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Category: Metro

  • Silence in face of social injustice, a crime – Onaiyekan

    Picture taken at the graduation ceremony of the trainers and the inauguration of the Catholic Social Teaching (CST) programme for the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) in Abuja

    Silence

    By Philomina Attah
    Abuja, June 22, 2024 (NAN) John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, has said that silence in the face of social injustice is a crime against the gospel of Christ and the nation.

    He stated this in Abuja at the inauguration of the Catholic Social Teaching (CST), programme for Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), and agencies of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN)

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports event also witnessed the graduation ceremony of the trainers of CST programme.

    Onaiyekan said, beyond evangelism, the Church must inculcate communication on justice and peace, all encapsulated in its social teachings.

    He said the belief was the reason why the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria continually urged the government to fulfil its responsibilities and address the people’s needs.

    He explained that CST provided a moral compass for living, functioning, and flourishing in society, making it central to evangelisation.

    The Cardinal congratulated the graduands, urged them to view CST as essential for service and challenged them to deploy their knowledge to spreading the gospel.

    According to the Cardinal, the CST is meant to empower both priests and laypeople to know their rights and speak against injustices in society.

    Speaking, Rev. Fr. Uche Obodoechina, the Director, Dept. of Church and Society, said the programme was designed to equip the staffers of the Bishops’ agencies with comprehensive knowledge on CST.

    “This initiative has been made possible by the wisdom of the Bishops Conference, ensuring that the teaching and learning of CST by the staff of the bishops’ agencies takes place at the secretariat.

    “The next stage is to go into action. We will divide the staffers here into various classes and assign them to teachers.

    Over the next two weeks, we will conduct the programmes every Friday until they graduate,” he said.

    Obodoechina, the Executive Secretary of the Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN), also emphasised the significance of social teachings.

    He reiterated the commitment to continue the CST education programme, fostering a deeper understanding of social justice and the Church’s role in society.

    “We are creating a ripple effect of knowledge and awareness that will extend far beyond the secretariat, impacting communities and society at large,” he added..

    In his keynote address, Prof. Hyacinth Ichoku, the Vice Chancellor of Veritas University, Bwari, Abuja, emphasized that everyone, regardless of status, has something to contribute to society.

    He noted that CST, a hidden treasure of the Church, will address various social concerns, including politics, healthcare, climate change, education, and social inequalities.

    Ichoku expressed satisfaction with Veritas University’s collaboration with CRS and CBCN to spread the message.

    In a valedictory speech, Mr Joe Nkamuke, who spoke on behalf of the graduands,  assured of their commitment to spreading the CST knowledge they have gained.

    “We promise to open the Pandora’s box for others to see,” he said.

    He expressed gratitude to the programme’s organisers and reaffirmed their dedication to promoting CST principles in society. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    APA/ROT
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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • Labour unionists express divergent  views about ‘Japa’

     

     

     

    Labour unionists express divergent  views about ‘Japa’

     

     

    Unionists

    By Esenvosa Izah

    Lagos, June 22, 2024 (NAN) Some labour unionists on Saturday expressed different views about relocation, in large numbers, in recent times, of Nigerians, especially youths and professionals, in search of greener pastures abroad.

     

    In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, some of them said that there was nothing wrong with the trend referred to in local parlance as ‘Japa’.

     

    However, others expressed worry that it was impacting negatively on Nigeria.

     

    The unionists urged governments to provide security, job opportunities and improved condition of work as well as encourage entrepreneurship to retain more youths and professionals.

     

    They cautioned Nigerians intending to relocate abroad to be certain of their economic survival to avoid frustration and identity crisis.

     

    The General Secretary, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Mr Lumumba Okugbawa, said that relocating abroad for greener pastures had been a trend for long.

     

    “In the past, people travelled abroad to seek better opportunities not found in their countries of origin.

     

    ‘’It is not new for people to travel abroad for business, work or personal engagements.

     

    ‘’However, they are leaving now because of the challenges they face, such as insecurity and lack of opportunities,’’ he told NAN.

     

    Okugbawa said that the way forward would be for Nigeria’s leadership to create an enabling environment for people to feel secure, work and earn a living, and be fulfilled.

     

    ‘’There is need for re-orientation about migration, and the government should fix the country’s infrastructure to encourage small scale businesses to thrive,” the unionist urged.

     

    The Secretary-General of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Mr Aladetan Abiodun, told NAN that the ‘Japa’ trend presented opportunities as well as challenges.

     

    According to Abiodun, while the trend opens doors to prospects abroad, it also necessitates a proactive approach to prevent loss of cultural identity.

     

    ‘’By promoting cultural awareness, leveraging technology, and encouraging educational initiatives, emigrants and their children can maintain a strong connection to Nigeria.

     

    ‘’Balancing the benefits of new environments with the preservation of Nigerian heritage is essential for fostering a well-rounded and culturally-rich diaspora community, ‘’ Abiodun said.

     

    The Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Lagos State Chapter, Mrs Funmi Sessi, said that there was nothing wrong with relocating abroad to seek a better life.

     

    According to Sessi, the trend rather has some benefits for Nigeria.

     

    She said that many Nigerians who travelled abroad had been giving back to the country meaningfully and lifting their families and friends.

     

     

    Sessi said that there was no need to worry about such Nigerians losing their cultural roots.

     

     

    ‘’Most Nigerians value family life; when they travel, they have extended family members they relate with back home.

     

    “They still have connections to their roots; definitely they will not forget.

     

    “Also, most Nigerians in the diaspora arrange social gatherings and activities that keep their roots intact.

     

     

    ‘’One way to ensure that Nigerians keep their roots is for them to educate and train their children in their culture; some Nigerians do that when they travel,” she said.

     

    Sessi acknowledged that there could be challenges while residing abroad.

     

    “It is not always rosy when people are abroad.

     

    “With this in mind, people who travel should know that when the chips are down, their countries of origin are where they can fall back to, ‘’ she said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

    EEI/IGO

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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

     

     

  • British Airways grounds aircraft, apologises for Wednesday’s hitch

    Aircraft

    By Itohan Abara-Laserian

    Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) British Airways has grounded its aircraft at the Murtala International Airport, Ikeja, due to a technical fault.

    The airline has, however, apologised for the flight disruption.

    The airline’s Regional Commercial Manager, Nigeria and Ghana, Mrs Tutu Otuyalo, told journalists on Friday that the carrier had apologised to passengers.

    She said that the airline would  take up the costs of accomodation and meals for affected passengers.

    Otuyalo said that the majority of passengers had been accommodated on other flights, while the carrier’s team continued to work hard to book the remaining customers on a flight as soon as possible.

    “We will cover accommodation and meal costs for the customers.

    “We would never operate a flight unless it is safe to do so. Most of the affected passengers have been re-accommodated to other flights.

    ”We have been in contact with our customers to apologise for the delay in their flight caused by a technical issue with the aircraft,” she said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  gathered that some of the affected passengers have been endorsed on available carriers such as Virgin Atlantic and Delta airlines.

    Recall that British Airways flight number BA 74, which was scheduled to depart  Lagos for Heathrow, London, at 10.50 p.m. on Wednesday,  suffered a hitch as the scheduled aircraft developed a technical problem.

    The flight was rescheduled and later cancelled due to the technical problem.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

    ITM/MAM/IGO

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    Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Ijeoma Popoola

  • FG inaugurates 116 housing units, delivers keys to 4 beneficiaries in Gwagwalada 

  • ILO urges media practitioners to combat child labour

     

    ILO urges media practitioners to combat child labour

    Awareness

    By Joan Nwagwu

    Akwanga (Nasarawa State), June 21, 2024 (NAN) The International Labour Organisation has urged  journalists to create awareness to combat the menace of child labour in the country.

    Dr Vanessa Phala, ILO Country Director for Nigeria, Ghana and Sierra Leone, said this at a three-day Communication Training Workshop for Media Practitioners on Friday in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop is on the elimination of child labour.

    The training was organised by ILO, funded by the U.S. Department of Labour through the Action against Child Labour in Agriculture in West Africa (ACLAWA) project, and the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

    Phala, represented by Dr Agatha Kolawole, Project Coordinator of ILO’s ACLAWA, said child labour had cast a long shadow across Nigerian communities, particularly within the agricultural sector.

    According to her, this is driven by poverty; families often rely on children to contribute to the family’s well-being and survival.

    “Children often have to work under hazardous conditions, sacrificing their education, health and childhood for meager wages.

    “This not only violates their fundamental rights but also hinders their potential and perpetuates cycles of vulnerability, “she said

    She said that the 2021 Global Child Labour report released by ILO and UNICEF, indicated a global increase of child labour prevalence by 8.4 million to reach a staggering 160 million.

    She said globally, the agriculture sector accounts for 70 per cent of child labourers.

    According to her, nearly 28 per cent of children aged five to 11 years and 35 per cent aged 12 to 14 years in child labour are out of school.

    Phala said that the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) launched the Nigeria Child labour survey report conducted in 2022 which corroborates the global trend.

    She said the media plays a pivotal role in combating child labour by raising awareness and mobilising public opinion against this pervasive issue.

    “Through investigative journalism, documentaries and news reports, the media sheds light on the often hidden and harsh realities faced by child labourers around the world.

    “By bringing these stories to the forefront, the media educates the public and policymakers about the scale and severity of child labour, thereby creating a sense of urgency and a call to action.

    “This heightened awareness is crucial for fostering a societal consensus that child labour is unacceptable and must be eradicated,“she said.

    She  said  media coverage can pressure governments and corporations to implement and enforce stricter laws and policies to protect children from exploitation

    Phala added that in addition to raising awareness, the media serves as a platform for advocacy and education, empowering communities to take a stand against child labour.

    She  commended the U.S. Department of Labour for funding the ACLAWA project.

    Mrs Tessy Odoh, Head, Child Labour, Forced Labour, Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Unit, Inspectorate Department, Ministry of Labour and Employment said the training was apt.

    Odoh said that the Federal government had put in place some policies to mitigate the menace of child labour.

    She said that Nigeria had ratified and domesticated the ILO conventions 182, 138, 29, among others.

    Mr Christian Appolos, a journalist with the Nigerian Tribune Newspaper, who spoke to NAN, said the training had boosts his knowledge on the issues of child labour.

    “I see the training as a targeted effort to the campaign for the eradication of Child Labour,”he said.

    Other  journalists who participated in the workshop pledged their continued commitments  to doing reports on child labour.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    JAN/JPE

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    Edited by Joseph Edeh

     

  • LASTMA impounds 40 additional vehicles using illegal garages

    Illegal
    By Chiazo Ogbolu
    Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has impounded another 25 commercial and 15 private vehicles operating illegal garages and causing serious road obstructions around Oyingbo, Ijora, and Idumota areas of Lagos.

    Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, said this in a statement on Friday in Lagos.
    Adebayo noted that the impounding of the vehicles at these areas was a decisive move by LASTMA to restore order and ensure the free flow of traffic.

    He said the operation was led by LASTMA Head of Enforcement, Mr Kayode Odunuga, under the directives of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa.

    Adebayo that they were specifically directed to target illegal garages that had been a persistent source of congestion and inconvenience for residents and commuters.

    He said the impoundment, which began in recent weeks, was part of a broader initiative by the Lagos State Government to enhance the efficiency of the city’s transportation network.

    He quoted Giwa as emphasising that government is committed to maintaining law and order on the roads, ensuring that all traffic regulations are strictly enforced.

    “illegal garages have been a significant challenge in our quest to maintain a seamless traffic flow in Lagos.

    “These impoundments send a strong message to all offenders that the state will not tolerate activities that disrupt public order and endanger the lives of our citizens.

    “Our goal is to create a safe and orderly environment for all road users and this action is a crucial step in that direction,” Giwa said.

    He noted that the targeted areas, Oyingbo, Ijora, and Idumota, are known hotspots for traffic congestion due to unauthorised parking and the establishment of makeshift garages.

    He said that these activities not only obstruct the free movement of vehicles but also pose safety risks to pedestrians.

    “LASTMA’s intervention aims to clear these bottlenecks and enhance the overall traffic situation in these critical areas.

    “Residents and business owners have expressed their support for the government’s action, noting the positive impact it will have on their daily activities.

    “LASTMA has also assured the public that the operation will be sustained and extended to other parts of the city where illegal garages and related activities are prevalent,” he quoted Giwa as saying.

    He urged all vehicle owners and operators to adhere to the state’s traffic regulations and cooperate with authorities to avoid sanctions.

    He reiterated that the government’s primary objective was to create a better and more livable Lagos for everyone.

    He also urged motorists to take ownership of the roads and to promptly inform LASTMA of any broken down or abandoned trailers or trucks via the Agency’s hotlines: 08100565860/ 08129928503. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CAN/JNC
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Withheld salaries: NASU, SSANU give 2-week ultimatum

    Withheld salaries: SSANU, NASU give 2-week ultimatum

    Ultimatum

    By Joan Nwagwu

    Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Two unions in tertiary institutions say they cannot guarantee industrial harmony if the federal government fails to pay their four months withheld salaries in two weeks.

    The unions are the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).

    The unions, under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), made their position known in a letter addressed to the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, on Thursday, in Abuja.

    The letter titled, “Re-Four months withheld salaries: Demand for immediate payment,” was signed by NASU General Secretary, Mr Peters Adeyemi and SSANU President, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim.

    The unions, in the letter, recalled that the JAC of NASU and SSANU had embarked on a one week warning strike between March 18 and March 24.

    “This is to protest the denial of the arrears of four months salaries withheld between May and August 24, 2022.

    “Following series of letters and the assurances of the payment, we write to remind the Honourable Minister of our various letters, engagements, assurances towards the payment of the four (4) months withheld salaries of SSANU and NASU.

    “We wish to express our regrets and dismay that up till date, the withheld salaries have not been paid to our members.

    “We view it as an act of insincerity and neglect on the part of government to the yearnings and aspirations of our members,”it said.

    The unions said that the government had negated the spirit of collective bargaining and built distrust.

    They added that the deafening silence of government and failure to pay the withheld salaries was creating high level of agitation and contention among their members in the Universities and Inter-University Centres.

    “This is such that we can no longer guarantee industrial peace and harmony on university campuses.

    “We, therefore, demand the immediate payment of the four months withheld salaries to our members not later than two weeks from the date of this correspondence, failing which we will be left with no option than to shut down the Universities and Inter-University Centres,”it said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    JAN/SOA

    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

     

     

     

     

  • Group calls for concrete actions to end child labour

     

     

    Labour

    By Oluwatope Lawanson
    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Devatop Centre for Africa Development, an anti-human trafficking and human rights organisation,  has urged state governments to strengthen enforcement of laws and implementation of policies protecting children against exploitation.

    The Group Project Manager, Mr Andrew Adaji,  gave the advice on Thursday at the group’s commemoration of the World Day Against Child Labour.

     

    The event, which held in Ikeja,  was tagged: “TALKAM Against Child Labour”.

    The World Day Against Child Labour is celebrated  every June 12 to raise awareness and activism against child labour.

    This 2024 edition had the theme: “Let’s Act on Our Commitments: End Child Labour”.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Devatop Centre for Africa Development is focused on combating human trafficking, gender-based violence and irregular migration, as well as  supporting survivors and at-risk youths.

    Adaji called on governments, organisations and individuals to intensify efforts in ending child labour and ensuring children’s rights to education, health and a safe environment.

    He emphasised the need for concrete actions and fulfillment of commitments  toward eradicating child labour.

    “Governments should enforce the Child Rights Act and provide free and quality education.

    “They should support families with economic opportunities to reduce poverty which is a key driver of child labour.

    “Also, there is need for sensitilisation, public awareness campaigns to educate communities about the harm of child labour,” he said.

    The manager also advised parents and guardians to refrain from engaging  children in harmful work or exploiting them for financial gain.

    According to him, every child deserves education, protection and childhood free from exploitation.

    “Parents should ensure their children attend schools regularly and complete their education.

    “They should provide a safe and nurturing
    environment for their children to grow,” he said.

    Mrs Mienye Badejo, South-West Zonal Director, Ministry of Labour and Employment, in her keynote address, said that no child should be exploited in any way.

    In the address titled: “Our Corporate Responsibility In Promoting and Protecting the Rights of Child Domestic Workers”, Badejo said that children should be treated as children, not as  adults.

    She said that eradicating child labour  required  collaboration of everyone.

     

    “Let us unite in the common cause of ensuring that every child in Nigeria is afforded the opportunity to grow, dream and learn.

    “They should be given the chance to contribute meaningfully to the prosperity of our great nation without the burden of exploitative child labour, ” she said.

    Earlier, in her goodwill message, Mrs Comfort Agboko,   Commander, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Lagos Zone, called on all stakeholders to intensify interventions against child labour.

    According to her, there is a difference between child work and child labour.

    She said that no child should be reduced to a slave  even within the family circle.

    The zonal commander said that there was need to carry out evidence-based interventions with key performance indicators that would directly impact positively on  children. (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)

    LAW/OJI/IGO

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    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Ijeoma Popoola

  • Institute, NGO decry surge in hate speech 

    A cross section of the youths during the training in Abuja.

    [contact-form][contact-field label=”Name” type=”name” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Email” type=”email” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Website” type=”url” /][contact-field label=”Message” type=”textarea” /][/contact-form]

    Surge

    By Angela Atabo /Emmanuel Oloniruha
    Abuja, June 20, 2023(NAN)The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and an
    NGO, Building Blocks for Peace Foundation (BBFORPEACE), have decried the surge of hate speech in Nigeria.
    The two organisations, at a two-day Training the Trainers on Combating Hate Speech Online and Offline, called on youths to synergise and galvanise efforts to address the menace.
    The event, jointly organised by the two organisations on Thursday in Abuja, brought together no fewer than  20 young participants from across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports  that the training with the theme  ‘Together for Peace: Combatting Hate Speech Online and Offline’was  supported by the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) coordinated by LEAP Africa.
    Speaking at the event, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, Director General of IPCR  stressed the need  for  youths empowerment and positive deployment of technology to shape the narrative of hate speech in Nigeria.
    He said such would  address bigotry, disunity and create the culture of peace and foster unity in the country.
    Ochogwu  said that the training could not have come at a better time  as Nigeria continued to battle misinformation and hate speech  impacting negatively on peace, security and stability of the nation.
    Mr Rafiu Lawal, Executive Director of BBFORPEACE, in a welcome address highlighted the importance of steming the tide of hate speech in Nigeria.
    “Hate speech, harmful narratives including rumour, disinformation, fake news and ethnic phobia have had significant and far-reaching effects on many societies and Nigeria is no exception.
    “The  proliferation of hate speech and harmful narratives now poses a critical threat to Nigeria’s social fabric, intergroup relationships, and overall unity, peace, stability and development of the nation.
    “Our four peacebuilding institutions are actively working in partnership towards mitigating the dreaded phenomenon of hate speech and information disorder across all spectrums of our society.
    “This is to foster sustainable peace, stability and socio-economic development,” he said.
    While charging all stakeholders to work together to address the hate speech menace, Lawal disclosed that participants at the training would be supported technically and financially to implement small scale initiative in all the Area Councils in Abuja.
    Another participant, Mr Kamaldeen Afolabi of the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) Grants and MERL Specialist, underscored the need to continue to build youth capacity.
    He noted that, doing so, would  provide  opportunities for youths in order to facilitate good governance for peacebuilding
    NAN reports that the training engaged young people on various topics, including,  management and peace building, social media as a tool for advocacy, dialogue, and political participation.
    Others topics are: Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act 2024, Transforming Narratives through Story Telling among others..(NAN (www.nannews.ng)
    ATAB/ROT
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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

     

  • NAN MD urges journalists to protect journalism profession, check quackery

    Quackery

    By Ibironke Ariyo

    Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Mr Ali Muhammad Ali, the Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has urged journalists to jealously guard the journalism profession and ensure the elimination of quackery.

    Ali said this on Thursday in Abuja during the Diamond Anniversary Special Induction of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

    The NAN MD said that media quacks needed to get the right training in order to function better in the society, as Public Relations (PR) was all about professionalism.

    According to him, quacks need better training to be able to get their acts together.

    “In public communication, the tone of the PR man is different, especially when you engage a professional; the tone is that of reconciliation and persuasion, and not combating.

    “But when you see a quack serving as a spokesman, they are always combative.

    “When you become a media manager, naturally, their language and diction should be that of reconciliation, persuasion, peace and not combative nor aggression.

    “My advice to all quacks is to get the right training by joining the institute; get the right education, knowledge, and the right attitude,” Ali said.

    He said that quackery had not only heated-up public communication in the country but had also heightened tension.

    Ali, therefore underscored the agency’s commitment to maintaining credibility and authenticity in its reporting, in spite of the prevalence of fake news in today’s digital age. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/EMAF
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    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne