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  • UniAbuja to construct 9600 bed space ultramodern student’s hostel

    UniAbuja to construct 9600 bed space ultramodern students’ hostels

    Hostel

    By Uche Bibilari

    Gwagwalada (FCT), June 20, 2024 (NAN) The University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has commenced the construction of N16 billon 9,600 bed space ultramodern students’ hostels under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to be completed in September 2025.

    Mr Philip Uzouku, the Chairman/Managing Director, Philkruz WA Ltd., disclosed this during the ground breaking ceremony of the construction of the students’ hostels on Thursday in Abuja.

    Uzouku said that the company would build and manage the hostels for over 30 years, recoup their money before handing it over to the university.

    “We have been on this journey for over eight years, pushing through thick and thin.

    “This project will not stop until we finish it, so that by next year September, we will start taking new students to live in it.

    “The 9,600 bed space will cost N16 billion and I have six slots in the university of Abuja that will cost about N48 billion to complete it.

    “The landmark is 10 hecters per slot; each slot is 1600 beds spaces.

    “When we build and manage it for over 30 years and recoup our money before we hand over to the university,” he said.

    He said that the company’s motivation to embark on this project was not only to make profit and enrich their pockets.

    According to him, the motivation was born out of the desire to partner with the university to contribute in their efforts to provide modern, affordable and state of the arts students’ hostels.

    Uzouku appreciated the Vice-chancellor, Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, for giving him the opportunity to be among the investors that have been selected to help alleviate the accommodation problem facing the university.

    On his part, Na’Allah called on wealthy citizens of Nigeria to come and build facilities in the university, adding that public universities should not be a government business alone.

    He said that the university could accommodate any PPP arrangement that would like to come and build hostels, staff quarters, and canteens among others in the university.

    According to him, with enough hostels the university will make a policy that all students’ will be in the hostels, so that anyone who wishes to stay off campus will need to apply for exemption.

    The Registrar, Yahaya Mohammed said that at the moment, the university could only accommodate 6,000 out of the 26,000 regular students.

    Mohammed said that the hostels when completed would be a big relief to the students who were off campus.

    “If there are enough hostels, many students will like to stay as this will help to ease the stress of coming from outside the campus.

    “This will be a good market also for other investors to come and invest as they will recoup their money within a short period of time.

    “It will not be a project that any investors would lose or regret partnering with the university,” he said.

    He said that the university has over 63,000 regular and non-regular students.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that UniAbuja and Philkruz signed the hand-over certificate and the project was officially handed over to the company. (NAN) (www.nannews)

    UU/AMM
    =======

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

     

  • Pernod Ricard, FABE promote glass recycling at beach clean-up

     

    Glass
    By Mercy Omoike
    Lagos, June 20,2024 (NAN) The Foundation For a Better Environment (FABE) in partnership with Pernod Ricard, on Thursday, embarked on a beach clean-up to promote glass recycling.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Baadun Beach clean-up at Okun Ajah area of the state was in commemoration of Pernod Ricard’s Responsib’ All day.
    The Responsib’ All Day launched in 2011 seeks to encourage the sharing of best practices and the implementation of concrete initiatives by gathering all Pernod Ricard employees for one day devoted to Corporate Social Responsibility.
    The objective of this day is to make every one of the 18.000 employees an ambassador of responsible consumption.
    The convener of the beach clean-up, Mrs Temitope Okunnu, founder and Chief Executive Officer FABE Foundation, applauded Pernod Ricard’s efforts in promoting sustainability awareness among Nigerians.
    “Today in partnership with Pernod Ricard Nigeria, we are celebrating the Responsib’All Day. We are proud of what Pernod Ricard is doing in promoting environmental sustainability.
    “To mark this event, we are here to clean-up Baadun Beach in Okun Ajah. We picking up all glass bottles, plastic, and aluminium cans on the beach.
    “We are creating awareness and sensitisation on climate action and how we can be part of those promoting sustainability globally.
    “We are excited people are getting more aware of sustainability and are willing to be part of the clean-up,” Okunnu said.
    She also restated the importance of glass recycling.
    “We can recycle our waste glass materials, all we just need are more collections points. Recycling should not be limited to plastics,” she said.
    On his part, Mr Michael Ehindero, the Managing Director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, said clean-up was part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility to the country.
    “The Responsb’All Day is a day we as a company celebrate one of the five pillars of our CSR and actualise it.
    “This is the 12th Responsib’ All Day event we are celebrating as a company. And this year’s event is all about the environment.
    “We are concerned about taking care of the environment the best way we can. Sustainability is a lifestyle for us at Pernod Ricard.
    “At our company events, we have stopped all single-use plastics such as pet bottles, straws and disposable spoons.
    “We want Nigerians to be more aware of the environment, if we have respect for ourselves and the environment, we will avoid littering the environment,” Ehindero said.
    Also speaking, Dr Femi Idowu-Adegoke, President Recyclers’ Association of Nigeria, urged Nigerians to play part in ensuring the attainment of a circular economy via glass recycling.
    “In Nigeria we are aiming to achieve the vision of transitioning from a linear economy to a circular economy by 2050.
    “Glass recycling is now getting attention alongside plastics. The value of recycled glass is on the increase and we are giving the collectors value for the glass bottles they drop.
    “A kilogramme of used glass bottles cost as much as N8 to N10. So, we have to start sorting our waste from source to get more value for it.
    “There is value in waste and we appreciate what Pernod Ricard is doing today. It is not waste until it is completely wasted.
    “As citizens, we must all take part in waste management and sustainability. We cannot leave everything to the government. We must be involved and take responsibility for sustainability,” Idowu-Adegoke said.
    Mr Joshua Ademuwagun, HR Pernod Ricard Nigeria, also restated the company’s commitment to promoting sustainability in the country.
    “The Responsib’ All Day is a global initiative across all Pernod Ricard offices globally. This particular edition on our sustainability pillar called Circular Making.
    “It focuses on the five Rs of which recycling and reusing are part of. The beach clean-up is our way of giving back to the society by shelving work and engaging in a clean-up exercise .
    “It is also our own way of adding our perspective to climate change matters plaguing the world globally,” Ademuwagun said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
    DMO/JNC
    ========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Union deplores infractions in constituted  governing council

    Council

    By Funmilayo Adeyemi

    Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN)The Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education (SSUCOEN), has called on the Federal Government to address infractions in the constituted governing councils of tertiary institutions, before their inauguration.

    The President of SSUCOEN, Danladi Msheliza made the call in a letter addressed to the Federal Ministry of Education and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

    A copy of the letter was made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.

    Msheliza observed that, in the list of the constituted councils released by the federal government, there were omissions and wrong inclusions of schools while some colleges were listed as universities.

    “We observed that some Colleges which are all listed in the First Schedule of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023, are omitted from the composition of the list of Councils.

    “As such, no Governing Council was constituted for any of them, even in the recently published list of Councils,” he said.

    He listed the colleges as, Federal College of Education (FCE), Technical, Ekiadolor, Edo state, FCE, Odugbo, Benue state and FCE Jama’are, Bauchi State.

    Other are FCE Isu, Ebonyi State and FCE Gidan Madi, Sokoto State.

    SSUCOEN president added that there were appointment of governing councils for some FCEs not listed in the FCE Act, 2023, as they were yet to take off with members of staff or students.

    He expressed dismay that FCEs that had been in existence with members of staff and students in their campuses, we’re not captured in the list of governing councils.

    “In the same vein, we also observed that some FCEs (FCE Kano, FCE Zaria and Alvan Ikoku, FCE Owerri), whose names were, in the past, changed to Universities of Education were listed as Universities.

    “Pro Chancellors/Chairmen and members of Councils were constituted for them.

    “These FCEs are by mere official pronouncement without any law establishing them, and are not known to the law, as Universities.

    “It should be noted that the above-mentioned Federal Colleges of Education are currently listed in the First Schedule of the FCEs Act, 2023.

    “Therefore, one wonders how they would be regarded as Universities when there is no law establishing them as Universities,” he said.

    On membership of councils, he noted that the FCEs Act provided for a Chairman and four members, for each College, out of which, one shall be a female.

    He, however, said that from the list released, some Colleges have all male nominees, without a female nominee, which was in contravention of the Act.

    “Unfortunately, we are aware that the Governing Councils may be billed for inauguration soon.

    “However, we strongly stand on our earlier advise that the observed anomalies be corrected before the inauguration.

    “Or better still, the inauguration be put on hold while the observed anomalies are corrected within the shortest time possible,” he said.

    He assured that the union’s intentions and concerns were in the best interest of the colleges of education subsector and of industrial harmony.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FAK/ROT

    ========

    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • Lagos APC former executive dies in Mecca,party mourns

    Late Ramota Bankole, Ex Lagos APC Welfare Secretary

     

    Lagos APC executive dies in Mecca,party mourns

     

    Death
    By Adeyemi Adeleye
    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos chapter of  All Progressives Congress (APC)  has described the death of its former Welfare Secretary, Alhaja Ramota Bankole, as unfortunate and shocking.

    Bankole, one of the Lagos APC women leaders from Epe Division, died while performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

    Publicity Secretary of the party in the state , Mr Seye Oladejo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday  that late Bankole was a committed member of the party.

    “Her death is most shocking and unfortunate. She was a committed and experienced party leader.

    “The deceased  was a proven mobiliser and inspiration for women participation in politics. May her precious soul in peace,” Oladejo said.

    NAN reports that the Chairman of Epe Local Government ,Ms Surah Animashaun, had  on Thursday confirmed Bankole’s death .

     

    Animashaun, in a statement , said that the deceased was hale and hearty before leaving the country for Hajj pilgrimage.

    She said: “it is with a heavy heart, and a deep sense of grief that I received the news of the death of Alhaja Ramota Bankole.

    “It is a sad day indeed as I received the news that she died in the holy land of Mecca while on holy pilgrimage.

    “I extend my condolences to the Bankole family, APC members and the  entire people of Epe on the unfortunate demise of our dear sister and mummy”.

    NAN learnt the deceased celebrated her 60th birthday recently.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AYO/BHB

    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

     

     

  • Navy hands over seized cannabis to NDLEA in Badagry

    Lt.-Cdr Bitus Zoaka, the Base Operations Officer, Forward Operating Base, of Nigerian Navy, Badagry, representing the Commanding Officer , Navy Captain Augustus Amakiri handing over seized suspected cannabis sativa to Mr Ogbogoh Emmanuel, the Assistant Commander Narcotics, Sème Spécial Command, NDLEA, on Thursday.

     

    Navy hands over seized cannabis to NDLEA in Badagry
    Navy
    By Raji Rasak
    Badagry (Lagos State), June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy, Badagry, Lagos State, on Thursday, handed over four sacks of cannabis sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in Badagry.
    Lt.-Cdr. Bitus Zoaka, the Base Operations Officer, FOB, representing the Commanding Officer FOB, Navy Captain Augustus Amakiri, said the patrol team of the Base intercepted the suspected hard drugs on May 31.
    According to him, at about 6.20.a.m, on Friday, May 31, the FOB personnel while on routine patrol along the the waterways got credible intelligence about the movement of suspected sacks of hard drugs.
    “They moved into action and intercepted the hard drugs at beachside, close to the Falcon Eye sensor at Daddi, Barrier Island, Iworo, Badagry.
    “The suspected drugs were believed to have been smuggled from Ghana into Nigeria and was breach-landed using wooden boat,” he said.
    Zoaka said the four sacks of the seized substances contained 65, 60, 51 and 43 pellets respectively.
    ‘The handing over exercise is in line with the Harmonised Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention and Prosecution (HSOP-AD&P) 2016.
    “Recall that since the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla assumed office, he stated that his mission was to maintain and equip a professionally competent naval force capable of defending Nigeria’s maritime area of interest in fulfillment of national security imperatives.
    “Similarly, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Mustapha Bala Hassan, on Nov 9, launched Operation Water Guard.
    “This operation is aimed at denying smugglers and other criminal element the freedom of action within Badagry General Area in order to ensure security and economic stability in the region while fulfilling the Navy’s constitutional roles.
    “Accordingly, these sustained efforts of FOB Badagry are all geared towards complying with the CNS Strategic Directive 2023-6 which is to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea for economic activities to thrive,” he said.
    Zoaka said this would be the second time such exercise was being conducted since assumption of office of the current administration of FOB Badagry in February 2024.
    Receiving the exhibit, Mr Ogbogoh Emmanuel, the Assistant Commander Narcotics, Sème Spécial Command of NDLEA,  promised that an investigation would commence on the seized items.
    He commended the Nigerian Navy for the seizures, assuring them that the perpetrators would not go unpunished. (NAN)
    ROR/SOA
    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • Parole system: Stakeholders hold appraisal workshop on criminal justice law

     

    Parole system: Stakeholders hold appraisal workshop on criminal justice law

     Stakeholders at the Workshop

    Parole

    By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus

    Ilorin, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Stakeholders in the judicial system on Thursday converged to appraise the legal framework of the parole system and the criminal justice law in Nigeria.

    At the appraisal workshop organised by the Cleen Foundation in Ilorin, they agreed that the Parole Act as introduced in 2015 was one of the ways to reduce prison congestion and an improvement on the country’s criminal justice system.

    Executive Director, Cleen Foundation, Mr Peter Gad, said the workshop was to bring stakeholders together to discuss the need to depoliticise the parole process as well as standardise the criteria for selection of inmates.

    Gad represented by the Finance Officer, Helen Anwanna, said the administration of justice was the cornerstone of any society that upholds the rule of law.

    According to him, collective efforts are pivotal in ensuring that this cornerstone remains robust and effective.

    ”This workshop provides an invaluable platform for us to engage in critical discussions, share insights, and evaluate the current state of our legal framework on parole and its broader implication on criminal justice administration in Nigeria.

    ”Parole is a critical component of our justice system, aimed at rehabilitating offenders and reintegrating them into the society as law-abiding citizens.

    ”It reflects a balance between punitive measures and the need for rehabilitation, recognising that the potential for reform and positive change exists within every individual.

    ”However, for parole to achieve its intended outcomes, it must be underpinned by a sound legal framework and effective administration,” he said.

    Mr Gad said all stakeholders should work towards a more efficient and humane criminal justice system that would not only punish wrongdoing but also promoted rehabilitation and reintegration.

    The Assistant Controller of Corrections, Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Kwara Command Mr Okunola Adebayo, said no one has actually enjoyed parole in Nigeria because the modus operandi was yet to be institutionalised.

    Adebayo, who is the Secretary of the Parole Board and the Head of NonCustodial Measure in Kwara, said the National Technical Committee was yet to formalise the modules through which the states could domesticate the system.

    ”The parole system is a new phenomenon under the Nigerian justice system, even as it is being introduced into NCS, and we are still learning the rope on how to exploit its benefits.

     ”As it is presently, there is no modus operandi, as it has not been well institutionalised.

    ”In Nigeria today, no one has actually benefited from parole because the National Technical Committee on parole in Abuja is yet to formalise the modules through which the states can domesticate.

    ”So that we can follow the tenets and enjoy parole system,” he said.

    Senior Sulyman, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Kwara, said the workshop was apt and timely as justice was not only for the defendant, but also for the victim and the society, which parole among other things sought to reintegrate inmates back to the society.

    The commissioner represented by the state Director of Public Prosecution, Idowu Akande, said the parole system in the state will work with three pointers namely remittance of unserved term, reduction of the sentence and substitution of the sentence.

    He said part of the conditions to be fulfilled for the paroles include having served 2/3 of their terms with good conduct and those with critical health conditions.

    Mrs Ibijoke Olawoyin, the Chief Registrar, Kwara High Court, said the parole system was laudable but the ball needed to be set rolling as it was yet to start working in Kwara.

     She said if the system was well put in place, it would go a long way in decongesting the correctional centres, as well as serve a form of reformation and reintegration to the society.

    Olawoyin said it was unfortunate that there was no clear cut of how the parole system ought to work, but pledged the court’s willingness to synergise with other stakeholders once institutionalised.

     She further advised the government to have a reintegration process in place to accept the inmates released on parole either as a form of training or skills acquisition.

    The Vice Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association, Ilorin, Mrs Aisha Temim, commended Cleen Foundation for looking inwards to what happened to inmates next after sentence?

    The Secretary, Community Policing Advisory Committee, Alhaji Shola Mause, said it was laudable that reforms like this were being brought to the criminal justice system in the country as it was long overdue.

     The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other stakeholders represented at the workshop are Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), National Human Rights Commission, Nigeria Police Force, Legal Aid Council, Civil Society Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations and the media.

     NAN also reports that the workshop was organised by Cleen Foundation with support from MacArthur Foundation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    BAY/AMM

     ==========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • We must restore peace to Rivers, says PDP Nat. Vice Chairman

    Chief Kamorudeen Ajisafe, PDP’s South West Zonal Chairman and National Vice Chairman (South West)

    We must restore peace to Rivers, says PDP Nat. Vice Chairman

    Rivers

     

    By Adeyemi Adeleye

    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) A National Vice -Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Kamoru Ajisafe, has called on party stakeholders to do everything possible to resolve  the leadership crisis rocking the Rivers chapter.

    Ajisafe ,also South West Zonal Chairman of the party,made the call  in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

     

    He said the crisis was getting out of hand ,urging stakeholders to take urgent steps to bring about peace in line with the party’s constitution.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)reports that the state  has been engulfed in political crisis  since the early period of Governor Fubara in office, a fallout of the battle between him and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, for control of the political structures in the state.

    Wike, currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), still wields enormous political influence in the state, which  Fubara, backed by Wike  to win last year’s governorship election, appears poised to whittle down.

    Local government chairmen elected when Wike was governor , are still loyal to him. They had  vowed to stay in office at the expiration of their tenure,  saying the state House of Assembly had extended their tenure by six months.

     

    The crisis-ridden 31-member House of Assembly is divided, with an overwhelming majority of 27 of them who claimed to have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the ruling party in the state, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), backing  Wike.

    A policeman was killed on Tuesday as  some youths attempted to dislodge the Chairman of Omuma Local Government,a Wike loyalist, at Eberi-Omuma.

     

    Reacting to the development, Ajisafe said  political actors and stakeholders must act to end the crisis through strict adherence to the relevant provisions of the PDP’s  and Nigeria’s Constitution.

    “My response to this Rivers political crisis is that the players and stakeholders in the party should follow the dictates of the Nigerian Constitution and of our party.

    “If we can apply the grundnorms, it will resolve all these contentious issues. The actors and key players are already dancing in the arena.

    “”There must be peace in Rivers, we have no option.

    “This democracy, we should not forget that some people dissipated their energy and lives to bring it to us. We should not allow their sweats to go down the drain.

    “We should not underestimate anything. We should not abort this democracy that we have had in the last 25 years,” Ajisafe said.

    He alleged that  some people, who had traded away membership of the party,  were still inside troubling the peace within the party.

    “One thing that I cannot trade away is my membership of the party and I will always stand by what will benefit the party.

    “If there are options on the table, we should pick the one that will favour the party, PDP. Fubara is the governor on the platform of PDP and this is clear,” the said.

    Ajisafe  said towards ensuring lasting peace,the party must identify the  genuine members of the party in Rivers and those are  not.

    He described  the killing of a cop and vigilante in the clashes between pro-Wike loyalists and  youths loyal to Gov. Fubara on Tuesday at the expiration of the tenure of local government chairmen in the state as unfortunate.

    “When there are agitations, no matter how small, our prayer is that we should not have casualties,” he said.

    Ajisafe expressed optimism that Gov. Fubara, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, had moved to do the right thing for peace to reign.

    He said that the police must also step up their game to douse agitations and prevent any further ‘collateral damage’.

    On implication of the leadership crisis on the party, Ajisafe said that no one should take PDP for granted.

    “In politics, you win some and you lose some. You cannot approbate and reprobate at the  same time. You can’t be here and there,” he said(NAN) (www.nannewa.ng)

    AYO/BHB

     

    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

     

     

  • Regular eye examination vital for preventing Glaucoma-induced blindness — Opthalmologist

    Regular eye examination vital for preventing Glaucoma-induced blindness — Opthalmologist

    Glaucoma

    By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

    Ibadan, June 20, 2024 (NAN) An Opthalmologist at Eleta Eye Institute, Ibadan, Prof. Affiong Ibanga, has urged Nigerians to always do regular eye examination for early detection of Glaucoma.

    She also stressed on appropriate treatment to prevent blindness that could result from the disease.

    Ibanga made the remarks on Thursday while delivering a lecture during a Glaucoma awareness seminar organised by Eleta Eye Institute, Ibadan.

    The professor of Glaucoma Care and Research at the Eleta Institute spoke on the topic “Unlocking the mysteries of Glaucoma – all you need to know”.

    She urged people to make it a habit to visit the eye doctor and have their eyes checked yearly.

    The professor said that early eye screening and treatment would prevent the eye from deteriorating.

    She emphasised that glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, adding that screening for glaucoma is important for early detection and treatment.

    According to her, glaucoma is a group of diseases that can cause damage to the optic nerve and the inability of the fluid produced in the front of the eye to drain normally.

    She noted that it was possible for one to have glaucoma and not know until it was too late, while compliance with care could help prevent blindness in people with glaucoma.

    The opthalmologist also noted that glaucoma symptoms include blurry vision, poor night vision, bumping into objects, among others.

    “One thing about glaucoma is that it has no cure, we have to diagnose it early and manage it appropriately because the blindness caused by it is irreversible.

    “It can be managed through the use of eye drops, tablets and surgery can be done too.

    “To prevent vision loss, there is also need to control systematic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, use protective eyewear, eat plenty of leafy vegetables and coloured fruits,” she said.

    The chairman of Eleta Eye Foundation, Dr Gboyega Ajayi, remarked that glaucoma is a condition that could destroy the eye without the person knowing it.

    “If a person comes to the clinic complaining of poor vision, if it’s not other eye diseases, glaucoma is likely the case.

    “Early detection of it is very important, we are creating awareness for glaucoma to prevent blindness from Glaucoma because blindness from it is irreversible.

    ,”We invited our patients to interact with them so that they can ask questions on issues bothering them, our aim is to reduce the burden caused by this terrible eye disease,” he said.

    One of the Glaucoma patients who preferred to be anonymous thanked the Eye Institute for helping him to manage the situation.

    He urged people to always visit eye doctors for proper examination.

    “If I visited an eye doctor earlier, one my eyes might not have gone, so early detection of it and following the adequate management such as they give at the institute will surely help,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CC/SOA
    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • Abia: Arochukwu/Ohafia stakeholders hail lawmaker’s 1-yr performance

     

    Lawmaker

    By Leonard Okachie

    Ohafia(Abia), June 20, 2024 (NAN) Political stakeholders in Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia have expressed satisfaction with the performance of their representative, Rep. Ibe Osonwa, in his one year in office.

    The constituents spoke in separate interviews with newsmen during a stakeholders meeting organised by the lawmaker on Thursday in Ohafia.

    The community leaders, comprising  lawyers, technocrats, youths and women leaders, said they were impressed with the lawmaker’s account of stewardship for one year.

    They described him as “the best legislator” ever produced in the constituency as he had given the constituency a good voice in the National Assembly.

    A legal practitioner , Etigwe Uwa , said it was appropriate and the duty of the constituents to assess their elected representatives at all levels.

    “The assessment must, however, be constructive rather than destructive.

    “ He has been at the forefront of restoring electricity to Ohafia.

    “That is so important; without power, businesses and families will not be as productive as they can.”

    Uwa, however, said that membership of the parliament should not be judged by the distribution of palliative and money.

    According to him, the duty of a legislator is law making and given the bills sponsored or co-sponsored by the representative, he has not done badly at all,“ he said.

    Also, Dr Odo Ijere, the Convener of a famous think tank, Abia Infrastructure Mandate, said that Osonwa had been upwardly, passionate and zealous in his representation.

    “He appears very prepared for the job of people’s representation.

    “He has so far carried on his job with panache; a good knowledge of what the people want and the effrontery required to thread on toes to get the job done.

    “So far, I will say kudos to his great efforts and I’m also wishing him well in his political journey,” he said.

    A cleric from Ndi Ibe Ohafia, Rev. Nkechi Garrison, said that the lawmaker had a bright and promising plan and purpose for the constituency.

    “Firstly, I will congratulate him for his move and effort concerning the restoration of electricity in Ohafia and other neighbouring villages.

    “Ohafia has been in total darkness for the past five years and we believe God that through Osonwa, Ohafia will be totally liberated and businesses will begin to thrive again,” Garrison said.

    A student leader from Okon Ohafia,  Owen Idika, described the lawmaker as the best lawmaker in the history of the constituency.

    “ Osonwa is the best representative Aro/Ohafia has ever had. God bless that man for me,” he said.

    A woman leader, Mrs Ogbonna Olua, said the lawmaker had started well, adding that his good work in the House was visible.

    A community leader in Arochukwu, Nnanna Okoro, described Osonwa’s performance as excellent.

    Okoro said that the lawmaker had done well through his bills, motions and petitions. (NAN)(wwwnannews.ng)

     

    LEO/CJ/

    ========

    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • NDLEA nabs 1, 344 drug suspects, alleged traffickers in Katsina — Commander 

    NDLEA nabs 1, 344 drug suspects, alleged traffickers in Katsina — Commander
    Arrest
    By Zubairu Idris
    Katsina, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The  National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Katsina State Command has arrested 1, 344 people for alleged drug abuse and trafficking in one year.
    The NDLEA Commander in the state, Mr Hassan Sani-Abubakar, made the disclosure at a news briefing as part of the activities to commemorate the 2024 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
    Sani-Abubakar said that the suspects were apprehended from July 2023, when the commander assumed duty, to date.
    He said the number comprised women and those who briefly counseled and released
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2024 theme  is: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”.
    He said the command had secured the conviction of 112 cases and 120 cases were pending at various courts.
    According to him, 136 suspects were counseled and admitted at its facility for rehabilitation.
    Sani-Abubakar revealed that 1, 161.831kilograms  of cannabis sativa, 77.071 kg of psychotropic substances and 80.400 kg of other controlled drugs were recovered during the period under review.
    “The rate of drugs and other psychotropic substance abuse and trafficking among the general public in the state  remains alarming and  of concern for the command and government.
    “It cuts across all strata of community members which suggests that everybody is affected either directly or indirectly.
    “It is a crystal fact that most of the people indulging in this inglorious trading of drugs are doing it for its huge economic and financial gains.
    “And to that effect, the command has not relented in its operational tactics and strategies with a mission to cripple anybody found wanting, as we no longer see the drugs in usual places but unconventional business premises,” he said.
    The commander,  therefore,  urged the public to continue to partner with the agency in exposing such bad eggs in the society. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    ZI/CHOM/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani