Category: General News

Tenure

By Sunday John

Lafia, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), has called for the adoption of a unified four-year  tenure for elected local government officials in the country.

Alhaji Aminu Muazu-Maifata, its National President, made the call in an interview with  newsmen on Monday in Lafia.

Muazu-Maifata said that the move would ensure good governance and quality representation at the grassroots levels.

The president called on the National Assembly to urgently amend the nation’s  constitution to unify the tenure of local government officials  across the country.

“The tenure of local government officials should be four years to enable us deliver on our campaign promises to the electorate.

”It is unfortunate that the tenure of local government officials in some states is even one or two years.

”So, I wonder how these officials will deliver good governance within such a short period,” he fumed.

On the N62,000 minimum wage proposed by the Federal Government, the ALGON boss called on the federal government to increase the monthly allocations of the 774 local government areas in the country.

He maintained that the move would enable the councils pay the new minimum wage when it finally becomes a law.

Muazu-Maifata, who is the Chairman of Lafia Local Government Council in Nasarawa Sate, however, lauded Gov. Abdullahi Sule for granting autonomy to councils in the state.

He called on other governors to emulate Sule toward the overall development of the country, particularly the grassroots.

On the security of Lafia, he explained that a partial curfew had been imposed to tackle the increasing rate of kidnaping and other crimes within the state capital.

“We restricted the movement of motorcycles to between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., and tricycles to between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.

“This is because security reports indicate that criminal gangs are using these two means of transportation to perpetrate crimes,” he explained.

Muazu-Maifata, however, said that the security situation in Lafia had improved, adding that even better strategies were being adopted toward the safety of lives and property. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

SDJ/CHOM/AZA

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Polycarp Auta

Appointment
By Bolanle Lawal
Ado-Ekiti, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Ekiti chapter, has congratulated Dr Folakemi Olomojobi on her appointment as the new Head of Service in the state.
The congratulatory message was contained in a statement issued by the MWAN President and Secretary, Drs Esther Akinsoto Bola Ibirongbe respectively, and made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Ado-Ekiti on Monday.
The association described Olomojobi’s appointment as well-deserved, having served in various capacities within the state civil service.
It also described the appointment as a testament to Olomojobi’s exceptional dedication, vast expertise, industry, hard work and exemplary leadership.
The association said that the unwavering commitment and contributions of the new head of service to Ekiti people, particularly in the health sector, had earned her the appointment.
“We use this opportunity to say that we identify with you as our pioneer President in MWAN, Ekiti.
“We are confident that your professionalism will continue to drive positive change and inspire excellence in Ekiti State civil service.
“Your remarkable journey and contributions, particularly in the field of health management, demonstrate your unwavering commitment to public service.
“We urge you to see this appointment as a call to service by using your position to mentor young women and girls, inspiring them to strive for excellence in their careers,” the association said.
It expressed gratitude to Gov. Biodun Oyebanji for being gender-friendly, stressing that the appointment was a testament to his administration’s commitment to gender equality and women inclusion. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
FFB/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Rice
By Bolanle Lawal
Ado-Ekiti, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Wife of Ekiti Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, has distributed bags of rice to households in 14 farmsteads and villages in Ado-Ekiti to cushion the effects of the present economic situation.
Oyebanji said that the gesture, aside identifying with the people and meeting their needs, was also an opportunity to connect with the people at the grassroots.
She described the beneficiaries as important stakeholders in the task of taking Ekiti to greater heights.
The governor’s wife, who was represented by her Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters, Mrs Toyin Adepoju, expressed concern over what the people were passing through, hence the need for the gesture.
She said that the welfare of the people was paramount to the government and that it was poised to put smiles on their faces, especially during the festive period.
Oyebanji said it had become necessary for her and other political office holders to visit the farmsteads and other people in the state from time to time to feel their pulse, and not only during election period.
She appreciated the people for their love, support and prayers for the present administration, urging them to continue in that regard so as to achieve success in all areas.
She said that efforts were in top gear to bring social amenities to the farmsteads in the state in order to make life comfortable for them.
Oyebanji appealed for patience, understanding and collaboration with the present administration in order for it to deliver dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of the masses.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the localities visited during the distribution exercise included: Ugbogun Esumo, Aso Ayegunle, Ago Aduloju, Ika, Ilokun, Irasa, Uso, Igbaye, Oke Aso, Odo, Ujemu, Igbo Aso, Aaye, Aba Iya Medi and Temidire, among others.
The beneficiaries, who were mostly from ethnic groups, such as: Tiv, Ebira, Urhobo and Yoruba, could not hide their joy, as they sang various songs in appreciation of the gesture.
The community leaders and residents also commended the governor’s wife and prayed for the success of her husband’s administration in the state.
Earlier, the village heads in the various farmsteads visited had called for equipped health centres, regular grading of their roads, potable water and power supply. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
FFB/KOLE/WAS
Edited by Remi Koleoso and ‘Wale Sadeeq

Why we visit cinemas in spite of hard times –  Enthusiasts

Cinema

By Esenvosa Izah

Lagos, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Some enthusiasts on Monday said they still seek entertainment in cinemas in spite of economic hardship and technological advancement that brought entertainment in their bedrooms and phones.

They said that satisfaction from cinemas were deep and worth the trouble of spending more and moving out of their homes.

The Lagos-based cinema enthusiasts spoke in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

A trader, Mr Stanley Okafor, told NAN at Ebony Life Place, a cinema on Victoria Island, that he regularly went to the cinemas to relax and remove attention from challenges of life.

‘’I find it so relaxing; to me, one can just spend a little more to enjoy oneself.

‘’It is also a quiet and entertaining place to be, ‘’ Okafor said.

A student, Mr Fola Jaiyesimi, said that experience at the cinema was immersive.

‘’The equipment is obviously better than what you have at home; the sound quality gives you that thrill, and it is more traditional, ‘’ he said.

A mother, who gave her name simply as Edwina, said that she visited cinemas regularly until the COVID-19 era.

She told NAN that since then, she visited the cinemas occasionally.

‘’I used to visit regularly before the COVID 19 era; after that, I decided to be coming with my children to watch children-appropriate movies, occasionally,” she said.

She said that entertainment at cinemas was deeper and more satisfying.

However, a hair stylist, Miss Tricia Moka, said that she preferred online movie streaming which, she said, enabled her to maintain privacy.

‘’ I do not see the reason I should spend some money to watch a movie that I can watch online, ‘’ she said.

A Supervisor at Ebony Life Place, Mr Austin Ihentuge, told NAN that many people still visited the cinema regardless of the harsh economic situation in the country.

‘’I still see a good number of people here; we have other streaming services such as Netflix and Prime Video, but many people still come for cinema.

‘’For a fact, some movies do not premiere on these streaming services; some are exclusively cinema movies and cannot be viewed elsewhere other than the cinemas for a period of time.

‘’That prompts people to visit the cinemas because, most of the time, they want to be the first to see these movies, ‘’ he said.

According to Ihentuge, the experience and satisfaction people get from cinemas are also reasons they prefer to visit the cinemas.

‘’At Ebony Life, one of the experiences people have is the blanket we give out for comfort. We also have reclining seats, which give relaxation, convenience and comfort.

‘’No matter how wide your television set at home is, it may not be as big as that of the cinema; watching movies at cinemas is a great experience for a lot of people,‘’ he said.

A Supervisor at IMAX, a cinema at Lekki, Mr Muoka Chibueze, told NAN that a large number of people visited IMAX.

Chibueze said: ‘’No matter how hard the economy gets, people will still visit the cinemas to reduce stress.

‘’They want to go somewhere they can have a different experience than watching movies online or on television,’’ he said.

Miss Deborah Ajayi, a Floor Supervisor at Silverbird Cinemas, also on Victoria Island, said that more people visited the facility during public holidays than other days.

Ajayi added that the number of people who visited the facility reduced generally after the COVID 19 pandemic. (NAN)

EEI/IGO

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Cholera: Nigeria must prevent spread in schools—UNICEF

Cholera

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

Lagos, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Following the outbreak of cholera in Lagos and some states, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for extensive measures to protect school children.

The UN organisation also called for concerted efforts to prevent disruption in the academic calendar over the spread of the disease.

The Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucrier ,who made the call on Monday in a statement, said that the cholera outbreaks critically affected children and the young population.

According to Lafoucriere, these vulnerable groups face substantial health high risks particularly children and young adults attending schools.

She noted that children were prone to severe dehydration and high mortality rate.

“There is, therefore, urgent need for good sanitation, hygiene practices, improved access to clean water, regular handwashing with soap and clean water in order to combat the outbreak in schools,” she said.

Lafoucrier, however, solicited for adequate awareness across the country to sensitise the populace on cholera outbreak and preventive measures as part of efforts to address the issue.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

MIL/FON/FAK/VIV

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Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi/Vivian Ihechu

Condolence
By Salif Atojoko
Abuja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the Atanda family over the passing of their patriarch, Chief Oluremi Atanda, a former Chairman of old Oyo State Civil Service Commission.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, conveyed Tinubu’s condolences in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
“The late Atanda, who was the Eketa of Iwoland in Osun State, founded the respected Atanda Continuing Education Centre which served as a training ground for many students preparing for university education in the South-West of Nigeria in the 70s and 80s.
“He was a member of the 1978 Constituent Assembly and the 1994-1995 Political Reforms Conference.
“President Tinubu mourns the renowned educationist and administrator who contributed immensely to the development of old Oyo State and Nigeria,” said the statement.
While commiserating with the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, and the people of Iwoland, the president prayed for the repose of the soul of the elder statesman. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
SA/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Abattoir
By Raji Rasak
Badagry (Lagos State), June 17, 2024 (NAN) Butchers in Badagry area of Lagos State on Monday decried lack of basic amenities within their abattoir.
Consequently, the butchers, under the aegis of Alapata Association of Agbalata Market, have called for urgent rehabilitation of the abattoir by Badagry Local Government Council and the state government.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the call was against the backdrop of the outbreak of Cholera in some parts of the state.
Chairman of the association, Mr Taofeek Mohammed, told NAN in Badagry that the maintenance of the over 40-year-old abattoir was being done by the butchers alone.
“We pay levies to use the abattoir but all the maintenance of the place is being borne by us.
“We are not seeing the benefits of the money they are collecting from us daily.
“Presently, the maintenance of the abattoir is getting beyond our capacity; the local government council and the state government should also assist us,” he said.
According to Mohammed, the abattoir lacks basic facilities, including toilets and bathrooms.
He said that several letters had been written to the local government chairman on the need for the basic amenities in the abattoir.
“Also, the office built in the 80s is too small to accommodate members,” he said.
The chairman urged the council boss to help in addressing all the challenges being faced by cow sellers in the area.
Secretary of the association, Mr Abiodun Adebayo, also urged the government to assist members with loan facilities.
Adebayo said that some members of the association had left the job for commercial transportation business due to the current economic hardship.
“Many of our members have left the job for commercial motorcycle driving, while others have become bus conductors because of the economic challenges in the country.
“The palliatives are not getting to our members; the only way is for the government to give us loans, with favourable conditions for repayment,” he said.
Vice-chairman of the association, Mr Babatunde Yahaya, also appealed to the council chairman to assist in clearing the bushes in the abattoir, saying that members were spending lots of money to tidy up the place. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
ROR/CHOM/WAS
Edited by Chioma Ugboma and ‘Wale Sadeeq

Eid-el Kabir

By Patricia Amogu

Abuja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria [NCSCN] celebrates with Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir.

They also called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to re-shape his cabinet.

The Council’s Executive Director, Blessing Akinlosotu, made the disclosure  in a statement on Monday.

“The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) joins all muslim faithful in celebrating this special day and prays for peace, unity, and prosperity for all Nigerians.

“May this Eid bring joy, blessings, and happiness to you and your loved ones,” the statement said.

The council expressed concern over the worsening economic conditions faced by Nigerians, including rising inflation and unemployment.

“The group holds that the cabinet is failing to effectively address these issues and is, therefore, unable to alleviate the suffering of the people.

“The council believes that a new cabinet, consisting of experienced and competent individuals, is necessary to tackle the numerous challenges facing the country.

The statement further emphasised the need for accountability and transparency in governance while appealing to the Government to prioritise the welfare of the Nigerian people and ensure that their interests were adequately represented.

They also called on other civil society organisations, as well as grassroots movements and citizens, to lend their voices to the call for a good standard of living for the masses.

“Collective voices from various sectors of society is essential to bring about the necessary changes that can alay the struggles of the Nigerian people.

“This important Islamic festival is a time for reflection, sacrifice, and giving back to the community and we pray that Almighty Allah will continue to bless you with his benevolence and mercy,” the statement added. (NAN)

PAO/VIV

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu