by emeritus Prof. Nimi Briggs.
“The Briggs-led committee commenced work with extensive consultations; they met heads of relevant units in the MDAs and shared a written submission of the findings with ASUU.
“We were assured that the new committee had a clear mandate to review the Munzali-led committee’s report through a collective bargaining process in tandem with the principles of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), but to no avail,” he explained
The chairman appealed to the federal government to immediately implement the agreemnt in order to forestall another round of industrial action that would distort academic activities in public universities.
The News of Nigeria (NAN), reports that some of the demands included new salary package and conditions of service, funding for the revitalisation of universities, payment of backlog of Earned Academic Allowances and accumulated promotion arrears.
Other demands of the union are payment of withheld salaries, adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solutions (UTAS), with concurrent discontinuance of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).
Participants at the NCCRP organised Capacity Building workshop for Media Professionals on climate change.
Awareness
By Mercy Omoike
Lagos, June 26,2024 (NAN) The Department of Climate Change (DCC), the Federal Ministry of Environment, has tasked journalists on raising awareness on climate change issues in the country.
The Director of DCC, Dr Iniobong Abiola-Awe, gave the charge at the end of a three-day workshop for media professionals on climate change on Wednesday in Lagos.
Abiola-Awe was represented by Mrs Dolapo John-Akhighbe, the Desk Officer at Department of Climate Change.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop under the auspices of the DCC and the Nigeria Climate Response Programme 2020-2024 (NCCRP) was organised to equip journalists for adequate reporting of climate change issues.
The European Union funded NCCRP intends to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) pledge of 47 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases emissions by 2030 in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 13.
Abiola-Awe who commended the participants for their active participation at the workshop called for increased awareness on climate change effects.
“As we end this capacity building workshop for media professionals on climate change, I would like to extend my gratitude for your active participation and dedication over the past few days.
“The knowledge and skills you have gained here will undoubtedly significantly impact your reporting of one of the most critical issue of recent times i.e. climate change.
“Climate change is a global challenge that requires unified actions and as media professionals you hold the unique power to inform an inspire change.
“Your role in raising awareness, holding stakeholders accountable and shaping the public opinion is crucial in driving the necessary action toward a more sustainable and resilient future,” Abiola-Awe said.
She also stressed the importance of fact checking in climate change reportage
“I encourage you to continue learning and evolving in your coverage of climate change.
“To seek out diverse perspectives, to fact check vigorously and to communicate climate solution oriented stories that empowers individuals, communities, state and the national to take positive climate actions.
“Remember the power of storytelling is immense and your words and pictures have the potential to inspire change, foster understanding and driven progress of climate action,” she said.
The NCCRP Team lead, Dr Todd Ngara, encouraged networking among the journalists in creating awareness on climate change issues.
“A lot of themes were discussed in the course of the workshop as regards climate change.
“However, our focus as the NCCRP is to actualise a network of journalists on climate change report, hence the introduction of participants to Nigerian Journalists for Climate Change Action Network (NIJOCAN).
“This workshop is the third gathering of journalists on climate change, and in the first workshop NIJOCAN was created, and the second in Keffi.
“To include the southern journalists hence the workshop in Lagos to include journalists from the region.
“For sustainability and inclusivity, we urge journalists from the South to be part of this network to push the frontiers of climate change reportage in the country,” Ngara said.
On his part, Mr Michael Simire, a facilitator at the workshop, commended the journalists for their active participation.
“The training has been successful so, indeed climate change communication is very important.
“We have observed that the journalists have been very active and participatory in all the workshop sessions. They are enthusiastic and are learning, which is very commendable.
“This will mean that the workshop will impact positively on their reportage of climate change issues.
“This will foster better communication of climate change issues and the public will become aware of intricacies and the dynamics of climate change impacts.
“Then they will be able to make necessary changes in their relationship with the environment,” Simire said.
A key expert in communication and capacity building with the NCCRP, Ms Elizabeth Mwaniki, called for increased coverage of climate change issues by the journalists.
“This workshop targets adequate reportage of climate change issues in media newsrooms in Nigeria.
“Through the workshop, we learnt the importance of putting climate change reports on the front pages of our media reports.
“Going forward, we expect that after this training, that journalists will go give climate change stories more visibility and expand their coverage of climate change issues.
“We also hope to build more networks among climate change reporters to ensure sustainability of the reportage,” Mwaniki said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
DMO/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
Mr Owen Dinneys, Area Commander, Special Command of National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) Sem
Arrest
By Raji Rasak
Badagry (Lagos State), June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Special Command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Seme, Badagry, says it arrested 194 suspects and also convicted 48 people in one year.
Mr Owen Dinneys, Area Commander, disclosed this on Wednesday during a news conference to commemorate the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Badagry.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the 2024 event is “The Evidence Is Clear: Invest in Prevention”.
Dinneys stated that out of the 194 suspects, 149 were male and 45 female.
“Several other cases are still ongoing at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.
“A total of 159 drug users were counselled and discharged, while three referrals were made during the same period,” he said.
The Area Commander noted that the command seized 10,974.12 kg of assorted drugs, equivalent to over 10 tonnes.
The seized drug exhibits included: Cannabis: 10,967.5 kilogrammes;
Methamphetamine: 0.98 kilogrammes; Tramadol: 3.576 kilogrammes; Diazepam: 2.06 kilogrammes; Rophynol: 0.3375 kilogrammes in the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA).
NAN also reports that the command elevated its awareness campaigns in schools, churches, mosques, markets and government institutions.
“We even carried our advocacy drive to traditional institutions and well-meaning community leaders/stakeholders,” Dinneys said.
During the period under review, the WADA team visited 70 public and private schools, 16 mosques, 10 churches, and 54 public and private organisations, including markets, CDAs, and the Okada Riders Association, for awareness campaigns.
“We intend to visit all the schools within our area of responsibility to ensure that no child is left uninformed on the dangers of drug abuse,” he added.
NAN reports that officials of the agency, along with other security agencies, walked within the Badagry area, sensitising residents on the menace of drug abuse.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Bauchi, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has called for closer collaboration with community leaders to enhance awareness creation on consumer rights in Bauchi State.
The Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr Adamu Abdullahi stated this during a sensitisation exercise organised for stakeholders, community and religious leaders, on Wednesday in Bauchi.
According to him, the FCCPC, as a federal government agency is established under the FCCPC Act 2018, to promote and protect consumers’ interest in the growing competitive market.
“There is need for the agency to partner and sensitise the community leaders which include traditional and religious leaders and other stakeholders on its mandate.
“We have the belief and confidence community leaders are close to the people that is why we feel it is imperative to embark on this sensitisation to acquaint you with our activities.
“The collaboration would help the commission carry out its functions effectively because is expected of you to step down the sensitisation to the people,” he said.
Abdullahi reitetrated commitment of the commission to ensure fair and competitive marketplace for all Nigerians.
The commission, he said encouraged consumers to report suspected price gouging and other unfair trade practices, adding that it would work with stakeholders to identify and remove unnecessary barriers to entry in various sectors, combat price fixing and dismantle cartels.
“We will engage in advocacy and public awareness campaigns to raise awareness about price gouging and other unfair trade practices and provide guidance on identifying and reporting such practices”.
The Emir of Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Adamu, who was represented by Aliyu Lame, the District Head of Lame, said the traditional institutions would support the commission to achieve its mandate.
Also speaking, Mr Abraham Damina, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, pledged support to the commission.
Similarly, Uztaz Tijjani, the Secretary of the Bauchi State Sharia Commission, promised to sensitise their people to the activities of the commission. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
