Osogbo, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Federation of Information Workers Organisation of Nigeria (FIWON) has appealed to the Federal Government to consider a higher national minimum wage for civil servants in the country to reduce the sufferings of workers.
Coordinator of FIWON in Osun, Mr Ibrahim Olayinka, who made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Osogbo, said that what organised labour was demanding was realistic, considering the present economic realities.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the N62,000 proposed in the report of the national minimum wage tripartite committee and offer a living and affordable wage to Nigerian workers.
Olayinka urged the organised private sector to adjust their cost of production and profitability to help address the present impasse.
“This will be a good step in the right direction; that is the line of argument NECA and other stakeholders ought to have been pushing for instead of calling for a lesser minimum wage for hardworking civil servants.
“If only the Federal Government intends to pay civil servants a higher national minimum wage, such money is channelled and recycled back to the economy in the long run,” he said.
He stated that some private sectors are already paying above hundred thousand naira to their workers as minimum monthly salaries, while some cannot afford it.
Olayinka appealed to the president to give workers an affordable and higher minimum wage that aligned with the present economic realities to encourage productivity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng )
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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Emmanuel Afonne
Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, refused to grant bail to the suspended DCP Abba Kyari and four other police officers charged with alleged drug trafficking.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other defendants in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/57/2022, are four members of the disbanded Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), including Sunday J. Ubia, Bawa James, Simon Agirigba and John Nuhu.
Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, held that the defendants had not placed sufficient materials before the court to warrant granting the request.
Justice Nwite said that granting bail was at the discretion of the court which must be exercised judicially and judiciously.
NAN reports that the suspended IRT boss was detained following his arrest on Feb. 14, 2022 by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for alleged involvement in cocaine deal.
Kyari, along with four suspended officers, was arraigned on March 7, 2022.
Two suspected drug traffickers, Chibunna Umeibe and Emeka Ezenwanne, who were arrested at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, were also charged.
While Kyari and the IRT members pleaded not guilty, Umeibe and Ezenwanne pleaded guilty and were convicted.
Meanwhile, Kyari, in his fresh application for bail, said he had spent two years in pre-trial detention by March 7, far in excess of one year which the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015 deemed exceptional circumstances, even for person charged with capital offence.
Citing Section 161(2)(b) and (c) of ACJA, Kyari, through his lawyer, argued that this development was thus a core consideration for the purpose of the exercise of court’s discretion to either grant or refuse bail.
He also argued that the facts and circumstances stated in the earlier rulings of the court as necessitating the refusal of his bail application no longer existed as 15 out of 16 of the prosecution witnesses had already testified, citing Section 124(1)(b) of the Evidence Act, 2011.
He further argued that his continued detention violated his fundamental human rights.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Nwite held that the discretion of the court remains throughout the course of trial in a criminal case which can always be exercised to meet the merit and justice of each case.
He said the paramount considerations in the exercise of the discretion are for the defendants to answer to their charges without jumping bail, and not to be in a position to interfer with investigation or tamper with prosecution witnesses, thereby, undermining the administration of criminal justice and constitute a threat to wellbeing of the society by committing similar or other offences.
“The question begging for answer at this juncture is, having addressed these issues in the court rulings of 28th of March, 2022 and 30th of August, 2022, what has changed to distort my findings in the two rulings?,” he asked.
The judge said though Kyari stated in his affidavit that the trial had lasted for two years and that the prosecution had called 15 out of its 16 witnesses, he said Section 161 (2)(b)(c) cited by the applicant only talks about offence publishable with death penalty.
He said juxtaposing the section with Section 35(1) of the 1999 Constitution, one would see that there was no breach of the provisions of Section 161(2)(b)(c).
Justice Nwite held that “Section 35(1) stated that a person who is charged with an offence and has been detained in lawful custody and awaiting trial shall not continue to be kept in such detention for a period higher than the maximum period of imprisonment.
“It is not in dispute that the offence which the 1st defendant/applicant is charged carried a maximum punishment of 25 years.”
According to him, in other words, the one year stipulated in Section 161(2)(b) and (c) of ACJA, 2015 is of no moment in view of provision of Section 35(1) oh the 1999 Constitution (as amended)..
The judge said the constitution is supreme and its provisions shall have binding force on all authorities and persons.
Justice Nwite, therefore, held that, having addressed the issues in his earlier rulings, he was of the view that nothing had changed to distort his findings.
The judge, who refused the bail application for Kyari, including other suspended police officers, sustained his earlier order on accelerated hearing.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TOA/SH
Abeokuta, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, wife of the governor of Ogun, on Wednesday said the collaborative efforts of healthcare providers, governments and international organisations remain essential in supporting sickle cell patients.
Mrs Abiodun, who stated this during the commemoration of 2024 World Sickle Cell Day in Abeokuta, said this also applied to the delivery of equitable healthcare to them.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had the theme “Hope Through Progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally”.
The governor’s wife noted that the theme of the event was apt, as it emphasised the importance and effectiveness of speaking with one voice to advance sickle cell care.
She added that it was a call to unite the sickle cell community, to raise awareness, reduce stigma and encourage those affected by the disorder.
“Sickle cell disease affects millions worldwide, transcending race and ethnicity, with a significant proportion of affected individuals in Africa.
“According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigeria accounts for about 33 per cent of the 300,000 children diagnosed every year with the disease.
“We can expect that a good number of such children will be born in Ogun, as our own Ministry of Health has said that 25 per cent of the country’s total population are carriers of genes that give rise to the genetic disorder.
“The recent approval of gene therapies in America marks a significant milestone in sickle cell disease treatment, offering hope for a cure.
“However, for us in Africa, we must work even harder to improve accessibility and affordability of these treatments for all patients,” Mrs Abiodun said.
According to her, the disease does not only negatively impact the patient, but also the entire family.
The governor’s wife explained that parents often bore the emotional and financial toll of caring for a sick child and watching a loved one in severe pain and other complications.
She pointed out that the Day serves as a reminder of the daily challenges faced by sickle cell patients.
”I therefore call for urgent action in the area of education, sensitisation and enlightenment to checkmate the genetic disorder in the state and the world at large,” Mrs Abiodun said..
In her remarks, the Founder, Aglow Sickle Cell Club, Dr Funke Oyeneye, commended the Gov. Dapo Abiodun-led administration for improving access to quality healthcare in the state.
She disclosed that Ogun was the first state in the federation to have health insurance scheme for sickle cell patients and pregnant women.
“I urge individuals and corporate bodies to continue to amplify the voices of patients and families affected by the disease.
”I also appeal for support from patient advocacy groups in creating awareness and reducing stigma,” Oyeneye said.
NAN reports that the event was organised by Mrs Abiodun’s pet project, the Ajose Foundation, and the Aglow Sickle Cell Club to sensitise people to the menace of sickle cell.
It had in attendance children and adults living with the sickle cell anaemia across the state, with side attractions such as sickle cell diary, drama, poem, talent-hunt and quiz competition.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Don tasks Plateau commissioner on completion of stadium, other projects
Stadium
By Peter Amine
Jos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) A University don, Associate Prof. Godfrey Danaan, Head of Department of Mass Communication, University of Jos, has urged Plateau Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Lawandi Datti to prioritize the completion of Jos Ultramodern Stadium and other projects.
Danaan stated this on Wednesday when he led staff of the department on a congratulatory visit to the commissioner, who is an alumnus of the department.
The head of department said that they were not in doubt of Datti’s ability to add significant value to the Gov. Caleb Mutfwang-led state government.
He described the commissioner as a gentleman, who has worked so hard, even while in school, and that they saw the potential to excel at evey assignment in him.
Danaan noted that the department had followed what had been happening in the ministry and that they believed that there would be positive results.
“So being a cabinet member, we have said it is not just enough to say congratulations, but that there are many responsibilities that lie ahead.
“There are many tasks, one of which is that in the ministry of youth and sports, we see a stadium that has been there.
“We feel that the stadium is something that needs urgent attention. But we know the kind of product we have in him.
“We are aware that even before we shared this idea about the stadium, you must have been dreaming of the stadium and many other projects.
“We know what we have produced in you, and we are confident that you will give the best to the state,” he said.
Danaan commended Mutfwang for assembling a young and energetic team, of which Datti happens to be one of the youngest in the cabinet.
According to him, the governor had begun well and was using this team to transform the state.
“What he has met, he’s building on, and that is what governance is all about. It’s not about coming to say that man didn’t do it well.
“Or the previous set didn’t do it well. But whatever I have come to see, let me continue to do it well because we’re serving the state,” he added.
Datti, in his remarks, said that he lacked words to adequately convey his appreciation.
The commissioner promised to make the department proud by doing his best for the state.
“It would interest you to know that it is not only the stadium but also our youth centres that will see a lot of activities manifesting by the grace of God within this year.
“If you recall, I told you last month that I was out of the country, not for pleasure but for an important matter relating to youth development.
“In the next few weeks or, let’s say, a few months, it will manifest, and it will be a plus for Plateau.
“As you know, the government of Plateau is the government of the people. The governor is the people’s governor. During our campaign, we said the time is now.
“And the time is now for our youth on the Plateau to feel inclusive. The time is now for the sporting activities on the Plateau to progress astronomically,” he stated.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlight of the event was the presentation of a Distinguished Ambassador Award to Datti by the department in recognition of his support for the department and service to Plateau. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Olubadan
By David Adeoye
Ibadan, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the appointment of Oba Owolabi Olakuleyin as the 43rd Olubadan of lbadanland, an official said in Ibadan on Wednesday.
The state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Olusegun Olayiwola, disclosed in a statement that Makinde gave the approval in a memo signed on Friday.
“This was in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Section 19 (Cap 28) Law of Oyo State 2000 as amended.
“The approval was a culmination of a series of processes stipulated by the extant laws of the state regarding ascension to royal thrones,” he added.
The Commissioner stated that the governor also congratulated the new Olubadan, and prayed that his tenure would bring about greater developments in Ibadanland and Oyo State as a whole.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Katsina-Ala (Benue), June 19, 2024 (NAN) Ex- National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Barnabas Gemade, said he has several reasons to support Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue to succeed.
Gemade disclosed this on Wednesday in Katsina-Ala while addressing the All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters during Alia’s thank you tour accross the state.
NAN recalled that Gemade, who joined the APC in 2014, contested the 2023 governorship ticket alongside the governor and many others.
NAN further recalled that after the primaries, he contested the outcome of the exercise up to the Supreme Court, calling for the cancellation of the exercise over alleged non compliance with electoral guidelines.
The former senator however, resolved his differences with the governor much later and has since thrown his weight behind him.
Speaking in Katsina-Ala, Gemade said the coming of Gov. Alia was truly a divine intervention.
“The priest is a representative of God on earth, for that reason, if a priest has been assigned a responsibility he does not need a godfather. A priest that represents God here on earth has no business with another human being calling himself a godfather.
“Father Alia can only have a father not a godfather, and I will be very happy as a bonafide son of the state and an experienced man at politics with all that it takes to be a father to anybody, I am very proud to be the father of Rev. Fr. Alia and that is all he needs,” he said.
He also described Alia as a humble and God-fearing priest who is working hard to turn around the fortune of the state.
“I used to know how people call me “Nomiyange” (a shining sun), that was when I shine, but truly, Rev. Fr. Alia came out with his sun which shines more and stronger than mine.
“So I decided to retreat to make sure I support him to do things that God Almighty has asked him to do, that will bring development to Benue and he is already doing those things.
“I have only one thing to tell you the people of Sankera. There is nothing more than unity, it is one of the greatest things you must do in this state. Each time I have an opportunity to talk, I say this and you must embrace unity and support the Alia’s administration to succeed,” Gemade said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Gabriel Yough
Failure to implement nutrition policies may cost Benue over N29bn
Nutrition
By Nicholas Dechi
Makurdi, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Benue State Government may use ₦29,271,692 on treatment of malnourished children yearly, if it fails to implement nutrition policies.
The Programme Officer, Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), Mr Ambrose Evnoesor, stated this on Wednesday in Makurdi, during a meeting on implementation of six months Maternity Leave with pay for women of reproductive age in Benue.
Evnoesor said that lack of good nutrition remained a leading cause of death, stunted growth, poor development and diminished productivity in adulthood.
He said according to the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, 21 per cent of children under-five in Benue are stunted, 23 per cent are underweight and 13.6 per cent are wasted.
He expressed worry over the lack of a Strategic Plan of Action for Nutrition (SPAN), to provide a multi-sectoral approach to tackling the problem of malnutrition among women and children.
He however, commended Benue government for improving on its budgetary allocation for Nutrition activities.
Evnoesor therefore, urged the government to implement the six months maternity leave for nursing mothers to enable them take adequate care of their children’s nutritional needs.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Budget and Economic Planning Commission, Dr Jerome Andohol, acknowledged the significance of the policy in promoting gender equality, supporting mothers and ensuring the well-being of children.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the commission, Mr Moses Levah, Andohol, said he was excited to explore ways in which the commission and CS-SUUN could work together to make the policy a success.
He further commended CS-SUNN, UNICEF and other partners, for supporting the state government in recognising the importance of the policy.
A Member of the Benue State House of Assembly and Chairman Standing Committee on Health, Mr Thomas Dugeri, called for full implementation of budgetary allocations, not only for nutrition, but other health sectors.
According to Dugeri, the state assembly is monitoring and ensuring implementation of the budget for the overall good of the state.
He emphasised the need for the state to approve the policy document on nutrition because of its importance. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
(L-R): SERA Co-Founder, Joshua Skurla, Astronaut Victor Espanha; Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji and SERA Co-Founder, Sam Hutchison at the signing of an MoU to send the first Nigerian into space on Wednesday in Abuja.
Nigeria, U.S. coy to launch first human spaceflight in Africa
Space
By Ijeoma Olorunfemi
Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Nigerian government and the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) from Delaware, USA, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to send the first Nigerian to space.
Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, said on Wednesday at the signing of the MoU in Abuja, that human spaceflight was a major aspiration of Nigeria.
“Human spaceflight is not just a random aspiration of our country but a major objective of the Nigeria Space Policy and Programme which was approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2001.
“Reviving and implementing all abandoned national plans is a cardinal point of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“This partnership provides a way of achieving our long-time aspiration as a nation,’’ he said.
The minister said the slot could be available from now till December, or in 2025, as SERA would still be test-running the platform.
Dr Matthew Adepoju, Director- General of NASRDA, said the cost of sending a Nigerian to space had been fully sponsored by SERA.
Adepoju said the event marked the commencement of the agency’s efforts to implement part of its roadmap of having a human spaceflight.
He also said the event was worth celebrating at a time that Nigeria was marking the 25 years of its space programme.
“The Human Spaceflight programme is one of the cardinal objectives of National Space Policy and Programme.
“It was with this in mind that we established the Department of Physical and Life Sciences about three years ago to forge this mandate.
“This is also coming as one of our deep space explorations because there are many spinoffs that will come from the collaboration and opportunities opened for Nigerians,’’ he said.
Mr Joshua Skurla, Co-Founder of SERA, said that 80 per cent of astronauts, globally, had exclusively emanated from three countries.
Skurla said that Nigeria had a rich history of scientific, technological innovation, thus, SERA was excited to partner with NASRDA to extend the legacy into space and create new opportunities for Nigerian space explorers.
Mr Sam Hutchison, Founder of SERA, said that the application to be in space was open to any Nigerian older than 18 years, in spite of their discipline.
“The Nigerian people will choose the citizen to go to space, the process of application will be open to anybody who is over 18 years, and there are no other qualifications required.
“You will be able to sign up and then encourage others to vote for you; as part of democratic process, the Nigerian people will select four potential astronaut candidates before a final selection process.
“The important thing to understand is that anybody can apply, you don’t have to be a Scientist, Mathematician or Engineer.
“This is about opening up access to ordinary Nigerians and giving them the opportunity of being the first Nigerian in space,’’ he said.
He added that they chose Nigeria because the country had already indicated serious intent towards space exploration through its obvious space programmes and initiatives.
Hutchison further said that they paid attention to the country knowing that it is a country of Scientists, Engineers and most importantly entrepreneurs.
“We hope to raise the awareness of young Nigerians that by choosing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, they can go to space.”
Hutchison noted that the selection process would be through SERA’s platform, and that it would be open and transparent.
Dr Anne Agi, President, Learnspace Foundation, who was instrumental to executing the partnership, advocated for Nigeria to be chosen for the mission.
Agi who expressed optimism that the mission would serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for Nigerian youths noted that space had the power to inspire future generations.
“It will show that even in challenging times, with global collaboration, great achievements are possible.
“We are therefore thrilled to have played a part in this groundbreaking partnership and we encourage Nigerians to key in.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that under the partnership, SERA will reserve a seat for a Nigerian citizen, on an upcoming Blue Origin New Shepard suborbital spaceflight.
This is part of a broader SERA-led initiative, in partnership with Blue Origin, to send six individuals from nations historically underrepresented in space exploration.
SERA, is a company from Delaware, U.S., and was founded to build a global community dedicated to space exploration, research and democratising space exploration and exploitation for all nations of the world.
The SERA-NASRDA collaboration builds upon SERA’s previous success in sending Victor Hespanha, a 28-year-old Brazilian Civil Engineer, to space in 2022, which demonstrates the transformative power of an inclusive and accessible space ecosystem. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Ikeja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) An Ikeja Special Offences Court on Wednesday ordered the remand of the former staff of Punch Newspaper Ltd, Olusegun Ogunbanjo, in Kirikiri Correctional Facility over alleged N950 million fraud.
The Presiding judge, Justice Ismail Ijelu, remanded Ogunbanjo pending his arraignment on the alleged fraud.
The court order was sequel to exparte application filed and argued by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Dr Babajide Martins, dated June 19 and supported with 14 paragraphs affidavit.
Martins submitted that the court had on May 28, 2024, issued a warrant of arrest against the defendant, Ogunbanjo, who had refused to appear in court to answer criminal charge against him.
He said the defense counsel, Mr Chijioke Jiakponna, had told the court to produce the defendant for arraignment but did not, before the court issued the warrant of arrest.
According to Dr Martins, in consonance with the law, we filed a written address as well as the affidavit in support of the exparte application.
“The application is seeking an order to remand the defendant pending the arraignment.
“They vied that he failed to appear in court to answer the criminal charge against him. The counsel on record has informed the court to bring the defendant but failed to do so.
“It was the Department of State Security (DSS) that arrested him on June 14. The application is harmless and is in tandem with the law.
“The court should take judicial notice that the criminal charge has been pending since November 2023. On March 28, court issued a warrant of arrest when he failed to appear in court.”
It would be recalled that aside Ogunbanjo, other defendants in the suit marked ID/21559C/2023 are Olawunmi Ogunbanjo, Vaneloo International Limited, Valeco Global Ventures, Bagco Garba, Taofeek Ogunbanjo, Ifeanyi Odogwu, Bound Media Limited and Godwin Benson.
Ogunbanjo was first arraigned on March 8, 2023 on three counts bordering on obtaining money by pretence, forgery and stealing before the Magistrate’s Court.
The police alleged that the defendant committed the offence between January 2017 and December 2022, in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
The defendant was alleged to have obtained N450m from one Olusola lkuyajesin and N500m from one Durodola Balogun under the pretences of using the money to buy stationeries.
He was also accused of forging the organisation’s Local Purchase Orders to carry out the acts.
The prosecution said the offences contravened sections 287, 314, and 365 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2015.
However, the 45-year-old pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail in the sum of N10m with two responsible sureties in like sum.
Since November, when the case was filed at the High Court, he failed to appear in court.
However, while ruling on the ex-parte application on Wednesday, Ijelu said he had carefully considered the prosecution prayers and his submission.
“The ACJL 2021 states that where the defendant is arrested after bench warrant has been issued, the defendant must be brought to court for a remand.
“It is on record that this court issued a warrant of arrest against the defendant on March 28. It is hereby ordered that the first defendant be remanded in Kirikiri Correctional center till June 20 for his arraignmemt.”
He subsequently adjourned the case to June 20 for arraignment.
Jos South LG supports Plateau Govt. executive order implementation
Support
By Peter Amine
Jos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The management of Jos South Local Government Area (LGA), has pledged unalloyed support to the Plateau Government on the implementation of Executive Order 003.
The LGA Transition Implementation Committee Chairman, Mr Peter Dung, stated this on Wednesday in Jos, while speaking with newsmen on the skirmishes that occurred in Bukuru.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the Executive Order 003 is aimed at ensuring that activities in the Jos metropolis conform to the Greater Jos Master Plan.
NAN also reports that cars and houses were razed down by some hoodlums when the taskforce led by the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB), was enforcing the order in Bukuru on Monday.
Dung described the unfortunate incident as ”pure madness by some miscreants who don’t want peace to reign”.
“They have nothing to do with the taskforce.They are hoodlums, and the government will never tolerate them.
“We appreciate what the security operatives have done. The security personnel stood there to ensure that peace was restored, and that peace had come to stay.
“The executive order 003 is a law that nobody can challenge.
“The order must be implemented, and it has come to stand, and JMDB would work to ensure that they achieve order 003.
“As a government, we are totally in support of the state government, and we will not be intimidated by miscreants,” he stated.
The chairman said that peace has since returned to the area and that people were going about their businesses peacefully without molestation.
Dung further stated that in line with the state government’s resolve to restore sanity on the streets of Jos, the local government built a multimillion-naira ultramodern motor park to rid the area of illegal parks.
The chairman promised to wholeheartedly serve the people of Jos South as their chief servant. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
