Category: Metro

Cholera

By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has directed all supermarkets and stores in the state to prominently display critical information on consumable products as a strategy to combat  cholera spread.

The General Manager of the agency, Mr Afolabi Solebo, gave the directive in a statement  on Wednesday in Lagos.

The statement was signed by the Chief Public Affairs Officer of the agency, Mrs Toyin Oni.

According to Solebo,  the directive is aimed at enhancing public health and well-being.

Solebo said that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s registration number of all products should be displayed to ascertain that they had regulatory approval.

He added that manufacturing and expiry dates of products must be conspicuously displayed on the products.

Solebo ordered that  the manufacturers’ addresses must be displayed to facilitate traceability and accountability.

He warned that failure to comply with the regulations would result in immediate closure of erring supermarkets and stores.

He re-stated the agency’s commitment to protecting consumers’ rights and ensuring adherence to health standards.

Solebo  urged consumers  to be vigilant and report any non-compliance for prompt actions.

“LASCOPA remains dedicated to upholding consumer welfare and safety across Lagos State.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

LAW/CHOM/IGO
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ijeoma Popoola

NAMA upgrades surveillance system to enhance airspace safety, security

Airspace
By Itohan Abara-Laserian (08152358494)

Lagos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has begun  upgrading its surveillance infrastructure across airports and other remote installations to enhance safety and security of the nation’s airspace.

The Managing Director of NAMA, Mr Ahmed Farouk, made the disclosure in a statement  on Wednesday in Lagos.

Farouk also said that President Bola Tinubu had approved an onsite visit to Spain by critical staff of the agency to inspect some  facilities and engage technology solution providers.

The  managing director also said that NAMA  received a team from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to discuss salient issues on safety and security of the nation’s airspace.

Farouk said that  collaboration between NAMA and NAF  had been critical to the sustenance of Nigeria’s airspace safety and security.

“NAMA handles civil operations, while the air force oversees security. Our close collaboration is vital for maintaining a safe and secure airspace,” he said.

He quoted the leader of the NAF delegation, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdulkadir, as saying that  NAF recently deployed new platforms designed for national air defence.

Farouk also quoted Abdulkadir as saying that  NAF had completed day training and was about to finish night training which would enable rapid interception of any intrusion in the airspace. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
ITM/IGO
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Disbursement

By Philip Yatai

Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has disbursed N3.62 billion to the six Area Councils, teachers and pension scheme as statutory allocation for the month May.

Dr Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State FCT, presided over the 190th FCT Joint Account Allocation Committee meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

Mahmoud said that N1.14 billion was set aside for the six area councils, while N2.49 billion was earmarked for teachers and pension schemes.

She said that out of the N1.14 billion set aside of the six area councils, Abuja Municipal Area Council received N346.53 million, Gwagwalada got N160.81 million while Kuje received N191.38 million.

The minister  equally said that Bwari Area Council received N152.8 million, Abaji N119.49 million while Kwali got N167.52 million.

For the N2.49 billion earmarked for teachers and pension scheme, the minister said that N2.12 billion was allocated to primary school teachers, while N36.25 million was set aside as one per cent Training Fund.

She also said that a total of N226.48 million was set aside as 15 per cent Pension Funds, while N107.85 million was earmarked as 10 per cent employer pension contribution. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

FDY/BRM

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Relocation

By Philip Yatai

Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Federal Capital Territory Administration, says it will begin the relocation of mechanics and traders operating on road corridors and buffer zones to Wassa.

The AMMC Coordinator, Mr Felix Obuah, disclosed this to newsmen after a meeting with representatives of the affected traders and mechanics in Abuja on Tuesday.

Obuah explained that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, has approved the exercise designated for such businesses, adding that the evacuation would begin in a month’s time.

He identified those to be relocated as all traders, artisans, mechanics, spare parts dealers, furniture makers, roadside cooking gas dealers and others operating on road corridors across the city.

“We have decided to relocate all the traders on the road corridor, the buffers, and right of ways to Wassa any moment from now and they are all happy.

“By the special grace of God, we will do it to the satisfaction of everybody.

“The minister has given the approval and as I speak to you, the taskforce in charge of the area has been set up.

“The technical team in charge of the relocation will be set up any moment from now,” Obuah said.

He said that Wike has given a matching order, adding that it would be followed judiciously without compromise.

Obuah said that the development would put an end to the over 15 years struggle to relocate operators of Apo mechanic village sitting on a road corridor and obstructing right of way.

The coordinator added that the over 50 associations of artisans, mechanics and spare parts dealers in the FCT have been collapsed into four unions for effective coordination and information sharing.

He said that the land allocation would be given to genuine traders, spare parts dealers, mechanics, furniture makers and artisans among others.

“We are not given the land to individuals, friends, or civil servants. It is purely for traders, mechanics, spare parts dealers and artisans operating on road corridors.

“The beneficiaries will provide National Identification Number, phone numbers, their addresses and the kind of business they are operating.

“We will also set up an enumeration team to go and verify the information provided before we can give out the allocations.

“It is no longer when one family will bring father, mother, son and everybody to get land while other people do not have,” Obuah said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

FDY/BRM

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Jobs

By Joan Nwagwu

Abuja, June 25, 2024(NAN) The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) says, any amount above N62,000 approved as minimum will create job losses.

Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of NECA said this, while speaking with journalists on Tuesday in .Abuja .

He spoke on the sidelines of the third edition of the Nigeria’ Employers Summit with the theme, “Economic Renaissance: Harnessing Government Reforms and Private Sector Agility,”

Oyerinde said that the organised private sector cannot afford above the N62, 000 as agreed during the tripartite committee negotiation meetings.

According to him, any figure above N62,000, will create two different dynamics – setting the the tone for non-compliance and attendant litigations -.

He stressed that setting a national minimum wage that will take away the ability to pay will set a stage for litigation and crisis.

On the allegation of delay in the process, Oyerinde said that there was no delay as the process was ongoing, accordingly.

“There is no waiting game and I think we have to put all this in context. It is misinformation,’ he said.

He said after the tripartite committee’s recommendations to the President, a Bill is expected to be sent to the national assembly for legislation.

He said what the labour can advocate for, is a fast-track of the process..(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

JAN/ROT
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Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Training

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos Aviation Academy (LAA), on Tuesday, unveiled a two-story  building to bridge training gap in the aviation industry.

The News Agency of Nigeria NAN) reports that the academy, a subsidiary of Finchglow Holdings, trains aviation professionals  for successful careers in the industry.

It is located on Toyin Street, Ikeja.

The Group Managing Director of Finchglow Holdings, Mr Bernard Bankole, said at the unveiling that development of a country or an organisation would require adequate education of the workforce.

Bankole said that it had become necessary to add value to the aviation industry.

According to Bankole, the LAA had, in seven years, graduated more than 2,000 aviation professionals.

He expressed the hope  that, with the new building,  more professionals would be trained.

He said that training schools in Nigeria were in short supply compared to the  nation’s population.

“We have finally come to a befitting place for the academy.

“This is to set the record and the path right that the government needs to look more into how to develop education and our people.

“In every organisation, in every country, human capital is the greatest asset to have,” he said.

Bankole said that the old  building had only four classrooms with a capacity of 20 persons, noting  that the new one had eight bigger classrooms with a capacity of over 40 persons.

He disclosed that the new building  had apartments for students coming from outside of Lagos and Lagos residents who would not want to be commuting  daily to and from the campus.

Bankole said that the academy underwent rigorous regulations and certification from the Association of Approved Training Organisations in Nigeria, International Air Transport Association and NCAA to achieve its current status.

The Finchglow boss called for more external and government support, saying that collaboration with the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies would help to increase professionalism in the industry.

Mr Bolaji Durojaiye, the Head of School, LAA, said that the academy would need the support of industry stakeholders to achieve its goals.

Mrs Bukola Tariba, a Regional Manager at NCAA, who represented the Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, said  that the authority would continue to ensure international standards. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

ITM/CHOM/IGO

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ijeoma Popoola

Rainy season: LASBCA moves to avert building collapse

Building

By Lydia Ngwakwe

Lagos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) says it is taking  proactive measures to prevent collapse of buildings this rainy season and ensure safety of Lagos residents.

The Director, Public Affairs Unit, LASBCA, Mr Olusegun Olaoye, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

The official said that  rains had negative effects on weak and poorly-constructed structures.

He said that the agency had increased inspection and monitoring to quickly identify weak structures to prevent  collapse during the rainy season.

Olaoye said that weak structures were more likely to collapse  during rainy season due to weakened foundations from water exposure.

He said, “By finding these weak structures early, we call on the owners to repair or demolish them, and if the owners don’t take actions, LASBCA will remove the buildings at the owners’ expense to prevent collapse  and  associated injures and deaths.”

He advised property owners to have their buildings checked for structural stability and to take actions on any identified problems.

He added that the agency had identified some distressed buildings and had since published a list of them.

Olaoye said that the agency had also intensified awareness campaign by educating Lagos residents about the dangers of living in weak buildings.

According to him, the residents are being educated on how to know a structure in distress.

He said that the residents were also being encouraged to report any concerns to LASBCA.

He further said that the agency was working together with  stakeholders to create a stronger network for promoting safety and preventing building collapses.

He aded that the agency was advocating better drainage systems to reduce water build-up around structures.

He said: “We are encouraging developers to investigate the ground before building, we are advising on proper roof care to prevent leaks and damage, we are implementing tougher regulations throughout the building process and we are bringing in experts to help enforce building codes.

“These and many more are the measures LASBCA has put in place to prevent building collapse during the rainy season.’’ (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

LED/IGO

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

08036516651

AMAC

By Philomina Attah

Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Mr Christopher Maikalangu, Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), says he is committed to providing an impactful governance to the citizens of the municipality.

Maikalangu made this pledge while performing the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction and rehabilitation of Lugbe Primary School and Lugbe Chief Palace Township roads on Tuesday in Abuja.

He highlighted the council’s achievements over the past two years, emphasising his commitment to enhancing social amenities across the 12 wards of AMAC.

“Today’s ceremony is a confirmation of my promises towards being responsive to the basic needs of our people.

“The vital role of infrastructure in boosting the economic conditions of the residents is important hence the need for this inauguration.’’

Maikalangu said that, as part of the council’s ongoing roads revolution, over 15 asphalt legacy roads across the council’s three zones were ready for commissioning.

According to him, the initiative aligns with the council’s broader vision to improve the quality of life for its residents through comprehensive infrastructure projects, including rural electrification, water supply, health services and educational development.

The chairman also urged residents to fulfill their civic duties by paying taxes and levies, stressing that such contributions were essential for sustaining and expanding public services.

“These projects will not have been possible if residents fail to pay their taxes and levies to government,’’ he said.

Maikalangu credited his achievements to the support and inspiration provided by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory,  Nyesom Wike, and the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He called on traditional rulers, property owners and other stakeholders to cooperate with contractors and ensure the quality of the work being carried out.

The chairman urged AMAC citizens to protect public infrastructure and report any sub-standard work, and also congratulated all involved and wished for the successful completion of the projects.

The Director of Works in AMAC, Mr Andrew Gaza, while giving overview of the project, expressed his delight and pride at the ground-breaking ceremony.

Gaza highlighted the significance of the developments and praised the efforts of the chairman.

“The project is particularly important to me as it directly impacts my ward,” he said.

He lauded the chairman’s commitment to fulfilling campaign promises and delivering numerous infrastructure projects, including electrification and water supply, within a short period of assuming office.

According to him, Maikalangu is truly a promise keeper and everyone is grateful for his large-hearted service to our community and the entire FCT.

Gaza provided detailed insights into the road projects, which included a 1.5 kilometer stretch with one-side drainage spanning 75 meters.

He emphasised that these developments would significantly benefit the community by improving access to schools, boosting local businesses, and enhancing overall economic and social well-being.

“The road will serve several schools and will integrate our communities further; it will elevate the standard of living and ensure that no one considers resettlement necessary,” he said.

He also listed additional amenities like street lights that would soon be installed along the new roads.

Gaza urged the community to continue supporting the chairman and his cabinet in their efforts to improve infrastructure across AMAC and the FCT.

“Please pray for our leader; he chairman, and his team so that they can continue to deliver on their promises and enhance our city,” Gaza said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

APA/CJ/

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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

The minister, however, said that there must be an holistic approach toward improving the quality of knowledge and certificate given to the adults and non-formal schools.