Abuja, June 30, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has commended the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for its role in the designation of Public Relations as a cadre in the civil service.
Idris gave the commendation when the President of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku and the President of Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, Justin Green, visited him in Abuja.
The visit was to show appreciation to the minister for his support towards the successful hosting of activities for the 60th anniversary of the NIPR, which held between June 20 and June 27.
The Minister said that the Federal Government would continue to provide the needed support for Public Relations practice in Nigeria.
“Nigeria was, for the longest time, the only country in Africa that had a law that professionalised public relations.
“It was Nigeria that started it on the continent, and only last year did the Republic of Zambia come out with its own law.
“So now we have two countries on the continent, and only now in Kenya; the bill for professionalising public relations is at the second reading in Parliament,” Idris said.
According to the minister, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the NIPR and Global Alliance for the establishment of a degree-awarding institution for Public Relations and Leadership in Nigeria is a welcome development.
He also commended the recent emergence of Dr Omoniyi Ibietan, a Fellow of the NIPR, FCT Chapter, as the Secretary General of the African Public Relations Association. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Emmanuel Afonne
Lagos, June 30, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, on Sunday, attended a faith revival programme of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement, saying that prayer contributed to the peace of the state.
Sanwo-Olu said that the state, with many mega worship centres, had expectedly remained peaceful.
He was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayorinde.
The event was the bi-annual revival programme of the church.
It held at its headquarters in Ijesha, Lagos State, with the theme: “And the Enemies Submitted”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event attracted worshippers from within and outside Nigeria.
It featured deliverance, testimonies and souls revivals.
Sanwo-Olu expressed hope that continued prayer will attract divine intervention to that would make the state better.
He promised that his administration would continue to provide an enabling environment for businesses to flourish.
“As a government, our policies will remain people-oriented.
“It is our duty to engender policies that will make people to attain self-actualisation.
“The church, since its inception, has remained a rallying destination for upliftment of souls,” he said.
He charged worshippers to pray fervently for the state and the nation at large for advancement. (NAN)
3 foundations partner to provide medical care, empower widows in Lagos
Empowerment
By Rukayat Adeyemi
Orgaisers and beneficiaries at an empowerment and medical outreach organised for widows in Lagos
Lagos, June 30, 2024 (NAN) DOHS Care For Vulnerable Women And Children Foundation, Ezra House and Godly Widows Initiative have partnered to empower and provide medical care for no fewer than 120 widows in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
reports that the event titled: “Wholesome Widows: Ways, Means And Right”, was organised in commemoration of the 2024 International Widows Day in Lagos.
The International Widows Day is a United Nations ratified day of action marked annually on June 23 to address the “poverty and injustice faced by millions of widows and their dependants in many countries”.
The beneficiaries were widows residing within Alimosho area of Lagos State, and they partook in free medical check-up, cervical cancer screening, digital literacy and growth, exhortation, sensitisation on Gender-Based Violence and mental health and also got relief materials.
Mrs Ololade Ajayi, the Founder, DOHS Care, said at the programme on Sunday that most widows are vulnerable, deprived and faced several challenges alone, hence should be cared for.
Ajayi stated that the programme gave an holistic package to widows, which included sensitising them on their rights and enlightening them on certain things that constituted harmful practices which they should avoid.
She added that the widows were also sensitised on how to stand up for their rights, especially when confronted with inheritance issues; how to seek legal aid and how to be financially empowered and independent.
According to her, the three foundations offered the free medical care and cervical cancer screening to ensure that the widows are living in perfect health.
Ajayi noted that study had revealed that cervical cancer was the third most dominant cancer in Nigeria and had claimed lives of over 80,000 women as at year 2020.
According to her, from the conversation with the widows, issues of rent was the top-most of the challenges they faced, followed by tuition for their children’s schools.
“The widows said that most landlords do not usually like to rent their houses to widows because they assume they may not be able to sustain their annual rent.
“We as foundations will use our community sensitisation programme to educate the community to stop the discrimination against widows.
“We are also putting up a report together for the government, as a wake-up call to its responsibility of providing social coverage for the widows, who are part of the vulnerable group in the society,” she said.
According to the founder, the mission of DOHS Care to assist the vulnerable aligns with that of Godly Widows Initiative and Ezra House which are also faith-based organisations.
She said that these foundations catered for the needs of the widows spiritually and materially.
Also, Mrs Funmi Eyeoyibo, Pastor, Ezra House Church, said that it was important for people, associations and organisations within a community to impact the lives of others, hence the outreach.
Eyeoyibo explained that God had compassion for widows, orphans, strangers and the vulnerable, and that was why the foundations keyed into God’s commandment to give back to their local community.
She disclosed that Ezra House had been involved in such initiatives for the past six years and had an existing lists of about 220 widows that it catered for on quarterly basis.
“This particular programme viz-a-viz others that we have done before is expanded because we have been able to partner with like-minded organisations and also embarked on a medical outreach to the widows, which they may not otherwise have had access to.
“Either because they feel they don’t have the fund or may not even know. So we have been able to create awareness about their mental health, blood pressure, blood sugar level and most importantly the cervical cancer screening,” she said.
According to the cleric, while the initiative is envisioned to celebrate the International Widows Day, it will be sustained by the foundations because it gives room for an expanded outreach.
In appreciation, a widow, Elder Stella Lawal, thanked the organisers for the sensitisation, empowerment, medical outreach and the relief material given to her and the other widows.
Lawal, who lost her husband since 1998, decried the challenges faced by widows and urged all and sundry to always support and comfort them through whatever possible means. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Abuja, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has engaged the Nigeria Building and Roads Research Institute (NBRRI) to carry out integrity tests on some buildings located at Guzape District, Abuja.
Mr Mukhtar Galadima, Director, Department of Development Control, FCTA, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigerian (NAN), in Abuja on Saturday.
Galadima explained that the move became necessary after a developer, Nicholas Ukachukwu Praco Ltd, demolished a semi-detached duplex building located in an estate at at Plot 456, Guzape, over structural defects.
He said that the department had sealed the premises and engaged NBRRI to investigate the demolished building, including two other duplexes under construction on Plots 454 and 458, by the same developer.
“We decided to investigate the integrity of the buildings because the demolition of the one with visible defects was done without the approval of Development Control.
“This is necessary to forestall recurrence and ensure that all buildings are constructed in line with the provisions of building codes and other safety regulations,” he said.
Also, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, acting Director-General, FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) told NAN that some passersby alerted the department to the development.
Wenegieme said that FEMD responded and visited the location along with personnels from the Asokoro Divisional Police Command, Department of Development Control, FCT Fire Service, National Emergency Management Agency and the FCT Red Cross.
“The passersby made their observations known to the owner of the property, who acknowledged the defects and decided to demolish the structure immediately.
“There was no loss of lives, and no one was trapped in the building,” she said.
She assured the department’s timely response to emergencies to avert loss of lives.
She advised developers to pay due diligence to building codes and engage only professional builders and engineers for quality execution of projects. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Abuja, June 30, 2024 (NAN) Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Saturday in Keffi, Nasarawa State, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the advancement, security and welfare of the citizens.
The spokesperson of the vice-president, Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement, said Shettima gave the assurance when he led a Federal Government delegation to offer condolences to the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
The minister lost her mother, Mrs Aisha Sulaiman-Danladi, on Thursday at the age of 66.
The vice-president, who represented President Bola Tinubu was accompanied by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; and the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa, Dr Emmanuel Akabe.
Shettima, who said he was there at the instance of Tinubu to commiserate with the family over the demise of their mother.
The vice-president paid glowing tributes to the late Sulaiman-Danladi and highlighted her positive impact on the community.
“Everyone I have encountered so far has been showering encomiums on her. May Allah grant her Aljannah Firdaus and may Allah grant the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“Death is an inevitable destiny that is hanging on everyone’s neck. But the beauty of her life is that she left behind a legacy of goodwill and respect.
” May Allah continue to bless us and grant our country peaceful coexistence, prosperity and progress.
” Her demise is indeed a huge loss to us all, and our President is indeed mourning with her immediate family and this community..” Shettima said.
He further restated the government’s support for the bereaved family and the entire community.
Shettima said, ” Our strength lies in our unity and shared experiences. Today, we stand together as one nation, one people, sharing in both joy and sorrow.” .
Responding on behalf of the family, Alhaji Bala Fari, the Dan Ruwatan Keffi, expressed deep appreciation for the high-level visit.
“We are encouraged to have you all here today, especially thanking Mr President for sending such a strong delegation led by his deputy to console us over the passing away of our mother.
“We are very grateful and I pray that just as you have all come here to see us, May Allah grant you all journey mercy to your various destinations.
” It is not every time that we receive such powerful and big personalities in our community,” Fari stated.
Other dignitaries at the condolence visit include the immediate former Governor of Adamawa, Sen. Bindow Jibrilla, members of the National Assembly, and traditional rulers, among many others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
ICAN urges FG to invest more in agriculture, SMEs to enhance economy
The newly inuaugurated executive Committee of ICAN Gwagwalada and District Society on Saturday at Gwagwalada
ICAN urges FG to invest more in agriculture, SMEs
Economy
By Jacinta Nwachukwu
Gwagwalada (FCT), June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), has urged the Federal Government to invest more in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and agricultural sectors to enhance the economy.
The association made the call on Saturday, at the Investiture of the 4th Chairman of Gwagwalada and District Society of ICAN and inauguration of Executive Committee in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
The new Chairman, Sosanwo Akinwunmi, Fellow of Chartered Accountants, said there was need for improvement in the economy through gainful initiatives in these areas.
Akinwunmi said that President Bola Tinubu should empower the agricultural sector, reaching out to them directly, create wallets through the Ministry of Agriculture.
He said that financial aids should be given directly to the people; provide farmers with fertilizers and other materials needed for SMEs.
“Educate them on how to run their businesses effectively and monitor the businesses properly. I think with that, we’ll be able to improve our domestic productions,” he said.
According to him, the problem of the economic crisis lies with a lot of things, which include multiple the borrowings.
“A lot of things have happened, which include the multiple borrowings by the government, and not getting the right information about the developmental projects done with the money.
“Even, telling the CBN to print money is an act of borrowing and it also has an impact on the economy.
“So, these are some of the things preventing the various economic policies put in place by the government to have a significant indelible value,” he said.
Akinwunmi pledged that under his leadership the District would impact on the communities around it.
On his part, Mr Godwin Eje, Technical Director said that the leadership team would focus more on the capacity building of Chartered Accountants.
“I’m hoping to bring in new innovations to ensure that my colleagues are up-to-date with contemporary issues.
“Before the advent of technological advancements, a lot of things were being handled differently.
“But with the advent of new technology into the accounting domain, some of our colleagues, who were previously skilled to handle certain things, but can no longer meet up to them, due to the knowledge and skill gap.
“So it is paramount that everyone gets carried along with the modern developments, to enable meet up with modern challenges in the accounting domain,” Eje said.
The 60th President, ICAN, Chief Davidson Alaribe, while congratulating the new executive, urged them to work hard to build on the efforts of the past executives to keep the flag of professionalism and excellence flying in the District.
Represented by the 1st Deputy Vice President and District Coordinator, ICAN, Hajia Queensley Seghosime, Alaribe urged them to intensify efforts on all initiatives of the Institute, especially the “Catch Them Young” programme.
He said this was to attract and retain more young talents into ICAN and the accounting profession at large.
He urged them to always bear in mind that the efforts of the past leaders of the Distinct must not go down the drain.
“I encourage you our new leaders to ensure that the district activities are at their highest tempo.”
The president also said that the country was going through various socioeconomic challenges, hence, the need for the new leadership to maximise the opportunity to showcase its problem-solving capability and in turn produce quality results.(NAN)(www.nanews.ng)
Lagos, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Celestial Church of Christ and the Cherubim and Seraphim on Saturday staged a unity rally in Lagos.
The rally was carried out to cement their bond.
The rally began on Victoria Island, as members of the churches drove in a long motorcade across major roads and streets to inform Lagos residents of the unification.
The rally was apiced-up with a life band, songs and dances by members of the churches.
They distributed handbills and T-shirts to the public.
The handbills and T-shirts had various inscriptions showing unity of worship and purpose among the churches.
The rally had the theme: “Celebrating the Unity of the Holy Spirit: Celebrate the Comforter, Abuja 2024”.
It was organised by Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi, the Founder of Love of Christ Generation Church, Victoria Island.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the churches are also planning a unification crusade in Abuja on the July 20.
The crusade, to be held at the main bowl of the National Stadium, Abuja, is expected to be attended by Christian religious leaders including the Supreme Head of Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Worldwide, Prophet Solomon Adegboyega Alao.
Ajayi said during the rally that the Holy Spirit had brought comfort to the churches.
According to her, the presence of the Holy Spirit depicts freedom, love, unity and purposeful leadership.
“It is meant to harmonise and modify traditions and ways of doing things as faithful of one fold, to project the body in a good and acceptable manner.
“As believers, we should not encourage crack in our fold in order not to give an unsavoury impression.
“We worship one supreme God. Those things that can encourage people to clinch to God should be our signpost,” she said.
Ajayi said that disunity in the body of Christ negatively affected soul-winning.
She said that there was the need for churches to continue to render humanitarian services. (NAN)
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)
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
Lagos, June 29, 2024 (NAN) Airport users were on Saturday astonished as a couple, Olamide Alli and Abiodun Agboola, took their wedding vows at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal II (MMA2).
The terminal is operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd. (BASL).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the barricaded section of the departure area, for the wedding, accommodated only about 50 guests.
Mr Kola Bamigboye, the Chief Operating Officer, BASL, told NAN that the wedding, which was first of its kind at the airport, was to tell the world that MMA2 was more than a terminal.
He hoped that with the successful wedding ceremony, more people would like to wedding at airports.
“We like to bring people together. Its either you are travelling through our terminal or you are coming here to solidify your love,” he said.
Mrs Monica Oguta, the Head of Aviation Security for BASL, said that the wedding was an opportunity to create value for airport terminals.
When asked if the couple were airport staff, Oguta said: They are just Nigerians who felt the idea is good.
“I started nursing the idea of an airport wedding some years back and when the opportunity came, we seized it.”
NAN reports that the couple exchanged their wedding vows and rings at the terminal.
The wedding was officiated by Ms Oluwabukunmi Aminu, a vow coordinator.
A passenger, Mrs Abigail Babatunde, said she had never witnessed such a wedding before.
NAN reports that the couple were given free flight tickets by Value Jet Airline. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Abuja, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) says it has rescued two persons from a collapsed building in Abuja.
Mr Florence Wenegieme, the acting Director-General of the department, who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Saturday, said that the incidents happened at about 6:45 p.m. on Friday.
Wenegieme explained that the building collapsed at Close 10, Drive 5, Second Gate of Prince and Princess Estate, Gudu District, Abuja.
She said that FEMD activated the National Emergency Management Agency and the FCT Fire Service, immediately it received a distress call about the building collapse.
The acting D-G, who was accompanied by the Director, Department of Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, explained that the collapsed building was a duplex under construction.
She added that the construction workers ran out of the building as soon as they saw signs that the building was going to collapse.
“However, two persons in the detached bungalow behind the building were trapped by the rubbles from the collapsed building.
“The trapped workers were rescued by the FEMD Search and Rescue Team, who cut through the window protectors and pulled them out,” she said.
The acting D-G appealed to developers and individuals to adhere to building codes and carry out integrity tests on existing buildings before carrying out renovations.
She underscored the importance of engaging professionals as well as the provision of protective wears to ensure safety of workers on site.
She also appealed to developers to provide insurance coverage for both the building and the workers on site. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
