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Category: General News

  • Bayelsa Govt. cautions IYC, others on collection of unauthorised taxes

    Taxes

    By Shedrack Frank

    Yenagoa, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Bayelsa Government has called on the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and similar organisations in the state to desist from collecting unauthorised taxes from the public

    The Deputy Governor, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, gave the warning in Yenagoa during a meeting with leaders of Tungbo communities in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state.

    He expressed concerns that members of IYC, the Movement for the Survival of the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta and other similar groups were collecting unauthorised levies and taxes in the state.

    Ewhrudjakpo urged the leaders to report indigenes of their communities found collecting unauthorised taxes from members of the public to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.

    He also called on the police and security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone found collecting such taxes in the name of IYC and similar groups in any part of the state.

    “It is illegal to use the name of these organisation to collect illegal taxes and levies in our communities, such act is punishable.

    “Such illegal taxes imposed on traders, transporters and developers are capable of retarding the development of our rural communities.

    “We shall henceforth deal decisively with such individuals who are using the IYC, MOSIEND and other groups to extort money from innocent businessmen and transporters.

    “The state  government will not fold its hands to watch a few persons take the laws into their hands to disparage the government and people of the state,” he said.

    The deputy governor said that such illegal collections from merchants and transporters who brought goods into the state had portrayed the state in bad light

    “Some transporters now decline coming to our communities, others now charge double the actual cost of transportation because of the illegal taxation, this is not good for us.

    “This ugly development has contributed to the consistent rise in the price of goods in the state,” he said.

    NAN reports that the meeting was also attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Mr Collins Ifidi, and the Divisional Police Officer, in charge of Sagbama Town, CSP Kennedy Teiyeibo.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FS/AZU

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    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

     

  • Palliatives: Mushin LG takes delivery of 4,000 bags of foodstuffs 

    Palliatives: Mushin LG takes delivery of 4,000 bags of foodstuffs

     

    Palliatives

    By Kazeem Akande

    Lagos, June 28, 2024 (NAN)  Mushin Local Government of Lagos State has taken delivery of  4,000 bags of foodstuffs  from the state government as palliatives for residents of the council area.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gesture was in fulfilment of the state government’s promise to cushion the effects of economic hardship on the state residents.

    NAN also reports the food items comprised 1,000 bags of rice, 1,000 bags of beans and 2,000 bags of cassava flakes known as ‘garri’.

    Mrs Adenike Ebiyon,  a representative of Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture,  delivered the bags of foodstuffs  to the local government.

    Ebiyon advised community leaders in the council area to ensure equitable distribution of the foodstuffs in accordance with directive of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    Reacting,  the Chairman of the council, Mr Emmanuel Bamgboye, thanked Sanwo-Olu for the gesture.

    According to him, the foodstuffs will go a long way to bring succour to the residents.

    “The food items will be distributed among the 56 community development associations, which cut across all the 10 wards in the council area.

    “The distribution will begin from Friday (June 28) under the supervision of the Senior Special Assistant to the Council Chairman on Community Affairs, Alhaji Aliyu Sekoni, at the council premises. (NAN)

    AKA/IGO

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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

     

  • KDSG to support 15,000 women with N4.5bn

    KDSG  to support 15,000 women with N4.5bn
    Domestication
    By Hussaina Yakubu
    Kaduna June 28,2024(NAN)The Kaduna State Government has approved N4.5billion as a special intervention for no fewer than 15,000 women in the state.
    The state government has also expressed its commitment to the domestication of the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy.
    The Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, made  this known  at a one-day citizens’ engagement workshop.
    It was organised by the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC), to support the domestication of  the national policy in the state Friday in Kaduna
    She disclosed that the state was determined to invest in women and girls through various interventions in economic development, education, agriculture, and entrepreneurship
    While commending the centre for supporting the state in domesticating the policy, Salisu assured that the state would be a pacesetter in promoting, developing, and uplifting the standard of living of women.
    The commissioner also said, ”So far, so good in the areas of social intervention, cash transfers, skills acquisition, education, and social development,” adding that launching the policy would enable more investment and inclusion in the state.
    Earlier, the Executive Director of the centre, Dr Judith-Ann Walker, represented by the Director of Partnerships and Communications, Malam Hassan Karofi, said the rationale behind the support to the state was to support inclusion
    She added that 24 more states have been earmarked to be supported to domesticate the policy.
    Walker said that Nigeria stood to earn over $2.5billion in investment and economic growth when the policy was domesticated and implemented by the sub-nationals.
    She added that with over 50 per cent of the citizens as women, Kaduna State stoods to benefit from the immense economic opportunities derivable from empowered women.
    In her presentation, the Gender Lead at the Albright Stonebridge Group, Mrs Rimicit Aboki, challenged the sub-national governments to explore the value inherent in domesticating and implementing the policy to unlock the potential of women’s economic empowerment.
    In her remarks ,the World Bank representative,Julia Vaillan ,Head, Nigeria Gender Innovation Lab represented by Mr Musa Yusuf commended the state government for embracing the policy.
    She assured that the bark would  provide technical assistance to the state to support the domestication of the policy. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    HUM/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Tinubu celebrates UN Deputy Sec-Gen Amina Mohammed at 63

     

    Celebration

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has extended his warm congratulations to the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ms. Amina Mohammed, on her 63rd birthday.

    In a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, on Friday, the President described Mohammed as a leading advocate of the environment, education and the Sustainable Development Goals.

    He said she had applied herself in many capacities to the service of Nigeria and the global community.

    “She coordinated the Taskforce on Gender and Education for the United Nations Millennium Project from 2002 to 2005 and has served meritoriously on numerous international advisory boards and panels,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mohammed was Nigeria’s Minister of Environment from 2015 to 2017.

    According to the President, Mohammed is credited for mobilising all government and non-government oil and gas stakeholders to achieve the launch of the Ogoniland clean-up, among several other governance innovations.

    “President Tinubu celebrates the global icon and one of Nigeria’s lodestars beaming light on the path to a more prosperous, peaceful, and safe future for humanity.

    “The President commends Mohammed for her tireless service to the nation, and describes her as a fine example of Nigerian excellence and a worthy model for both men and women globally.

    “The President wishes the UN Deputy Secretary-General many more years in fine health and renewed strength in her continued service to humanity,” said the statement. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/SOA

    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

     

  • CARE advocates 1% budget provision for PWDs

    Budget

    By Jessica Dogo

    Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Centre for Ability, Rehabilitation and Empowerment (CARE) has advocated one per cent budget provision for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) from the federal and state governments.

    CARE made the call on Friday during a two-day National Co-creation Stakeholders Conference for PWDs of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was supported by VOICE Project and implemented by OXFAM.

    The theme of the programme is: “The Disability Act Post-Moratorium: Advancing Inclusion and Accessibility for those Vulnerable and Outside the Margin”

    Dr Chike Okogu, the Founder and Chief Responsibility Officer of CARE, said this had been an international movement right from the level of United Nations Commission (UNC) on the rights for PWDs, which Nigeria was a signatory to.

    According to Okogu, It is not a law here in Nigeria.

    “But we are saying that if 15 per cent of your people are persons with disabilities, it  means that not including 15 per cent of your population, you are short changing yourself by 15 per cent workforce and that reduces your GDP by 15 per cent.

    “So, instead of saying we want 15 per cent of the National budget, we are saying we want just one per cent of the National budget for PWDs in the country”.

    The Programme Manager of Cognito, Kaseina Dashe, said the community came together and launched a document called The Compass to Disability Inclusion (CDI) aimed at providing information about the simplified Disability Act, passed in 2018

    Dashe said the event was a build-up to initial conversations of when the bill and disability act was passed into law.

    She said that the act gave a five-year moratorium grace period for all public buildings to become accessible for certain conditions to be put in place in order to enhance access and inclusion of PWDs in Nigeria.

    She explained that the five-year period of grace had elapsed, adding that every public building was supposed to have modified its physical structure for accessibility.

    “It is a build-up to those initial conversations to say when the Disability Bill was passed into law, it gave a five-year moratorium period for all public buildings to become accessible.

    “And for certain conditions to put in place and enhance the access and inclusion of persons with disability and that period elapsed in January this year

    “So, we are asking now that it has elapsed, what next? how do we begin to hold governments accountable? How do we begin to hold institutions accountable? She asked.

    Akom Nya, the VOICE Project Coordinator for Nigeria said that the organisation was looking at how more persons with disabilities would be included in decision-making process of Nigeria.

    “we are looking out for how more persons with disability can be included in the decision-making process of Nigeria, in the economic situation of Nigeria, where they are empowered to sustain themselves.

    “These are people that need to be integrated into the society and included in what we are doing like politics, economic empowerment, political positions and party leadership.

    “It is very important that everyone is brought to the table because once we do not include everyone we are depleting the workforce of the nation and of course we do not want anybody to be left behind.

    “We just want the voice of every marginalised community to be heard. We just want a society where everybody can live without inequalities, without hindrances and barriers. That is just our interest,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    JEZ/KAE/ADA

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    Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Deji Abdulwahab

     

  • Tinubu sympathises with FCT market fire victims

    Tinubu sympathises with FCT market fire victims

    Fire

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has received the news of the fire incident that affected sections of Karu Market in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with deep sadness.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

    “On Thursday, fire ripped through a swathe of the market, destroying property and other valuables.

    “President Tinubu extends his heartfelt sympathies to all the traders affected by this distressing incident, and assures them of his administration’s full support.

    “The President urges caution and adherence to essential safety measures to prevent fire outbreaks and other accidents,” the statement read.

    Recall that the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) said that a fire started at the market around 6:30 p.m on Thursday.

    It said that the fire was eventually brought under control by the combined team of its men, FCT Fire Service, Federal Fire Service and Julius Berger Fire Service.

    The acting Director-General of the department, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, said that goods worth millions of naira were lost in the incident, but there was no loss of life.

    She had also made clarification on the area affected by the fire. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/SOA

    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

     

  • President Tinubu kick-starts 250 housing units estate in A’Ibom

    Housing
    By Sunday Bassey
    Uruan (Akwa Ibom) June 28, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu on Friday, commissioned work to start on a 250-housing unit project, in Ekpene Ukim, Uruan Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom.
    Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Tinubu said that the project was part of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates programmes of his administration.
    Represented by Ahmed Dangiwa, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Tinubu stated that the implementation stage of the project would create massive job opportunities for youths.
    “This project will create no fewer than 6,500 construction sector-based jobs for architects, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, manson, plumbers, tilers, electricians among others.
    “Today’s ceremony is a continuation of the nationwide groundbreaking exercise for housing projects under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme of the Federal Government.
    “The current administration plans to deliver no fewer than 50,000 housing units across the federation under the first phase of this programme,” he said.
    The president said that the housing programme was intended to provide shelter, uplift lives, create jobs and boost economic development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
    “Recall that during the presidential kickoff of the programme in Abuja, we embarked on the first leg of this exercise with the groundbreaking of 1,500 housing units in the northern part of Nigeria.
    “This includes 250 housing units in each  Renewed Hope Estate in Katsina, Yobe, Gombe, and Sokoto states. It also includes a 500-housing unit Renewed Hope City in Kano.
    “Work is currently ongoing in each of these sites. Our intention is to complete work on these projects within three months. We have zero tolerance for delays as far as this programme is concerned,” he said.
    Tinubu urged the developers, Messrs Trust Global Limited, Springwell Intercontinental Resources, and Hyousungs Limited, to ensure that the estates were built according to specifications.
    “We will not tolerate substandard work from any developer. We will explore all necessary legal means to ensure that the jobs are delivered. If you collect government money, you must do the job.
    “The developers must adhere to the timeline and finish within three months so that we can begin the process of getting Akwa Ibom indigenes to purchase and move in,” he said.
    Earlier, Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, described the housing project as a good omen to the state, and urged the developers to ensure expertise and commitment in its delivery.
    Represented by the Head of Service, Mr Effiong Essien, Eno said that the state government understood the importance of housing to the wellbeing of the populace.
    “As a government, we have constructed 250 housing units for workers, we are also building compassionate home for the less privilege in the state,” he said.
    SDB/AZU
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    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • Support rural schools with basic amenities, NGO urges FG, others

    Amenities

    By Jessica Dogo

    Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) A Non- Government Organisation (NGO) has called on the Federal Government, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to assist schools in rural communities with basic amenities especially toilet facilities.

    Christybelle Sylva-John, the Founder of Ray of Hope Empowerment Foundation (RHEF), made the call on Friday while inaugurating a block of four toilets constructed in Zjidu community, Abuja.

    Sylva-John said that schools in rural communities lacked basic amenities such as toilet, adding that open defecation encourages the spread of diseases.

    “As we celebrate this milestone, we also call on the government, non-governmental organisations, corporate bodies, and individuals to invest in the well-being of our future generations.

    “Creating conducive learning environments is a shared responsibility, and collective support is crucial.

    “By working together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive in a safe and healthy environment.

    “Access to clean and safe sanitation is a fundamental human right and a crucial element for the dignity, health, and well-being of our students,” she said

    She said that the lack of adequate toilet facilities in many schools negatively impacted student health, attendance, and overall academic performance.

    She said that the foundation was committed to addressing this critical needs for rural schools.

    The founder said the project was established with the vision of ensuring every student had access to safe and hygienic toilet facilities.

    “Today, as we inaugurate this new toilet blocks, we move closer to making that vision a reality.

    “We hope it will contribute to a healthier, safer, and more enjoyable school experience,” she  said.

    She said that the NGO also engaged in donation of sanitary pads to the secondary school in the community.

    According to her, the reason is to ensure menstrual hygiene management because most times,  girls absent themselves from school due to lack of sanitary product.

    ‘When they are in school and their menstruation starts, they have no choice than to go home because they do not have sanitary pad to use at the moment.

    “The whole essence is for them to have sanitary pad bank in schools just in case menstruation starts they do not have any reason to go back home,” she said.

    Dr Alhasan Sule, the Acting Executive Chairman, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB),  said a child’s education was everybody’s responsibility.

    Sule, represented by the Director of School Services, UBEB, Habbiba Aliyu-Barau, commended the RHEF for complementing the efforts to eradicate open defecation in the FCT.

    “Education is the responsibility of everybody. Government cannot do it alone. If we all wait for government, this will not happen.

    “We scout for NGOs that will help us. We have several but I must commend Ray of Hope Empowerment Foundation because this is not its first project.

    “We have inaugurated many of its projects. RHEF is one of the best partners we have in the FCT UBEB. They have assisted us and have done a lot for us,” she  said.

    Earlier, the Chief of Zhidu Community, Goni Philip, commended the foundation for embarking on a laudable project in the community.

    “I do not know how much to appreciate them for this gesture.

    “I urge them to extend it to other community schools that lack such basic facilities within and even outside the FCT,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    JEZ/KAE/ADA

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    Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Deji Abdulwahab

  • Contractors to resume work on Calabar-Itu road – FG

    Contractors

    By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

    Calabar, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has assured that the contractors handling the dualisation of the Calabar-Itu highway will soon return to site to resume work on the which served as a link between Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

    Mrs Adebisi Osim, the Acting Controller of Works in Cross River, said this on Friday in Calabar when she played host to Cross River South Consultative Forum in Calabar, a political pressure group.

    Osim said that the resumption of work on the highway followed the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Works.

    She noted that the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi had addressed the issues that had stalled the progress of construction work on the highway.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the contractors, Julius Berger and Sematech, abandoned the site last year.

    She explained that in the interim, emergency palliative measures were underway to ameliorate the sufferings of road users on the route.

    According to her, “I am glad to announce that Julius Berger and Sematech are returning to the site to resume works at both ends of the Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene road.

    “The issues that stalled further execution of the contract have been sorted out.

    “Accordingly, once the rains subside, both contractors will return to site to commence work simultaneously.

    “This is due to the peculiar priority attention accorded to the project by our boss, the Minister of Works, bolstered by the interest of Gov. Bassey Otu, who has waded in to handle the issue of compensation which was a major factor.”

    It would be recalled that the federal government had approved the variation cost of the Calabar-Itu road from N79.65 billion to N118.4 billion owing to the prevailing cost of materials.

    Umahi who made the announcement said that the decision followed the Federal Executive Council approval of N42.4 billion as variation for the project. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ESI/EMAF
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    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

  • Badagry NBA chairman promises to tackle association’s challenges

    The newly inaugurated members of Nigerian Bar Association Badagry Branch in a group photograph in Badagry

     

    Badagry NBA chairman promises to tackle association’s challenges

    Challenges
    By Raji Rasak
    Badagry (Lagos State), June 28, 2024 (NAN) Mr Latif Rasheed, the newly inaugurated chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Badagry branch, Lagos State, on Friday promised to tackle challenges confronting his members in the town.
    Rasheed made the promise during the inauguration of new executive members of the association in Badagry.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that all the new members of the association were returned unopposed.
    The chairman said that he was aware of the enormous challenges ahead of the association.
    “But let me reiterate that in the next two years, we intend to pursue and achieve some challenges.
    “This includes creation of Ojo Magistrate District, ensuring the deployment of another judge to Badagry judicial division.
    “Improvement on the efficient performance of the Probate Registry that has just commenced operation.
    “Commencement of the appeal section, creation of the office of the Deputy Sheriff and procurement of land for the NBA Badagry Branch Bar centre,” Rasheed said.
    He also promised continuous legal education for members of the Heritage Bar, functional convenience for lawyers and liaising with NBA National Executive for quick processing of stamp and seal for members.
    Rasheed urged the new executive committee under his leadership for absolute cooperation to achieve the challenges.
    The chairman thanked the outgoing members of the association for a smooth transition.
    Earlier, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Mr Lateef  Arigbabuwo, congratulated all the elected members of the executive committee of the NBA branch.
    He urged them to lead actively from the front so as to continue to build and reinforce a culture of excellence in the  branch.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other newly inaugurated executive members are: Atule Monday Echors, Vice Chairman; Mabawonku-Nwaka Olaide, Secretary; Akinwale Adebisi, Welfare Secretary,
    Also, Mokwe Ekwotosi, Financial Secretary; Achu Chisara,Treasurer; Edigbue Grace Chika, Publicity Secretary; and Asungbalaja Olaitan Assistant Secretary. (NAN)
    ROR/YMU/FAA
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    Edited by Yakubu Uba/Folasade Adeniran