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  • June 12: Declare Abiola ex-President, activists tell Tinubu

    Activists and political leaders at the memorial programmes to celebrate 31st anniversary of June 12 at MKO Abiola residence in Ikeja

     

    June 12 : Declare Abiola ex-President, activists tell Tinubu

     

    MKO

     

    By Adeyemi Adeleye

     

    Lagos , June 12 ,2024 (NAN) Some rights activists and followers of late Chief MKO Abiola on Wednesday appealed to President Bola Tinubu to declare the acclaimed winner of the June 12 1993 Presidential Election as ex-President.

     

    They spoke at the “2024 Memorial Programme for the Commemoration of June 12, 1993 Election” in Lagos

     

     

    The event was organised by the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) in collaboration with the Centre for Anti Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) and Moshood Abiola Mandate Movement.

     

    Speaking, the National President, CDHR, Mr Debo Adeniran, said that Tinubu, being an insider in the struggle for democracy for which  Abiola sacrificed his life, must complete the process of honouring  MKO by declaring him  winner.

     

    ”Asiwaju must declare him (Abiola) as a former President and June 12 as Bashorun MKO Abiola Day,” Adeniran said.

     

    He said that recognising Abiola as former President would heal the wounds inflicted by all that happened at the time.

     

    Describing Abiola as a pillar of trust in Africa and democracy in Nigeria, the activist said that the late business mogul was passionate about true democracy and putting  an end to poverty and hunger .

     

    Noting that Abiola was betrayed, Adediran said that the people believed strongly in him.

     

    “His farewell to poverty made us to believe him. He had been doing this before throwing his hat into the ring.

     

    “MKO was an indiscriminate philanthropist all over the world, giving was his second name,” he said.

     

    He said the programme was organised to  draw attention of government and other stakeholders to the need to respect and defend the human and political rights of the citizenry, and uphold the tenets of free and fair elections.

     

    Also speaking , Mr Babatunde Ogun, a  former President, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), said that late Abiola and other leaders- dead and alive-paid dearly for democracy.

     

    “Some of us paid dearly for what we believe in. Abiola had passion for Nigeria, believing that African nations can do better.

     

    “Those who are governing us must go back to his philosophies. In the last 25 years, we have not really had such philosophies  in display .We want to see Nigeria progressing,” Ogun said.

     

    He said that there was no way workers could be productive if they were not well paid by government.

     

    Alhaja Aminat Irawo, President/Founder, the June 12 Renewed Hope and one of the organisers of the event, said that President Tinubu needed to pacify all democracy activists by formally declaring Abiola as ex-President.

     

    Irawo said: “Democracy Day is a special day, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu must please, announce MKO Abiola as the winner of the Hope 1993 Presidential Election that was annulled.

     

    “Gen. Ibrahim Gbadamosi Babangida (IBB), who supretended over the election is alive and he has confirmed it that MKO Abiola won the election.

     

    “To heal all the wounds, President Bola Tinubu must declare Abiola as the winner and former President posthumously.”

     

    She appreciated former President Muhammadu Buhari for conferring the  honour of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) on Abiola and declaring June 12 as Democracy Day, replacing May 29.

     

    Also, Dr Stephen Fasakin, Personal Assistant (Media) to late Abiola,  said that MKO Abiola went through hell for democracy.

     

    “One day, we went through the back door here and climbed the fence to carry Chief MKO Abiola as big as he was, when police were looking for him.

     

    “We are happy with what the government is doing, but the only thing we are asking President Tinubu is to call Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, the Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission of Nigeria, to come and declare the results of the election.

     

    “Let us give Abiola postmortem presidency and all the recognitions accorded to a President be given to him, even after death. We are looking onto him

     

    Earlier, Mrs Lola Abiola-Edewor, the first daughter of late Abiola, described June 12 as a special day and 31st anniversary as more special, because Nigeria was celebrating 25 years of interrupted democracy.

     

    Abiola-Edewor commended all the activists and patriots for keeping faith with the ideals of her late father, and remembering him with love and passion.

     

    She said that his late father’s life was all about giving hope to the masses, and using political power to end their sufferings and hardship.

     

    “We thank God that President Tinubu also believes in him (Abiola) and chose his mantra “Renewed Hope Agenda” from Abiola’s Hope 1993.

     

    “I believe that this mantra reflects those promises that my father stood for. I want to enjoin President Tinubu that we are looking forward to seeing the renewed hope,” Abiola-Edewor said.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that activists later laid a wreath at  the tomb of Abiola at his Ikeja residence  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AYO/FON/BHB

    ==============

     

    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Buhari Bolaji

     

  • Jonathan states attributes of leadership

    Leadership

    By Nefishetu Yakubu
    Benin, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Former President Goodluck Jonathan says visionary leaders will always prioritise the welfare of its workforce to boost governance.

    Jonathan said this on Wednesday when he inaugurated the Edo State Civil Service Secretariat Complex on Sepele Road, Benin.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, Jonathan also performed the foundation laying ceremony of a 1,500-capacity auditorium for civil servants within the premises of the secretariat.

    “Listening to the history of the secretariat complex, I now know the power of vision. It takes somebody who wants to give his best to his people to do that.

    “Where you are working needs to be clean. Human beings need to work in a comfortable environment.

    “Thank you for providing this befitting secretariat. You do not have this setting so common in Nigeria.

    “This is one of the best. It takes someone with vision to provide this type of edifice,” he said.

    The former president, who also commended Edo governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, for giving automatic employment to first class graduates in the state, thanked him for encouraging the best brains in the state.

    “In some states, governors are busy encouraging criminals because of politics, people that will rig election for them, carry ballot boxes, carry knives and cutlasses to pursue people. But, you are encouraging the best brains in Edo.

    “The brains you have provided automatic employment to didn’t come from one political party, the brains come from all the political parties,

    “The brains came from those who are supporting all the candidates. You are not supporting these brains because you want to win election

    “But because you want to build a state, and for you to build a state, you have to build the people,” he said.

    He also thanked the governor for improving the welfare of the civil servants.

    “Before now, civil servants have been going home with salaries that couldn’t take them home.

    “Initially, when I read in the papers that you proposed to pay N70,000 minimum wage, I was also worried if this my good friend will be able to pay.

    “To be a leader, especially a political leader, you must be somebody who has vision.

    “If you have vision, no matter how challenging it is, you will find a way to do well,” he said.

    Jonathan, however, called on undergraduates in the state to become more serious with their academics to be able to come out with first class and secure an automatic employment in state.

    “Those who are undergraduates should struggle to make First Class degrees instead of going to join cult gangs, drinking alcohol and raping women.

    “You should try to make good grades. So, if you have opportunity to go to school, take your school seriously”, he added.

    Earlier in his address, Obaseki said it became important to upgrade the workplace, personalities and capacity of public servants and the public service for maximum productivity.

    “That is why we have damned all consequences to upgrade our public infrastructure to global standard.

    “When we started the project of these buildings, many people did not see the big pictures.

    “I am very, very confident, that wherever Brig, -Gen. Samuel Ogbemudia of blessed memory is today, he will be proud that his dreams of building a secretariat complex such as this has been realised today, ” Obaseki said.

    According to Obaseki, the buildings have been provided with 24-hour daily power supply from Osiomo power plant and high-speed optic fibre Internet connectivity.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    NY/KOO/KAY
    ===========
    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Kayode Olaitan

  • Nigerians differ on gains of 25 years of uninterrupted democracy 

    Nigerians differ on gains of 25 years of uninterrupted democracy

    Democracy

    By Reporters

    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) A cross section of Nigerians on Wednesday in Abuja expressed divergent opinions on the gains that had accrued to Nigerians in the 25 years the nation had been in a democracy.

    Some Nigerians, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said that democratic government had yielded much result for the country, while others thought otherwise.

    Mr Benjamin Otu, a resident of Mararaba, Nasarawa State, said democracy had impacted positively on Nigerians and the Nigerian economy.

    According to him, democracy is gradually taking its roots in every facet of national life.

    “Some of the rights and privileges enjoyed today resulted from a thriving democracy.

    “Nigeria’s democracy has come a long way since 1999; all hands must be on deck to reposition it.”

    A civil servant, Mr Rotimi Adeyemi, said that there was no alternative to a democratic government.

    “Under democracy, we have freedom of expression and association, which was non-existent during the military regime.

    ”For the past 25 years, the people of Nigeria have imbibed and internalised the principles and culture of democracy.

    “Most of the bills coming from the National Assembly and the change of government periodically, without any interruption, have shown that democracy has come to stay,” he said.

    According to him, some of the problems faced by Nigerians can be traced to the military.

    “Now, people associate freely and walk freely, power flows from the people. It is the people that decide who rules them,” he said.

    Mr James Edoh, a businessman, said that democracy had given Nigerians the power to choose their leaders and hold them accountable.

    “In contrast, the military rule we had was characterised by tyranny and oppression. It is often said that the worst democratic government is better than the best military government.

    “It is better that we stay with the democratic government and improve on it than the military regime.

    “A lot has been enjoyed by Nigerians in this democratic regime compared to the military regime. Like peace, job creation, among others,” he said.

    Also, Mr Caleb Ezea, a trader, said that democracy allows for participatory governance.

    “Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people. It gives voice to the common man.

    “The voice of everyone is heard unlike military rule where tyranny reigns supreme,” he said.

    Mr Ezekiel Ogbu, a civil servant, on his part, called for more transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s democracy.

    Ogbu, who said that the country’s democracy was too expensive, urged the country to try another system of government.

    Similarly, Mr Solomon Oladapo, a resident of Suleja, called for more progress at the level of development in the country.

    He advised the government to close loopholes exploited to loot the nation’s wealth.

    Miss Irene Nsiodo, a resident of Garki, said that democracy had brought stability in the political system turf.

    “I believe that democracy has given hope for a brighter future for the people of Nigeria.”

    “Freedom of expression has been given a chance to thrive, leading to the exposure of corrupt practices in various sectors of the economy,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    Reporters/DE/AMM

    ===============

    Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Commission to create awareness on Nigeria Data Protection Act

    Data

    By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) says it is making efforts to create more awareness on the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) to ensure organisations and relevant stakeholders comply with the Act.

    NDPC’s National Commissioner, Dr Vincent Olatunji, said this on Wednesday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the commission’s one year implementation of the NDPA in Abuja.

    NAN reports that NDP bill, which was signed as an Act of parliament by President Bola Tinubu on June 12, 2023, provides a legal framework for the regulation of processing and protection of personal information, and other related matters

    Olatunji said that organisations’ non compliance to the Act could result in public distrust and loss of business opportunities for the defaulting organisations.

    He said though the law prescribed penalties and remediation fees for defaulting organisations but the commission was trying to build the culture of compliance and not out to look for those defaulting.

    He attributed the low level compliance to lack of awareness and knowledge of the Act by organisations.

    “The common challenge we have in propagating data privacy message is awareness; some organisations don’t even know about data protection law, while some don’t understand it.

    “When we have interactions with them, they are willing to comply because we are approaching them from the perspective of the value in it for them.

    “We tell them that when you are compliant, the perception, trust of people dealing with you to a large extent increase your business opportunities.

    “But where there is no trust, nobody will believe you and we also let them know the repercussions, financial loss through their breaches.

    “We are trying to build the culture of compliance; we are not necessarily out to look for those defaulting,” national commissioner said.

    On the level of compliance, he said that the private sector had been more compliant than the public sector.

    Olatunji disclosed that the commission was making efforts at engaging Chief Executive Officers of government institutions and relevant stakeholders across board to increase the awareness on data privacy.

    “When we started, the level of compliance within the private sector was about 49 per cent while the public sector was four per cent.

    “But today, private sector compliance level is above 55 per cent, while the public sector compliance level has reached 15 per cent,” Olatunji said.

    He disclosed that the commission within the period under review, received about 1,000 complaints on data breaches.

    “Out of the 1,000 cases, majority of them were on digital loan companies that we call loan sharks.

    “But we have also conducted investigations in the education sector, financial institutions, real estate, insurance, consulting, and schools.

    “As at today, we have finalised four major investigations, and some have paid their remediation fees.

    “In the law, we can fine companies depending on the nature of the breach, impact on the subject, and level of cooperation; and we have gotten N400 million from remediation fees,” he said.

    Olatunji noted that the country’s large population and its huge land mass were affecting the commission’s effective interventions on data privacy.

    According to him, this is because some data privacy violators are operating from unknown locations.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    NIU/KOO/ADA

    ========
    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Deji Abdulwahab

  • Legal practitioners call for legal framework for electronic transactions

    From Left; Former Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State/ author of the book, Adeniji Kazeem SAN; his wife, Fatimat Kazeem; representative of the Governor of Lagos State/Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro; former Commissioner for Information, Steve Ayorinde; and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, at book Launch “Nigeria Law of Electronic transactions in Lagos
    11/6/2024/Atolagbe babatunde/NAN

    Book

    By Ngozi Njoku

    Lagos, June 12, 2024(NAN)The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and his Lagos State counterpart Lawal Pedro (SAN) have called for a legal framework for electronic transactions.

    They made the call  on Tuesday in Lagos, at the presentation of the book titled:  Nigerian Law of Electronic Transactions.

    The book was written by former Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Adeniji Kazeem (SAN).

    The book, reviewed by Mr Gbenga Omolokun, Managing Director, VFD Microfinance bank, is made up of  180 pages with six chapters.

    Fagbemi, who chaired the event, noted that every sphere of human existence could  no longer feign ignorance of the pervasive effect of information and communication technology.

    “This has even become more pronounced with the proliferation of Artificial Intelligence, wherein physical human involvement is now gradually being limited and/or phased out in the way we live and do business.

    “Expectedly, therefore and as legal professionals, we cannot but take the bull by the horns in proffering the ground rules for a seamless transition from our present situation to this new world order.

    “As we navigate the 21st century, the intertwined nature of law and technology becomes increasingly desired.

    “The legal framework governing electronic transactions is critical to ensuring trust, security, and efficiency in our digital economy.

    “This book is a timely and invaluable addition to our legal literature, addressing the complexities and nuances of electronic transactions in Nigeria,” he said.

    Fagbemi commended  the author for his dedication and insightful contribution to this dynamic field of law.

    He said the book was timely and could not have come at a better time.

    “I commend Mr. Kazeem for his foresight and commitment to advancing legal research and practice in this area.

    “His work during his tenure as the attorney general and commissioner  of Justice for Lagos State, laid a solid foundation for the integration of technology into our legal processes and this book is a testament to his enduring vision and effort,” the AGF added.

    On his part, Pedro said electronic transactions had become a regular part of life and required regulation.

    “The legal framework is crucial to guarantee the trustworthiness of electronic transactions,” he said.

    According to him,  the state is  already leveraging technology in the payment of taxes, land use charge, electronic court filing and others.

     

    He added that Lagos was  at the forefront of the digital revolution.

    According to him, the opportunities will not be fully harnessed, including job creation, unless there is a strong legal framework for such transactions.

    Chief Judge of Federal High Court, John Tsoho, represented by Justice Ayokunle Faji, hailed Kazeem for his contribution to knowledge, saying the book came at the right time.

    “It will be a good source of assistance to judges and I am advocating the need for standalone legislation on electronic transactions,” he noted.

    Earlier, the author of the book, Mr Kazeem, said the inspiration to write the book arose from witnessing the rapid digital transformation reshaping commercial transactions across Nigeria and the globe.

    According to him, data from the Nigerian InterBank Settlement Systems Plc (NIBSS) shows that the value of electronic payment transactions reached a staggering N600 trillion in 2023, a 55 per cent increase from N387 Trillion in 2022.

    He noted that transaction volume had also seen a significant rise from 5.1 billion in 2022 to 9.7 billion in 2023.

    “While these figures may not all translate to completed commercial transactions from a purely legal standpoint, they undeniably point toward a massive increase in digital transactions across the nation,” he said.

    The surge in commercial technology, Kazeem noted, offered a wealth of opportunities for the government,  as it streamlined  public service delivery from easy online tax payments, to efficient distribution of social programmes.

    He also noted that a thriving digital commerce landscape benefited  the nation through increased tax revenue from transparent e-transactions, economic growth fueled by a flourishing digital economy and financial inclusion.

    It also fosters good governance by leaving an auditable trail that combats corruption, the SAN noted.

    Mr Kazeem said there was therefore, a need for a legal framework.

    He explained that it was necessary to know which legal framework applied,  if a dispute over an electronic transaction arose, as well as at what point such transactions became  contracts.

    “Technology’s rapid evolution demands a legal system that adapts to protect its citizens and which serves the growing FinTech and technology sectors.

    “While industry summits often touch on regulatory compliance, the crucial aspect of legal protections for the users remains largely unexplored. This book aims to bridge that gap.

    “It delves into how the law can provide those safeguards. By contributing to this knowledge base, I hope to empower everyone and fuel the creation of a comprehensive electronic transactions law in Nigeria,” the author said.

    NAN reports that dignitaries at the book presentation include former Federal Commissioner for Works, Mr Femi Okunnu (SAN)  and a former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Legal Adviser Babatunde Ogala (SAN).

    Also at the ceremony was a  former Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Olasupo Shasore (SAN), among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.com)

    NG/CCN/SOA

    ===========
    Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Oluwole Sogunle

  • U.S. issues 300 new sanctions that go after Russia’s war economy

    U.S. issues 300 new sanctions that go after Russia’s war economy

    Sanctions

    Bari (Italy), June 12, 2024 (dpa/NAN) The United States said on Wednesday it was imposing sanctions on more than 300 individuals and entities connected to Russia’s war on Ukraine, including financial institutions, the Moscow Stock Exchange, and Chinese companies.

    The announcement came a day before U.S. President Joe Biden joins other Group of Seven (G7) leaders for a summit in the Italian city of Bari, in which the war in Ukraine is set to feature prominently.

    The sweeping set of sanctions is chiefly focused on trade, finance, and industry.

    U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the sanctions hit “across multiple sectors essential to Russia’s war effort,” including energy, metals, and mining production.

    China was singled out for its support of Moscow.

    “The United States remains concerned by the scale and breadth of exports from the People’s Republic of China that supply Russia’s military-industrial base,” Blinken’s statement said.

    To that end, the US is sanctioning Chinese companies that provide duel-use goods that “fill critical gaps in Russia’s defence production cycle,” he said.

    It is not just China, however. Individuals and organizations in countries elsewhere in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean are also subject to new restrictive measures.

    Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Russia “is deeply isolated from the international financial system, leaving the Kremlin’s military desperate for access to the outside world.”

    She said the sanctions go after critical supplies Russia needs from other countries.

    Several Russian banks also saw their foreign locations put on blacklists to make it harder for financial transactions to be fulfilled.

    Other corners of Russia’s financial infrastructure were hit, including the Moscow Stock Exchange and two subsidiaries, and insurance and reinsurance providers.

    The Treasury Department said it was trying to choke off military supply chains by sanctioning dozens of individuals and entities in a slew of countries besides Russia and China.

    Some of the newly listed targets will help close sanction loopholes or go after evaders, it said.

    The department said sanctions affected people and firms in places such as Belarus, the British Virgin Islands, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, South Africa, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. (dpa/NAN) (www.nan.ng)

    YEE

    ===

    (Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

  • Democracy Day: Lawmaker tasks Tinubu on sound economic team

    Rep. Hussaini Jallo, Chairman, House Committee on Pensions
    Rep. Hussaini Jallo, Chairman, House Committee on Pensions

     

    Democracy

    By Emmanuel Afonne

    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) A member of the House of Representatives, Hussaini Jallo, has urged President Bola Tinubu to assemble a sound economic team that will rescue Nigeria from its present economic challenges.

    Jallo, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Pension, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja when the Chief Executive Officer of XEM Consulting Limited, Dr Eugenia Ndukwe, paid him a visit in commemoration of the 2024 Democracy Day.

    He said the present administration should pay more attention to issues concerning the generality of Nigerians; especially food security and economic recovery, rather than paying attention to what would benefit only a group of people.

    “The founding fathers of this nation did very well for Nigeria but unfortunately, things are not going the right way and I think the best way is for Tinubu to quickly organise a good economic team for the country and also the nation’s security.

    “These are the major challenges facing the country–security and economy; once the president can solve these problems, we are good to go.

    “We are celebrating uninterrupted democracy but we are not on the right track yet.

    “We cannot celebrate democracy in the midst of hunger, poverty and unemployment.

    “Nigerians are suffering; people need to go back to their villages and see how people are suffering there; some don’t eat, not even one square meal a day.”

    He noted that the labour demand for a minimum wage was just a fraction compared to the millions of Nigerians that need succour.

    “The situation in the country now is not about what organised labour is demanding; it is if the government has the capacity to pay.

    “What is the number of people in federal and state governments’ employment compared to the general population of the country.

    “Nigerians are in need of good health, good education, food security and security of lives and property.

    “If the president takes the proceeds of our mineral resources to pay a minimum percentage of Nigerians who are working for government, what happens to the larger population of the people that need road, education, health and security that are not government employees?

    “The amount demanded by organised Labour is unrealistic especially now that Nigeria is picking its pieces in the area of security and other challenges.

    “I believe that they should accept whatever the government presents to them now, so that the country can move forward.”

    Jallo assured that the House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas would work with the executive arm to achieve the desired goal of the present administration.

    “We are partners in progress with the executive arm of government and whatever comes from the president and it is for the benefit of Nigerians, will be given a speedy attention at the House.

    “Just as the president said he would forward the bill for the minimum or living wage to the National Assembly, we will give it an expedite action.

    “The challenges faced by Nigerians are also the challenges of the National Assembly because the speaker talks about the hunger of many Nigerians, unemployment, insecurity and the rest.

    “So, I urge the president to marshal out plans to solve these challenges of insecurity and bad economy,” Jallo said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    EMAF/CJ/

    ========

    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

     

     

     

  • June 12: Aiyedatiwa calls for reflection on Nigeria’s democratic journey

    June 12: Aiyedatiwa calls for reflection on Nigeria’s democratic journey

    Sen. Surajudeen Ajibola having handshake with Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State with Prof. Olu Aderounmi in the middle

    Reflection

    By Segun Giwa

    Akure, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has called for reflection on the country’s democratic journey as the nation celebrates 25 years of unbroken democratic rule.

     

    Aiyedatiwa stated this in his address on Wednesday in Akure at an event to mark the country’s democracy day celebration.

     

    The governor said June 12 was a day of celebration, solemn reflection and time to reminisce on the journey, challenges faced and the way forward in the coutry’s nascent democracy.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that June 12 was declared Democracy Day to commemorate the struggle that followed the annulment of June 12, 1993, election generally believed to have been won by the late Chief MKO Abiola.

     

    He said that democracy was well and alive in Nigeria, affirming, that the sacrifices of the patriotic heroes and martyrs of the June 12 struggles had not been in vain.

     

    “Today is a day of celebration and solemn reflection, It is a time to reminisce on our democratic journey, the challenges we’ve faced, and the way forward.

     

    “We honor the sacrifices of those who fought for our democratic rights and strived to consolidate this great legacy,” he said.

     

    Aiyedatiwa said the June 12 was pivotal moment in the country’s socio-political history and its role in advancing democratic governance, civil liberties and nationhood could not be understated.

     

    “We are dedicated to ensuring that Ondo State enjoys the dividends of good governance.

     

    “We will continue to address security challenges, strengthen the ‘Amotekun Corps’ in collaboration with other security agencies, and pursue transformational strategies that align with our socio-economic realities,” he said.

     

    Aiyedatiwa advised residents and political stakeholders in the state to maintain law and order as the Nov.16 governorship election approaches.

     

    Earlier, the guest speaker, Sen. Surajudeen Ajibola, who spoke on the theme “The State of Democracy in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and the Way Forward.” noted that since 1999, democracy in Nigeria had faced so many challenges.

    Ajibola listed such challenges as; electoral integrity, judicial efficiency, corruption, and weak institutions.

     

    Ajibola said that despite reforms, issues like vote buying and electoral violence persists, while political interference hinder judicial and good governance.

     

    He called for comprehensive reforms, including deeper electoral reforms with technology, judicial independence, and stronger anti-corruption measures.

     

    Ajibola also added his voice to the long list of stakeholders calling for the local government autonomy, transparency and community participation to improve service delivery to the people.

     

    In his welcome address, Chairman of the event, Prof. Olu Aderohunmu, said that the celebration was to honour activists and stakeholders who fought for the democracy the country is enjoying.

     

    He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for restoring the essence of democracy and thanked the governor for his leadership and efforts in making Ondo State a conducive place to live.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    GSD/AOS

    =========

    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

     

  • Democracy Day: Why the nation’s economy ailing–Stakeholders

    Reactions

    By Esenvosa Izah

    Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Stakeholders in the labour sector have observed that the nation’s ailing economy is caused by over-reliance on revenues from the exploitation of oil and lack of pragmatic reforms for decades.

    In separate reactions to President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech in Lagos on Wednesday, they noted the speech failed to address current economic realities facing the country.

    A Human Rights Campaigner, Mr Omokhuale Ehi, said that current government reforms ought to provide succour for the people.

    ‘’He did not mention how the non-oil sectors will start getting the right attention; the current state of our moribund refineries, how the cost of governance will be reversed and real hope about the massive youth unemployment.

    ‘’Also, the state of insecurity, banditry and kidnapping that have ravaged our country,‘’ he said.

    Also, the President, Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions, Mr Olusoji Oluwole, noted that the speech eulogised people who fought and died for a better nation.Oluwole said,

    He, however, said that what the people died for were still lacking after 25 years of unbroken democracy.

    ‘’We expect that this government, while celebrating should strive to break the 25 years of pain through the implementation of policies that will reduce and eventually remove the suffering of Nigerians.

    ‘’Citizens who have held faith in spite of the pain must enjoy the dividends of this democracy,’’ he said.

    In his remarks, a public affairs analyst, Mr Jide Ojo, said that issues surrounding the minimum wage should be addressed, saying that many workers were looking forward to the pronouncement of the actual figure of the wage.

    ‘’I would have loved the negotiations to have been jointly arrived at, not that the federal, state, government, and private sector will forward what they had jointly agreed as the mutually agreed position.

    ‘’The present situation will leave us at the mercy of labour unions to withdraw their services and go on strike; that will not augur well for the economy,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    EEI/OIF/KAY

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    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Kayode Olaitan

     

  • UK varsity, Wellbeing Foundation partner on medical college lecturers training

    UK varsity, Wellbeing Foundation partner on medical college lecturers training
    Photos show some participants at the training

     

    Training

    By Aderogba George

    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), an NGO, has begun a five-day training in Abuja for National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) faculty examiners.

    This is made known in a statement signed and issued in Abuja on Wednesday by Mrs Adanna Maduka, Director of Policy, Partnerships and Grants, WBFA.

    She said that the training is the third batch of its kind in Advanced Obstetrics and Surgical Skills (AOSS), which was inaugurated in February.

    According to her, the first and second batch of the training was held in Lagos.

    She said that the primary goal of the training was to enhance the capacity of NPMCN faculty examiners in training resident doctors in obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN)

    “The five-day training programme holding at the NPMN College in Utako, Abuja, involves over 25 participants who will be trained by the team from The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ Nigeria Liaison Group (RCOG NLG).

    “The session began with introductions led by Dr. Hauwa Mohammed, Country Director for LSTM Nigeria, and Dr. Helen Allott, the course director.

    “They established ground rules and set the tone for an extensive training experience.

    “Participants underwent a pre-test breakout session designed to assess their current knowledge, strengths, and areas for improvement, allowing the training to be tailored to their specific needs,” Maduka said.

    Maduka quoted Allott as saying that between 2000 and 2020, the global maternal mortality ratio (MMR) decreased by 34 per cent, from 339 to 223 deaths per 100,000 live births.

    According to her, in spite of constituting only 2.4 per cent of the global population, Nigeria accounts for 10 per cent of worldwide deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth.

    She said this disproportionately high rate impacts approximately 40 million Nigerian women of childbearing from age 15 to 49 years old.

    She further quoted Allott as saying that high figure highlights the project’s aims at improving maternal and child healthcare outcomes throughout Nigeria.

    She said that the project seeks to reduce these numbers through targeted interventions and comprehensive healthcare strategies.

    According to her, by advancing the AOSS Competency-Based Curriculum for Resident Doctors in OBGYN at NPMCN, the Liverpool School on Tropical Medicine and WBFA seek to ensure the provision of high-quality care for mothers and newborns in Nigeria.

    She also said that the AOSS course focuses on advanced techniques and best practices for managing obstetric and neonatal emergencies, thereby directly contributing to enhanced healthcare delivery.

    Allott, she said, explained that the project is funded by the Global Health Workforce Programme (GHWP), supported by the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and managed by the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET).

    According to her, the project will benefit both the UK and partner country health sectors. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AG/KUA

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    Edited by Uche Anunne