Category: Metro

Expert queries significance of military juntas over democracies

Democracy

By Busayo Onijala

Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Dr Tunde Oseni, a Political Scientist, says it is important for coup-hit countries to learn that military rule should be temporary and not an exit strategy from developmental dilemma.

Oseni, Associate Professor of Political Science, Lead City University, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

“Are these military men better than those they removed from office?

“What has been the economic, political and social gains of replacing a democratic government with a military junta,” Oseni queried.

NAN reports that military coups have been on the rise in Africa, with over five coups and failed coup attempts in the last three years in nations including Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Chad, Gabon, Sudan, and The Gambia.

Recently, an attempted coup against the government of President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was averted by the DRC army.

According to Oseni, military rule has always been an aberration but sometimes, it is preferred to corrupt and malfunctional civilian democracy.

“Democracy is still the best form of government, even though some people may abuse it in terms of election and how they perpetrate themselves in power. That has happened in parts of Western and Central Africa.

“We know some of these democracies are flawed but no democracy is perfect,” he said.

Meanwhile, he urged other coup-hit countries to learn from Chad’s return to democratic rule after three years of military rule.

NAN reports that in May, Chad became the first of military-led countries in Africa to conduct a democratic election.

Oseni added that in the 21st century, people preferred a government they could elect into office and hold accountable as representatives. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OMB/COF
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Edited by Christiana Fadare

NBRRI designs, fabricates 13 software, machines

Invention

By Angela Atabo

The Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) says it designed and fabricated no fewer than 13 machines and software  using the reverse engineering process in 2023.

Prof. Samson Duna, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NBRRI, made this known on Wednesday at the Presentation of 2023 NBRRI scorecard to stakeholders in Abuja.

Reverse engineering, known as backwards engineering, is the process through which one attempts to understand through deductive reasoning how a previously made device, process, system or software accomplishes a task.

The process is specific to the object on which it is being performed. All reverse engineering processes consist of three basic steps namely, information extraction, modelling and review.

According to Duna NBRRI is mandated to conduct integrated and applied research and development activities into the varied aspects of the construction industry.

He said that several significant achievements were recorded in the last few years.

These achievements were in the areas of new innovations, upgrading some existing NBRRI innovations, evolving and embarking on new projects, embarking on aggressive outreach/extension programs, administration activities among others.

“The machines are: design and construction of a mini excavator, design and fabrication of interlocking sandcrete block-making machine and design and fabrication of particleboard rotary dryer.

“Others are design and fabrication of NBRRI concrete mixer, development of heavy-duty hydraulic forklift machine for building application and design and construction of earth compactor and asphalt cutting machine.

“There is also evaluating the viability of silica sand in Nasarawa and Benue states for the production of glass for construction industries and the application of intelligent sensors to monitor concrete hardening.

“We also designed demonstration project to develop modular toilets based on polymer-based composite material, including development and application of an intelligent traffic control system’’, he said.

Duna said that the NBRRI Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and building automation solution were also designed to enhance energy efficiency.

He added that Real Time Locators (RTLs) was designed to enhance the safety of workers on construction sites in the event of building collapse in Nigeria with the implementation of real-time locators.

He said that NBRRI also got two patent certificates giving the institute the authority or license to invent.

Duna said these were: the NBRRI Semi-Automated Interlocking Block Making Machine (Diesel Driven) and the NBRRI Semi-Automated Interlocking Block Making Machine (Electric Driven).

One of the main functions of the patent system, according to him, is to foster technological innovation by providing an incentive for research and development.

He said the patent system also helps in disseminating technical information and promote technology transfer as well as protect inventions that, useful and offer a significant improvement over what already exists.

The D-G said that NBRRI also carried various capacity programmes and developed a curriculum for artisans in the construction industry.

“NBRRI developed a robust, practical and relevant competency based curriculum for the training of artisans in 10 selected trades in the construction industry.

“These are: Masonry, carpentry, electrical installation, plumbing and fittings, floor finishes, Iron bending, painting and decoration and draughting.

“Others are: Concrete and reinforcement, health and safety,’’ he said.

Duna said that NBRRI carried out over 15 innovation, research and development projects in 2023.

He said one of the mandates of NBRRI is to conduct research into Local building and construction materials to determine the most effective and economic methods for their utilisation.

He said in line with that mandate NBRRI developed new ways of using available local materials in building, road and fabrication.

These included the production of asphalt from natural sand and bitumen, use of bamboo as reinforcement, the development of Rubberised Asphalt Mat (RAM), design and fabrication of an automatic wall plastering machine.

Duna said many opportunities abound in NBRI and urged Nigerians to leverage the institution’s milestone in works and housing sectors.

He said that poor funding, poor patronage of NBRRI products and preference for use of conventional building materials instead of NBRRI’s innovation were as some of the challenges faced by the institute.

He therefore, called on the Federal to increase funding for the institute as well produce policies that would compel patronage of its innovation as ways of strengthening its operations. (NAN)(www.nannews.com)

ATAB/KUA

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Edited by Uche Anunne

Graduation

By Funmilayo  Adeyemi

Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN)The Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) Academy, Abuja, has graduated  five high school students (senior secondary school students) and three middle school students (Junior secondary) for the 2024 session.

Addressing the gradaunds at the Class of 2024 graduation celebration in Abuja, Wife of the Olu of Warri, Olori Ivie Atuwatse III, urged relevant stakeholders to prioritise education.

According to her, it is the  duty of the stakeholders to prioritise education for sustainable growth and development of the nation.

“Nigeria’s education system is plagued with many challenges and I will liken it to an elephant; you cannot eat a whole elephant at once.

“The many challenges resemble the body of an elephant; the first thing that we must do as a nation is to take education seriously.

“Once you take education seriously, then we can begin to take necessary steps to ensuring that we build our education system to one that can compete globally.

“The first step we must do is to be committed to eating the elephant, be committed to education, be committed to ensuring that you are making an impact and make education a priority,” she said.

She added that prioritising education would translate to addressing out-of-school children, teacher training, infrastructure and curriculum issues.

She  urged the graduands to be intentional in shining their light noting that their abilities to shine would build resilient in them and as well lead them to their destinies.

The Head of School, CTL Academy, Dr Agodi Alagbe, said that the academy had always striven for excellence.

Alagbe affirmed that the achievements of the academy stood as testimony to the quality of education imparted to students and unwavering commitment to staff members.

She said that over the years, the academy had nurtured and shaped young minds, instilling in them the values of knowledge, integrity and perseverance.

“We are very child-centred; we don’t believe that any two children are the same and so we do what we call differentiated instruction.

“This means you could have few kids in the same class and grade level but we really get to know the children as individuals and create learning opportunities that are specific to their needs.

“So they can grow, flourish and maximise their potential; we have given them all it will take them to succeed; we are waiting to see what they will become,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy, Mr Robert Gabor, commended the school for investing in the future of Nigerians, charging the graduands to also invest in their abilities and communities.

Gabor also called on the graduands to learn new skills as that was the only way to contribute to the growth and development of their immediate community and country at large.

Some of the graduating students, who spoke to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), pledged their allegiance to Nigeria and to contribute their knowledge towards developing the country.

Alex-Xerina Idusuyi, one of the students, who had secured an admission to study international business at the Wichita State University, U.S., pledged to return after her programme to build the nation.

Also, the school’s best graduating student, Lotachi Alagbe, attributed her academic feat to the support and encouragement from her family and friends.

Alagbe, who had also secured an admission at the Preston University, U.S., vowed to return and contribute her quota toward the development of the country.

NAN reports that the school, which has the nursery, primary and secondary sections, offered the American curriculum for both local and international students. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

FAK/CJ/

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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Pilgrimage

Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite says the Federal Government has changed the orientation of Christian Pilgrims embarking on religious exercise.

Adegbite disclosed this at the Nigerian House, Tel- Aviv, at a meeting with Israeli pilgrimage leaders and private Christian tour operators in that country.

A statement on the meeting was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, by Mr Celestine Toruka, Deputy Director and Head Media, NCPC.

The executive secretary, in the statement, said since the assumption of office of the current NCPC leadership, the focus had been on rebranding the commission and mode of pilgrimage.

He said a new corporate slogan for NCPC is, “Service and Satisfaction’’.

The NCPC boss reiterated that, with the caliber of the Chairman and members of board of the commission, it is a new dawn for Christian Pilgrimage.

He commended the Nigerian Ambassador to Israel, Mrs Agatha Afoekelu, for her exceptional leadership stressing, “leaders are called to serve and not to be served’’.

Earlier, the Nigerian Ambassador to Israel, Afoekelu commended NCPC leadership for rebranding the commission and its activities.

She also stressed the need to replicate the Israeli agricultural technology in Nigeria, adding, “we need to bring something beneficial home.”

She explained that the reason why the Embassy existed was to promote the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Israel.

The Chairman of NCPC, Rev. Cletus Gotan expressed optimism that peace would continue to reign in Nigeria and Israel.

NAN reports that the pre-visit and retreat for the NCPC board, management, States Pilgrimage leaders, and Private Christian Pilgrimage Operators began on May 31 and will end on June 6. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
APA/FEO/ROT
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Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Rotimi Ijikanmi

LASG to hand-over 270 homes in Egan-Igando estate

Housing

By Lydia Ngwakwe
Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government says it is set to hand over 270 housing units at the Egan-Igando mixed housing estate to the original applicants (allotees), after a long delay.

The Commissioner for Housing, Mr Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, said in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos, that the official commissioning and hand-over of keys to the first 270 homeowners would take place on June 6.

The commissioner said in the statement which was signed by the ministry’s Director, Public Affairs, Mrs Adeola Salako, that the estate had been under development for 21 years.

Akinderu-Fatai said that the estate was part of the state government’s efforts to provide affordable and quality housing for Lagos residents.

“This project encountered setbacks like vandalism and theft, leading to a completion strategy focusing on delivering units in clusters.

“This is a fulfillment of Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s pledge to complete ongoing housing projects and the Ministry of Housing’s dedication to delivering this vital project despite challenges.

“I acknowledge the patience of the original applicants who waited for many years.

“We are thrilled to finally break through the barriers that have held us back for so long with the delivery of the first cluster comprising 270 homes,” he said

Also, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing, Mr AbdulHafis Gbolahan, said that the preparation process had been completed by May 31, paving the way for the official unveiling of the estate on June 6.

He highlighted the importance of collaboration between contractors, community members, and the government for a smooth handover process.

Furthermore, Gbolahan thanked the prospective homeowners for their patience, understanding and trust shown for many years while waiting for the completion of the housing scheme.

“We are confident that the end result will be well worth the wait,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Christiana Fadare

Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, handing over Ikorodu Sub-Region Master Plan to royal fathers in the area

Plan

By Lydia Ngwakwe

Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Lagos State Government has released the Ikorodu Sub-Region Master Plan ( 2016- 2036)  to stakeholders.

Mr Mukaila Sanusi, Deputy Director, Public Affairs Unit, Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

He said that the official handover of the document was done by the state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, at Ikorodu Town Hall, with prominent figures from the area in attendance.

He quoted Olumide as saying: “I am deeply excited that the people of Ikorodu Division have always demonstrated the ownership of the Ikorodu Sub-Region Master Plan, right from its preparation to the completion stage.

“This is being demonstrated here today with the impressive turnout for the launch of the master plan.

“I am elated to see who-is-who in the sub-region in this hall, including traditional rulers, past and serving public officials, and other well-meaning stakeholders.”

Sanusi also quoted Olumide as saying that the Ikorodu Sub-Region Master Plan would guide physical development in area until 2036.

He added that the plan focused on land use, transportation, infrastructure and environmental management.

He said that the plan was created with public input, adding that it highlighted strong support from Ikorodu residents throughout the process.

He quoted the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Lagos State, Mr Oluwole Sotire, as saying that the master plan, aligned with the government’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda (focus on making Lagos a 21st-century economy).

Sanusi also quoted the permanent secretary as saying that the plan would create a more organised, livable and sustainable environment in Ikorodu.

(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

FAAN announces one-hour power shutdown  at MMIA Wednesday

Shutdown

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced a planned one-hour power shutdown at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Wednesday, June 5.

Mrs Obiageli Orah, Director, Public Affairs/Consumer Protection made this known in a statement on Tuesday, in Lagos.

Orah said that the shutdown, for maintenance, would occur between 1.30 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. at the International Terminal 2 ( ITZ-2).

She said it was as a result of the urgent need to verify the issues affecting the Bus Riser 11K VA high tension (HT) panel on the ground floor, North of the International Terminal 2 (ITZ-2) of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

Orah said that FAAN would ensure that the shutdown of power supply was with  minimal disruption to flight operations and passenger facilitation.

“The identified airlines, namely Rwanda Air (WB), EgyptAir (MS) and Qatar Air (QR) that operate within the maintenance hour will be relocated for check-in and arrival (parking) formalities at the International terminal 1(ITZ-1).

“All intending passengers on these flights should please take note.

“The Authority regrets any inconveniences this might cause our stakeholders and the travelling public,” she noted.

Orah said that FAAN was committed to world-class safety standards and service to all airport users. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

ITM/SOA

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Operations

By Gabriel Agbeja

Abuja, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Aviation workers have restarted operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, following the suspension of the indefinite strike by the organised labour.

Mr Samuel Wuyep, Chairman of Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN), Abuja chapter, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that passengers had started coming into the domestic wing to check-in.

It would be recalled that labour had declared an indefinite nationwide strike, midnight of June 2, to press home its demands of  non conclusion of national minimum wage fixing and non reversal of hike in  electricity tariff.

However, in a communiqué jointly issued by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the organised labour said it had relaxed the strike for one-week, to allow continuation of negotiations

Wuyep, told NAN that following the suspension of the strike, normalcy had returned to the airport and it was fully opened for operations.

“There are few scheduled flights that will be operated in the remaining hours of the day, so they have started checking-in  passengers.

“Though, the traffic is very low, a lot of people came in the morning and observed that the locked -up exercise was still ongoing, so they decided to go back.

“Some who managed to wait, got their flights rescheduled, and were told when to come back, “ he said.

According to him, many cabin crew and pilots we nore seen working toward the expected arrival of airplanes in order to continue normal flying to other airports.

Wuyep mentioned Value Jet, Ibom Air, Air peace and United Nigeria Airlines , among local flights that had arrived Abuja today.

The union leader said the strike could not affect the international flights as the strike was called off before the end of the time given.

“In the international wing, since the frame time that we gave to them would elapse today ,being June 4, the international airlines came in the morning, disembarked their passengers.

“While they were disembarking their passengers, coincidentally, the strike was called off and some of them that were on ground decided to check-in the passengers, and normal businesses continued.

“Everything is okay. The airport has returned to its normal businesses.  The international Airlines that arrived in the morning were Ethiopia airline, Egypt Air, among others at the international wing,“ he said.

According to him, more international airlines are expected later in the day as the skies were opened, and the processes of check-in were on.

Wuyep advised passengers that had scheduled flights to contact the airline toward processing their travelling documents for the  trip. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

FGA/ROT

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Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi