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Category: General News

  • ASUU urges LASUED management to meet internal demands

     

     

    ASUU

    By Oluwakemi Oladipo

    Lagos, June 25,2024 (NAN) The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Lagos State University of Education  (ASUU-LASUED)  Chapter, has called on Lagos State Government and the university’s management to address its demands without delay. 

    The union had planned a peaceful rally for Tuesday but it did not hold. It eventually had a congress instead.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that security operatives, which comprised military personnel and policemen were seen on Tuesday at the main gate of LASUED, Otto/Ijanikin over the planned peaceful rally.

     

    The Chairman of ASUU-LASUED,  Mr Akolade Lapite, told journalists after the congress that the union took a far-reaching decision about numerous internal demands.

    Lapite said  that the  ASUU was committed to ensuring  justice and fairness in the university. 

    “We gathered here in unity and determination to address critical issues that affect the welfare and rights of our members at LASUED.

    “Among the internal demands agitating members is non-payment of 72 months arrears of hazard and transport allowances (for the past six years) which is put at N1.2 billion,” he said.

    The chairman added that the union was unhappy  at non-remittance of pensions arrears of its members in spite of their commitment to duties under challenging conditions. 

    He listed other demands to include  rightful placement of lecturer II  and incremental steps payment.

    Lapite said that it was imperative that the issues should be resolved promptly to  ensure continued dedication of the union’s members.

    “We trust that the Lagos State Government and the university’s management will give these matters the attention they deserve and take decisive actions to alleviate the hardship faced by our members.

    “Today, we stand united not just for ourselves but for the integrity and future of education in Lagos State,” he said.

    Lapite said that ASUU-LASUED members deserved fair treatment, respect and  payment of their entitlements.

    “We will not rest until justice prevails and our university community thrives once again.

    “There is also countless number of unresolved demands between the Federal Government and ASUU at the national level,” he said. 

    Reacting, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, confirmed that the peaceful protest did not hold.

    Bidemi-Lafiaji expressed confidence that most of the demands of ASUU-LASUED would be addressed by the state government. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OKG/IGO

    ========

    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • OGD laments low enlistment in military service by those from South-West

    Enlistment
    By Yetunde Fatungase
    Abeokuta, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Sen. Gbenga Daniel, a former Governor of Ogun, Tuesday in Abeokuta bemoaned the low rate of enlistment of people from the South-West of Nigeria into the military and paramilitary services.
    Daniel, representing Ogun East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, raised his concern during the “Dialogue with Journalists”, an event organised by the Ogun Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
    He said the South-West was seriously lagging behind in number in the military.
    “The South-West is lagging behind in enlistment into the military and paramilitary, especially the Navy and Police.”
    Daniel, who is popularly referred to as OGD and is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, urged parents to stop discouraging their wards from joining the military and the Police.
    “The military service, which was labelled as a job suitable only for the ‘miscreants’ by parents in the 1960s and 1970s, has produced leaders in both politics and economy in the country.
    “As the Chairman, Senate Committee on the Navy and a member of Senate Committee on Police Affairs, it is painful to see few candidates from the South-West expressing interest in enlisting into the Navy and the Police.”
    He said parents must endeavour to encourage and motivate their children to pursue careers in the military.
    Daniel pointed out that individuals who were brave enough to join the military before and after Nigeria’s independence in 1960 were the ones directly and indirectly controlling the country’s affairs now.
    “We were discouraged from enlisting in the military by our parents and grandparents, tagging it as a job for the miscreants in the society.
    “As the Chairman, Senate Committee on the Navy, I have seen at first-hand our people’s lackadaisical approach to the enlistment into this noble service.
    “A lot of positive things are happening in the Nigerian Navy on a daily basis, and I want to urge parents to stop discouraging their wards from joining the military and paramilitary services,” the former governor said.
    On his stewardship in the last one year in the Senate, Daniel said he had presented no fewer than 11 bills, and disclosed that he is a member of 14 other Senate Committees.
    He listing some of the bills he presented to include those on the College of Aviation Technology in Ilara Remo, Terminal Illness Trust Fund and Media Practitioners Registration Council.
    Others are those on the Border Communities Development Agency (Amendment) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure Act, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    YAF/FON/OLAL
    ==============
    (Edited by Florence Onuegbu and Olawale Alabi)

  • ASUU urges FG to remove universities from IPPIS, fulfill other agreements

    ASUU urges FG to remove universities from IPPIS, fulfill other agreements

    ASUU members, Federal University Lokoja (FUL) in a group photograph after a protest on Tuesday at Feleke campus Lokoja

    Protest

    By Stephen Adeleye

    Lokoja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has urged the Federal Government to fulfill its promise to remove its members from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

    Dr Joshua Silas, the Chairman of ASUU, Federal University, Lokoja (FUL) chapter, made the call on Tuesday during a protest by members of the union at FUL campus in Felele, Lokoja.

    Addressing newsmen after the protest, the chairman urged the federal government to implement the re-negotiations of 2009 agreements reached with the national ASUU to prevent resumption of the suspended industrial action.

    “We are carrying out these protests nationwide as directed by the national body of ASUU in solidarity to urge the federal government to promptly meet our demands.

    “The government has failed to meet with our demands regarding the 2009 re-negotiation agreements with the national body of ASUU as promised.

    “A lot has been done and government promised to meet our needs but since 2009 to 2024 till now, nothing has been done because government has failed to honour the agreements.

    “We suspended the last strike in October 2022 with the hope that government would resolve all the outstanding issues, but till today June 25, 2024, nothing has been done.

    “The protest is to call the attention of the general public to be aware and bear us witness that ASUU has been patient enough with the government.

    “Enough is enough; this is totally unacceptable because many of our members have died due to the present economic hardships.

    “We urge the government to do the needful because ASUU should not be blamed for any industrial action anytime from now,” Silas said.

    According to him, the agreements include the removal of ASUU from IPPIS, outstanding academic allowances, revitalization fund, payment of promotion arrears balance as well as withheld salaries, among others.

    Silas noted that the federal government had paid four months out of about eight months outstanding salaries remaining three and half months.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the protest was carried out by the union members within all the faculties of institutions and terminated at the university gate with chanting of solidarity songs.

    Members of ASUU FUL during a protest on Tuesday at Felele campus Lokoja

    They carried placards with various inscriptions such as: “Remove ASUU from IPPIS, “Release our withheld salaries”, Implement ASUU) FG agreements”, We are not Casual Workers”, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    ASA/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • BEDC, MOJEC begin installation of prepaid meters in 10,000 households in Edo

    Estimated

    BEDC, MOJEC begin installation of prepaid meters in 10,000 households in Edo

    Meter

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Benin, June, 24,2024(NAN)The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) Plc on Tuesday began the installation of prepaid meters in 10,000 households in Edo to eradicate estimated billings.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative tagged: Get metered in 24 hours will be carried out within 10 days.

    It is being done in collaboration with a meter manufacturing firm, MOJEC International Ltd.

    BEDC operates in Edo, Ondo,Delta and Ekiti states.

    The Team Lead, MOJEC international Ltd, Titilope Oyelade, said the metering process was a win-win for BEDC and its consumers.

    “It will help the BEDC to recover its lost revenue from their consumers while the consumers will pay what they consumed instead of getting bills what they did not consumed, “she said.

    Oyelade urged electricity consumers to leverage on the ongoing exercise to get their houses metered.

    She added that the prices of the prepared meters would be reviewed monthly as stipulated by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

    In her remarks, the Head, Branding and Corporate Communications of BEDC, Mrs. Evelyn Gbiwen said the initiative was a significant step towards closing the metering gap in BEDC franchise states.

    Gbiwen noted that the initiative would help address the long outstanding issues of delayed meter installations.

    She said that BEDC was committed to working with partners like MOJEC company to ensure that it consumers received quality services in a timely manner.

    According to her, an initiative such as this will help to reduce operational challenges and ultimately contribute to a more efficient, measurable and reliable electricity supply in BEDC franchise states.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    NY/JI

    Edited by Joe Idika

  • NDLEA leads stakeholders in a walk against drug abuse

    Sensitisation

    By Hajara Leman

    Gombe, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday led other stakeholders in a sensitisation road walk against drug abuse and trafficking.

    The event is part of activities to commemorate the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

    The International Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is being celebrated on June 26, and the theme for this year is: “The evidence is clear, invest in prevention”.

    The NDLEA Commander in the state, Mr Okechukwu Nkere, said the campaign was aimed at creating awareness on the dangers of substance abuse.

    “The NDLEA wants to help the public to live a healthy drug free life through the sensitisation campaign.

    “There is no gain in drug abuse, N100 drug can ruin a life, many are dying while others are in psychiatric hospitals as a result of drug abuse,” he said.

    According to Nkere, religious leaders are the major stakeholders in terms of creating awareness of the danger of drug abuse.

    “This is because we cannot be everywhere in Gombe, but once we enlighten them, they can take the message to the people,” Nkere said.

    He urged the Gombe residents to key into the state government’s project on drug abuse, to save the lives of the younger generations.

    He recommended for proper medical treatment of drug victims to effectively control the menace.

    “The problem is, instead of taking the victims to rehabilitation centre, they try to manage the case at home.

    “We have a functional rehab centre which is the cheapest in Nigeria, you can sponsor one person, he doesn’t have to be your relations,” he said, adding that the Agency conducted 79 sensitisation exercises with different groups.

    Nkere further said the Agency had seized 2,112.295 kilogramme of drugs including 2,020.473 kg of Marijuana and 91.822kg Psychotropic substance.

    He said the Agency also arrested 152 suspects, secured 51 conviction, 117 pending cases and counselled 124 clients.

    The road walk which commenced from Tashan-Dukku terminated at the Gombe Emir’s Palace, was attended by various groups comprising NYSSC members and Civil Society Organisations among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    HUL/RSA

    =========

    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • Cholera outbreak: Ogun assembly calls for inter-government collaboration

    Collaboration

    By Joy Akinsanya

    Abeokuta, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The House of Assembly in Ogun on Tuesday urged relevant government agencies to collaborate with local governments for proactive measures in containing the spread of cholera in the state.

    The House’s members, led by the Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide (APC-Odeda), made the call during plenary held at Room 215 of the Assembly Complex in Abeokuta.

    Elemide, while speaking, also commended the state government for its prompt intervention through the purchase of necessary protective kits meant for the prevention of the spread.

    He solicited the collaboration of relevant agencies and the Department of Public Health and Sanitation at the local government level.

    Earlier, Wahab Haruna (APC-Yewa North I) had underscored the need to enforce compliance with public health precautions and promotion of hygiene by private food vendors to save the citizens.

    Haruna who is Chairman, House Committee on Health, also explained the need for residents to take necessary precautions to halt the spread of the disease.

    Contributing, Adegoke Adeyanju (APC-Yewa North II) sought more awareness and intervention from the government in order the curb the spread of the disease at the grassroots.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the House is temporarily using Room 215 in view of ongoing renovation of the Assembly chamber.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IOJ/OLAL

    =========

    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)

  • Danfodiyo varsity DVC killed by bandits laid to rest in Sokoto 

  • Center trains PWDs on rights advocacy in Edo

    PWDs

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Benin, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Center for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), on Tuesday, trained Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) on Rights Advocacy and Advocacy Action Plan in Benin, Edo.

    The theme of the exercise training is: “Promoting inclusive economic opportunities and community resilience for Persons with Disabilities”.

    The exercise is being implemented in collaboration with the Project Enable Africa with support from the U.S. – Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund.

    The Acting Director, CCD, Mr Godwin Unumeri said the training was designed to build the capacity of PWDs to be economically resilient to identify advocacy issues.

    Unumeri said the exercise would empower the participant to understand the context of advocacy, advocate in a corporate manner and insist on their rights using disabilities’ models to avoid distractions.

    “The training will expose participant knowledge that rights based advocacy is for rights of PWDs on the understanding that persons with disabilities are entitled to their rights as contained in the National Disabilities Law”.

    On non implementation of the PWDs Law in Edo, Unumeri said the PWDs have not advocated enough to push for its implementation in the state.

    “We came here with the mindset that Edo does not have a law that guarantees rights of PWDs in the state.

    “We only just got to know from them now that a law has been passed to that effect but has not been implemented.

    “What I can say is that the people who advocated for the passage just sat down and watched  after its passage.

    “The workshop will expose them to the knowledge of advocacy that will help them push issues in disability law that have been passed and help them articulate themselves in going about the advocacy.

    “This training will help the various disability clusters to know that they need to work together to achieve their advocacy objectives,” he said.

    According to him, PWDs have the material and human resources within themselves that they are not utilising.

    Speaking on the topic, Introduction to Advocacy and Advocacy Action Plan, Unumeri urged participants to always prepare an action plan before embarking on advocacy.

    He added that preparing advocacy action plan would help PWDs foster accountability and coordination among team members.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants were also taken through Understanding Disabilities Rights and Advocacy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    NY/CHOM/RSA

    ==============

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • Jimoh Ibrahim donates N1m to breast cancer patient in Ondo community

    Donation
    By Aderemi Bamgbose
    Igbotako (Ondo State), June 25, 2024 (NAN) Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South Senatorial District at the National Assembly has donated N1 million to a cancer patient, Abiye Ayeyemitan, in Igbotako, Ondo State.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ayeyemitan, a widow and mother of two, had been diagnosed with stage two breast cancer.

    NAN also reports that that the Old Students’ Association of Community Grammar School, Igbotako, had earlier called for donation of N2 million from members and the general public for medical test and chemotherapy for the cancer patient.

    Ayeyemitan, an indigene of Igbotako in Okitipupa Local Government Area, expressed appreciation to Ibrahim for his magnanimity.

    She told newsmen on Tuesday in Igbotako that upon receiving the association’s message and being a member of the alumni of the school, the senator decided to donate the money to her.

    “He (Ibrahim) also urged me to be strong and not lose hope in this my difficult time, assuring me that God would perfect my healing.

    “I am so happy and full of praises to God and appreciation to our senator for his kind gesture,” she said.

    Ayeyemitan prayed God to continue to be with the senator, who is also an indigene of Igbotako, and his family. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    BAA/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Gov. Idris mourns LGSC Chairman, Shehu 

    Gov. Idris mourns LGSC Chairman, Shehu
    Death
    By Ibrahim Bello
    Birnin Kebbi, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi  said he was deeply touched by the demise of the Chairman, Kebbi Local Government  Service Commission (LGSC), Alhaji Mansur Shehu.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls  that  Shehu died on Monday night in a hospital in Abuja of a brief illness.
    In a condolence message  by  his Special Adviser  on Media and Publicity, Yahaya Sarki ,in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, Idris stated that Shehu  was highly saddened by the news of  the passing away of the  LGSC chairman.
    “Late  Mansur Shehu was a dedicated and hardworking person whose tenure as chairman of the commission was momentous and hugely successful.
    “He made invaluable contributions to reform the operations of the local government councils in the state,” the governor stated.
    He prayed to the Almighty Allah to admit him into Aljannah Firdausi and give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
    He had since been buried in Abuja according to Islamic rites. (NAN). (www.nannews.ng)
    IBI/CHOM/BRM
    ===================
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Bashir Rabe Mani