Category: Metro

Food

By Joan Nwagwu

Lafia, June 4, 2024(NAN) Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has distributed food items to no fewer than 1,200 vulnerable, internally displaced and people living with disabilities in Nasarawa State.

Tinubu inaugurated the symbolic distribution of the Food Outreach Scheme for Persons with Disabilities and the vulnerable groups on Tuesday in Lafia.

Represented by Hajiya Nana Shettima, Wife of the Vice President, the first lady  said that the gesture was part of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Food Outreach Scheme, as part of the Social Investment Programme.

According to her, the food outreach scheme is specially designed to provide support to the under privileged in line with the resolve of President Bola Tinubu to leave no one behind.

“This is also to ensure food security and sufficiency in the country.

“Under this scheme, a trailer load of  assorted food items is donated to the state government for onward distribution to identified groups,”she said.

She added that the Federal Capital Territory,  Kaduna and now Nasarawa states have benefited from the scheme under the special programme of RHI.

She, however, said that Benue would be next while other states would also benefit in due course.

The first lady also noted that in addition to the Social Investment Programme, the RHI also have other programmes that focuses on health, agriculture, education and economic empowerment to better the lives of people in the country.

She said that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with RHI had concluded plans to donate a truck load of fertilisers and bags of rice to each state of the federation.

She added that Nasarawa State would be first to benefit from the collaboration.

“The Renewed  Hope Initiative has also graciously approved a grant of N50,000 to 1,000 women in each state as part of our women economic empowerment programme, ”she said.

To the beneficiaries, she assured them of continued support and encouraged them to be steadfast, especially those in vulnerable communities.

She, therefore, commended  states government for their support  for the Renewed Hope Initiatives.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) expressed gratitude for the support.

Blessing David, a beneficiary from Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area, commended the federal government for seeing reasons to extend helping hand to the poor  masses.

“Now we have gotten what will sustain us for some time and we appreciate them greatly. May God bless them to do more.

Also, Halima Musa, from Doma Local Government Area, appreciated the federal government for the items.

“I do not have hands, I cannot work, so it has not been easy. I am so happy to be  part of those that benefited from these food items.

“I am very happy, God should bless them more for them to remember more people like us,”she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Isaac Ukpoju

Participants at LASU’s 27th Convocation Lecture on Tuesday

Technology

By Oluwakemi Oladipo/Oluwatope Lawanson

Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has  charged  the youth not to use technology for dubious activities.

The governor said that the youth should pursue  dignity of labour.

Sanwo-Olu gave the charge at the 27^th Convocation Lecture of the Lagos State University on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the convocation lecture had the theme:  “Embracing the Future: Navigating the Intersection of Technology and Humanity”.

“Desist from shortcuts to success, develop things and render services that people need or require,” the governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said.

He  emphasised the importance of technology in shaping  lives.

“Technology allows us to do things consistently, accurately and speedily, and it  saves cost,” he said.

The governor urged the graduating students to incorporate technology constructively  in their daily activities.

“We must be careful not to let it run our lives.

“Your future is in your hands, grab it,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews)

OKG/LAW/ AH/IGO

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Edited by Abdul Hassan/Ijeoma Popoola.

Strike

By Joan Nwagwu

Abuja, June 4, 2024(NAN)The Organised Labour says it has relaxed the indefinite nationwide strike declared on Monday, for one-week, to allow continuation of negotiations

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) made this known in a communique issued at the end of a joint National Executive Council meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.

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.

The communique was jointly signed by Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President and Mr Festus Osifo, President of TUC.

Ajaero said NEC relaxed the indefinite strike, following the resolution by the federal government to offer more than the N60,000, it put forward to the tripartite committee.

According to Ajaero, in view of the deliberations, the NEC-in-session resolved that there is a greater need to create the right ambience for negotiation to continue unhindered.

“The indefinite nationwide strike action is therefore relaxed for one week from today to allow the federal government commit to a concrete and acceptable national minimum wage;.

“Also to take definite steps to reverse the electricity tariff hike back to N66/kwh and abolish the discriminatory classification of electricity consumers into Bands.

“The NLC and TUC National Leadership are mandated to continue to maintain open channels of communication with the Federal Government to negotiate and secure favourable outcomes for Nigerian workers and people.

“All affiliate unions and State Councils are therefore, directed to relax the indefinite nationwide strike and return to their respective workplaces immediately,” he said.

Ajaero added that the NEC-in-session expressed profound gratitude to Nigerian workers and the general public for their unwavering support and solidarity in this critical struggle for improved living and working conditions.

He said that the NLC and TUC remained committed to “pursuing all necessary actions to protect the rights and welfare of all Nigerian people and workers as we urge all to await further directives while the negotiation continues.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
JAN/ROT

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Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Road

By Philip Yatai

Abuja, June 4, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has approved the request by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to name the Arterial Road N-20 after Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka.

The Arterial Road N-20 stretched from Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Expressway to Outer Northern Expressway (Murtala Mohammed Expressway).

Wike made the appeal in Abuja on Tuesday, during the inauguration of the road by the President, to celebrate his one year in office.

The minister said: “It is not when somebody dies that we will remember his contributions.

“It is good,  in the lifetime of someone who has contributed to the greatness of this country, to recognise him, rather than waiting for him to die.

“A dead man does not know what happens.

“I will appeal to you sir, to let us recognise one of our own, by naming this road after him. The only Nobel Laureate we have, who has made Nigerians proud in the world.

“I recommend that this road be named, Wole Soyinka Way. In that case, other people will have hope. People like me will have hope that tomorrow they will also recognise me,” Wike  requested

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu approved the Minister’s request to name the road after Soyinka, whom he described as “a famous playwright, novelist and Nobel Prize winner”.

Wike explained that the road was awarded in 2020 at N30.6 billion and had no variation, adding that he had inspected the execution of the road more than 10 times to ensure timely delivery within specifications.

He argued that it would be difficult for any leader to challenge Tinubu’s achievements in FCT, considering the spade of infrastructure and administrative development in the territory in just one year in office.

“It will be difficult for anybody to challenge you in FCT. It will be very difficult.

“I said so because the facts are there; the things are there. It is not about theory; it is about reality,” he said.

Wike, particularly, commended Tinubu for changing the narrative of civil service in FCT.

According to the Minister, with the establishment of FCT Civil Service Commission, workers in FCTA no longer run to the Federal Civil Service Commission, for progression.

“They get promoted on their own. Most of them have never dreamed in their lives that they would reach the peak of their career as head of service and as permanent secretaries.

“Your political will, which you have always shown, has given them hope, and that is why today, if we decide to do something, you will see everybody working together so that we achieve it.”

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said that Tinubu’s efforts not only transformed the infrastructural landscape of the city but also laid a foundation for smoother transformation and enhanced connectivity.

“By today’s inauguration, we are invariably creating a safer, more efficient and more sustainable transportation network that benefits everyone in the nation’s capital city.

“May this arterial road serve as pathways to progress, prosperity and unity for generations to come,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) explained that the arterial road N-20 stretches from the Murtala Mohammed Expressway to Airport Expressway (Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Expressway).

Ahmad said that segment that was inaugurated was 3.5km from the Murtala Mohammed Expressway to Ahmadu Bello Way, out of the 5.6-kilometre road from Murtala Mohammed Expressway to Northern Parkway.

He explained that the road was a six-lane dual carriageway, with extensive underground engineering infrastructure services, and streetlights.

He added that there were two interchanges, one at the intersection with the Murtala Mohammed Expressway and the other at Northern Parkway.

Ahmad added that the road crisscrossed two Sector Centre A and B, crossing four Districts at Sector Centre A – Katampe, Jahi, Mabushi and Kado, and crossed Jabi, Utako Daki Biyu, and Wuye Districts at Sector Centre B.

NAN reports that the inauguration of the Arterial N-20 Road was the fifth in a row, beginning with the Southern Parkway named after Bola Tinubu and the commercial operation of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit System.

Also inaugurated by the President  were the Wuye Interchange bridge and the Outer Southern Expressway to Ring Road I. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

FDY/ROT

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Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

LASBCA seeks consultants for Certified Accreditors Programme

Accreditors

By Lydia Ngwakwe

Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has urged qualified consultants in the built environment to participate in its new Certified Accreditors Programme (CAP).

The Director, Public Affairs Unit, LASBCA, Mr Olusegun Olaoye, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

Commenting on the call for expression of interest, Mr Gbolahan Oki, General Manager, LASBCA, said that the state was set to engage consultants who would act as certified accreditors to assist with reviewing building plans, inspections, and monitoring compliance.

He said that the programme aimed to leverage private sector expertise to improve efficiency and ensure all buildings in the state met safety standards.

“The Public- Private synergy referred to as “Certified Accreditors Programme” (CAP), is aimed at leveraging on the peculiar expertise and experience of private sector professionals.

“Also aimed to further accelerate LASBCA’s effectiveness toward optimum service delivery with the view to actualise its operational mandates of ensuring all new and existing buildings in Lagos State are constructed fit for human habitation and avert incidence of building collapses.”

Oki said that the programme aligned with the state government’s goals for sustainable urban development.

According to him,  the goal of the programme is  to improve LASBCA’s ability to ensure new and existing buildings comply with regulations and are safe for habitation.

He said that the state government would consider consultants who were duly registered in Nigeria with relevant experience and professional body membership.

He, therefore, called on interested members of the public to obtain an Expression of Interest (EOI) form from LASBCA headquarters.

According to him, a fee applies for the EOI form.

He said that submitting an EOI form was not a guarantee selection for the programme

He gave July 31 as the deadline for submission of the form. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
LED/FAA
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Edited by Folasade Adeniran

IATA partners Emirates, Airbus on CBTA

Partnership

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The International Air Transport Association (IATA), Emirates, and Airbus have joined forces to deliver a Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) programme for the Airbus A350 type rating.

Mr Nick Careen, IATA’s SVP for Operations, Safety and Security, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Careen said that this was coming as Emirates prepares for the delivery of its fleet of 65 A350s from mid-2024.

According to him, an initial cohort of 256 pilots will be trained as part of the new course at Emirates’ Training College in Dubai starting from July.

“Combining the expertise of Emirates, Airbus and IATA to design and deliver A350 type rating training is a unique opportunity.

“Our joint aim is to fully utilise the benefits of CBTA to qualify the pilots on the A350 in the most efficient and effective way possible.

“By doing it together all three organisations will also gain valuable experience that can strengthen their other training activities,” Careen said.

Capt. Bader Al Marzooqi, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Flight Training, said: “Emirates uses cutting-edge training programmes. So, our pilots are among the most competent flight crew in the world.

“The tailored CBTA programme for the A350 supports the integration of 65 new A350 aircraft, with 1,000 pilots set to complete the A350 Type Rating course.

“This commitment enhances passenger safety and comfort, reflecting our unwavering dedication to the highest service standards.”

Also, Capt. Stéphan Labrucherie, Airbus Head of Flight Training Worldwide, said that the A350 is a state-of-the-art aircraft, which required equally advanced training solutions.

“Our partnership with IATA and Emirates ensures that Emirates pilots receive the most comprehensive and effective training, supporting the smooth entry into service of the A350 worldwide,” Labrucherie said.

The joint work combines the respective expertise of the three organisations; IATA focuses on programme design using its published guidance for CBTA; Airbus will contribute knowledge of the aircraft along with its own CBTA experience and Emirates will use its CBTA training and operational experience.

This collaboration will create and deliver the first A350 type rating training in full alignment with the latest International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for CBTA training and with the best practices contained in the IATA CBTA Guide for Flight Crew Training. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

ITM/FAA

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Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Democracy
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Women Arise and Kudirat Initiative for Democracy, two non-governmental organisations, have called for a united front to build a democratic nation that will serve its people.

Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Women Arise and Dr Hafsat Abiola, President, Kudirat Initiative for Democracy, made the joint call in Lagos on Tuesday in remembrance of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, who was killed on June 4, 1996.

They noted that the challenge to national development had never been in military interventions but in the failure of democratic processes to deliver a better life.

They, therefore, enjoined governments to prioritise consensus building, development and delivery of tangible results to citizens.

They recognised the efforts and pro-democracy struggle of the late Kudirat Abiola and her ultimate sacrifice for democracy and human rights.

“We honour her legacy as a champion of democracy and human rights in Nigeria.

“Her sacrifice and that of others who fought for democracy remind us that the battle was not easily won.

“Unfortunately, the challenges that drove many to join the pro-democracy movement persist today,” they observed.

They, nonetheless, explained that in spite of the challenges, the progress made and the sacrifices of those who fought alongside Kudirat Abiola, would be forever acknowledged.

“We recognise that democracy is a continuous process that requires effort and dedication from all stakeholders.

“As we look beyond our borders, we see that democracy faces challenges across West Africa.

However, we believe that by working together, we can build a brighter future for all,” the groups said.

Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, simply Kudirat Abiola, was a Nigerian pro-democracy campaigner.

She was assassinated while her husband, Moshood Abiola, was being detained during the 1993 presidential elections.

She was arrested shortly after the elections, believed to have be won by her husband, were annulled.

Although she was assassinated in her car on June 4, 1996, her personality and death have remained symbols of struggle for democracy.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
LAW/CHOM/KAY
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Kayode Olaitan

Airspace

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has assured the general public and airline operators that the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has not affected the Nigerian airspace.

Mr Abdulahi Musa, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NAMA, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

According to Musa, operations of the agency remain uninterrupted as contingency arrangements have been put in place for processing of flight operations in the five major airports in Lagos, Kano, Port-Harcourt, Abuja and Enugu.

He said NAMA would continue to provide its services to airline operators in spite of the ongoing strike action, in keeping with its mandate to provide uninterrupted, safe, efficient, and economic air navigation services in the country.

Meanwhile, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) observed that at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) terminals, skeletal activities were ongoing.

NAN reports that as at the time of filing this report there were no union officials at the MMIA.

Also, some international flights had been cancelled while Hajj 2024 passengers were seen hanging around the airport.

One Mrs Ogunlana, a Hajj passenger, said no one had come to address them or passed any information to them.

“We are just sitting around and waiting for information, I cannot speak on anything, we were supposed to move today but nothing has been said,” she noted.

Aero Contractors,min a statement posted on its X account on Tuesday, said all flights scheduled had been canceled due to the strike by the NLC, TUC and their affiliates.

United Nigeria Airline also apologised to the flying public on its X account for the disruptions, stating that the ongoing strike had not allowed its aircraft to depart.

NAN reports that the nationwide indefinite strike commenced on Monday and activities were still grounded at the domestic terminals I and II. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

ITM/CHOM/SA=

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Salif Atojoko