Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has received the news of the fire incident that affected sections of Karu Market in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with deep sadness.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Friday.
“On Thursday, fire ripped through a swathe of the market, destroying property and other valuables.
“President Tinubu extends his heartfelt sympathies to all the traders affected by this distressing incident, and assures them of his administration’s full support.
“The President urges caution and adherence to essential safety measures to prevent fire outbreaks and other accidents,” the statement read.
Recall that the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) said that a fire started at the market around 6:30 p.m on Thursday.
It said that the fire was eventually brought under control by the combined team of its men, FCT Fire Service, Federal Fire Service and Julius Berger Fire Service.
The acting Director-General of the department, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, said that goods worth millions of naira were lost in the incident, but there was no loss of life.
She had also made clarification on the area affected by the fire. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
NGO launches medical outreach for 5,200 women, children in Niger
Medical
By Rita Iliya
Minna, June 28, 2024 (NAN) An NGO, D-8 Health and Social Protection Programme (D-8 HSP), has launched free medical outreach for 5,200 women and children in Niger.
Dr Ado Muhammad, Global Director of HSP, disclosed this at the launching of the 2024 medical mission and outreach in Minna on Friday.
The theme of the 2024 medical outreach was ‘Enhancing Community Health for Resilience in Niger, Kano, FCT, Enugu, Osun and Bauchi States’.
Muhammad said activities at the outreach were disease control, maternal health, providing nutritional needs for pregnant women, HIV/AIDS testing and counselling.
“This medical outreach is to provide services to support Bago-led administration in area of reform targeted at addressing malnutrition and deepening of universal health coverage,” he said.
The director said services such as hypertension, blood sugar checks, HIV, malaria testing, family planning and distribution of vitamin A supplements and deworming drugs would be provided.
Muhammad disclosed that the outreach was targeting 4,000 under-five children that would be administered vitamin A, Zinc/ORS, micronutrient powder and deworming drugs.
He added that 1,200 pregnant women would be administered multi-micronutrient supplements in the state.
Muhammad said the organisation also donated 400 delivery kits and bed sheets to Neonatal hospital to support the state’s maternal child health programme of the Gov. Umar Bago-led administration.
In his remarks, Dr Aminu Magaji, Managing Director of Neonatal Hospital in Minna, represented by Aliyu Chapa, described the outreach as timely and commended D-8 HSP for the intervention.
In his speech, Dr Ibrahim Dangana, Ministry forPrimary Healthcare Development Agency, thanked the organisation for the medical intervention and donations of medical items to support women and children.
Dangana, represented by Dr Abdullahi Imam, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, lauded the efforts of the state governor in addressing challenges in the health sector such as recruiting health workers and infrastructure development.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that D-8 HSP was established in 2018 to support member states to improve health services and uplift living standards of citizens by eliminating hunger, poverty and diseases in accordance with the UN SDGs 1, 2, and 3. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng
RIS/BRM
The President of the Appeal Court, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, and President of BRIPAN, Mr Chimezie Ihekweazu, SAN, during a curtesy visit on Thursday in Abuja.
Standards
By Lucy Ogalue
Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President Court of Appeal, has urged the Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN) to intensify efforts to raise professional standards and enhance economic growth.
Dongban-Mensem said this when members of the association led by its President, Mr Chimezie Ihekweazu, SAN, visited her on Thursday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that BRIPAN is a group of professionals that provides solutions to underperforming businesses and supports business rescue and growth.
According to Dongban-Mensem, professional associations like BRIPAN are critical in aligning national practices with international standards.
She said there was a pressing need for Nigeria to improve its economic activities by adhering to global standards.
“If we do not address these issues properly and act in accordance with national and international standards, our economy will never rise.
“No economic activity is too small to be captured by the vigilant eyes of the international community,” she said.
Dongban-Mensem underscored the importance of professional standards in gaining the international community’s confidence, which often views Nigeria with scepticism due to perceived laxity in professional conduct and training.
” They think we are not serious people, we compromise so many things, we do not care to train ourselves actively to bring our economic development up to international standards.
” So your association has a vital role in this,” she said.
The president commended BRIPAN for its sustained efforts since its establishment in 1994, saying that the association’s work was vital for economic stability.
She also commendwd BRIPAN for extending its activities beyond major cities like Lagos and addressing economic challenges nationwide.
“Your outreach to various groups and economic activities is essential for solving the problems that hinder our economic progress,” she said.
On the judiciary’s role in economic development, the president acknowledged the need for specialised training to handle complex commercial matters promptly.
Dongban-Mensem assured BRIPAN that the judiciary was willing to collaborate and learn from experts to improve the handling of cases that impact the economy.
“We are amenable to learning and improving our skills to address issues properly and promptly in the courts,” She said.
The president also urged BRIPAN to engage with the heads of courts to formulate policy statements that would guide future actions.
She said such policies would benefit the judiciary and the broader economic landscape.
“We are honoured to cooperate with you to ensure that your interests are addressed properly,” Dongban-Mensem said.
Earlier, the president of BRIPAN presented the direction of Insolvency practice for the Court of Appeal to its president.
While making the presentation, Ihekweazu called for enhanced collaboration with the court to raise professional standards to support Nigeria’s economic growth.
He acknowledged the vital role of adequate training for members and regulatory bodies in ensuring professional excellence and urged necessary reforms within Nigeria’s legal framework.
“One of BRIPAN’s key achievements has been training over 80 senior members of staff from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC? and the Legal Department of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).
“Additionally, the association is currently preparing to train 47 senior management staff from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria.
“These initiatives reflect BRIPAN’s commitment to equipping professionals with the skills needed to navigate the evolving landscape of insolvency practice,” he said.
The association president said BRIPAN was dedicated to fostering cooperation between the judiciary and professional bodies.
“Particularly in light of recent legislative changes that have expanded insolvency practices to include company administration,” he said.
Ihekweazu appealed that insolvency processes and proceedings before the court be given special status and accelerated hearing due to its extraordinary economic interest in our nation.
NAN reports that Mr Amala Umeike, Co-Chair of the Special Projects Committee, and Mr Okorie Kalu, second deputy vice-president, were present during the visit. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
LCN/EEE
Uruan (Akwa Ibom) June 28, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu on Friday, commissioned work to start on a 250-housing unit project, in Ekpene Ukim, Uruan Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Tinubu said that the project was part of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates programmes of his administration.
Represented by Ahmed Dangiwa, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Tinubu stated that the implementation stage of the project would create massive job opportunities for youths.
“This project will create no fewer than 6,500 construction sector-based jobs for architects, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, manson, plumbers, tilers, electricians among others.
“Today’s ceremony is a continuation of the nationwide groundbreaking exercise for housing projects under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme of the Federal Government.
“The current administration plans to deliver no fewer than 50,000 housing units across the federation under the first phase of this programme,” he said.
The president said that the housing programme was intended to provide shelter, uplift lives, create jobs and boost economic development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Recall that during the presidential kickoff of the programme in Abuja, we embarked on the first leg of this exercise with the groundbreaking of 1,500 housing units in the northern part of Nigeria.
“This includes 250 housing units in each Renewed Hope Estate in Katsina, Yobe, Gombe, and Sokoto states. It also includes a 500-housing unit Renewed Hope City in Kano.
“Work is currently ongoing in each of these sites. Our intention is to complete work on these projects within three months. We have zero tolerance for delays as far as this programme is concerned,” he said.
Tinubu urged the developers, Messrs Trust Global Limited, Springwell Intercontinental Resources, and Hyousungs Limited, to ensure that the estates were built according to specifications.
“We will not tolerate substandard work from any developer. We will explore all necessary legal means to ensure that the jobs are delivered. If you collect government money, you must do the job.
“The developers must adhere to the timeline and finish within three months so that we can begin the process of getting Akwa Ibom indigenes to purchase and move in,” he said.
Earlier, Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, described the housing project as a good omen to the state, and urged the developers to ensure expertise and commitment in its delivery.
Represented by the Head of Service, Mr Effiong Essien, Eno said that the state government understood the importance of housing to the wellbeing of the populace.
“As a government, we have constructed 250 housing units for workers, we are also building compassionate home for the less privilege in the state,” he said.
Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The National Average Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) per adult a day stood at N1,041 in May 2024, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said.
The NBS revealed this in its CoHD report for May 2024 released on Friday in Abuja.
The bureau said that the CoHD in May increased by one per cent compared to the N1,035 recorded in April.
The NBS said the CoHD was the least expensive combination of locally available items that met globally consistent food-based dietary guidelines.
It said it was used as a measure of physical and economic access to healthy diets.
“This is a lower bound (or floor) of the cost per adult per day excluding the cost of transportation and meal preparation.”
The bureau said that to compute the CoHD indicator, the following data on Retail Food Prices, Food Composition Data, and Healthy Diet Standard were required.
The NBS also said that in May, the average CoHD was highest in the South-West at N1,189 per adult per day, followed by the South-East at N1,190 per day.
It said the lowest average CoHD was recorded in the North-West at N919 per adult per day.
The NBS further said that at the state level Ebonyi, Abia and Anambra recorded the highest CoHD at N1,225, N1,215, and N1,205, respectively.
The bureau said Kano recorded the lowest CoHD at N898, followed by Jigawa at N899, and Yobe and Katsina at N906.
The NBS said CoHD had steadily increased since the first CoHD report by the bureau in October 2023.
“The CoHD in May 2024 is 32 per cent higher than what was recorded in December 2023 at N786 and one per cent higher than CoHD in April 2024, which was N1,035.
“The food groups that have driven the increases in CoHD the most are starchy staples, legumes, nuts and seeds, and animal source foods.
“On the other hand, vegetables and fruits recorded the lowest increase in price on a month-on-month basis.”
The report added that animal-source foods were the most expensive food group recommendation to meet in May, accounting for 36 per cent of the total CoHD to provide 13 per cent of the total calories.
It noted that fruits and vegetables were the most expensive food groups in terms of price per calorie.
“They accounted for 11 per cent and 12 per cent, respectively, of the total CoHD while providing only seven per cent and five per cent of total calories in the Healthy Diet Basket.
“Legumes, nuts and seeds were the least-expensive food group on average, at seven per cent of the total cost.’’
The report also says that in recent months, the CoHD had risen faster than general inflation and food inflation.
“However, the CoHD and the food Consumer Price Index (CPI) are not directly comparable.
“The CoHD includes fewer items and is measured in Naira per day, while the food CPI is a weighted index.”
The NBS said the policy implications of these results would foster collaboration among a wide range of stakeholders, such as policymakers, researchers and civil society actors that focused on food security.
“These stakeholders will devise strategies that tackle access, availability, and affordability of healthy diet effectively.
“Also future research incorporating income can also be used to determine the proportion and number of the population that are unable to afford a healthy diet,” the report said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) A Non- Government Organisation (NGO) has called on the Federal Government, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to assist schools in rural communities with basic amenities especially toilet facilities.
Christybelle Sylva-John, the Founder of Ray of Hope Empowerment Foundation (RHEF), made the call on Friday while inaugurating a block of four toilets constructed in Zjidu community, Abuja.
Sylva-John said that schools in rural communities lacked basic amenities such as toilet, adding that open defecation encourages the spread of diseases.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we also call on the government, non-governmental organisations, corporate bodies, and individuals to invest in the well-being of our future generations.
“Creating conducive learning environments is a shared responsibility, and collective support is crucial.
“By working together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive in a safe and healthy environment.
“Access to clean and safe sanitation is a fundamental human right and a crucial element for the dignity, health, and well-being of our students,” she said
She said that the lack of adequate toilet facilities in many schools negatively impacted student health, attendance, and overall academic performance.
She said that the foundation was committed to addressing this critical needs for rural schools.
The founder said the project was established with the vision of ensuring every student had access to safe and hygienic toilet facilities.
“Today, as we inaugurate this new toilet blocks, we move closer to making that vision a reality.
“We hope it will contribute to a healthier, safer, and more enjoyable school experience,” she said.
She said that the NGO also engaged in donation of sanitary pads to the secondary school in the community.
According to her, the reason is to ensure menstrual hygiene management because most times, girls absent themselves from school due to lack of sanitary product.
‘When they are in school and their menstruation starts, they have no choice than to go home because they do not have sanitary pad to use at the moment.
“The whole essence is for them to have sanitary pad bank in schools just in case menstruation starts they do not have any reason to go back home,” she said.
Dr Alhasan Sule, the Acting Executive Chairman, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), said a child’s education was everybody’s responsibility.
Sule, represented by the Director of School Services, UBEB, Habbiba Aliyu-Barau, commended the RHEF for complementing the efforts to eradicate open defecation in the FCT.
“Education is the responsibility of everybody. Government cannot do it alone. If we all wait for government, this will not happen.
“We scout for NGOs that will help us. We have several but I must commend Ray of Hope Empowerment Foundation because this is not its first project.
“We have inaugurated many of its projects. RHEF is one of the best partners we have in the FCT UBEB. They have assisted us and have done a lot for us,” she said.
Earlier, the Chief of Zhidu Community, Goni Philip, commended the foundation for embarking on a laudable project in the community.
“I do not know how much to appreciate them for this gesture.
“I urge them to extend it to other community schools that lack such basic facilities within and even outside the FCT,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Calabar, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has assured that the contractors handling the dualisation of the Calabar-Itu highway will soon return to site to resume work on the which served as a link between Akwa Ibom and Cross River.
Mrs Adebisi Osim, the Acting Controller of Works in Cross River, said this on Friday in Calabar when she played host to Cross River South Consultative Forum in Calabar, a political pressure group.
Osim said that the resumption of work on the highway followed the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Works.
She noted that the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi had addressed the issues that had stalled the progress of construction work on the highway.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the contractors, Julius Berger and Sematech, abandoned the site last year.
She explained that in the interim, emergency palliative measures were underway to ameliorate the sufferings of road users on the route.
According to her, “I am glad to announce that Julius Berger and Sematech are returning to the site to resume works at both ends of the Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene road.
“The issues that stalled further execution of the contract have been sorted out.
“Accordingly, once the rains subside, both contractors will return to site to commence work simultaneously.
“This is due to the peculiar priority attention accorded to the project by our boss, the Minister of Works, bolstered by the interest of Gov. Bassey Otu, who has waded in to handle the issue of compensation which was a major factor.”
It would be recalled that the federal government had approved the variation cost of the Calabar-Itu road from N79.65 billion to N118.4 billion owing to the prevailing cost of materials.
Umahi who made the announcement said that the decision followed the Federal Executive Council approval of N42.4 billion as variation for the project. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The newly inaugurated members of Nigerian Bar Association Badagry Branch in a group photograph in Badagry
Badagry NBA chairman promises to tackle association’s challenges
Challenges
By Raji Rasak
Badagry (Lagos State), June 28, 2024 (NAN) Mr Latif Rasheed, the newly inaugurated chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Badagry branch, Lagos State, on Friday promised to tackle challenges confronting his members in the town.
Rasheed made the promise during the inauguration of new executive members of the association in Badagry.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that all the new members of the association were returned unopposed.
The chairman said that he was aware of the enormous challenges ahead of the association.
“But let me reiterate that in the next two years, we intend to pursue and achieve some challenges.
“This includes creation of Ojo Magistrate District, ensuring the deployment of another judge to Badagry judicial division.
“Improvement on the efficient performance of the Probate Registry that has just commenced operation.
“Commencement of the appeal section, creation of the office of the Deputy Sheriff and procurement of land for the NBA Badagry Branch Bar centre,” Rasheed said.
He also promised continuous legal education for members of the Heritage Bar, functional convenience for lawyers and liaising with NBA National Executive for quick processing of stamp and seal for members.
Rasheed urged the new executive committee under his leadership for absolute cooperation to achieve the challenges.
The chairman thanked the outgoing members of the association for a smooth transition.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Mr Lateef Arigbabuwo, congratulated all the elected members of the executive committee of the NBA branch.
He urged them to lead actively from the front so as to continue to build and reinforce a culture of excellence in the branch.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other newly inaugurated executive members are: Atule Monday Echors, Vice Chairman; Mabawonku-Nwaka Olaide, Secretary; Akinwale Adebisi, Welfare Secretary,
Assault
By Ugochi Joy Ugochukwu
Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The police in Abuja on Friday arraigned one Godwin Jacob who allegedly stole a grinding machine engine coil and assaulted policemen during arrest.
Jacob, 24, appeared before a Zuba Chief Magistrates’ Court.
The resident of Tungamaji Village, Abuja, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Mr Chinedu Ogada, told the court that the complainant, Mr Mohammed Abdullahi of the same address, reported the case at the Zuba Police Station on May 31.
Ogada said that, on May 30, the defendant went to the complainant’s grinding machine workshop and made away with his an engine coil worth N850,000.
The prosecutor added that the defendant assaulted two policemen who attempted to arrest him over the alleged theft.
He said that the policemen sustained injuries and were rushed to a hospital for treatment.
The prosecutor said that the policemen spent N24,000 on medical treatment.
He also said that N150,000 belonging to one them was stolen while attempting to arrest the defendant.
Ogada said that during police investigation, the defendant could not give a satisfactory account of himself.
Ogada told the court that the offences contravened Sections 348, 327, 287 and 267 of the Penal Code.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Habiba Bello, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N500,000 and a surety in like sum.
She ordered that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and produce a means of identification.
She adjourned the case until July 10 for hearing (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Asiwaju Youth Ambassadors of Nigeria (AYAN), has commended President Bola Tinubu`s transformative leadership to deliver dividends of democracy to Nigerians.
The National convener of the group, Mr Idongesit Etim, said this at a news conference to commemorate Tinubu`s one year in office on Friday in Abuja.
He said that Tinubu’s administration was committed to rebuilding and unifying Nigeria through his Renewed Hope Agenda.
Etim said Nigeria was one of the youngest nations on the planet with the youth constituting nearly 75 per cent of its population.
He said that Tinubu’s leadership has instilled renewed hope among Nigerian youths.
According to him, as a distinguished statesman and his commitment to democracy, Tinubu stands as a beacon of unity, illuminating the diverse landscape of Nigeria.
“With his visionary leadership which inspires hope and resilience, as he navigates the path towards a united and prosperous Nigeria.
“The steady and simultaneous progress of various projects, initiatives and programmes across Nigeria as epitomises a renewed commitment to national development and the provision of democratic dividend for all Nigerians.
“We join millions of Nigerians to congratulate Tinubu , and to wish him renewed grit, tact and wisdom to pilot the affairs of Nigeria till 2030,’’ he said.
Etim said the robust relationship between the executive and the legislative arm of government under this administration was commendable.
He said the relationship has promoted the speedy passage of numerous life changing legislations, including the 2024 Appropriation Bill and the Electricity Act 2023.
The convener said the access to Higher Education Act (Student loans) and the bill to revert to the old National Anthem 2024, a complete departure from the rivalry which had plagued several administrations in the past.
Etim said in recognition of the critical role of the judiciary in combating corruption, Tinubu has initiated reforms to ensure efficiency and independence of the judiciary.
He said this included the appointment of Judges with competence and proven integrity, and the ongoing efforts to enhance the emoluments, salaries and wages of judicial officers.
Etim said Tinubu’s administration had demonstrated commitment to mainstreaming women and youth participation in governance, setting precedence for intentional inclusion.
He said this visionary approach has garnered widespread commendation from diverse quarters, and signifies a profound belief in the potential of Nigeria’s young population.
“Through empowerment initiatives, youths and women are entrusted with the responsibility of driving innovation to tackle unemployment challenges in the country.
“This administration has adopted an approach of segmenting issues concerning youth into sports, technology, education, agriculture and entertainment to maximise productivity and provide tailored support to the needs of each sector. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
