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  • Centre highlights role of NSCDC in protecting rights of PWDs

    Centre

     

    By Kemi Akintokun

    Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN)The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) says the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has critical role to play in ensuring the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) were protected.

    Mr David Anyaele, CCD Founder and Special Adviser (SA) to Abia Government on Disability Matters, spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of a sensitisation programme for  Disability Desk Officers of the NSCDC, in Lagos.

    NAN reports that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was established by Act 3 of 2003 with numerous security responsibilities. This Act was amended in year 2007, to further strengthen and empower the Corps for better service delivery.

    He noted that when people have or come down with disabilities, often times, the society attributes it to something, hence the discrimination and stigmatisation.

    He said there was need for officers of NSCDC to strengthen their understanding of priority issues regarding PWDs as they have integral role to play in promoting the rights of PWDs in the society.

    “The NSCDC plays a crucial role in promoting disability rights and ensuring that PWDs are protected, inclusive and have access to justice.

    “One of the roles of NSCDC is to protect, hence the need to understand PWDs as well as the provisions of the law for them.

    “Without understanding the roles, their dynamics, you may not be able to understand PWDs.

    “This is important because you are expected to assist in times of emergencies.’’

    Anyaele urged the NSCDC to add Disability Issues as part of their roles, while emphasising the need to recruit sign language interpreters as officers too, as they will be readily available when the need arises.

    “When you recruit some sign language interpreters as officers, they will be on standby , while also doing the core job functions.

    “There will be ethical standards. By so doing, rather than having to hire interpreters every now and then when the need arises, one is already an employee of the corps and can interpret without the corps incurring additional expenses from hiring an external interpreter.’’

    Earlier, while speaking on  the “Role of NSCDC in promoting Disability Rights and Access to Justice for PWDs’’, Anyaele highlighted the importance of having a guideline in the NSCDC on how to handle disability issues and setting PWDs as priority.

    Amadu Okomayin, Head of Unit, PWD, NSCDC Lagos Command, said one of the core mandates of the NSCDC was to protect the fundamental human rights of citizens, the PWDs inclusive.

    Recognising this need as it pertains to PWDs, he said the NSCDC in all its commands, were mandated to have PWD Desk Officers being manned by a senior officer.

    Okomayin assured that the corps would continue to work toward protecting the rights of PWDs whenever it arises.

    Ms Christiana Njoku, Programme Officer, CCD, said there was need for continued advocacy to promote disability rights .

    She noted that daily, the numbers of persons with disabilities increased owing to conflicts, accidents, ailments, poor health systems among others.

    In her presentation on “Understanding Disability Rights and Model’’, Njoku made a case for mainstreaming disability whereby activities and processes should be inclusive of PWDs.

    “We don’t know who might be the next.

    “So, we all need to be concerned because eventualities such as this, most times, do not give notice and when they come, they are with lifetime consequences.

    “ Advocacy, hence, is important because anyone can be a victim at any time.’’

    “Awareness creation cannot be overemphasised because there is need for enlightenment on issues surrounding PWDs, with emphasis on the Human Rights Model,’’ she said. (NAN)
    KOA/VIV

    ====

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Lagos bus services transported over 52m in 5 years – MD

    Up: LBSL staff checking their vital signs

    Down: 3rd left, Managing Director of LBSL Mr Idowu Oguntona, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, and LBSL staff

     

     

     

     

     

    Bus

    By Chiazo Ogbolu

    Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos Bus Services Ltd. (LBSL) has trasported  more than 52 million people in the past  five years.

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LBSL, Mr Idowu Oguntona, made the disclosure on Friday in Lagos during a fitness walk organised by the organisation.

    The walk was part of activities to mark the organisation’s  five years of operation.

    Oguntona said that, on a daily basis, the company provided mobility for 60,000 Lagos residents, adding that it had  covered over 27 million kilometers.

    “We started in 2019 with just five routes, and under the five years, with the commitment of the governor, those five routes have since turned to 19 routes, giving people options across the whole of Lagos State.

    “In addition to that, we started with about 50 buses, but the governor, keeping his promises to Lagos residents, has scaled the buses to 300.

    “What the governor promised in terms of providing reliable, efficient and safe public transportation has happened, and that is why we feel that there is need to celebrate the achievements of this company,” he said.

    The LBSL boss added that the organisation’s   academy had trained 2,000 Lagos residents and equipped them with skills to be able to secure jobs.

    The managing director said that the company had committed workers.

    “As early as 5.00 a.m., buses leave the post.  The captains that will man the buses leave their homes as early as 4.00 a.m. to get to the station to provide transportation for early risers in Lagos.

    “The last bus does not come in until past eleven in the night.

    “This is not also the end of the service because, as people are sleeping, that is the time mechanical work happens on the buses. The buses are washed and fueled to be ready for the next day,” he said.

    He said that workers  could get so soaked in in their jobs that they might not pay attention to their health.

    “We decided to promote the wellness, a health walk, and beyond that, we are checking their vitals  – blood pressure, sugar level –  to ensure they are sound,” he said.

    He said that being a socially-responsible organisation, LBSL carried out corporate social responsibilities within communities  and recognised efforts of hardworking staff.

    “All of these achievements are because of the policy of the government in ensuring that there is a sustainable and well-integrated public transportation which we keyed into.

    “Going forward, there is much to expect, and in keeping in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu on blue economy, it means that public transportation will be running on clean energy, leveraging the huge gas possibility that we have to power our locomotive.

    “We will de-carbonise our fleets so that we will be environment-friendly. Lagos residents will see buses with compressed natural gas and electric engines.

    “We have started a pilot with the private sector under the leadership of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority to see how the buses can adapt to our environment,” he said.

    The managing director said that Lagos residents should  expect wider coverage.

     

    “Currently, we have about 33 routes, we want all Lagosians to have these options, to have a feel of what government is doing to ensure full social inclusion,” he said.

     

    He regretted that the company lost about 55 buses to  the Endsars protest of October  2020.

    He, however, said that the company had recovered through commitment, doggedness and resilience of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    The state Commissioner of Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said that movement of goods and services was  an integral part of the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda of  the state government.

     

    “We have an ever-growing number in Lagos when it comes to population.

    “Seven or eight years ago, we were talking about seven million people. Today, we have about 24 million, and this gave birth to our intermodal transportation system.

    “In land, we are intentional in moving people, and over time, we will be doing a lot of re-routing in high capacity routes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    CANI/GO

    ========

    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • Security guard docked for allegedly stealing school’s solar lamp, footballs

    Stealing
    By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
    Ibadan, June 7, 2024 (NAN) A 40-year-old security guard, David Michael, was on Friday arraigned before a Grade ‘A’ Customary Court, Ibadan, for allegedly stealing the school’s solar lamps and footballs.
    Michael, who worked with Onireke High School, Ibadan and whose address was not provided, was charged with theft, to which he, however, pleaded not guilty.
    The Prosecutor, Mr Philip Amusan, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on May 21, at about 7.00 p.m. at the school.
    Amusan said that Michael stole the school’s six solar lamps worth N900,000 and footballs worth N18,000.
    He stated that the defendant also willfully left his duty post without the school’s consent and proper handing over.
    The offences, according to him, were contrary to Section 390(9) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
    The court President, Mrs Moji Aworemi, granted the defendant bail in the sum N500,000, with two sureties in like sum.
    Aworemi adjourned the case till June 27 for hearing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CC/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Somalia celebrates win at UN

    Somalia celebrates win at UN
    Council
    Mogadishu, June 7, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has welcomed the country’s election to the 15-member United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for a two-year term starting in 2025.
    The president made the welcome remarks in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
    According to him, for Somalia to be among the five countries that received the winning votes for UNSC non-permanent would enable the country regain its global status.
    Mohamud said the historic vote shows how the world perceives development and governance taking place in the country.
    He said that Somalia, alongside Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, and Panama, would for the first time in 50 years, receive the winning votes for UNSC non-permanent seats.
    He said the countries would have influence in global affairs in terms of peace and conflicts.
    “The diplomatic success we have reached today translates to how the world is witnessing the efforts and development of Somalia, especially the recovery and rebuilding of our country,” he said.
    The election is an opportunity for Somalia to take part in the promotion of peace and security in the world, Mohamud said.
    Meanwhile, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has also congratulated Somalia on the country’s election as a non-permanent member of the UNSC.
    African Union Special Representative for Somalia and Head of ATMIS Mohamed El-Amine Souef said the election is a clear demonstration of the trust and confidence the UN member countries have in Somalia.
    “The achievement will embolden Somalia’s drive to secure the safety and prosperity of its people,” Souef said in a statement.
    He said Somalia’s historic election will also provide vital lessons for the quest for international peace and security in parts of the world experiencing conflict and instability.
    The five countries that were elected on Thursday will join existing non-permanent members Algeria, Guyana, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone and Slovenia. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    UMD/EAL
    ========
    Edited by Ummul Idris/Ekemini Ladejobi

  • 2024 Olympics: NWF President assures Weightlifters of support

    2024 Olympics: NWF President assures Weightlifters of support

    Support

    By Aderonke Ojo

    Abuja, June 7, 2024 ( NAN) Ibrahim Abdul, the President of Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), has assured  Weightlifters  that will represent Nigeria at the upcoming  Paris 2024 Olympic Games in France of the federation`s support.

    Abdul who stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday Abuja, said preparations were in top gear to get the athletes ready for the games.

    According to him, all the necessary support will be given to the weightlifters before and during the games.

    “In order to prepare the weightlifters for the Olympics, the federation has commenced its training camp at the Moshood Abiola National stadium Abuja.

    “We are also going to attend the African Weightlifting Associations organised camp for all African athletes that qualified for the Olympics Games,“he said.

    He said the federation’s goal is to reach the greatest possible success by winning gold medals and placing first in Paris.

     “The athletes will be able to achieve their goals in the Olympics with the training they have received so far,“he said.

    He urged corporate organisations to support the Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Enoh, as he is making all efforts to ensure the athletes succeed in Paris.

    “ He is  giving his all; so we need corporate organisations to support him with funding, equipment and even making pledges to inspire and motivate the athletes,“he said.

    NAN reports that Rafiatu Lawal (women’s 59 kg) and Joy Eze (women’s 71 kg) would represent the federation at the Olympics.

    A total of 88 athletes from Nigeria have qualified for the Olympics Games, others are still in the qualification process before the closing windows.

    The 2024 summer Olympic Games is scheduled for July 26 to Aug. 11 in Paris, France.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

    STJ /JPE

    ======

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • Jigawa varsity inaugurates committee on establishment of Faculty of Medicine

    Committee
    By Muhammad Nasir Bashir
    Dutse, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Muhammad Ibrahim-Yakasai, Vice-Chancellor, Sule Lamido University (SLU), Kafinhausa, Jigawa, has inaugurated a committee on the establishment of the institution’s Faculty of Medicine.
    This is contained is an statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr Sadiq Lawan, on Friday in Dutse.
    Ibrahim-Yakasai said that the inauguration of the committee was in line with the state government’s commitment to bringing good programmes closer to the indigenes of the state and expanding the institution for academic excellence.
    He stated that in order to ensure the smooth take-off of the programmes, the construction of the faculty building had already been awarded by the state government.
    The vice-chancellor also said that the departments to host basic medical science programmes had been constructed and awaiting necessary furnishing.
    Responding, Chairman of the committee, Prof. Dauda Maigatari, commended the state government for its foresight and the university for considering him and other members worthy of the appointment.
    Maigatari, who is also the Director, University Health Services Directorate, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, promised that the committee would do its best to ensure the establishment of the faculty.
    According to the statement, the committee was charged with the responsibility of coming up with a draft blueprint for the establishment of the proposed faculty, in line with National Universities Commission and Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria’s guidelines.
    It was also mandated to offer professional advice and guidance on the establishment of the faculty.
    Members of the committee included: Prof. H.M. Mukhtar, Prof. Idris Sulaiman and Prof. Rabi’u Abdulsalam, all from ABU and Prof. Idris Turaki, Dr Dayyabu Ibrahim and Prof Zubaida Faruq, from Bayero University Kano.
    Others were: Dr Abdullahi Haruna Birniwa, Dr Aminu Abdullahi and Isma’ila Ibrahim, both from the university. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    MNB/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • CSOs urge media to refrain from blackmailing government institutions

    CSOs urge media to refrain from blackmailing government institutions

    Media

    By Monday Ijeh

    Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), have urged the media to refrain from attempts to blackmail institutions of government and ensure accurate information before publication.

    The CSOs, Coalition for Peace In Nigeria (COPIN) and the Iconoclast Media, made the call in a joint statement on Friday in Abuja.

    The statement was signed by the National Coordinator of COPIN, Mr Emeka Akwuobi and the National Secretary of Iconoclast Media, Dr Mayago Mayago.

    The group faulted a media report on an alleged invasion of an Ogun State High Court premises and arrest of two suspects by personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS).

    According to the group, apart from the claim of invasion, the media platform also called on President Bola Tinubu to among others, “curb DSS excesses”.

    It said the DSS had, however, debunked the claim, explaining that the suspects were apprehended outside the precinct of the court.

    The CSOs said the establishment Act of the DSS had wide powers, including the detection and prevention of threats to national security, public safety and assets of government.

    The statement said investigation by the groups showed that the intelligence agency acted based on a report it received on alleged destruction of property and arson against the suspects.

    According to the group, the DSS, in our estimation, has a track record of observing the rule of law and following the due process of law in the execution of its mandate.

    “That informs why it ensures that suspects in its custody are held based on remand orders, pending when they are arraigned in court or granted administrative bail.

    “We, therefore, call on President Bola Tinubu to disregard the call by the media platform to interfere with the statutory duties of the DSS.

    “We also, call on other CSOs, individuals, groups and stakeholders in the project Nigeria, to give valuable support to the government and her institutions to facilitate the delivery of dividend of democracy,” the group said.

    The group also said the media platform, in its “scathing” editorial, failed to observe the time-honored journalism tradition of balancing reports.

    “While acknowledging that the media platform has a right to its opinion, the DSS has a history of respect for harmonious relationship with the judiciary,” the group said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IMC/AMM

    ==========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Group donates N2m to victims of Ogige Nsukka Market demolition

    Group donates N2m to victims of Ogige Nsukka Market demolition

    Foundation
    By Benson Ezugwu
    Enugu, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Ikechukwu Ezeugwu Foundation, on Friday, donated N2 million to the victims of the recent demolition of stalls in Ogige Market, Nsukka.

    The Founder and Director General of the foundation, Dr Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, said the donation was  made on the auspices of the “Ogige Nsukka Traders Support Fund, a call for empathy”.

    Ezeugwu, who is the immediate past Majority Leader of the Enugu State House of Assembly, said that the gesture was to cushion the effect of the demolition on the traders.

    “Most of us are aware of the recent development at the Ogige Market,  Nsukka.

    “The affected traders are in a state of despondency.

    “In order to demonstrate our love for them in practical, measurable and verifiable terms, I am appealing for financial assistance on their behalf in order to assuage their plight.

    “On behalf of Ikechukwu Ezeugwu Foundation, I have made a donation of N2 million only to kick-start this drive.

    “This effort will help them to stabilise emotionally even before  the money we are able to raise is given to them and before they are compensated by the government,” Ezeugwu said.

    He further said that he was aware that the leadership of the market was working with the government agencies to ensure a seamless verification of the affected shop owners.

    “This is with a view to doing the needful within the shortest possible time,” he said.

    Ezeugwu appealed to other good spirited individuals and groups to come to the aid of the victims to enable them to recommence their means of livelihood.

    “May God reward you abundantly and always meet you at your point of need as you make your donations, notwithstanding the economic realities we are presently facing in our country.

    Also, the Chairperson of the Ogige Market Traders Association, Mrs Ngozi Ozioko, said that the demolition took a big toll on the lives of the affected traders.

    Ozioko claimed that no fewer than 1800 affected shop owners were allegedly given only 72 hours to vacate their shops without compensation or alternative shops.

    “We want the government to do something very urgently to resettle the traders, ” she said.

    A victim of the demolition, Mr Ikechukwu Agbo, however, alleged that the market leaders were informed about the exercise about eight months ago.

    “The government said it informed our leaders about the development since eight months ago but nobody told us until they came last week and gave us 72 hours,” Agbo said.

    NAN reports that the State Government recently embarked on the demolition of some market stalls and structures to pave the way for its proposed transport terminals in the capital city. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    BEN/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

     

     

     

  • Lagos Lawn Tennis Club to support Tanya Okpala’s rehabilitation

    Rehabilitation

    By Olanrewaju Akojede

    Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The management of Lagos Lawn Tennis Club says it will support the rehabilitation of ace tennis star, Tanya Okpala, as part of its commitment to the welfare of outstanding players.

    The management of the foremost Lawn Tennis Club in Nigeria made this known on Friday in a statement by its President, Temitope Abere.

    Abere said that the club had decided to support the tennis star, currently undergoing rehabilitation in Anambra.

    Abere revealed that the club which is the pioneer recreational club in Africa, has a track record of impacting positively on the lives of distinguished sports personalities, particularly tennis players who made the nation proud.

    “As you well know, our club was founded in the year 1895 as a foremost recreational club in the country.

    “We have an enviable record for excellence and we are very much committed to creating a conducive atmosphere for the discovery and nurturing of talented players who fly the nation’s flag in international tourneys,” he said.

    Abere further revealed that Tanya Okpala’s father was a member of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club which provided a solid platform to stardom.

    “When we read that Tanya had fallen on hard times we felt it is part of our corporate responsibility to reach out to the family and support her in the little way we can.

    “Our prayer is that Tanya will continue to get good care so that she recovers in good time and continues to do what she loves to do best; play lawn tennis,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tanya Okpala came into the national limelight as a teenage tennis star in the 90s.

    She was a regular feature of several grassroots lawn tennis tournaments in the country.

    She performed excellently well before traveling out of the country for professional exploits before her recent dilemma.

    The low-keyed charity event will take place at Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Lord Rumens Court, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos on June 9. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    KOJE/DOE
    ========
    Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

  • Biden apologises to Zelensky for months-long delay in military aid

    Biden apologises to Zelensky for months-long delay in military aid
    Apologise
    Paris, June 7, 2024 (dpa/NAN) U.S. President Joe Biden apologised to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for Washington’s long delay in approving a sweeping new military aid package for his country.
    Biden, during a meeting with Zelensky in Paris, said he wanted to “apologise” for the months-long hold-up in a 61 billion U.S.dollars aid package, which was finally passed by Congress in late April.
    The U.S. president blamed “some of our very conservative” members of Congress.
    “I’m not gonna walk away from you,” Biden told Zelensky during a brief exchange of remarks made in front of reporters.
    On Thursday, Biden and Zelensky took part in the commemoration of D-Day, the Allied landings in Normandy, France 80 years ago during World War II.
    Zelensky addressed the French parliament on Friday morning.
    Biden is due to give a speech on democracy and freedom in Normandy on Friday afternoon. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    UMD/EAL
    ==
    Edited by Ummul Idris/Ekemini Ladejobi