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Lagos-Ibadan Expressway: FRSC warns motorists on ‘one-way’ driving

Lagos-Ibadan Expressway: FRSC warns motorists on ‘one-way’ driving
Motorists
By Ige Adekunle
Sango-Ota (Ogun), June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Ogun Command of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says motorists caught driving against traffic on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway would be asked to undergo psychiatric test in hospitals
Mr Anthony Uga, FRSC Sector Commander in Ogun, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Ota, emphasising that such offenders would face the full wrath of law.
He was reacting to Thursday’s gridlock on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, where motorists spent long hours in traffic.
An ongoing construction work on a section of the bridge normally slows down traffic in the area, but Thursday’s downpour, with the attendant flood, worsened the situation for motorists.
Many motorists, in a bid to manoeuvre, resorted to driving against traffic, complicating the traffic problem.
Uga said that driving against traffic,is is a serious traffic offence, warning those involved to desist.
“The FRSC’s message for people driving against traffic is that they should desist from such practice, as it is an attitude that could be stopped, because it is against extant rules of traffic.
“In addition, a task force comprising military and Police will be constituted today, after the Zoom meeting with all Unit Commanders, as this has become an epidemic on this corridor.
“We are also going to collaborate with FRSC Lagos command to deploy personnel to this axis to control traffic,” he said.
Uga reiterated the commitment of the FRSC to urgently address the traffic infractions committed on the road.
The sector commander appealed to the contractor working on the site to also put measures in place to alleviate the sufferings of motorists.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
IGE/SOA
Edited by Oluwole Sogunle
June 7, 2024
Minimum Wage: Utomi advises FG, organised labour
Prof. Pat Utomi
Minimum Wage: Utomi advises FG, organised labour
Wage
By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) A renowned political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi says Federal Government and the Organised Labour should take advantage of the new minimum wage negotiation to move Nigeria down the path of thrift and production.
Utomi, Founder, Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) and 2007 Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.
He was reacting to the impasse between the organised labour and the Federal Government on the new minimum wage for workers which led to the strike declared by labour unions on Monday.
Utomi said: “Labour must insist on a dramatic slash in the cost of government and investment of the savings made in production programmes and infrastructure.
“This to facilitate and sustain the value chain of the output based on our latent comparative advantage from strong factor endowments.
“On its part, government should establish what it is paying for. Is it paying as welfare for people who just show up?
“Output targets need to be established and hard consequences for abuse of positions like corruption and begging on the job from customers.”.
He said that benchmark for civil society monitoring of both parties also needed to be established with clearly outlined consequences.
According to him, the government needs to also come up with bold initiatives that drive the transition to production in the way the Operation Feed the Nation (OFN) attempted to do in the mid 1970s.
He said that that future adjustments of minimum wage weighed heavily on productivity improvements
“Once a proper framework is established now the template to plug in productivity gains should be activated
“It should not be a matter of sentiment or mood of the leaders on both sides,” he added.
NAN recalls that the organised labour’s declaration of nationwide indefinite strike on Monday over the new minimum wage affected all sectors of the economy.
However, with the Federal Government’s expression of commitment to raising its proposed minimum wage of N60,000 at a meeting with labour leaders, the organised labour on Tuesday announced suspension of the industrial action for a week for further negotiation.
The government and the Organised Private Sector had initially proposed N48,000, then N54,000 and N57,000, which were all rejected by labour.
The organised labour had also proposed N615,000 as new minimum wage, but later reduced it to N497,000 and then to N494,000, to reflect the prevailing economic realties.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AYO/BHB
Edited by Buhari Bolaji
June 7, 2024
Labourer jailed 2 years for stealing motorcycle
Labourer jailed 2 years for stealing motorcycle
Jail
By Ugochi Joy Ugochukwu
Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) A Zuba Magistrates’ Court in Abuja, sentenced a 27-year-old labourer, Bashir Sule to two years imprisonment for stealing a motorcycle.
Sule who resides in Area 1, Zuba, Abuja, had pleaded guilty to a charge of theft levelled against him
The convict after his guilty plea begged the court for leniency.
The Magistrate, Abdulazeez Mohammed sentenced the convict without an option fine.
Mohammed also advised Sule to be of good behaviour and shun a life of crime after serving his jail term.
He said the punishment would have been stiffer if the convict had not saved the court the rigour of protracted prosecution.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Mr Chinedu Ogada told the court that the complainant, Mr Salisu Wada of Tungamaji Abuja, reported the matter at the Zuba Police Station on Feb. 21
Ogada said that on Feb. 12, the complainant took his Bajaj motorcycle valued N 380,000 to a car wash located at Tungamaji for washing.
He said the convict criminally and intentionally made away with the said motorcycle, without his consent and sold it for N100,000 to unknown person and converted the money to his personal use.
The prosecutor said during police investigation, the convict made a confessional statement
He said that the offence contravened Section 287 of the Penal Code. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
UGO/JPE
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Edited by joseph Edeh
June 7, 2024
PCRC to partner hunters, vigilance groups in Kogi

Groups
By Monday Ijeh
Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Alhaji Mogaji Ibrahim-Olaniyan, the National Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), says the committee will partner with local hunters and vigilance groups to rid Kogi of criminals.
Ibrahim-Olaniyan spoke with newsmen on Friday in Abuja on the recent inauguration of zonal and state executives of PCRC in Kogi.
He said with new the executive of PCRC in place in Kogi, there would be no hiding place for criminals in the state.
The PCRC boss said the new executive would work with every member of the communities in Kogi to ensure that criminals hibernating in the state were flushed out.
He commended the election that produced Mr Aron Ali as the Kogi Chairman of PCRC, adding that the process was free and fair.
According to him, with the new executive, the expectation is that Kogi PCRC will compete with all the giant states of Kano, Lagos, Ogun and Kwara because Kogi has all it takes.
He expressed optimism that the new team at the zonal and state levels in the state would come up with strong force to support the police and other security agencies.
According to him, PCRC members are doing fine across its division because they are supporting police projects with very useful information.
The PCRC boss urged the new executive to build and develop a strong synergy among security stakeholders in Kogi to ensure the realisation of their goals in the state.
He commended Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi and other security agencies in the state for their commitment to the security of lives and property in the state. (NAN)

IMC/CJ/
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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo
June 7, 2024
4 docked for allegedly threatening man’s life
4 docked for allegedly threatening man’s life
Threat
By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
Ibadan, June 7, 2024(NAN) A 41-year-old Damilare Lateef and three others were on Friday docked in an Ona-Ara Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, for allegedly threatening a man’s life.
The defendants, whose addresses were not provided, were charged with conspiracy, threat to life and conduct likely to cause breach of peace, to which they pleaded not guilty.
The Prosecutor, Insp Folarunmi Adeshina told the court that the defendants allegedly committed the offence on May 25, at Aba Eku Dump site, Ona-Ara, Oyo State.
Adeshina alleged that the defendants threatened violence against Olabode Oladeji, the owner of the aforementioned site, with the intent to take over the site.
He alleged that the defendants conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by harassing, and chasing Oladeji and his workmen away from the site while they were working.
The prosecutor said the defendants, without lawful authority, wanted to take over the site which has already been allocated lawfully to Oladeji by the Oyo State government.
He said the offences contravened Sections 516 and 249(d) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The Magistrate, Mr Ayorinde Ayo-Alagbe granted the defendants bail in the sum of N300, 000 each and two sureties each in like sum
He adjourned the case until July 30, for hearing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
CC/JPE
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Edited by Joseph Edeh
June 7, 2024
Businessmen jailed 3 for trafficking 7.50 kg of drugs
Businessmen jailed 3 for trafficking 7.50 kg of drugs

Sentence
By Sandra Umeh
Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) A Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced a 28-year-old businessman, Peter Ugwu, to three years imprisonment for trafficking 7.50 kg of drugs.
The convict was re-arraigned by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on an amended nine-count charge of drug trafficking.
He was first arraigned on Dec. 5, 2023, and had pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The defendant, however, subsequently opted to change his plea to guilty and he was re-arraigned on Jan. 19.
He was again re-arraigned on June 6, following amendment of the charge by the prosecution, and he again, pleaded guilty to the charge.
Following his plea, the prosecutor Mrs Juliana Iroabuchi, reviewed the facts of the case through a witness, Angela Mba, and tendered 18 exhibits in support of prosecution’s case.
She, then urged the court to proceed and convict the defendant based on his plea and the evidences tendered by the prosecution.
In his verdict, Justice Ambrose Allagoa found the defendant guilty of the offence, and convicted him as charged .
After a plea for leniency on behalf of the convict by his counsel, Mr Dennis Wari, the court sentenced the convict to a term of three years imprisonment on each of the counts.
The court held that the terms shall run concurrently.
The court also ordered a destruction of the narcotics recovered from the convict, by the NDLEA
According to the charge, the convict, a resident of Muscat Oman, committed the offence on Sept. 12, 2023, alongside one Ifeanyi who is at large.
He was apprehended at the departure hall, terminal II of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, during the outward clearance of passengers onboard a Qatar Airline flight to Doha.
He was said to have exported 7.50 kg of hemp, which he concealed in a black nylon bag covered with crayfish and bittterleaf.
The convict was also said to have withdrawn the sum of over N306,000 from his Access bank account, through a POS, while still in detention.
He was said to have done so, to avoid forefeiting same to the federal government.
The offence contravenes the provisions of section 11(b) of the NDLEA Act Cap N30 Law of the Federative 2004.
It also contravenes the provisions of section 18(a)(b) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2022. (NAN)
UNS/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza
June 7, 2024
J30 tennis: Ogunsakin advances to ITF World Tennis Tour round of 16
J30 Tennis: Ogunsakin advances to ITF World Tennis Tour round of 16
Tennis
By Aderonke Ojo
Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Seyi Ogunsakin defeated Yulin Li, a Chinese player 4-6, 7-5 ( Rtd) to reach the round of 16 at the ongoing ITF World Tennis Tour Junior J30 Abuja in the male singles category on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Junior International Tennis Federation (ITF) event is a flagship tournament to help junior players gain global rankings.
The tour which started on June 5, is expected to end on Sunday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Ogunsakin was a touch too naive early in the match, which gave Yulin the opportunity to break his service in the first set, 4-6.
Yulin put up an amazing show in the opening set but Ogunsakin used techniques packed with vigor and resolve to take control of the center court.
He hauled his Chinese opponent around the court until Yulin, who was taller, pulled a shoulder which forced him to retire from the game and Ogunsakin prevailed 7–5.
Speaking after the match, Ogunsakin, said that the match meant a lot to him because it was his first ever appearance at a Junior ITF event.
He said that he had a poor game at first until he improved on his game.
“ The reason was that in the first set I did not know my opponent’s ways of play; I was just trying to see how I could do but in the second set I moved on .
“ I got through by displaying brilliant performance, withstanding Yulin pressure and winning 7-5, thereby ending Yulin’s hope of advancing further.
“I am happy for winning this round of 32 matches and advancing to the round of 16 stage where I will be playing against Ganiyu Mubarak in round of 16. I hope to also pull the same victory,”he said.
NAN reports that in the female category in the singles round of 16 matches saw Yakubu Ohunene beat Bisola Ogunkolafe 6-1,6-1 to advance to the quarter finals.
Goodness Aina defeated Myah Chang Harper from Great Britain 2-6,6-4,6-3 while Blessing Otu overpowered Ehana Chrys-Chikere from Australia 6-2,6-2.
Also, Kadijat Mohammed humbled Etoro Bassey 7-6, 3-6,6-3, Destiny Okhinaye beat Ambimbola Ayinla 6-0,6-0 and Jasmine Osho beat Alisha Ndukwu from Great Britain 6-0,6-0.
NAN reports that six countries, Nigeria (host) , Ghana, Great Britain, Australia, China and Benin Republic are participating in the ongoing championship.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
STJ/JPE
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Edited by Joseph Edeh

June 7, 2024
2 labourers jailed 1 year each for stealing building materials
2 labourers jailed 1 year each for stealing building materials
Sentence
By Uche Bibilari
Gwagwalada (FCT), June 7, 2024 (NAN) A Senior Magistrates’ Court in Gwagwalada, FCT on Friday, sentenced two labourers, Praise Matins and Hope Ibrahim to one year imprisonment each for stealing building materials.
The convicts, who were convicted and sentenced for criminal conspiracy and theft by servant, begged the court for leniency.
Senior Magistrate, Munir Sani, sentenced the convicts to one year imprisonment each or a fine of N100,000 each for each offence.
Sani ordered the convicts to pay N863,000 in damages to the nominal complainant.
Earlier, the Prosecution counsel, Abdullahi Tanko told the court that the complainant, Mr Henry Akanda, of Jabi Abuja, reported the matter at Iddo police station on June 1.
Tanko said that the convicts were workers in the complainant’s site situated at Videsh estate Aco Abuja, where they dishonestly stole his iron rods.
He said that the convicts also stole two vibrator of moulding block machine and iron bending tools all valued at N863,000.
He said that during police investigation they confessed to the offence and mentioned the name of the receiver.
The prosecutor said that the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 79 and 288 of the Penal Code. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
UU/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza

June 7, 2024
NITDA inaugurates 9-member c’ttee for Start-up Act Implementation
NITDA inaugurates 9-member c’ttee for Start-up Act Implementation
Committee
By Ijeoma Olorunfemi
Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has inaugurated a nine-member Start-up Labeling Committee to ensure the implementation of the Nigeria Start-up Act (NSA).
Malam Kashifu Inuwa, its Director-General of NITDA, inaugurated the committee on Friday in Abuja.
A statement issued by Mrs Hadiza Umar, Head Corporate Affairs and External Relations of the agency, said the committee comprised of representatives from both the public and private sectors.
“The composition of the committee reflects the emphasis on collaboration.
“Representatives from government agencies, industry experts, investors, and startup founders will bring their diverse perspectives and experiences to the table.
“This collaborative approach is expected to lead to a more efficient and effective labelling process, ultimately benefiting the growth of Nigerian startups,” she quoted Inuwa as saying.
Inuwa added President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering dedication to fostering an environment conducive for the growth and success of young Nigerian innovators was the prime factor for the inauguration of the committee.
He acknowledged the pivotal role startups would play in propelling the nation’s economic development, and the significance of the committee’s work in nurturing and supporting their enterprises.
Inuwa expressed optimism about the future, saying, ”with the right support, the young innovators could transform their ideas into thriving enterprises.
”Hence contribute significantly to job creation and the overall economic prosperity of Nigeria.
Inuwa urged the stakeholders to join hands in creating a robust eco-system that would empower the next generation of entrepreneurs to flourish and contribute to the country’s progress.
Umar also quoted Mrs Victoria Fabunmi, National Coordinator, Office for Nigeria Digital Innovation, as saying that part of the terms of reference of the committee included the review and evaluation of start-ups’ applications for labels based on criteria defined in the Act.
Fabunmi further said they were expected to periodically review and update additional labeling criteria to ensure alignment with industry trends and conduct an impartial evaluation of submitted applications for ‘Start-up Label’.
“Furthermore, the committee will recommend on issuance or otherwise of Startup Label based on defined criteria.
”It will also provide feedback, comments, and recommendations on areas of improvement where a start-up’s application is rejected.
“Where necessary, they will dedicate time to further engage start-ups for more clarity on information provided,” she said.
The NSA, enacted on October 19, 2022, established a legal and institutional framework to foster the development and growth of Nigerian start-ups.
A critical provision within the Act was the Start-up Label, which recognises eligible start-ups, granting them access to the various benefits as outlined in the NSA.
The issuance of the Start-up Label hinges on a thorough assessment and validation process to ensure a start-up meets the eligibility criteria as defined by the Act.
The newly formed committee was expected to play a pivotal role in overseeing the process.
The inauguration of the Start-up Labelling Committee marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the Nigeria Start-up Act.
With a multi-stakeholder committee guiding the process, the Act has the potential to unlock the immense potential of Nigeria’s startup eco-system and contribute significantly to the nation’s economic development.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
NIU/FEO/BRM
====================
Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Bashir Rabe Mani
June 7, 2024
Council tasks Germany on stronger measures against human trafficking
Trafficking
Strasbourg, June 7, 2024 (dpa/NAN) Council of Europe experts are calling on Germany to take stronger measures against human trafficking, in a report released on Friday.
The report said that the German authorities should punish traffickers more effectively and provide victims with more help and higher compensation.
Prostitution is the area most affected by human trafficking, though the number of people who were exploited in labour relationships had increased, the report said, referring to extensive investigations in the meat industry and beverage logistics.
The Council of Europe saw some positive developments in Germany since the last evaluation, with significantly more people being convicted of human trafficking.
However, there is cause for concern that many sentences are suspended and court proceedings take an excessively long time.
The panel also criticised the low compensation payments to victims.
Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office said that it is very difficult to detect human trafficking offences and they assume a high number of unreported cases.
Most of the victims come from Germany, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe and are often promised legal, well-paid work, before being forced into prostitution or exploitative labour conditions, sometimes by force.
Mostly this is due to the victims’ lack of prospects and poverty and the demand for prostitution and cheap labour, the report said.
The Council of Europe is independent of the EU. Together with its Court of Justice, is committed to protecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Its 46 members include all 27 EU countries plus Britain and Turkey. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
HS
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Edited by Halima Sheji

June 7, 2024