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Category: General News

  • Ex-BPE director calls for living pension for retirees

     

    Retirees

    By Emmanuel Afonne

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) A former director with the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE), Malam Ibrahim Babagana, has called for an upward review of pension of Nigerian retirees.

    Mr Babagana made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday following organised labour’s demand for a living/minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

    He said that such upward review would enable the retirees to face the present economic challenges in the country.

    NAN reports that organised labour is demanding N250,000, while the government negotiating team proposed N62,000.

    Babagana said there was need to accommodate the retirees in the organised labour demand for increase in the workers’ salary considering the level of hardship.

    “The reality on ground is that things are no longer the same;  I retired in 2019 and the stipend I was getting then is the same stipend I am still getting in 2024.

    “The level of inflation has deepened over the years and the purchasing power of the average Nigerian has changed over the years.

    “In real terms, there is a need to improve the stipends retirees are getting because they have worked for the country before they retired.’’

    According to him, there should also be a retirement fund for retirees to access, to enable them to establish Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

    “This solution should not be left for the government alone; it is a stakeholder thing; it will help but how do you start the process?

    “As a public servant, the environment itself has psychologically prepared someone, that in the next couple of years he or she will exit; it has to also be clear that a retiree cannot completely rely on the government.

    “During my time, they started preparing us for retirement a year before time but I am postulating that we should prepare people for retirement five years before they exit.

    “This will ensure that the person does not become too close to his or her seat but we should not create a scenario where he is psychologically thinking of exiting and going out, then, he will not give his best.

    “When you prepare the ground for retirement, it should be done in collaboration with the private sector; it is a combination of public and private sector.’’

    Babagana urged the government to show compassion on workers and retirees as the present earnings were no longer sustainable in the present day Nigeria.

    “I observed that when my father retired from service, he already built a house through the loan scheme.

    “So, he didn’t have a problem with accommodation; the state took care of the education of his children and he didn’t have challenges with hospital bills because the state took care of that.

    “Now, the story is quite different because most of the retirees have to create things by themselves and if you are not opportune, you will be at the receiving end and that is why most retirees die prematurely.

    “Imagine a retiree chasing his or her entitlement at the age of 70 because in some organisations, these retirement funds have been misplaced or mismanaged,” Babagana said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    EMAF/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • Ajimobi’s legacies will never be forgotten, Says lawmaker

    Ajimobi’s legacies will never be forgotten, Says lawmaker

    By Sarafina Christopher

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Rep. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, House of Representatives member representing Oluyole Federal Constituency, has described late governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, as a true statesman whose legacies will never be forgotten.
    She said this why paying tribute to Ajimobi to commemorate his remembrance in a statement made issued in Abuja on Wednesday.
    Ajimobi passed away on June 25, 2020 at the age of 70 after a brief illness.

    Late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi

    According to the lawmaker, Ajimobi was an exceptional statesman who made indelible marks in public service.

    She also said the late former governor could best be described as the architect of modern Oyo State, saying he left the office with distinct legacies and achievements.

    “He Came. He lived. He Conquered the Myth. He was worthy leader”, she said.

    Akande-Sadipe, the House Committee Chairman on Ethics and Privileges, Assembly saluted late Ajimobi’s patriotic spirit.

    She said Ajimobi gave her the opportunity to serve in his cabinet, which was the platform she leveraged to be in the position to serve her people in Oluyole Federal Constituency.

    “Sadly the vacuum created by the demise of the former governor and Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Oyo State, late Senator Abiola Ajimobi is clear to all”, she said.

    Rep. Akande-Sadipe said the late former governor made a significant impact in governance of Oyo state through many innovations and ideas. (NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

    SAF/KUA

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    Edited by Uche Anunne

     

  • Drug trafficker bags 6-month imprisonment

    Imprisonment

    By Olawale Akinremi

    Ibadan, June 26, 2024 (NAN) A Federal High Court in Ibadan on Wednesday sentenced a drug trafficker, Samuel Adedotun, to six months in prison for dealing in 500 grammes of hemp.

    In his judgement, Justice Ekerete Akpan said he convicted and sentenced Adedotun on the evidence tendered before him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and by his guilty plea.

    Akpan also stated that he took cognisance of Adedotun’s plea for mercy; being a first-time offender, not wasting the court’s precious time and being his family’s breadwinner.

    “I hope the convict is truly remorseful of his action because stiffer punishment shall be applied if brought back for any crime.

    “However, to serve as a deterrent to other would-be criminals, the defendant is sentenced to six months in prison.

    “The sentence starts from the date he was first arrested.

    “The weed exhibit found in his possession shall be destroyed by the NDLEA,” the judge said.

    Meanwhile, NDLEA counsel, Mr Daniel Otunla, had earlier told the court that the convict was arrested on May 11 in Ojoo area of Ibadan.

    The prosecutor said the convict faced a charge bordering on unlawful dealing in hemp.

    Otunla added that NDLEA operatives acted on a tip-off from informants that Adedotun had a sack containing 500 grammes of the illicit substance before he was eventually apprehended.

    According to the prosecutor, the offence contravened the provisions of Section 11 (C) of the NDLEA Act Cap. N30 law of the Federation 2004.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Act prescribes maximum life imprisonment for anyone convicted. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SEM/MAS

    Edited by Moses Solanke

  • Anglican women conference urges FG to evolve policies to tackle hardship

    Hardship

    By Joy Mbachi

    Awka, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Anglican Women Conference, Diocese of Awka, Anambra, has urged the Federal Government to implement policies that will tackle the current economic challenges in the country.

    The call is contained in a communique issued at the end of the 38th Diocesan Women’s Conference, Awka, held between June 20 and 24.

    The theme of the conference, held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Nibo, is: “I Will Not Let Go Unless You Bless Me”

    The conference said it had become expedient for the Federal Government to review policies that had no direct positive impact on the welfare of the citizenry.

    The anglican women said that the rise in fuel price, electricity tariff, and the resultant devaluation of the naira had hugely affected the living standard of Nigerians.

    “The conference is dissatisfied with government’s attitude towards the plight of the poor masses, and urges the government to spend public fund in tackling the needs of the people.

    “Taxpayers’ money is not meant to fund frivolous lifestyles, especially when extreme hunger is ravaging the people.

    “The conference urges the government to ensure food security by promoting farming activities and providing adequate security for farmers,” the communique read in parts.

    The anglican women conference commended the Nigerian Labour Congress for standing up in support of the Nigerian workers.

    “We urge both the government and the organised labour to shift their respective grounds in keeping with the principles of conflict resolution in the ongoing minimum wage negotiation.

    “We commend the Governor of Anambra, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for his administration’s massive reforms in infrastructure and the education sector,” the communique further read.

    The conference however, expressed worries that insecurity had heightened in different parts of the state, and urged the governor to take urgent steps towards reversing the trend.

    They urged women in the country to play crucial role in the upbringing of children and the general upkeep of the family in the interest of a better society. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    JOY/OIF/AZU

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    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Azubuike Okeh

     

  • Ebonyi Fire Service trains 152 LPG dealers on safety measures

    Ebonyi Fire Service trains 152 Gas dealers on safety measures

    Safety

    By Uchenna Ugwu
    Abakaliki, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Ebonyi Fire Service has trained about 152 members of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers Association (LPGAR) branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) on fire risk control and precautional measures.

    The programme was held on Tuesday during fire safety and ignition control training for LPGAR – NUPENG association at the service parade ground, Abakaliki.

    The Chief Fire Officer, Mr Ralph Ibiam said that the training became necessary because of the need for more safety consciousness on happenings and reoccurrence of fire incidents in the state.

    “The training is aimed at exposing the dealers on how to ensure safety in case of any emergency at their business places.

    “It is an annual event and statutory obligation for the service to conduct such awareness for the group,” Ibiam said.

    He further disclosed that the programme would be extended to petroleum dealers as well as outlets to address the trend of fire disaster in the state.

    Ibiam called on the association to create community awareness and educate residents on the cause.

    The Deputy Fire Officer and Resource Person, Mr Chukwuma Nweke, urged the association to adopt precautionary measures like ensuring proper gas storage, practice exit drill at home, purchase fire extinguisher among other safety tips.

    In his remarks, Mr Jude Ani, Chairman LPGAR – NUPENG, appluded the personnel for disseminating information to spur safety consciousness among members of the association.

    Ani encouraged members to extend the training to their sale representatives and promised continuous partnership with the fire service to ensure safety.

    The News agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the training featured some fire marshals who exposed the dealers to real term safety measures.

    NAN reports that the command also urged the public to call its fire service emergency numbers to include, 07069752627 and 08032554317 Abakaliki and 07036845645, 08032635818 Afikpo LGA.

    Other unit numbers include, 08030647592 Uburu, 07069717263 Onueke.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    UVU/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Abia Govt. restricts operational hour of tricycles, motorcycles

    Abia Govt. restricts operational hours of tricycles, motorcycles
    The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Uzor Nwachukwu
    Restriction
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Umuahia, June 25, 2024(NAN) The Abia Government on Tuesday announced the prohibition of the operation of tricycles and motorcycle in Aba and Umuahia between 7 pm and 6 am, with effect from July 1.
    The Commissioner for Local Goverment and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Uzor Nwachukwu, made this known  at a press conference at the end of a meeting between the government and stakeholders in the transport sector, in Umuahia.
    Nwachukwu said that the decision to restrict the operating hours of tricycles and  motorcycles was informed by the need to secure lives and property in Abia.

    He said:”The information available to security agencies reveal that most of these robbery attacks happen in the evening hours, late night hours and very early morning hours in these cities.

    “The restriction does not stop Keke and Okada operators from operating from 6am in the day to 6pm in the evening.
    “So they are still doing their business; it’s just that the state government has decided to curb the operations of these criminals who use these means of transport to perpetrate their criminal activities.”
    According to him,  the government had met with leadership of the relevant unions of the operators and  urged all  residents to comply accordingly.
    He said that government would equally attempt to review the restriction when it becomes necessary and said security agents have been alerted on the development.
    Nwachukwu said that the government would implement the policy with human face assuring the people that there would be no victimisation of any innocent individual.
    He said that as part of measures to enhance security in the state, the government would commence a compulsory enumeration and registration of all commercial vehicles in the state.
    Nwachukwu also said that the exercise would enable the government and security agencies to identify the real owners and  operators of commercial vehicles for security purposes.
    The commissioner said that a committee had been set up to that effect, with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security , Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd) as the Chairman.
    He also said that the government set up the committee to ensure effective compliance  by all  commercial vehicle operators in the state.
    “Security is everyone’s business and we want everybody to please take this message home because to develop as a state, we must ensure that there is safety and security of lives and property in Abia,” he said.
    In his remark, the Technical Adviser to the Governor, Mr Charles Egeonu, said that the present administration evolved  policies focused on improving the welfare of the people.
    Egeonu said that the government had engaged with the tricycle and motorcycle operators and believed that their deliberation would be very fruitful.
    He said :”Please bear in mind that it is a decision that we would undertake and would attempt to review as we go along.”
    In their separate speeches, Mr Victor Azubuike, the Chairman of  Abia State Tricycle Operators Union(ASTOU), Aba Zone, the Chairman of  ASTOU,  Umuahia zone,  Mr  Godson Chinwotito, and the  Chairman of Abia State Motorcycle Operators Union, Mr Chiemela Ugboaja , described the restriction as a “welcome development”.
    They commended the government for getting them involved in the process of  formulating the new policy and assured that their members would comply accordingly.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    INA/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • We’ll pay salary arrears in tranches—Abia Govt.

    We’ll pay salary arrears in tranches – Abia Govt.
    Salaries
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Umuahia, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Abia Government has said it would pay salary arrears owed workers in the state civil service, in tranches.
    The Commissioner for Finance, Mr Mike Akpara, made this known on Tuesday during a press conference in Umuahia.
    Akpara expressed the determination of the present administration to completely change the narrative of owing workers salaries because “a worker deserves his wages”.
    According to him, the present administration inherited a debt of  N16.5 billion of salary arrears owed workers in state-owned institutions of learning.
    He said that the government had resolved to clear the arrears, and ensured that the advancement it recorded in other sectors of the economy would be sustained.
    “We need to jump start the economy of the state and for the velocity of money to improve in Abia, we need to stop going to bed by 7pm.
    “For salary arrears,the governor has set up machinery in motion to ensure that salary arrears would become a thing of the past.
    “One thing I will promise is that it will be paid  but  it is not going to be in one sweep.
    “We will do it in  instalments, so that it does not hamper the progress other sector of the economy,” he said..
    Akpara said that the government would commence payment of the salary arrears owed workers of state-owned institutions of learning by “July or August”, with the hope of completing payments by the end of the year.
    He said that the total amount of salaries owed to all the institutions, was N16.5billion and the government was expected to pay those arrears and do something in other sectors.
    Akpara said that the state-owned institutions of higher learning include Abia State University (ABSU) College of Education, Arochukwu, College of Health Sciences, Abia state Polytechnic, Aba and Abia State University Teaching Hospital.
    The commissioner said that the government had paid the salary arrears for April and May owed workers in ABSU.
    “We decide to run away from situations where subventions are being given to them,  yet the are unable to pay salaries.
    “In the past, there was something called generate and use and we noticed that things were not being done properly, a situation where salaries are being owed for 11 months, 33 months, 22 months respectively, in most of those institutions .
    “As a matter of fact the past government owed Abia Polytechnic -33 months, College of Education Arochukwu -22 months, Abia state University -11months.
    “Hospital Management Board was owed for several months. Theirs was humongous that they down trod.
    “We also have ASUBEB and SEMB , the total amounts being owed to them is over N4billion.”
    He said that it was  unfair for people to begin to call names and refer to Gov. Alex Otti of Abia as a liar, and urged the people to support the policies and programmes of the government.
    Akpara said that the present administration had not applied for any loan facility since its assumed office and had been managing its finances well enough to fulfill its  obligations on time.
    He said that the previous administration began the process for requesting loan from Africa Development Bank and Islamic Development Bank.
     He said they were completing what the past administration started,  since  ”government is a continuum”.
    Akpara added that the loans had not  been released to the government and we have been managed our resources.
    He said that the government had resolved to continue to conduct verification exercises whenever the  need arises to restore sanity in the civil service.
    “We will continue to apply ourselves to the good works  that the state requires to ensure that the people get the dividend of democracy,” Akpara said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    INA/ACA/MNA
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    Edited by Chidinma Agu/Maureen Atuonwu

  • IBEDC apologises, explains challenge in darkness-hit area

     

    Power

    By Olatunde Ajayi

    Ibadan, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has apologised to customers over the state of power supply in Lalupon environs due to a collapsed bridge in the area.

    The Coordinating Head, Corporate Services, Mrs Angela Olanrewaju, at a news conference on Tuesday, in Ibadan, said that the collapsed bridge damaged several poles on its network.

    The press conference was in response to a peaceful protest organised by some residents of the affected communities on Monday.

    Olanrewaju stated that the incident had caused part of Lalupon 33KV feeder to be isolated due to lack of right of way to re-erect the broken poles.

    This, she said, had made 32 substations out of supply, thereby affecting several communities in the area.

    She reiterated the commitment of thé company to resolve the main long-standing issues in the area when fund was available.

    Olanrewaju said that temporary solution would, however, be provided to restore supply to the area.

    “It is part of projects included in the Performance Improvement Projects (PIP) submitted to Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission(NERC) in 2022.

    “We got approval from NERC, unfortunately we didn’t have the funding for the project which is over N1.5billion.

    “When the CBN intervention fund in the form of loans to DISCOs came up, we decided to take advantage of that, however, the project couldn’t commence in December 2023, because CBN put the intervention fund on hold, “she said.

    She also revealed that the IBEDC had commenced a quick win solution that would ensure supply of electricity to affected communities in the interim, pending the construction of the collapsed bridge.

    “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and we are using this medium to assure our customers that every effort is being made to expedite the completion of the 33kV substation project and restore full power supply.

    “As a customer-centric company, we are deeply concerned about the supply situation, as such, we have held over 10 meetings with the leaders of the communities to explain the situation.

    “This meetings with community leaders underscore our commitment to resolving these issues and improving service delivery,” she said.

     

    IBEDC’S Officer in charge of technical services, Christopher Lawal, said that a technical team had been working to back-feed the affected communities from neighbouring community with electricity supply within three weeks.

     

    “We appreciate the patience and understanding exhibited by the affected communities so far.

    “We are working toward more reliable and efficient power supply for Lalupon and its environs, “he said

    NAN reports that residents of the affected communities on Monday took to the streets to protest inability of IBEDC to supply electricity to them.

    The protesters, in large numbers, stormed the IBEDC office and obstructed vehicular movement.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    TUN/MAM/SOA

    Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Oluwole Sogunle

     

  • Tinubu mourns Deputy Comptroller of Customs Etop Essien

    Tinubu mourns Deputy Comptroller of Customs Etop Essien

    Mourning

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the passing of Mr Etop Essien, the Deputy Comptroller in charge of revenue at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), with profound sadness.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, in a statement on Tuesday, said the President extended his condolences to the family of Essien.

    He described Essien’s passing while on an official assignment as most distressing.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Essien passed away shortly after showing signs of discomfort during a presentation before the National Assembly House  Committee on Public Accounts, on Tuesday.

    “The President also commiserates with the Comptroller General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as well as the officers, men, and women of the Nigeria Customs Service.

    “The President prays for the repose of the soul of the deceased officer and comfort for his family,” said the statement.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SA/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Ondo Assembly passes N16bn OSOPADEC appropriation bill

    Ondo Assembly passes N16bn OSOPADEC appropriation bill
    Bill
    By Alaba Olusola Oke
    Akure, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Ondo State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed the N16 billion Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) appropriation bill for 2024.
    The appropriation bill sent to the House of Assembly by the state governor, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, allocated  N3 billion for recurrent expenditure and N13 billion for the capital expenditure for the year.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Clerk of the House of Assembly, Mr Benjamin  Jayeola, presented the bill for third reading before its passage by the lawmakers.
    Mr Oluwatoyin Allen, APC/Ese-Odo,  who submitted a joint report of the House Committee on OSOPADEC and Committee on Finance and Appropriation, said that inputs of stakeholders were included in the report.
    Allen, who is the Chairman of the House’s Committee on OSOPADEC,  said the report asked OSOPADEC to give accelerated attention to the ongoing projects in its mandate areas.
    The committee, he said, tasked the commission not to rely solely on the 40 per cent from the 13 per cent oil derivation fund, but should be more creative and collaborate with local and international organisations in order to realise its mandate.
    According to Allen, the reports also recommends that the commission should as a matter of urgency carry out a critical assessment of all vehicles in its pool with a view to auction unserviceable ones.
    He added that there was need for the commission to train and retrain its staff for optimal  performance to enhance higher productivity.
    Allen read the reporting urging the House of the Assembly to approve the appropriation bill.
    The Acting Majority Leader, Mr Moyinolorun Ogunmolasuyi,APC/Ondo West 1, moved the motion for the bill to be approved and Mr Tope Agbolu PDP / Akoko South West 2 supported the motion.
    Speaking on the bill, Chief Olamide Oladiji, the Speaker of the House of the Assembly, said that the bill when assented by the governor would facilitate the growth and development of the state.
    Oladiji added that the bill would in no doubt  address the sea incursion affecting the economic activities and lives of people of the oil producing areas.
    According to him, the implementation of the budget will enhance infrastructure and strengthen the security architecture in the state.
    He urged the board and management of OSOPADEC to strictly implement the budget  when signed into law by the state governor  for the overall interest of people of the mandate area.
    The speaker commended the state governor for initiating policies and programmes to enhance the welfare of people of the state. (NAN)
    OKEO/AOS
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    Edited by Bayo Sekoni