Category: Metro

Reactions

By Esenvosa Izah

Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Stakeholders in the labour sector have observed that the nation’s ailing economy is caused by over-reliance on revenues from the exploitation of oil and lack of pragmatic reforms for decades.

In separate reactions to President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech in Lagos on Wednesday, they noted the speech failed to address current economic realities facing the country.

A Human Rights Campaigner, Mr Omokhuale Ehi, said that current government reforms ought to provide succour for the people.

‘’He did not mention how the non-oil sectors will start getting the right attention; the current state of our moribund refineries, how the cost of governance will be reversed and real hope about the massive youth unemployment.

‘’Also, the state of insecurity, banditry and kidnapping that have ravaged our country,‘’ he said.

Also, the President, Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions, Mr Olusoji Oluwole, noted that the speech eulogised people who fought and died for a better nation.Oluwole said,

He, however, said that what the people died for were still lacking after 25 years of unbroken democracy.

‘’We expect that this government, while celebrating should strive to break the 25 years of pain through the implementation of policies that will reduce and eventually remove the suffering of Nigerians.

‘’Citizens who have held faith in spite of the pain must enjoy the dividends of this democracy,’’ he said.

In his remarks, a public affairs analyst, Mr Jide Ojo, said that issues surrounding the minimum wage should be addressed, saying that many workers were looking forward to the pronouncement of the actual figure of the wage.

‘’I would have loved the negotiations to have been jointly arrived at, not that the federal, state, government, and private sector will forward what they had jointly agreed as the mutually agreed position.

‘’The present situation will leave us at the mercy of labour unions to withdraw their services and go on strike; that will not augur well for the economy,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
EEI/OIF/KAY

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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Kayode Olaitan

Show more understanding of Nigerians’ difficulties – NIS ex-officer tells politicians

By Lydia Ngwakwe

Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Mr Olumide Adewebi, immediate past Vice-President (International), Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, on Wednesday urged public office holders to show more understanding of the difficulties faced by the Nigerian masses.

Adewebi said that some public office holders were out of touch with the everyday struggles of the masses they represented or appointed to serve.

He spoke  in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos in reaction to President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech.

NAN reports that Nigeria’s Democracy Day is now celebrated on June 12 to remember the sacrifices of the winner of the 1993 Presidential Election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola.

It used to be celebrated on May 29 annually, but was moved to June 12 by the administration of retired Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

He said, ” I had hoped that at such a time, we would be reeling out a litany of victories regarding the economy, education, agriculture and, of course, security.

“While I will not discount the efforts made in these directions, I will not beat my chest to say the common man has fared better.

“The president speech was full of heartfelt history of the struggle for democracy, and adequately praised the living and dead heroes of that struggle.

“It also perfectly encouraged us all to continue on this road, but I dare say the only class of Nigerians that seem to have made significant progress in this 25-year journey are those in the political class.

He said that adequate understanding of the struggles of the masses would make public office holders to do more to achieve a better tomorrow for the citizens.

He also said that the masses  had a role to play to make  Nigeria  great, adding that the country’s development was a collective responsibility.  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
LED/IGO
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

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Joshua

By Uchenna Eletuo

Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN)  Members of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), on Wednesday,  extolled the virtues of the late Founder of the church, Pastor Temitope Balogun Joshua (TB Joshua).

The SCOAN members spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) shortly before a church service to celebrate Joshua’s 61st birthday anniversary posthumously.

The late founder of SCOAN headquartered at Ikotun Egbe, Lagos State, was born on June 12, 1963, according to the church.

The renowned televangelist and philanthropist, died on June 5, 2021.

Mr Dare Adejumo, a member of SCOAN, said that Joshua had  tremendous accomplishments across the globe in terms of gospel preaching, healing, deliverance and humanitarian works.

“As a child,  he was a precocious one. The little Temitope stood out in character, understanding, knowledge with a propulsive bold faculty that used to amaze elders.

“He grew up facing life without losing focus of his assignment on earth as he grew up more in grace, wisdom and power till when the time came for him to announce his apostolicism,” he said.

He described TB Joshua as a game changer that invigorated and rejuvenated the early church.

Pastor Robert Acosta from Argentina said:  “The man of God who impacted lives and transformed generations under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit never died.

“The teachings, the example, the impartation continue to live  in our hearts.

“Prophet TB Joshua, his life, example and ministry have been a gift from God to the whole world, but in a particular way to my life, my wife and family, and to our church and congregation.

“He was our pastor, our friend, for five years until he passed on to glory, and we continue to live with the legacy he left.

“I believe there is still much anointing to continue resurrecting lives and ministries, not by a man that has passed on to glory, but by the Spirit of God that continues to operate.”

Pastor Sandro Gomes dos Santos from Brazili said: “I am here to celebrate the birthday of Prophet TB Joshua, a unique man, a unique prophet, a great man of God. His legacy remains.

“The good works he did here on earth are wonderful and cannot be forgotten.

“Prophet TB Joshua impacted my life not only with his ministry of miracles, signs and wonders, but with his love for the Word.

“His teaching on offence and forgiveness completely changed my heart. I learned how to let go of offence and the importance of having a pure heart.”

He said that he was determined to come to Nigeria for the posthumous birthday anniversary celebration.

“There is a fresh anointing, something new and extraordinary. The wonders of God continue  here, at SCOAN.

“God has done great and extraordinary things through Prophet TB Joshua, and that mantle continues to rest upon Pastor Evelyn Joshua,” he said.

Mr  Kolawole Samuel, an engineer and   a follower of Joshua, said: “For the past 14 years, I have been part of the ministry, and by the grace I received through the anointing, I have not stopped coming despite the fact that I come from the far North of Nigeria, Sokoto.

“Every year, I specifically budget to be here in June for our prophet’s birthday anniversary celebration.

“The way he treated people inspired me to follow him,” he said.(NAN)

EUC/CHOM/IGO

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ijeoma Popoola

ASSBIFI

By Esenvosa Izah

Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) has called for  compensation and settlement of its members in Heritage Bank Plc. being  liquidated

The ASSBIFI’s President, Mr Olusoji Oluwole, made the call in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

Oluwole expressed concern over the fate of members of the union in the bank, saying that they should not be unfairly treated.

According to him, the  future of the affected workers is hanging  in the balance.

He alleged that there was no mention of any plan to settle the workers in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) publications and liquidation process.

“Coming at a time when the economy is in serious crisis, with hyperinflation and high unemployment rate, it is most disheartening that workers who faithfully  put in their best for decades in the bank will be abandoned to perish in penury.

“We expect and believe that NDIC will factor into the liquidation plan,  criteria for compensation and settlement of the workers, “ he said.

He called on CBN and other regulators in the banking industry to deeply investigate the transactions and activities that caused the collapse of Heritage Bank.

Oluwole also called on the regulators invoke appropriate actions to recover debts and apply sanctions against any institutions or persons found guilty.

“The recent CBN order revoking the operational licence  of Heritage Bank Plc. did not come to ASSBIFI as a surprise.

“This situation could have been avoided if the regulatory authorities had heeded to the various clamour from staff, ASSBIFI and the public on the plight of Heritage Bank, “ Oluwole said. (NAN)
EEI/CHOM/IGO
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ijeoma Popoola

FAAN, NCAT to share revenue, liabilities from aircraft fire simulator

Simulator

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has resolved to share revenue as well as liabilities with the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) on a fire simulator located at the college.

The Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, disclosed this in a statement signed by Mrs Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of FAAN, on Wednesday in Lagos.

Kuku had initiated a meeting to  resolve a dispute regarding the fire simulator at NCAT.

The Boeing 737-NG full-flight fit simulator was acquired in 2019 by the Federal Government and installed at NCAT, Zaria, for about N5.2 billion.

Kuku said that Multi-Purpose Aircraft Fire Simulator offered different practical fire fighting and rescue scenarios.

She added that the simulator would save the country billions of foreign currency in training costs.

The FAAN boss also said that the authority would use its network to attract foreign trainees to use the facility and raise revenue for both organisations.

“We are happy to have finally come to this agreement between sister organisations in the interest of the safety of our passengers and improving the competence of our brave firefighters.

“This will improve our image globally and attract revenue that both organizations need.

“As I have always said, safety will always take priority in everything we do at FAAN, and this is a demonstration of that,” she said

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Comrade Ugbeikwu Sunday,  National President, Nigerian Aviation Fire and Safety Association, had ecently called for  certification of the simulator to enable its utilisation by firefighters for competency trainings. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

ITM/IGO

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Edited by Ijeoma

Flood

By Philomina Attah
Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called for activation of emergency response teams of the Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) towards a disaster free 2024.

NEMA Director General, Mrs Zubaida Umar,  made the call< during a courtesy visit to the NSCDC Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

She said the call was necessary in anticipation of predicted floods, which would be affecting 148 LGAs in 31 states this rainy season.

Umar emphasised the importance of enhancing collaboration among government agencies, .

“Specifically, 148 LGAs in 31 States are predicted to be within the high flood risk areas.

“249 LGAs in 35 states and the FCT are considered to fall within the moderate flood risk areas during the 2024 rainy season.

“I seek for your collaboration with NEMA in the onerous task of saving lives and livelihoods.

This will also restore normalcy in the event of floods and associated secondary disasters as the rainy season intensifies,” she said.

According to her, the visit follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on Feb. 2, by NEMA and NSCDC, aimed at bolstering disaster preparedness and response.

She underscored the need for continuous engagement to ensure the safety, security, and dignity of Nigerians during disasters.

Umar praised the NSCDC for its consistent support in providing security during disaster response operations, highlighting their role in safeguarding relief interventions and protecting vulnerable groups.

“NEMA distribution of relief materials can not have been a success without the NSCDC providing safety and security to our staffers, the beneficiaries, and the items distributed.

“The NSCDC has provided safety and protected the dignity of women, children and the elderly living in Internally Displaced Persons Camps and those forced to take refuge in host communities as a result of disaster situations,” she said.

Responding, the NSCDC Commandant General (CG), Ahmed Audi, expressed the organisation’s commitment to enhancing its partnership with other agencies.

The CG highlighted the importance of collaboration in disaster preparedness, distribution of materials, and training.

According to him, NSCDC would deepen the collaboration and ensure a more robust approach to addressing the current security challenges in the country.

He also emphasised the need for coordination and cooperation among agencies to provide solutions to the ongoing conflicts.

Additionally, the CG assured NEMA of its organisation’s support in terms of workers’ safety and security during material distribution.

He reiterated NSCDC’s dedication to working together with its partners to ensure peace and security in the country. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
APA/ROT

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Quality

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has identified quality assurance as a major impediment to the actualisation of Open Distance E-learning (ODL) in the country.

Mamman spoke at a three-day Stakeholders’ Roundtable for the Critique and Adoption of the Draft Stand-alone National Policy on Open Distance Learning (ODL) on Tuesday in Abuja.

The three-day roundtable was for stakeholders to deliberate on the draft policy and come up with a holistic approach to open distance learning, taking into cognisance its challenges.

Mamman said many Nigerians especially employers of labour did not have confidence in the quality of the programme; hence the need to change the perception.

“We want to assure them that ODL is as good as qualifications obtained in normal universities.’’

The minister explained that part of the Federal Government’s effort to expand access to quality education was the strengthening of open distance learning through the development of a national policy to ensure sustainability.

“What we are trying to do is to put together quality assurance and strengthen the policy.

“Once we give them the quality training in the various places they are going to be trained, employers will see the difference in practical terms,’’ he said.

Prof.  Olugbemiro Jegede gave an overview of Open Distance E-learning from inception and its benefits from the National Open University.

He said that it would bring education closer to the people leveraging on technology.

“The ODL is to take the distance out of the reach of the learners; you have that distance and it can be geographical, economy, social, political and physical.

“So what distance education is doing is taking that distance away so that the learners get close to whatever he/she wants to learn.

“The ODL takes away the barrier, obstacles, blockage and boundaries in education,” he said.

The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, urged the stakeholders to bring their wealth of experience to bear in developing a policy that was comprehensive and meet global standards.

Sununu, represented by the Director of ICT in the ministry, Mr Isa Abubakar, said available statistics showed that the achievement of SDG-4 in 2030 would be a mirage if the ODL approach was not properly conceptualised in a long-term governmental strategy for improved access to education.

He said the development of sustainable policy on ODL became critical to realign national strategies with emerging educational challenges. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

FAK/CJ/

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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Inauguration

By Philip Yatai

Abuja, Jan. 11, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, inaugurated a 3.2-kilometre road at Shagari/Satellite Quarters, Kwali, in Kwali Area Council of the FCT.

Wike named the road after the famous potter, ceramicist and educator, Ladi Kwali.

He explained that the road was abandoned for 14 years, while the construction of the bridge along the roads was awarded six years earlier.

The minister described Kwali as one of the prominent Nigerians that used her creativity to bring fame and development to the FCT and the country.

He explained that President Tinubu had particularly approved naming the road after Kwali for her contribution to the development of Abuja.

“Mr President said that it is very important that charity begins at home; that this road must be named Ladi Kwali Road,” he added.

He said that road would be fitted with solar-powered streetlights and promised to deliver three strategic roads to the people of Kwali Area Council.

He said: “This road has been abandoned for how many years now? What you see today is the renewed hope agenda we are talking about.

“I am sure that most of you must have lost hope that you took your fate into your hands, since no government will want to feel your plight, but Mr President had said do not lose hope, as he is here to bring your hope back.

“From what he has done on this road today, it shows that indeed, hope is coming back to our people.

“It is not about political parties, but Nigerians; it is about you, the Kwali people; it is about you, the Abuja people.

“It doesn’t matter where you belong, his ambition, his vision is to make Nigerians believe that their hope must come back, and that is why we have done what we have done today.”

The minister added: “This is not the only road we are doing in Kwali. Your chairman has announced the one that we are going to inaugurate soon, and there is another one that is ongoing.

“So, in this year alone, Kwali will have at least three roads.

“So, that is why we are saying, when you have the right leadership, you will get good results.

“I can tell you that Mr President is committed to changing the lives of all of us, to give us our hope that was lost.”

Earlier, Kwali Area Council Chairman, Mr Danladi Chiya, said the newly inaugurated road connected the Kwali main town to the Abuja – Lokoja highway.

Chiya thanked Wike and President Tinubu for completing the road which was unmotorable for over 14 years.

“This project has renewed our hope in Mr President because before now, we had lost hope, but now, he has brought hope to my people”, he said.

The council chairman also commended Wike for naming the road after Ladi Kwali.

He noted while a road was named after her in the United Kingdom and a street in Abuja City centre, “nothing had been named after her in her own hometown, Kwali.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

FDY/MNA

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

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