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  • Gov. Alia swears-in 23 caretaker committee chairmen

    Chairmen
    By Emmanuel Antswen
    Makurdi, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue  on Friday swore in caretaker committee chairmen for each of the state’s 23 local governments.
    Performing the ceremony at  the Government House in Makurdi, Alia charged the chairmen to deliver quality services to the people at the local level.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor had requested the House of Assembly to extend the tenure of the caretaker committees, to allow the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) enough time to conduct council elections.
    NAN also reports that the State House of Assembly had screened and confirmed the nominees sent to them by the governor with Mr Timothy Hembaor, the earlier nominee from Ushongo, replaced with Mvendaga Atetan.
    Alia charged the chairmen to avoid excuses and serve their local government areas diligently, while ensuring that their work reflected the manifesto of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
    He urged them to give their best, especially as his administration had granted autonomy to the local governments.
    The governor charged them to remain at their various duty posts and attend to the needs of the people so that the residents would enjoy the dividends of democracy.
    Responding on behalf of the chairmen, the Caretaker Chairman of Konshisha Local Government Area,  Mr Philip Achuah, said that they would do their best to replicate the governor’s efforts at the local level.
    Achuah appreciated the governor for granting quasi-autonomy to the local government system in the state, and  promised that the new officials would not fail in their duties. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AEB/FON/YGA
    =============
    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Gabriel Yough

  • DIG charges officers on professionalism to eradicate kidnapping

    DIG charges officers on professionalism to eradicate kidnapping

    Police
    By Muftau Ogunyemi
    Akure, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Sylvester Alabi, Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in-charge of South-West, has charged police officers on professionalism to eradicate kidnapping in the zone.

    Alabi made the call while addressing the officers and men of the Ondo State command on Friday in Akure.

    The DIG said that his visitation was on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to all the zonal DIGs to assess security situations in their respective zone.

    Alabi said that the time had come for police officers to engage community and religious leaders to tackle criminality in the society,

    He also said fighting crime in the South-West had yielded positive results, but there was the need to do more.

    “When something happens unexpectedly, it is the duty of the officer to go back to the drawing board and re-strategise.

    “Policing is not a tea party, it is a very serious, tedious, physical and mentally challenged job.

    “So, it’s a job that entails total commitment and total dedication, because we owe members of the public a duty to secure their lives and properties.

    “Generally, South-West is one of the most peaceful zone we have in the country today, but I don’t want you to be carried away so that you will not get embarrassed.

    “So, its time for you to double your efforts and ensure the pocket of occasional kidnapping and occasional armed robbery being experienced becomes a thing of the past.

    “We need to sit down and do a serious planning to eradicate completely any incident of kidnapping in Ondo State,” he said.

    Alabi, therefore, called on police officers to imbibe the ethics of the job, saying corruption and extortion would not be condoned.

    “As police officers, you can do your job and earn a good job without delving into all those unprofessional and unethical conducts.

    “I am admonishing you to desist from that and it is better for you to attract goodwill for yourself from well-meaning Nigerians.

    “Because if you do your job diligently and show that you a man of integrity, you will be loved by people and gain more confidence and trust from people,” he said.

    In his speech, Abiodun Asabi, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in-charge of zone 17, assured the DIG that the zone would continue to fall in line with the agenda of the IGP.

    “We are not going to rest on accolades that our zone is the most peaceful in the country, we will continue to push our zone more to be free from any form of criminality,” he said.

    In his address, Abayomi Oladipo, Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, appreciated the DIG’s visit, saying that the command would continue to engage officers and men on professional conduct for effective service delivery.

    “Our display of professionalism during the governorship primaries in the state came to bare as we were non-partisan and followed the guiding principles as laid down in the electoral act.

    “Currently, the command has mapped out plans to ensure that the state is devoid of actions and inactions that can heat up the polity.

    Abayomi explained that he had a meeting with political stakeholders and all relevant organisations involved in electoral activities, and called on politicians to warn their supporters against causing chaos in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OMA/AYO/IKU
    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Tayo Ikujuni

  • Plateau assembly confirms PLASIEC chairman, nominees

    Confirmation
    By Peter Amine
    Jos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Plateau State House of Assembly on Friday screened and confirmed nominations for chairman and members of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC).
    Speaker Gabriel Dewan had read the governor’s communication to the house before the eventual screening and confirmation.
    The governor had, in the letter, said that the request was pursuant to the powers conferred on him by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.
    The nominees screened and  confirmed included Mr Plangji Chishak, Chairman; Mrs Theresa Kaze, Member; Mrs. Deborah Akanle, Member; and Mr Ado Adare, Member.
    Others include Waziri Kwande, Member, Mr Audu Dorzhi, Member; Dr Langman Pensiwan, Member; and Pam Davou, Secretary.
    Dewan congratulated the appointees and urged them to work for the  good of the Plateau people. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    PAT/YGA
    ========
    Edited by Gabriel Yough

  • EEDC begins metering of “Band A” customers in S/East June 11

     

     

     

    Metering
    By Stanley Nwanosike
    Enugu, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) says it will begin the metering of  its Band A customers across its network in the South-East through its Meter Asset Providers (MAP) initiative.

    The Head, Corporate Communications, EEDC, Mr Emeka Ezeh, made the disclosure in a statement on Friday in Enugu.

    The exercise, which would kick-off in Enugu on June 11, would focus on EEDC customers served by Band A feeders under its Ogui, Awkunanaw, and Abakpa districts within Enugu metropolis.

    Eze said the Mobile MAP metering approach was part of efforts by the EEDC to ensure that customers under service “Band A” across its network were metered within 48 hours.

    According to him, the company adopted this approach to ensure that the affected customers who enjoy minimum daily availability of 20 hours can begin to manage their energy consumption and pay for what they consume.

    “EEDC customers under Awkunanaw district, served by Topland 11KV, Gariki 11KV, Amaechi 33KV, and UNEC 11KV feeders are to visit the EEDC Service Center at Mayor Bus Stop, Agbani Road.

    “In the same vein, customers under Ogui District, served by New Haven 11KV, Abakaliki Road, 11KV, Power House 11KV, Chime Avenue 11KV, Onitsha Road 11KV, and Golf 11KV feeders, are to visit EEDC Ogui District office at Station Road, Enugu.

    “While customers under Abakpa District served by Abakpa 3 11KV, Dhamija 11KV, Nowas 11KV, and Ugwuogo 33KV feeders are to visit Trans Ekulu Service Center.

    “Customers are expected to visit the mentioned locations with a valid form of identification (either Drivers License, Voters Card, NIN or International Passport) and a copy of their bills.

    “Officials of EEDC will assist them with the MAP application process and installation of the meter will be made once payment is confirmed,” he said.

    The EEDC spokesman said that the MAP metering programme allowed customers to pay and get metered and reimbursed with the value of the cost of meter through energy over a period.

    Ezeh noted that gradually, the exercise would be extended to other “Band A” feeders across EEDC franchise area.

    “Unmetered customers, especially those under service “Band A” are urged to take advantage of this programme and get metered, bearing in mind that they will be reimbursed with the value of the cost of the meter through energy over a period.

    “This exercise is carried out by EEDC in conjunction with its MAPs (Meter Asset Providers) – MOJEC International Limited and Advanced Energy Management Services (AEMS),” he said.

    MAP is a metering intervention designed and approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to close the existing metering gap in the power sector. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    KSN/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
    ==========

  • NGO endorses  Senate’s bill on open grazing ban

     NGO endorses  Senate’s bill on open grazing ban
    Support
    By Peter Amine
    Jos, June 7, 2024 (NAN), International Organization for Peace Building and Social Justice (PSJ Nigeria) has endorsed the Nigerian Senate’s bill on the ban on open grazing and the establishment of the National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission.
    PSJ Programme Manager, Mr Sam Odeh, who briefed newsmen on Friday in Jos, said that the NGO had been following the recent conversations and events in the red chambers of the National Assembly.
    The programme manager stated that the legislative initiative aimed at regulating, managing, preserving, and controlling ranches throughout Nigeria was a welcome development.
    He pointed out that in a nation where cultural and religious diversity enriches our society, it is imperative that all communities coexist peacefully.
    Odeh said that the persistent farmer-herder crisis has not only led to significant losses of lives and property but also threatens the very fabric of the country’s unity.
    “PSJ wants to openly state that the Bill to Ban Open Grazing and the Establishment of the National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission, sponsored by Sen. Titus Zam (APC/Benue West), is in the right direction and should be accepted by all citizens.
    “The proposed bill offers a sustainable solution that aligns with PSJ Nigeria’s vision of a peaceful Nigeria where all communities thrive together.
    “Enhancing food safety and economic growth, the benefits of ranching extend beyond resolving conflicts.
    “Ranching ensures that cows are reared in controlled environments, produce healthier meat and milk for Nigerian consumers.
    “This shift from open grazing to ranching promises to enhance food safety standards across the nation.
    “Furthermore, the establishment of ranches is poised to stimulate economic growth and create job opportunities for Nigerians, fostering a robust and sustainable agricultural sector,” he said.
    According to him, the open grazing system has rendered 134,208 hectares of land in the central Nigeria region uncultivable, drastically reducing food crop production.
    He emphasised that the Senate’s move to put a ban on open grazing was a commendable step towards ensuring that agricultural lands were utilized effectively for food production.
    Odeh said that the move would not only mitigate food shortages but also stabilize the nation’s economy by bolstering agricultural output. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    PAT/YGA
    ========
    Edited by Gabriel Yough

  • Edo govt. sympathises with LP candidate over billboard removal

    Sympathy

    By Nefishetu Yakubu
    Benin, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Edo State Government has sympathised with the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Mr Olumide Akpata, over the removal of his campaign billboards.
    The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Chris Nehikhare, said this in a statement on Friday in Benin.
    Nehikhare said the government condemned any form of vandalism and urged all parties involved to address such issues through proper channels.
    “We acknowledge the concerns raised by Mr Olumide Akpata regarding the removal of his campaign billboards.
    “The Edo State Government condemns any form of vandalism and urges all parties involved to address such issues through proper channels.
    “While we understand Mr Akpata’s frustration, we encourage him to engage with the relevant agencies responsible for the management of signage, to settle any outstanding bills or disputes.
    “Threats of violence or disobedience have no place in our democratic process, and all parties should conduct themselves with decorum and respect for the law.
    “It is essential that we focus on constructive dialogue and peaceful engagement, rather than resorting to tactics that may incite division or unrest,” Nehikhare said.
    He said that the government remained committed to upholding the rule of law and would address any disruptive behaviour, regardless of one’s status or affiliation.
    The commissioner urged Akpata to prioritise addressing the internal challenges within his party and work toward fostering unity and stability.
    He urged all to strive to promote a peaceful and inclusive electoral process, for the benefit of all citizens.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akpata had earlier at a press conference accused the Edo State Government of being responsible for the vandalised campaign billboards. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    NY/FON/JNC
    ============
    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • EKIFEST: Ekiti govt. assures tourists of adequate security

    EKIFEST: Ekiti govt. assures tourists of security

    EKIFEST
    By Opeyemi Gbemiro
    Ado-Ekiti, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Ekiti State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy says  measures have been put in place to ensure adequate security  during the Ekiti Festival (EKIFEST), scheduled for Aug. 6 to 10.
    The Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof. Rasaki Ojo-Bakare, during a press briefing on Friday in Ado- Ekiti.
    Ojo-Bakare said that EKIFEST, an annual flagship festival ,was organised to strengthen the cultural values and heritage of Ekiti people.
    He said that the festival was established to project and showcase the many  talents at the grassroots in a bid to place Ekiti on the map of global culture.
    “We are here to tell you that Gov. Biodun Oyebanji has given us marching order to host EKIFEST and it has to be the best ever.
    “EKIFEST started because of the need to create a platform for the local governments  to bring what they have to the centre for the purpose of exposure, exhibition and marketing.
    “EKIFEST was established to project talented people at the grassroots and expose them to the world.
    “We are inviting visitors from all over Africa and beyond. These fellows are not just coming as tourists, but to see what our people are capable of doing with their talents, so that they can invest and take the products beyond the borders of Ekiti and Nigeria,” the commissioner said.
    He said that there would be competitive events like fashion,  traditional sports such as wrestling; street carnival, among others.
    Ojo-Bakare said that the state government was working working with security agencies ensure no  having any breach of security before, during and after the festival.
    He urged traders to reduce prices of their products before, during and after the festival, so that they could generate more income for themselves and the state.
    “Price control is not what we can actually control by force, but we are sensitising our people to make them understand the danger of capital flight.
    “We are already talking to them during festivals, ‘if you make price of your items too expensive, they will buy their things from their home country and bring them here’. “
    “Some of their members will be in our planning committee, in order to have a successful festival this year,” the commissioner said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Ekiti State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy is among the four ministries recently honoured by as the best performing MDAs in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    OPA/FON/BHB
    =============
    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Buhari Bolaji

  • Prof Ezeokonkwo emerges acting VC of UNN

    Election
    By Hilary Akalugwu
    Nsukka (Enugu State) June 7, 2024 (NAN) Prof Romanus Ezeokonkwo, the incumbent Deputy Vice-chancellor, Administration at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has been elected as the Acting Vice-chancellor of the university.
    Chief Okwun Omeaku, the Public Relations Officer of the university made the disclosure in a statement issued at the end of the 422nd session of the Senate in Nsukka on Friday
    He said that Ezeokonkwo won by 200 votes in the election conducted by the senate at its session on Friday.
    According to him, Ezeokonkwo defeated Prof Johnson Urama, Deputy Vice-chancellor Academic UNN and Prof Daniel Nwachukwu, the Deputy Vice-chancellor, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC).
    “Ezeokonkwo scored 200 votes to defeat Urama and Nwachukwu who scored 180 and 25 votes repectiviely,” he said.
    The PRO noted that the position of the vice chancellor became vacant following the end of the tenure of Prof Charles Igwe, whose five year-tenure would end on June 10. (NAN) (www.nannews.com)
    HOA/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Group urges anti-graft agencies to investigate alleged tax corruption in NSITF

    Group urges anti-graft agencies to investigate alleged tax corruption in NSITF

    Corruption
    By Emmanuel Oloniruha
    Abuja, June 7, 2024(NAN)The Transparency and Accountability Group(TAG), a civil society coalition against corruption, has called on anti-corruption agencies to probe the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) over alleged non-remittance of N2.1 billion workers’ tax.

    The group made the call at a news conference by the Executive Director, Centre for Responsive Governance, Mr Ayodeji Ologun, on Friday in Abuja.

    Ologun also called on both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) to probe NSITF’s procurement processes.

    He called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the alleged series of crisis rocking the agency, which often result to frequent clash between the union and management.

    He alleged that the sum of N2.1 billion was deducted from the NSITF staff’s salaries in 2022 as taxes, but instead of remitting it to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the agency invested it.

    He said that up till this moment the said amount was yet to be remitted to the FIRS, thereby delayed issuance of tax clearance certificate to the staff of the agency.

    “Members of staff of this agency living Lagos, particularly and other zones face different difficulties when applying tax clearance to enroll their wards in school.

    “Our findings revealed that rather than remitting this huge amount of money, the management of NSITF invested this money with Norrenberger, a company that wasn’t among the counterparties approved by the board of the agency,’’ he said.

    Ologun said though the present Managing Director of NISTF, Mrs Maureen Allagoa, was the Executive Director of Administration when the money was invested; the deducted t”xes were yet to be remitted even under her watch.

    He also called on the anti-graft agencies to investigate the role of the former Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, in the allegation.

    Ologun also called on the ICPC to conduct a thorough investigation into appointment of a consultant by the NSITF to conduct forensic investigation without due process.

    He said that the fund managing director in December 2022 secretly appointed Messers Deem Forensic Integrated Services Limited to inspect the books of all contributors to the NSITF.

    He said that the decision which was communicated to all NSITF regional, branch offices and all stakeholders on Jan. 27, 2023, cited sections 31, 53 and of the employees compensation Act 2010.

    He added that in an attempt to cover its track the management on May 8, constituted a Parastatal Tenders Board (PTB) to consider and award the procurement of consultants;

    “To conduct forensic recovery into remittances of companies/organizations in the Private Sector Qualified under the Act to remit one per cent of gross payroll to the NSITF from 2010 till date.

    “We found out that this act is tantamount to the breach of procurement process,’’ he said.

    Ologun said that NSITF Management was attempting to award the same contract in 2024 to Deem Forensic Global Services and M/S Nwaodu Udochi Anthony & Co. with ambiguous terms of payment.

    He urged the ICPC to mandated NSITF to produce evidence of the purported board approval and how Deem Francis was recruited to embark on the sensitive consultancy service.

    He also called on”the NSITF management to show to the public financial implications of the project, provision for the expenditure in 2022 appropriation and how much Deem Forentic has been paid so far.

    Ologun also accused the agency of duplication of already existing contracts, arbitrary and outrageous spending of public funds on frivolities.

    “We also observed that in the proposed award of internet connectivity of 19 DRC, the management is to spend the sum of N133.9m, which is to be awarded to M/S NEWCOM GLOBAL SERVICES LTD.

    “This is obviously outrageous and not in tandem what is expected of an agency saddled with the responsibility of managing people’s fund,’’ he said..

    Meanwhile the management NSITF has dismissed the allegations by the group, describing it as another “ sound and furry” by extortionists and detractors.

    The agency in a statement by its General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Nwachukwu Godson, vowed to move ahead with its reform.

    Godson recalled that the NSITF had on May 14, challenged a cohort of TAG to prove similar allegations or take its trade elsewhere.

    He said that agency was  not cowed by the unrewarding whining from a poorly articled traders of hurt and malice since its books were opened and there was nothing really to hide .

    He said that the deliberate distortion of the issues surrounding the N47 million gratuity had adequately been addressed by the immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Simon Lalong through a committee set up in October 2023, which established no guilt against the NISTF managing director.

    He said that all the allegations were lies told so many times which had failed before consistent knocking of available facts.

    Godson  said that the allegations by TAG were a motley rehash of issues which had been properly addressed before now and some of which the ICPC and EFCC were investigating and so far, no wrong doing established on the part of the agency’s management. (NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)
    OBE/IAA
    =======

    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

  • JDPCI advocates forest preservation against climate change

     

    Officials of JDPCI during a news conference on Friday in Abuja.

    Forest
    By Aderogba George/Philomina Attah
    Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Justice, Development and Peace Caritas Initiative (JDPCI), Abuja, a faith-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has advocated forest preservation to mitigate the effect of climate change.
    Mr Josephat Abaagu, the JDPCI Chairman, said this at a news conference in Abuja on Friday to commemorate the 2024 World Environment Day celebrated annually on June 5.
    Abaagu expressed dissatisfaction at the rate forests were being destroyed, noting that forest reserves that used to exist in the country in the past are no longer there.
    He urged the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, to revive the tree planting project which used to exist in the FCT in the past to beautify and safeguard the environment.
    According to him, the 2024 World Environment Day theme: ‘Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience’, offers the initiative an opportunity to call on everyone to rise to the challenge of protecting the environment.
    He said that the JDPCI between 2023 and 2024 embarked on a tree planting campaign and had planted over 10,000 economic trees.
    The chairman said that the tree planting would not only contribute to environmental restoration and biodiversity, but provide economic benefits to local communities.
    He said the tree planting campaign would enhance carbon sequestration, combat soil erosion, and foster a healthier ecosystem.
    “If you talk about the Savannah region here and the Sahel area, the far north, and even parts of the south, you won’t see any forest again; the trees have all been cut down.

    “The kind of logging that happens in this country is terrible.
    “By integrating environmental stewardship with economic empowerment, we embody the holistic approach advocated by the Holy Father, Pope Father Francis.
    “Furthermore, I am thrilled to highlight the recent launch of the JDPCI Laudato Si’ Briquette Factory and safe energy cooking stoves in April 2024.
    “This innovative project which was inaugurated by His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius A. Kaigama, represents a significant step in our efforts to mitigate climate change.
    “The factory produces eco-friendly briquettes from agricultural waste like sawdust and rice husks, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional wood and charcoal.
    “This not only reduces deforestation and carbon emissions but also provides a cleaner and more affordable energy source for households,’ he said.
    Mr Chukwuedozie Abazie, an official of the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, also reiterated the need for individuals to pay more attention to their immediate environment.
    “The theme of the 2024 World Environment Day is a wake-up call on individuals to pay more attention to how they live their lives within their immediate environment,” Abazie said.
    He said that individuals must take a lot of seriousness on tree planting.
    Rev. Fr. Solomon Uko, Executive Director, JDPCI, also urged the FCT Minister to take a clue from the Catholic Diocese of Abuja and resuscitate tree planting in the FCT.
    Uko said that there was a need to mitigate the effect of erosion in the FCT, with lot of buildings springing up in the area.
    He also decried the effect of poor waste disposal in the FCT, stressing that could cause air pollution, if not properly managed.
    “We have the rainy season here, and we know what that means, so it is a call for us as human beings to take care of the earth.
    “We have been given that special task by God Himself and the priests always like to reflect in the scripture.
    “In Genesis Chapter 1, Verse 28, the Lord created man and gave us that commission, be fruitful, multiply and take care of the earth.
    “We are not owners, we are stewards. So, we have been given that responsibility of taking care of our earth, so, I urge the government and individuals to promote this task of taking care of our environment,’’ he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AG/APA/OIF/JNC
    ===============
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma