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Category: General News

  • AbdulRazaq announces minor cabinet reshuffle in Kwara

    Reshuffle
    By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo
    Ilorin, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, on Friday, announced a minor reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
    This is contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, in Ilorin on Friday.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that those affected include: Mrs Justina Afolashade, Commissioner for Social Development, who has been redeployed to the Ministry of Women Affairs.
    Also, Mrs Bosede Buraimoh, who was hitherto in charge of the ministry of women affairs was moved to the Ministry of Social Development.
    Similarly, Mrs Nafisat Buge, the Commissioner for Youth Development, was moved to the Ministry of Environment, while Mr Shehu Usman, who was hitherto in charge of the ministry, moved to the Ministry of Youth Development.
    According to Ajakaye, the cabinet reshuffle takes immediate effect. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AGF/DCO/WAS
    Edited by Deborah Coker and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Scouts council ready to develop self-confidence, leadership skills in students 

    Scouting
    By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
    Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Scouts Council has expressed readiness to partner with schools in Lagos State to address indiscipline and moral decade among students.
    The Commissioner of Lagos State Scouts Council, Mr Adebesin Olohuntoyin, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos that there was need to make students to play constructive roles.
    He  appealed to the three tiers of government to provide the council with an enabling environment and other forms of support to achieve the goal.
    According to him, scouting helps students to develop  self-confidence, ethics, leadership skills and citizenship skill.
    “The failure of parents, schools and leaders to engage Nigerian students in scouting activities and other impactful events that can build culture and  morals in young people has been blamed for  vices, including drug addiction, fraud and insurgency.
    ‘Scouting breeds culture; every tribe has its own culture/tradition, and scouting goes into the tradition to see how we can come back to good days.
    “Scouting plays a significant role in the physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual development of students,” he added.
    He said that Lagos State Scouts Council had been a reference point due  to the state government’s commitment to youth development using scout method over the years.
    “This longstanding tradition puts scouting in Lagos at an enviable position,” he said.
    On challenges faced by the council, Olohuntoyin identified inability to access schools on Saturdays for open troop meetings as a key challenge.
    He said that open troop meetings would enable participation of indigent students in scout trainings.
    According to him children,  adolescents and yound adult aged from  six years to 26 years can belong to the various categories of scout troop. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    MIL/IGO
    ========
    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • Police arraign man, 42, over alleged forgery, fraud

    Arraignment
    By Funmilayo Okunade
    Ado-Ekiti, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The police, on Friday, arraigned a 42-year-old man, Seyi Olakanmi, before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged forgery and fraud.
    The defendant, of no fixed address, is standing trial on a three-count charge bordering on forgery, fraud and breach of peace.
    The Police Prosecutor, Insp Olasunkanmi Bamikole, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on May 7 at about 10 a.m. at Erinfun Street, off Poly road, Ado-Ekiti.
    He said that Olakanmi forged a receipt of ASAO family land and Fajemilua family land.
    Bamikole said that the defendant also obtained the sum of N630,000 from one Ekele Daniel on the pretext of selling a plot of land that did not belong to him.
    He also said that Olakanmi conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace.
    According to him, the offences contravene Sections 376(1), 329(3) and 181(D) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
    The prosecutor asked the court for adjournment to enable him to study the case file and present his witnesses.
    The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him.
    Counsel to the defendant, Mr Opeyemi Esan, urged the court to grant his client bail, with a promise that he would not jump bail.
    The Chief Magistrate, Mr Saka Afunso, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000, with two sureties in like sum.
    Afunso said that one of the sureties must provide evidence of payment of tax for the last three years.
    He, thereafter, adjourned the case till July 15 for hearing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    FOA/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Nigerians can vote out under-performing leaders -C’River REC

     

    Politicians

    By Christian Njoku

    Calabar, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Gabriel Yomere, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in charge of Cross River, has said that Nigerians reserve the right to vote out under-performing political leaders.

    Yomere stated this at the second quarter consultative meeting of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and leaders of civil society organisations in Calabar on Friday.

    He said that Nigerians should refuse to accept the notion that every politician must serve two terms irrespective of their performance.

    The INEC official said that it was unproductive and irresponsible to stay indoors during elections after criticising an under-performing politician.

    “After assuming duty as the REC in Cross River in 2022, I went through the records and saw that the 2019 election turnout was extremely poor.

    ”I became very worried and decided to do something about it. But after the 2023 election, the outcome remained poor,” he said.

    Yomere said that part of the reasons for meeting with civil society organisations was to seek their support towards citizens participation in the electoral process.

    “Civil society organisations are critical stakeholders in the electoral process, they need to work with INEC and security agencies to achieve results,” he said.

    The REC who said that Continuous Voter Registration exercise would soon commence, urged civil society groups to participate in the mobilisation of residents.

    Also speaking, Mr Nsikak Ikpeme, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Calabar chapter, said that the 2023 governorship election in Cross River witnessed apathy because the electorate were dissatisfied with the electoral process.

    Ikpeme said that to ensure a credible electoral process, INEC should be willing to adopt technology, saying,” this will rebuild confidence and trust in the system”

    Sheik Abdulkadir Ibrahim, NASFAT Commissioner for Cross River, commended INEC for the meeting, and appealed that such meetings should be held more frequently.

    Mrs Julie Agbor, the President, National Council of Women Society, urged the commission to involve more women groups in its activities to deepen grassroots mobilisation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    CBN/DCO/AZU

    ===========

    Edited by Deborah Coker and Azubuike Okeh

  • Elderly: NSCC commits to inter-generational networking

     

    Networking
    By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
    Abuja,  June 21, 2024 (NAN)  The National Senior Citizen Centre (NSCC),  has restated  its commitment to boosting inter-generational networking to enhance justice, safety and well-being of older persons in the country.
    Its Director-General,  Dr Emem Omokaro, pledged the commitment at the intergenerational networking event on ‘Elder Justice Advocacy’ in Abuja on Friday.
    The event, with the theme: “Building National Youth Support Network for Senior Citizens”, was organised by the commission in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development.
    The NSCC boss underscored the importance of integrating statistics in planning to enable the planners to have a clear direction, vision and mission for projects.
    According to her, the 14.8 million population of the older persons in Nigeria will skyrocket to about 29.8 million by 2050.
    “And population aging has implications on the individual, family, society and the nation. And this cuts across the socio-economic sector of the country.
    “And because of the accelerated rate of non communicable diseases at old age and multiple morbidity, older persons are prone to impairment.
    “Imagine if that huge population is growing without health care service, empowerment, income, skill, etc; the implications are  that we will have a large population of vulnerable, needy and poor older people.
    “Also, the implications will be on families that will be overburdened, and you will have a working population whose savings are compromised.
    “Therefore,  it is good to begin with legislation,  policy formulation, plan of action, etc to build a foundation to ensure older persons have access to care; and that is what we are doing and will continue to do,” she said.
    Also speaking,  the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mr Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, said the laudable initiative was a pointer to NSCC’s determination to develop a mechanism of engagement.
    According to him, the mechanism and institutional framework is to ensure sustainable and effective awareness creation, sensitisation, advocacy as well as transformative preventive education.
    “This is in keeping with the national policy on ageing, road map, national plan on ageing and project activities which the centre is intentionally implementing.
    “It is also significant that the agenda for the dialogue is centred around volunteerism and how we all can join the vanguard to safeguard senior citizens’ dignity, safety, worthiness and continue engagement in our various communities.
    “I am pleased to inform you that the unveiling of the Elder Justice Charter and Plan of Action is significant and commendable. It provides the vision, mission and guidance for the community of volunteers.
    “Older persons’ rights are not negotiable and must be upheld. The Charter seeks to facilitate a growing support network and commitment to mobilising Nigerians to campaign for age friendly environments to various sectors.
    “I would like to encourage youths, women organisations, educational institutions and NGOs working in various and relevant fields to key into the national framework,  processes, programmes and stakeholders,” he said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Enitan was represented at the event by the Director of Special Duties in the ministry,  Mrs Agnes Aneke.
    The event attracted officials from the Ministry of Youth Development, NAPTIP, the community of senior citizens,  Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders.
    NAN also reports that the highpoint of the event was the unveiling of the ‘Elder Justice Charter and Plan of Action, Youths Debates and Skits Competition’, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CMY/CHOM/BRM
    ==================
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Abiodun mourns Towulade of Akinale, Oba Ogunleye

    Abiodun mourns Towulade of Akinale, Oba Ogunleye
    Death
    By Yetunde Fatungase
    Abeokuta, June 21, 2024(NAN) Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has described the late Towulade of Akinale, Oba Femi Ogunleye, as a great leader who lived an eventful life and put his community on the world map during his reign.
    Oba Ogunleye, one of Nigeria’s topmost journalists, died in the UK on Wednesday at the age of 79.
    Abiodun, in a condolence message to the Ogun Council of Obas and Akinale community, said the late traditional ruler contributed his own quota to the development of the state after an illustrious career as a journalist.
    “It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of Oba Femi Ogunleye, a revered journalist and traditional ruler who passed away in London on Wednesday at the age of 79.
    “Oba Ogunleye was a titan in the media industry, known for his unwavering commitment to journalism and his quest for truth and accountability.
    “As the Towulade of Akinale, he was a respected man who worked tirelessly to uplift his people and foster development in Ogun state.
    “His distinguished career and selfless service have left an indelible mark on our society. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Ogun council of Obas, his family, friends, and the entire Akinale community,” he said.
    The governor prayed for the repose of his soul  while hoping that his legacy continues to inspire future generations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    YAF/SH
    =======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • LASTMA impounds 40 additional vehicles using illegal garages

    Illegal
    By Chiazo Ogbolu
    Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has impounded another 25 commercial and 15 private vehicles operating illegal garages and causing serious road obstructions around Oyingbo, Ijora, and Idumota areas of Lagos.

    Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, said this in a statement on Friday in Lagos.
    Adebayo noted that the impounding of the vehicles at these areas was a decisive move by LASTMA to restore order and ensure the free flow of traffic.

    He said the operation was led by LASTMA Head of Enforcement, Mr Kayode Odunuga, under the directives of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa.

    Adebayo that they were specifically directed to target illegal garages that had been a persistent source of congestion and inconvenience for residents and commuters.

    He said the impoundment, which began in recent weeks, was part of a broader initiative by the Lagos State Government to enhance the efficiency of the city’s transportation network.

    He quoted Giwa as emphasising that government is committed to maintaining law and order on the roads, ensuring that all traffic regulations are strictly enforced.

    “illegal garages have been a significant challenge in our quest to maintain a seamless traffic flow in Lagos.

    “These impoundments send a strong message to all offenders that the state will not tolerate activities that disrupt public order and endanger the lives of our citizens.

    “Our goal is to create a safe and orderly environment for all road users and this action is a crucial step in that direction,” Giwa said.

    He noted that the targeted areas, Oyingbo, Ijora, and Idumota, are known hotspots for traffic congestion due to unauthorised parking and the establishment of makeshift garages.

    He said that these activities not only obstruct the free movement of vehicles but also pose safety risks to pedestrians.

    “LASTMA’s intervention aims to clear these bottlenecks and enhance the overall traffic situation in these critical areas.

    “Residents and business owners have expressed their support for the government’s action, noting the positive impact it will have on their daily activities.

    “LASTMA has also assured the public that the operation will be sustained and extended to other parts of the city where illegal garages and related activities are prevalent,” he quoted Giwa as saying.

    He urged all vehicle owners and operators to adhere to the state’s traffic regulations and cooperate with authorities to avoid sanctions.

    He reiterated that the government’s primary objective was to create a better and more livable Lagos for everyone.

    He also urged motorists to take ownership of the roads and to promptly inform LASTMA of any broken down or abandoned trailers or trucks via the Agency’s hotlines: 08100565860/ 08129928503. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CAN/JNC
    =========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • PCC resolves 5,000 cases in Borno

    PCC resolves 5,000 cases in Borno 

    PCC

    By Yakubu Uba 

    Maiduguri, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Public Complaints Commission (PCC), says it has resolved about 5,000 complaints in Borno in the past three years.

    Its commissioner in Borno, Alhaji Yusuf Adamu, made this known in Maiduguri on Thursday at a town hall meeting of stakeholders on ‘Systemic and Proactive Investigation into Compliance of Private Employers to Pension Reforms’.

    Adamu said that most cases bordered on administrative injustices and pension, hence the need for such a forum with stakeholders, particularly those saddled with managing pensions, on how to address pension issues.

    Adamu lauded the Borno Government on its commitment to pension matters, citing the recent release of over N2b grant by the government to address the issue.

    He urged other states to emulate that.

    The commissioner, who spoke on new pension reforms, urged the private sector to ensure compliance by paying their workers’ pension as directed by the Pension Reform Act 2014.

    In his speech, the Director (Investigation), of the PCC in Borno, Mr Salisu Mohammed, said the meeting with the stakeholders would focus on concerns and challenges experienced by pensioners and other stakeholders. 

    “We shall identify systemic issues and potential areas of improvement. 

    “We shall also provide guidance and clarification on pension-related matters, collect feedback and recommendations for improving pension administration,” Mohammed said.

    Speaking on behalf of pension fund administrators, the Business Manager of the Borno branch of Trustfund Pension, Mr Abubakar Jibrin, said that some of the delays in processing pensions were caused by incomplete documentation. 

    Jibrin also spoke on the need to reduce the long period, usually lasting up to about 18 months, to process a retiree’s pension in Nigeria. (NAN)

    YMU/ETS 

    ========

  • Abuse: Stakeholders seek forensic interview protocol

    Abuse: Stakeholders seek forensic interview protocol

     

    Forensic

     

    By Joan Odafe (08035789896)

    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Stakeholders in law enforcement and criminal justice for child sexual abuse survivors have called for the adoption of the Child Forensic Interview Protocol to ensure that justice is served.

    The stakeholders, including the Lagos State Government (LASG), the Police and non-governmental organisations, made the call at a workshop on Thursday in Lagos.

    The workshop was tagged “3rd Installment of the Consultative Workshop for the Development and Implementation of a Child Abuse Investigation and Interview Protocol”.

    Mrs Bisi Ajayi-Kayode, Chief Operations Officer of an NGO, CeceYara, said the numbers of child sexual abuses were staggering, as one out of every four girls and one in eight boys was abused before they turned 18 years.

    “Forensic Interview is a structured conversation to elicit evidential information from the child in an age-appropriate and developmental manner,” she said.

    Ajayi-Kayode noted that child sexual abuses were not easily detected because of challenges, which included

    poor interviewing skills, delays in disclosure and reporting and lack of physical and supportive evidence.

    Others are crude, duplicative and fragmented ways of questioning children; use of legal, verbose language that could scare or confuse children; pleas of not guilty and appeals more common than in other offences.

    On his part, the Lagos State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro, said forensic interview was a cornerstone in the quest to deliver justice, particularly in cases involving children.

    “It will also guide justice for all and exonerate the innocent,” he said.

    Pedro urged all stakeholders to be committed to the process.

    Also, Ladi Ajomale, Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Petition, and Human Rights at the Lagos State House of Assembly, said child protection was a responsibility and a moral obligation of society.

    Ajomale, who was represented by Mrs Titilola Vivor-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), said the protocol would strengthen the multi-disciplinary, critical in preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence.

    “The child forensic interview is a game changer in ensuring successful prosecution of these heinous crimes.

    “This form of interview enhances the child’s ability to communicate, lessening the traumatisation that can occur during controversial questioning methods,” he said.

    Also, Mrs Oyindamola James-Ododo, a Forensic Interviewer, recommended that the interview be done immediately after the abuse occurred to avoid the evidence being contaminated with threats or lack of adequate information.

    Mrs Aderonke Oyelakin, State Coordinator, Child Protection Network, however, cautioned against retraumatisating the victim through repeated interrogations.

    “It is important that once a child says his or her story once, that child shouldn’t be subjected to go through the process again,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    JOJO/KTO/VIV
    ==================

    Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Vivian Ihechu

  • FCE Gusau academic staff union suspends 3 months strike

    Strike
    By Shuaib Sadiq
    Gusau, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The College of Education Academic Staff Union, Federal College of Education, Gusau, has suspended its three months old strike.
    The Chairman, Mr Muktar Abdullahi, told newsmen in Gusau on Thursday that strike was suspended after a meeting of members of the union.
    Abdullahi urged members of the union to resume academic activities  immediately.
    He apologized to the students of the institution for the inconveniences caused them during the strike.
    “Let me apologize to our students, I assure you that we shall recover from the long absence of academic activities.
    “Whatever happened should be put behind, we have now resumed full academic activities,” he said.
    The chairman said that the decision to call off the strike was reached unconditionally.
    “Members of the union reached an agreement after the meeting, and we  were able to resolve the issues at stake,” he said.
    It would be recalled that a coalition of Zamfara-based Civil Society groups, recently staged a protest to decry the poor progress of academic activities in the college.
    Spokesman of the coalition, Alhaji Nasiru Garba, said it was unfair for the academic staff union to embark on strike after the appointment of a substantive provost.
    He expressed the commitment of the coalition to support efforts towards repositioning the college for academic excellence.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    SSA/AZU
    ======
    Edited by Azubuike Okeh