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  • Abia Govt. warns against impersonation in disability commission

    Abia Govt. warns against impersonation in disability commission

    Impersonation

    By Leonard Okachie

    Umuahia, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Abia State Government has warned that it would deploy appropriate sanction on anyone found impersonating the state in the guise of the Chairman of Abia State Disability Commission.

    Mr David Anyaele, Special Assistant to the Governor on Persons with Disabilities, gave the warning during an interaction with newsmen in Umuahia, on Thursday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an individual has been parading himself as the Chairman of the commission.

    NAN further reports that the immediate past Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, had appointed Mr Eldad Monu, a person with disability, as chairman of the commission.

    Ikpeazu had in May 2023, sworn in Monu alongside the governing board representing various disability clusters.

    Reacting, Anyaele said that the incident had come to the notice of the government, while stressing that it was taking steps to investigate the activities of the alleged impersonator.

    He said that Gov. Alex Otti had on his assumption of office one year ago, announced the dissolution of all boards of ministries, parastatals and agencies of government pending reconstitution.

    Anyaele said that the governor, had during last month’s media chat, made it exclusively clear that he was taking steps to reconstitute the other board of ministries, parastatals and agencies, after the ones he already put in place.

    He described the person’s action as “an affront, act of deceit and impersonation.”

    According to him, many national and international organisations have been falsely and fraudulently led to funding his activities under the guise of representing the Disability Commission.

    “The public is advised to report any entreaties, requests or demands by this impersonator or any other person acting on his behalf, using the Disability Commission as a cover, to the State Government, for appropriate action,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    LEO/AMM

    =========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • NEMSA urges establishment of electricity offences tribunal

    NEMSA urges establishment of electricity offences tribunal

    Tribunal

    Constance Athekame

    Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), has called for the establishment of an electricity offences tribunal for faster dispensation of electricity related offences.

    The Managing Director of NEMSA, Mr Aliyu Tahir, who made the call in Abuja on Thursday at a news conference , said that the tribunal should have an in-built appeal system.

    Tahir said that NEMSA in house-counsel should be vested with powers to prosecute electricity offences.

    “ The establishment of this tribunal will assist NEMSA to enforce its mandate of ensuring that electrical materials, equipment and instruments used in the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) are of standard and specifications.

    “The sanctioning of violators is a long process as it involves several steps .To fast- track the prosecution, this tribunal will go a long in ensuring that violators are effectively prosecuted

    “The establishment of this tribunal is not under NEMSA Purveyor and we have made a submission to the legislature on this, ‘’ he said.

    According to him, as at March 31, NEMSA had inspected and tested 21, 681 electricity installations projects out of which 13, 154 were certified.

    He said that 16, 624 electricity networks were monitored, adding that about 4, 921 factories, hazardous installations and public places were inspected, tested and certified fit,

    Tahir said that 2, 655,488 electricity meters were also tested and calibrated and 487 incidences were investigated.

    The managing director said that NEMSA was taking several measures to enhance its enforcement activities.

    He listed the measures to include the development of the Nigerian electrical and construction guidelines manuals, provision of the state-of-the art equipment for meter test statistics, expansion of NEMSA facilities across the nation.

    Others, he said were the completion and inauguration of a new National Meter Test  Station (NMTS) and the opening of a new Inspectorate Field Office (IFO) in Enugu.

    “Construction of a new NMTS in Kano  and Benin city, establishment of new inspectorate field office in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Minna, Niger, Dutse, Jigawa,Oshodi Lagos,  Owerri, Imo and Bauchi.

    “NEMSA had issued an enforcement notice to Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos), to disconnect from their networks all structures within the Right-of-Way(ROW) of transmission and distribution lines nationwide, ‘’ he said.

    Tahir assured Nigerians of the agency’s determination to continue its statutory function of technical inspection, testing and certification of electrical materials in the NESI.

    He, however, solicited the support of the media for effective coverage of NEMSA activities.(NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

    COA/JPE

    ======

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • Nsukka residents groan as price of egg soars

  • Leadway partners Octamile to provide “PayCover” for motor insurance 

    PayCover
    By Rukayat Adeyemi
    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Leadway Assurance has partnered with Octamile to offer “PayCover” solution that allows customers to split their motor insurance premium payments into manageable installments.
    Mr Gboyega Lesi, Managing Director, Leadway Assurance, announced this in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Lagos.
    Lesi said that the PayCover innovative of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) solution aims to revolutionise motor insurance payments by offering unmatched flexibility and ease.
    According to him, PayCover is designed to seamlessly integrate with Leadway’s digital and offline payment channels, allowing customers to split their premium payments into manageable instalments.
    “Critical features of PayCover include flexible payment options, premium financing through short-term credit facilities, real-time processing of insurance certificates, automated payment reminders, and top-notch transaction security.
    “These features ensure customers can immediately obtain motor insurance coverage while spreading the cost over time, making it more accessible and affordable.
    “Leadway continuously seeks innovative ways to provide value to its customers.
    “And the strategic alliance with Octamile for the PayCover solution aligns perfectly with the insurer’s commitment to deepen motor insurance.
    “This is to ensure that customers get a flexible and convenient payment that fits their cash management plans,” he said.
    Lesi explained that with PayCover’s flexible options and premium financing, the underwriter addressed a significant pain point for customers who found it challenging to pay full premiums upfront.
    “We have no doubt that PayCover will revolutionise motor insurance in Nigeria for its seamless and convenient premium payment provision, especially in these trying economic times.
    “This initiative affirms our dedication to customer-centric solutions and making insurance uptake seamless and convenient for all,” he added.
    Also in the statement, Mr Gbenro Dara,  the Chief Executive Officer of Octamile, expressed excitement to collaborate with Leadway to bring PayCover to a broader audience.
    Dara, also the founder of the company, said that the goal of the collaboration is to make insurance more accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.
    He said by integrating Octamile’s solution with Leadway’s extensive network and reputable brand, PayCover could significantly enhance the customer experience and drive higher adoption rates for motor insurance.
    “This partnership reflects our shared vision of leveraging innovative technology to simplify financial services and improve lives.
    “We look forward to seeing how our solution, with its flexible payment options and secure transaction processes will positively impact existing and new Leadway customers.
    “This solution enhances customers satisfaction by simplifying the payment process and improves insurers’ cash flow management,” the said.
    According to him, with PayCover, Leadway customers can enjoy a smoother, hassle-free experience when purchasing motor insurance.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Leadway Assurance is one of Nigeria’s insurance service companies, while Octamile is an insurtech company with access to insurance for Africans.
    (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    RUKY/AYO/AWA
    ===============
    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Olawunmi Ashafa

  • Keyamo flags off Zamfara Airport project, pledges FG’s support

    Keyamo flags off Zamfara Airport project, pledges FG’s support

    Airport
    By Shuaib Sadiq
    Gusau, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, on Thursday flagged off the construction of Gusau International Airport in Zamfara.

    Speaking at the construction site in Gusau, Keyamo promised to support the state in the actualisation of the project within the 30 months completion period.

    He said that the project, being executed by the Zamfara government, would positively improve the economic development of the state through job creation for the youth.

    The minister described the international airport project as critical to the rejuvenation of economic development in the North West region.

    He applauded Gov Dauda Lawal for embarking on the project, as it was capable of driving the economy of the state.

    Keyamo said the federal government would consider lifting the non-flight zone declared by the Bello Matawalle administration in 2022 at height of insecurity in the state.

    Gov Dauda Lawal, on his part, said
    the state government would ensure the project was completed within the 30 months timeline.

    Lawal said that funds for the project had been set aside to ensure its timely completion.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project, to be executed by Triacta Nigeria Limited, is at the cost of N62 billion.

    The airport is to be fitted with state-of-the-art facilities including a 3.4-kilometre primary runway suitable for commercial aircraft.

    Others include a modern terminal building with passenger facilities, check-in counters, a waiting area, as well as Customs and Immigration services building.

    It will also have an aircraft control tower, maintenance hanger, fire fighting and rescue station, access roads, among others.(NAN)(www.nannews)
    SSA/SOA
    =========
    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • Voluntarily donated blood safer, secured – Hematologist

     

    Blood bank
    Blood bank

    Voluntarily donated blood safer, secured – Hematologist

    Blood
    By Lilian U. Okoro
    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Titi Adeyemo, a Consultant Haematologist, says voluntarily donated blood is safer and more secured than blood donated by relatives of the patient who needs blood.

    Adeyemo, an Associate Professor from the Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

    She decried that Nigeria still heavily relied on family replacement donor, where relatives of the patient were forced to donate blood.

    She explained that only five per cent of blood donation in Nigeria was voluntary, saying that 95 per cent of blood used in Nigeria were donated by family relatives of patients who were already sick.

    According to her, advanced countries are 100 per cent voluntary blood donation by people who do not know who needs them.

    “It is still a challenge that Nigeria still rely on family replacement donor and that people are still not donating enough.

    “So, were are forced to rely on family replacement donor; where sick patients would have to bring a family relative to come and donate blood. It shouldn’t be like that.

    “Advanced countries are 100 per cent voluntary blood donation; so, every unit of blood that is used in the first world country is donated voluntarily by people who did not know who needs them.

    “Only five per cent of blood donation in Nigeria is voluntary, 95 per cent of blood used in Nigeria are donated by relatives of patients who are already sick,” she said

    Adeyemo noted that voluntarily donated blood was not only safe, but also secured and more reliable because it gives opportunity for the donor to openly disclose any underlying health condition; which would be treated before the blood donation.

    She added that voluntary blood donation created room for full examination and screening of the donor to ascertain his/her fitness for the exercise.

    “When relatives who are already stressed and running around to pay hospital bills are forced to donate blood, there maybe some medical history and underlying ailments they will not disclose, making the donated blood unsafe for people to use.

    “But, when people are coming forward voluntarily to donate blood, they are going to openly disclose their medical history and we can use that opportunity to guide them to getting treatment and telling them whether they are fit to donate or not.

    “If they are fit to donate; and that blood is coming from them voluntarily, it is already well documented that is a more safer blood for the people who need blood.

    “So, voluntary blood donation is safer blood than blood you collect from a family relative,” Adeyemo said.

    According to her, having a blood service that gives patients access to safe blood and blood products in sufficient quantity is a key component of an effective health system.

    The hematologist stressed that ensuring safe and sufficient blood supplies requires the development of a nationally coordinated blood transfusion service based on voluntary non-remunerated blood donations.

    According to her, there is a need for a lot of advocacy on voluntary blood donation on a regular basis, because blood from family relatives or a-paid donor cannot necessarily be trusted.

    Adeyemo said people need to know that they have to donate blood, as one would not know whose life they may be saving, especially with the high cases of accidents and emergencies from disasters and insurgency.

    She, therefore, urged people not to wait for an emergency before they start donating blood.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    LUC/VI

    =====

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Corruption has no place in our government — Gov. Fintiri

    Corruption has no place in our government – Gov. Fintiri

    Corruption

    By Ibrahim Kado

    Yola, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has charged Chairmen and members of Boards and Commissions to avoid corrupt practices, warning that it had no place in his administration.

    Fintiri gave the charge at their swearing-in ceremony in Yola on Thursday.

    He said that transparency and accountability were not negotiable, while corruption would not be tolerated.

    The governor warned that those found guilty would be shown the way out.

    “You must fully understand our administration’s vision and goals.

    “I urge you to thoroughly digest our eight-point agenda and be guided by it.

    “We are determined to change the narrative of how things are done. We must embrace transparency, accountability and innovation to drive progress,” he said.

    He said their selection was carefully made based on their integrity, capacity, loyalty and pedigree.

    According to him, the work ahead is enormous and the task is clear, which required them to work hard.

    “We are the eyes of the people, and they look up to us for solutions.

    “Our administration is committed to addressing the economic challenges facing our people.

    “ I charge you to come up with innovative contributions to help alleviate these challenges,” he said.

    In his remarks, Mr Musa Kaibo, Chairman Civil Service Commission, who spoke on behalf of the board chairmen, appreciated the governor for finding them worthy to serve.

    He assured him that they would do everything possible to contribute to the development of the state.

    Among others inaugurated were chairmen and members of Local Government Pension board, Planning Commission, Health Services Management Board, Fiscal Responsibility Commission and Universal Basic Education.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng )

    IMK/EBI/SOA

    Edited by Benson Iziama/Oluwole Sogunle

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Garri, rice record 50% price increase in Enugu

    Garri, rice record 50% price increase in Enugu

     

    Price

     

    By Ifeoma Aka

     

    Enugu, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The price of cassava flakes, popularly known as garri and rice have recorded more than 50 per cent increase in Enugu metropolis, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    The NAN Correspondent, who conducted a market survey on Thursday in Enugu, observed that prices of foodstuffs such as garri and rice have increased by 50 per cent in the metropolis.

    The survey showed that a cup of garri, which sold for ₦150 in April, now goes for ₦250 while a five litre paint bucket is sold for between ₦4,000 and N4, 300

    Similarly, the current price of a bag of garri is sold for ₦45,000 as against N₦30,000 in April.

    At the Garki Market, Enugu, the price of a 50-kg bag of foreign rice rose from between ₦70,000 and ₦75,000 to between ₦95,000 and ₦100,000, depending on the brand.

    NAN reports that a 50kg bag of local rice is sold for between ₦80,000 to ₦85,000 depending on the brand.

    Mrs Gladis Ugwu, a garri seller at the New Market, said that the only way to reduce the high cost of garri would be by securing farmlands and stopping exportation of the produce to other countries.

    Ugwu said exportation of the commodity had affected the availability of the produce in the country.

    Mr Arinze Ozor, a rice seller at Ogbere Main Market, said that the high cost of rice in the country would persist if the government failed to act urgently to address food insecurity.

    Ozor said that the traffic of buyers of foodstuffs in his shop had reduced since prices of every item increased.

    A buyer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, attributed the high cost of living in the country to subsidy removal from petroleum products. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    IFO/JPE

    ======

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • 2 men in court over alleged generator theft

    2 men in court over alleged generator theft

    Theft

    By Funmilayo Okunade

    Ado-Ekiti, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Two men, Akinboyewa Akinola, 24, and Ogunfalu Clement, 23, on Thursday appeared before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged stealing.

    The defendants, of unknown addresses, are facing a charge of stealing.

    The police prosecutor, Insp Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendants committed the offence on June 13 at about 01:00 a.m. in Oye-Ekiti.

    He alleged that the defendants stole one Elepac generator set valued at N1.6 million belonging to one Ademola George.

    Oriyomi said the offence contravened Section 302(1) (a) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.

    He urged the court to adjourn the case to enable him study the file and assemble his witnesses.

    The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them.

    Counsel to the defendants, Mrs Adunni Olanipekun, urged the court to grant the defendants bail, with a promise that they would not jump bail.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mr Olarewaju Owoleso, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

    He adjourned the case till Aug.20 for hearing.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FOA/AMM

    ==========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • NYSC D-G urges stakeholders to treat corps members with respect

    Respect

    By Sani Idris

    Kaduna, Jun.20, 2024(NAN) Brig.-Gen. Yushau Ahmed, the Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has urged stakeholders, specifically, staff  of the scheme to treat corps members with caution and respect.

    Ahmed made the call in Kaduna on Thursday at the opening of the 2024 Batch ‘B’ pre-orientation workshop for NYSC critical stakeholders drawn from the 36 states and Abuja.

    The D-G said that it was important for every staff of the scheme to control their emotions while dealing with the youths.

    Ahmed who spoke on the theme: “Emotional Intelligence: An Indispensable Tool for Successful Orientation Programmes” insisted that the current crop of young Nigerian graduates should be handled with care.

    The D-G said that emotional intelligence as a concept in psychology remained germane to the scheme’s mandate to take charge of young graduates.

    He said that the pre-orientation workshop was aimed at bringing stakeholders to the realisation that caution and respect were critical to their duties in dealing with corps members.

    “We need to exercise restraints in the way we treat corps members. We must always control our emotions because the youths of today must be treated with caution,” he said.

    Ahmed urged the stakeholders to give priority attention to the welfare of corps members during and after orientation courses.

    “We need to give them the necessary attention, they are the reason for the service scheme. I urge you to be very patient with them all the time,” he said.

    Earlier, Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, reiterated the importance of the NYSC scheme to national integration since its establishment 51 years ago.

    Represented by Hajiya Rabi Salisu, the Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Sani said that the scheme had enhanced the spirit of patriotism and hard work in Nigerian youths.

    He commended the scheme’s management for showing rare interest in the welfare of corps members through workshops and other stakeholder engagements.

    “These engagements have enabled you to examine and strategise on how your operations will continue to meet up with challenges

    “The engagements also serve as avenues for evaluating the performance of the scheme in achieving its objectives.

    “l use this forum to reaffirm the commitment of the Kaduna State Government towards supporting the activities of NYSC in our dear state and beyond,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SA/OJI/AZU

    ========

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Azubuike Okeh