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Category: General News

  • Cholera: Lagos residents lament access to potable water

    Lagos Water Corporation seen distributing potable water to Lagos Island residents.

     

    Water

    By Henry Oladele
    Lagos, June 30, 2024 (NAN) Some Lagos residents have decried the poor access to public water by the Lagos State Water Corporation (LWC), amid the cholera outbreak.

    They disclosed this in separate interviews with  the News Agency of  Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

    They spoke against the background of the LWC assurance to the residents that the state public water is the most safe because it conforms with the World Health Organisation’s standards.

    They told NAN that they had been relying on boreholes for so many years given that the state’s public water had not been working, thereby exposing them to water borne diseases.

    Mrs Abimbola Oloyede, a resident in Egbeda, told  NAN that the public water had not been functioning in Egbeda and Alimosho in general.

    Oloyede said that most areas don’t have access to public water.

    “I don’t use public water in my area. Unavailability of public water led to increased household expenditure both in buying sachet water for drinking and borehole water in gallons for other domestic use.

    “This adds an extra financial burden on the residents who are struggling already and posing environmental challenges with the littering of the sachet water,” she said.

    She urged the Lagos State Water Corporation to ensure the availability of public water to the residents to make access to clean and safe  drinking water a reality.

    Another resident who lives in Ikorodu, Mrs Bolaji Adesewa, told NAN that the LWC had not been working in the area for many years.

    “We all have boreholes that we depend on. Even though we cannot drink it, we use it for domestic use.

    “We are also careful of the water we drink because of the outbreak of cholera in town. The LWC should act fast, so we can enjoy potable water in Ikorodu.

    “Water scarcity also challenges the ability of residents to keep up with sanitation and healthy living habits,” she said.

    Mr Ayo Musari, a resident in the Lekki area of Lagos, told NAN that he had not seen any sign of LWC in his area since he started living there.

    “I buy water to drink, which is expensive. And you know we all need to be very careful because of the cholera outbreak in town.

    “The LWC needs to be well-funded. With this, everyone will have access to safe and potable water that is free from contamination,” he said.

    Mrs Omowunmi Abeeb, a civil servant and resident in Ebute-Metta, told NAN that the LWC was not functional in their area, adding that they stopped getting public water long time ago.

    “In the 90s, there used to be public water but it stopped all of a sudden and we resorted to boreholes.

    “We spend a lot for water and more for the water we drink because we won’t want to drink from the boreholes.

    “We hope that the old times will come back where the LWC will be very effective in water delivery,” she said.

    Meanwhile, Mrs Idayat Komolafe, a resident who lives around Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island, told NAN that the LWC has been supplying water to the area since the outbreak of cholera.

    “We don’t have a good water system on the Lagos Island, as what we have is contaminated, thereby causing a lot of communicable diseases.

    “We hope that the LWC will change and also get the water across to the rest of the city,” she said.

    An environmental consultant, Mr Taiwo Adewole, while speaking with NAN, said many people in the Lagos areas do not have access to the public water.

    “Almost every household in the state has its borehole, while some depend on well water, especially in the low income communities.

    Speaking on the health implications of unavailability of water in Lagos State, Dr Tunji Akintade, a General Physician, told NAN that  past tests had confirmed the contamination of some boreholes and well water by pathogens.

    Akintade added that nylon water was unsafe for consumption.

    “People can get cholera by drinking unsafe water or eating food contaminated with cholera bacteria,” he said.

    However, the Executive Director, Operations, LWC, Mrs Helen Omolanke, assured residents of safe and potable water, advising everyone to maintain good hygiene.

    “The water from the LWC is the most safe. We have tested the boreholes and other sachet waters in the past and we have seen that the LWC is the best.

    “It is reliable. It takes away sickness and you won’t have cholera from drinking LWC water.

    “Following reported cases of cholera in Lagos State, particularly Lagos Island, the LWC has started supplying potable water to affected areas,” she said.

    Omolanke added that Iju and Adiyan water works was undergoing massive reconstruction, assuring residents that the two water stations would serve the entire state and beyond when completed.(NAN)

    HOB/JNC
    ========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Ooni inaugurates Ife development institutions, harps on positive transformation

     

    Ooni inaugurates Ife development institutions, harps on positive transformation

    Inauguration
    By Dorcas Elusogbon
    Ile-Ife (Osun), June 30, 2024(NAN) The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, has inaugurated the Ife Development Board(IDB) and Ife Board of Trustees(IBoT) in an effort at repositioning the ancient city of Ile-Ife for growth.

    Oba Ogunwusi also inaugurated the Ife Trust Fund (ITF) at an event held on Saturday at the Royal Court of Ife, in Ile-Ife.

    The traditional ruler charged the leadership of the Ife development institutions on the need to reposition the community for positive transformation.

    According to him, the new Ife leadership arrangement is to bring all stakeholders together to enable them work together in the best interest of the community.

    “We strongly believe in the power of unity and the limitless potential that lies within our community.

    “By embracing change and taking proactive steps towards repositioning ourselves, we are paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.

    “It is my fervent belief that the journey towards transformation is never easy, but with a shared commitment to change and progress, Ile-Ife is poised to overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities.

    “By working hand in hand, residents, leaders and stakeholders can create a community that thrives on inclusivity, creativity and resilience,” the traditional ruler stated.

     

    Oba Ogunwusi charged the development institutions to work together as a tripod so as to realise the Ile-Ife of their dream.

    In his reaction, Chief Alex Duduyemi, the Chairman of the Ife Board of Trustees, appreciated Ooni for chosen them at this time to work for the progress of the city.

    Duduyemi promised that members would leave no stone unturned for the growth and development of the people and the town at large.

    Also, the Chairman, Ife Trust Fund, Mr Soji Awogbade, acknowledged the efforts of Ooni toward ensuring the restoration of the lost glory of the ancient city.

    Awogbade said that members of ITF would work toward establishing an effective Trust Fund and registering it at the Corporate Affairs Commission(CAC).

    The President, Ife Development Board, Mr Gbenga Adefaye, commended Ooni for his fatherly role to ensure that Ile-Ife move forward.

    Adefaye, a former president of Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and former Managing Editor/CEO of Vanguard Newspapers, said that IDB was a new vision to regenerate Ife for peace, progress and prosperity.

    The Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism(NIJ) pledged to take good care of youths and elderly as well as change the narrative of Ile-Ife. (NAN) (www.nannnews.ng)
    EDA/IKU
    Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

  • FG commences 250 housing units project in Delta

    FG commences 250 housing units project in Delta

    Housing
    By Edeki Igafe
    Warri (Delta), June 30 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has inaugurated the construction of 250 housing units in Ekpan Community, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
    Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, performed the groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday in Ekpan Community.
    In his remark, Dangiwa said that the housing projects was under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
    He said that the programme was launched in February by President Bola Tinubu, to provide access to affordable housing for Nigerians.
    The minister said that the initiative was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, to stimulate inclusive growth, lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty and build a $1 trillion economy.
    He said that the project was being funded from the N50 billion 2023 Supplementary Budget that Tinubu approved for the ministry, to ensure sustainability, quality, and geographic spread.
    Dangiwa said that the 250 units comprised 50 units of 1-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 150 units of 2-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 50 units of 3-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.
    The minister said that the housing units were designed in a way that would make them affordable for people to acquire, by using organic designs to allow for future expansion, as the income of beneficiaries increased.
    “Today’s ceremony in Delta is a continuation of the nationwide groundbreaking exercise for housing projects under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
    “With this housing programme, we plan to unlock the massive potential of housing development to create jobs, uplift lives, and boost economic development,” he said.
    Dangiwa urged the contractors to ensure they worked according to specification and expressed hope that the project would create over 6,500 jobs for people in various trades.
    “I want to emphasise in very strong terms that we will not tolerate substandard work from any developer. We will explore all necessary legal means to ensure that they deliver as per the contract.
    “We also want the developers to adhere to the timeline and finish within three months, so that we can begin the process of getting Delta indigenes to purchase and move in,” he said.
    In his address welcome, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, thanked the Federal Government for the partnership.
    Oborevwori, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, said that the project would assist in tackling the housing deficit in the state.
    “We are grateful to the Federal Government for including Delta among the 13 states for the commencement of the Renewed Hope Housing Estate Project.
    “In support of this project, the state government provided 25 hectares of land with Certificate of Occupancy, in favour of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development,” he said.
    In his remark, the Chairman, Ekpan community, Mr Victory Iderakpa, thanked the Federal Government and promised that they would provide a conducive climate for the contractors to execute the project. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    EDI/FON/BRM
    =================
    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • PCC to enforce CSR obligations compliance in Anambra

     

    CSR

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

    Awka, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Public Complaints Commission (PCC) says it will start enforcement of  compliance with corporate social responsibilities (CSR) obligations by private companies in Anambra.

    Mrs Emelda Nwajiofor-Okoli, the PCC’s Federal Commissioner in Anambra,  made the assertion at a town hall meeting in Awka on Saturday.

    The meeting had the theme – “Systemic and Proactive Investigation into Compliance to Corporate Social Responsibility by Private Companies in Anambra State”.

    Nwajiofor-Okoli said the commission had received many complaints from residents and communities on environmental degradation, air and noise pollution, administrative injustice  and maladministration.

    She noted that many of the complaints would have been avoided if the companies complied with their CSR obligations to their host communities.

    “Companies should  take responsibility for the social, environmental and economic impacts of their operations.

    “In Anambra, we have seen the positive effects of CSR initiative in areas of education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.

    “However, we also recognise the need for more rigorous monitoring and enforcement to ensure that these initiatives are not just promises, but actions that bring about real change in host communities.

    “Our role at the PCC is to oversee and ensure compliance with CSR obligations to enhance CSR practices in Anambra.

    “Together, we can create an environment where businesses and communities thrive together, thereby fostering sustainable future for all,” she said.

    Also speaking, Mr Abimbola Ayo-Yusuf, Chief Commissioner, PCC, said the commission was empowered by law to investigate complaints of maladministration, including those related to CSR.

    Ayo-Yusuf, who was represented by Head of Legal Unit, Mr Gabriel Eze, said the law empowered the commission to hold companies accountable and ensure that their CSR activities aligned with the needs and expectations of the host communities.

    In his address, Mr Charles Ekwunife, the Director of Investigation at the commission, urged the state government to establish a CSR unit to promote and monitor CSR compliance as well as drive community development.

    He said the public should be aware that companies located within their communities had an obligation to give back to them.

    The Anambra Commissioner for Environment, Dr Felix Odimegwu, described CSR as a form of public-private-partnership to support government in the areas infrastructure and community development as well as job creation.

    In his remarks, Igwe Gerald Mbamalu of Ojoto in Idemili South Local Government Area, commended PCC for enlightening them on the need for CSR compliance by companies located in their communities.

    According to him, with such awareness, community leaders can hold the companies accountable to foster good relationship that will benefit both parties.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

     

    LCO/ISHO/VIV

     

    ==========

     

    Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Vivian Ihechu

  • Investment in country’s health sector critical, says Obi

     

    The LP Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Elections, Mr Peter Obi, sandwiched by two priests, while presenting a cheque for N10 million donation to the Holy Rosary College of Nursing, Emekuku, Owerri, on Saturday.
    Health

    By Victor Nwachukwu
    Owerri, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Elections, Mr Peter Obi, says investment in the coutry’s health sector remains “critical”.

    Obi said this on Saturday, when he paid a solidarity visit to Holy Rosary College of Nursing, Emekuku, near Owerri.

    He said that with an average life expectancy put at 55 years, Nigerians need holistic investment in its health sector, especially through the training and education of younger persons to manage the system in the future.

    He described such an investment as a favour to the country and not the health workers.

    The former Anambra governor, therefore, pledged his total support for the conversion of the school to a university as proposed by its management.

    “With a life expectancy of 55 years, we have certainly deteriorated and must therefore invest in health with our youths as the most important targets for this investment.

    “The most important person, the closest to a patient in the hospital is the nurse, hence investment in nurses and nursing students alike is critical to us,“ he said.

    In a speech, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Diocese, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, thanked Obi for his visit and continued support.

    Ugorji said that the campus would serve as takeoff for the proposed university.

    He described Obi as “a detribalised, proper citizen and role model with character, competence, capacity and simplicity”.

    The cleric further extolled Obi’s leadership qualities and urged well-meaning Nigerians to toe his path.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Obi donated N10 million to the institution during the visit. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    VIN/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

     

  • LAGFERRY commits to harnessing waterway potential through tourism

    Some of the participants at the LAGFERRY Fuji Fusion event in Lagos on Saturday.

     

    Tourism
    By Chiazo Ogbolu
    Lagos, June 29, 2024 (NAN)The Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) has stressed the need to harness the state’s waterway potential through tourism to boost economic growth and development.

    Mr Abdoulbaq Balogun, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, LAGFERRY, said this during the Fuji Fusion L’ori Omi event on Saturday in Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fuji Fusion L’ori’ Omi is an initiative aimed at using music to showcase Nigeria’s water tourism.

    Balogun explained that the event was a combination of entertainment, tourism and transportation.

    “We are exposing the Lagos waterways to what we can do when it comes to hospitality, leisure and the blue economy,” he said.

    He added that the state would remain committed to harnessing the benefits of the blue economy with waterway tourism.

    “This is all about tourism in Lagos. What we are doing today is history and we are happy to be part of it. We are letting the world know what we have in Nigeria.

    “ Mr Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has given us the approval that we should go ahead and explore all the potential in our waterways.

    “If one third of Lagos State is covered by water, what are we doing with the water apart from water transportation which is one part of it? This is why we are actually marketing water tourism,” he said.

    He added that well-known Fuji artistes both locally and internationally would showcase their talents at the event.

    “We are not going into Afrobeats now, we will come back to that later but for now, we are starting this aspect of our series with our traditional genre, which is Fuji,” he said.

    He listed some of the musicians as Alhaji Wasiu Alabi known as Pasuma; Ambassador Sulaiman Adio Atawewe popularly known as Mr Spirit and Alhaji Toyin Adio Ololade aka Mr Performer, among others.

    Also speaking, Mr Damilola Emmanuel, the General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), said the authority’s paramount goal was to ensure the safety of lives and property.

    “LASWA is in charge of safety, ensuring that the waterways are safe for commercial transportation. Tourism, of which this Fuji Fusion falls into, our role is to provide safety for this kind of initiative.

    “Our expectation is that of excitement and passion for Lagos. And we will ensure that this kind of event is happening in Lagos and people should know that Lagos state waterways are open for tourism,” he said.

    The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described the event as the best way to sell tourism to Lagos residents.

    “What we are doing here is to show to Lagos residents what can happen on our waterways. Many activities will go on today, we have the musicians, and people who are providing the food which is agro-economy and others.

    “Many things can happen on the waterways, transportation from one place to other, even work, you can imagine an annual general meeting holding on the waterway. That is what we are selling today.

    “This will not be a one-off thing, we had done a live show of a football match few months ago and we are encouraging private sector participation in this regard,” she said.

    Atawewe said the Lagos Fuji Fusion was special because of the concept and the way it was packaged on the waterway.

    “Lagos is trying to showcase the potential of its waterway.

    “We equally use music to drive away people’s sorrow and that is what we are going to be doing in the Fuji Fusion event,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    CAN/JNC
    ==========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Nasarawa: Security operatives neutralise 2, arrest 2 other robbery suspects

    Robbery

    By Sunday John

    Lafia, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Nasarawa State says a combined team of their men and the military neutralised two suspected armed robbers during a gun duel on Saturday.

    DSP Ramhan Nansel, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state,  made the disclosure to newsmen on Saturday in Lafia.

    Nansel explained that at about 3:10 a.m., on Saturday, June 29, the Karshi Divisional Office in Karu Local Government Area (LGA) received a distress call about an ongoing robbery operation around Karshi By-Pass.

    “Upon receipt of the information, Police operatives in collaboration with the military, swiftly moved to the scene.

    “On sighting security agents, the armed robbers opened fired on the joint team where a gun duel ensued.

    “Consequently, two of the criminals were fatally injured and rushed to the hospital, where they subsequently died while receiving treatment and others escaped with bullet wounds.

    “The general area was combed by the combined team, where two suspects all men and indigenes of Bauchi State, but residents of Nyanya and Orange Market Mararaba, Karu LGA, were arrested in connection with the incident,” Nansel added.

    The Police spokesperson further said that items recovered as exhibits from the suspects included three cartridges, three cutlasses, 19 mobile phones  of different brands, two Laptops, and nine pairs of shoes among others.

    The PPRO on behalf of Umar Nadada, the Commissioner of Police, appreciated  the operatives for their gallantry and promised that the police would sustain the tempo. NAN). (www.nannews.ng).

    SDJ/OJI/IU

    ===========

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka / Isaac Ukpoju

  • Distribute fertilizer palliatives with equity to farmers, group tells Adeleke

    Distribute fertilizer palliatives with equity to farmers, group tells Adeleke

    Fertilizer

    By Joshua Oladipo

    Osogbo , June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Osun Mastermind, an Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), has appealed to the state government to be equitable and fair in distribution of fertilizer palliatives to farmers  in the state.

    The Group’s Executive Director, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli , made the appeal on Saturday in Osogbo.

    Oyedokun-Alli said the first batch of fertilizer palliatives amounting to 11 trucks from the Federal Government had arrived the state capital for distribution to farmers in the state .

    He commended the FG’s initiative being  implemented  by the Central Bank  of Nigeria (CBN) through its anchors borrowers to provide farmers fertilizers to boost food security in the country.

    ” I want to say that the first batch of fertilizer palliatives amounting to 11 trucks out of the 30 trucks from the Federal Government is in the state.

    ” The need for equitable and fair distribution of these fertilizers to farmers cannot be overemphasized.

     

    ” Public servants, who are saddled with the responsibility of administering the palliative scheme must indeed share to the target segment of the populace instead of favoring their cronies.

    ” Fertilizer palliative is designed to mitigate the hardship petroleum subsidy removal meted on Nigerians and to provide succor to the downtrodden,” the director said.

    Oyedokun-Alli, implored the FG to constitute a monitoring team to monitor what has been pushed out to its sub-nationals.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    JOO/AOS

    =========

    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

  • Fund social protection interventions to reduce poverty- EU tells governments

    Fund social protection interventions to reduce poverty- EU tells governments

    Poverty

    By Tosin Kolade

    Abuja, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The European Union (EU) has urged the Federal and state governments to increase funding for social protection interventions, emphasising its importance in reducing poverty nationwide.

    Mr Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation for the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, made the call in a communiqué at the end of the 3rd edition of the Social Protection Cross-Learning Summit (SPECS) in Abuja.

    He described social protection as a crucial support system for vulnerable and poor households, providing both a safety net and hope.

    The summit was organised by the Federal Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Social Protection Development Partner Group (DPG) under the theme “Social Protection Towards Human Capital Development.”

    De Luca stressed that social protection plays a vital role in human capital development by ensuring access to essential services such as education, health, and nutrition.

    According to De Luca, this contributes to economic stability, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth, forming a strong foundation for the country’s overall development.

    Referencing a World Bank report that estimated Nigeria’s poor population at 104 million, or 46 per cent, in 2023, De Luca stated, “Investing in social protection means investing in our collective future and fostering resilience”.

    He said it would ensure that every individual had the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society in spite of background, location, or uncertainties.

    He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to collaborate with the Nigerian government to address poverty.

    “The EU is supporting Nigeria’s social protection sector with 46 million Euro in its 2021 to 2027 programming, aimed at system strengthening and the design of social safety net programmes.

    “We are finalising processes with UNICEF and GIZ to implement the project in the focal states,” he said.

    De Luca added that the intervention would enhance the social protection system, focusing on the interoperability of related databases, maintaining a functional shock-responsive social register.

    He added that the initiative was also supporting safety net programmes in three North East states targeting communities affected by climate change. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    TAK/AMM

    ==========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Tinubu celebrates Fashola at 61

     

    Celebration

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 29, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu on Saturday congratulated Mr Babatunde Fashola, former Governor of Lagos State, on his 61st birthday.

    In a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, the President described Fashola as a highly esteemed lawyer, administrator, author, essayist, and  a public officer per excellence.

    “He has had a brilliant career trajectory – in private practice as a lawyer and in public service.

    “He was the Chief of Staff when President Tinubu was the Governor of Lagos State and had served in various capacities before his election as the Governor of the state in 2007.

    “The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also served as Minister of Power, Works and Housing from 2015 to 2019, and Minister of Works and Housing from 2019 to 2023,” it stated.

    It added that the President “joins family, friends and well-wishers to celebrate one of Nigeria’s most gifted minds on this special occasion.

    “While thanking Mr Fashola for his fervent services to the nation, President Tinubu prays for many more years in good health for him and his family, as well as for renewed vigour as an active voice and stakeholder in building a greater Nigeria.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/YGA

    Edited by Gabriel Yough