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  • Don’t scrap state electoral commissions—Yiaga Africa

    Don’t scrap state electoral commissions—Yiaga Africa

    Commissions

    By Perpetua Onuegbu
    Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) YIAGA Africa an NGO, has urged the National Assembly not to accede to calls for the scrapping of State Electoral Commissions (SIECs) saying doing so would undermine decentralisation of governance.

    Mr Samson Itodo, Executive Director, YIAGA Africa, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    According to him, this proposal is fundamentally flawed and will have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democracy if implemented.

    Itodo said among many of the adverse effects of tampering with SIECs would be an added burden to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which could lead to poorly conducted local elections.

    “Secondly it undermines the autonomy of states guaranteed in the constitution, potentially leading to an over concentration of power in the Federal Government.

    “Thirdly, it weakens local democracy and citizens` participation as local communities will be stripped of the opportunity to participate in decision-making.

    “In 2022, the National Assembly introduced a provision in the 2022 Electoral Act to regulate the procedure for LGA elections in a bid to salvage the integrity of local government elections.

    “SIECs were compelled by the Act to conduct local elections in conformity with the procedures laid out in the 2022 Electoral Act,” Itodo said.

    He said states had since been updating electoral laws to conform with the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act.

    Itodo said INEC’s current mandate is extensive and demands substantial resources and attention.

    “Adding the responsibility of conducting local government elections would further strain the Commission, potentially leading to administrative inefficiencies and reduced effectiveness in managing electoral processes.

    “Undoubtedly, SIECs have been underwhelming since the return to democracy in 1999 due to capture by state governors, weak or ineffective legal framework, underfunding and limited election administration capabilities.

    “These factors have resulted in poorly conducted and flawed local council elections.

    “Rather than scrap SIECs, the National Assembly and executive should consider implementing stricter sanctions or legislation that criminalise dissolution of local government councils’’, he said.

    Itodo said this could also include withholding federal allocation to states that failed to conduct local government elections or guarantee operational and financial independence of SIEC, among other measures,” he said.

    He said that abolishing SIECs was not a solution to flawed local government elections.

    He added that addressing the underlying issues and strengthening SIECs through legal and institutional reforms would enhance local democracy and preserve the integrity of LGA elections. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    PUO/KUA
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    Edited by Uche Anunne

     

  • NGA reiterates commitment to progressive advocacy, celebrates 25th anniversary 

    Gas

    By Yunus Yusuf

    Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) has reiterated its commitment to ensuring progressive advocacy and shaping Nigeria’s gas sector as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.

    Its president, Mr Akachukwu Nwokedi, gave the assurance while highlighting the association’s contributions over the past two decades in a statement issued on Friday in Lagos.

    He emphasised that the NGA had been pivotal in influencing industry-changing gas policies and spearheading various capacity-building initiatives through its numerous learning programmes.

    Nwokedi noted that NGA remains Nigeria’s largest gas-focused umbrella association and the most prominent advocacy platform in the gas industry.

    He announced the milestone of the association’s 25th anniversary, marking a period of substantial impact and leadership in the sector.

    Nwokedi stated, “Over the past two decades, the NGA has left an indelible mark on the gas industry.

    “Its influence can be seen in its focused advocacy on and input into industry-changing gas policies, together with its capacity-building initiatives driven through its several learning programmes.

    “These achievements have reinforced natural gas as a unique resource for Nigeria and demonstrated the NGA’s commitment to creating transformative change across various sectors of the Nigerian economy.”

    As part of the anniversary celebrations, NGA unveiled a commemorative 25th-anniversary logo.

    Nwokedi explained that the logo symbolises the core of the association’s advocacy for adopting gas as the principal energy resource to drive Nigeria’s economy.

    According to him, the central spiral of the logo represents the interconnectedness and versatility of the entire gas industry’s value chain and NGA’s role in fostering collaboration and synergy across various sectors within the industry. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    YO/AWA
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    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

  • Biden to deliver speech on democracy, freedom in Normandy

    Biden to deliver speech on democracy, freedom in Normandy

    Speech

    Colleville-sur-Mer, France, June 7, 2024(dpa/NAN) U.S. President Joe Biden is to give a keynote speech in the northern French region Normandy on Friday.

    The keynote speech in defence of freedom and democracy as part of a visit to France that includes D-Day commemorative events.

    According to the White House, Biden is planning a speech on the power of democracy and the fight against aggressors and autocrats against the historic backdrop of Pointe du Hoc on the northern French coast.

    Pointe du Hoc is a stretch of coast in Normandy where Allied troops landed 80 years ago, on June 6, 1944, now known as D-Day, which marked the beginning of the liberation of France and Western Europe from Nazi rule.

    The Allied forces at the time consisted mainly of U.S., British, Canadian, Polish and French troops.

    Biden had already used a D-Day commemoration at a U.S. military cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer in northern France earlier on Thursday to call for the defence of democracy.

    “We know the dark forces that these heroes fought against 80 years ago, they never fade,” Biden said. He cited the Russian war against Ukraine as an example.

    Biden’s speech at Pointe du Hoc is not part of the official D-Day celebrations, but is likely to be aimed at a U.S. audience in particular.

    Biden is in a tight race with Donald Trump for a second term in the White House.

    Biden is in France for a visit which will last for several days. After his stops in Normandy, he is scheduled to be received as a state guest by French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Saturday. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    HS

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    Edited by Halima Sheji

     

  • Lagos Tennis Club moves to support Tanya Okpala- Official

     

    Support

    By Uchenna Eletuo

    Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos Tennis Club (LTC) says it is set to organise a charity event to raise some funds to support the rehabilitation of  Tanya Okpala, a former tennis star.

    The President of LTC, Mr Temitope Abere, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday.

    Abere, who spoke against the backdrop of the welfare of players, said that the LTC had the tradition to support the welfare of outstanding tennis players in the country.

    NAN reports that Okpala, 41, has been battling drug addiction, of which had been of great concern to her family and the tennis community.

    The former tennis star has been undergoing rehabilitation due to the drug-related challenges.

    According to Abere, the club will on Sunday, June 9, stage a charity event at the Lagos Tennis Club, Tafawa Balewa Square, to raise funds to help Okpala get better.

    The president noted that the management of LTC had recognised the plight of the tennis star and given approval for the humanitarian action.

    “It is true she is currently undergoing rehabilitation in Anambra, and our support will boost efforts toward her well-being.

    “The club, the pioneer recreational club in Africa, has a track record of impacting positively on the lives of distinguished sports men and women, particularly tennis players who have made the nation proud.

    “Our club was founded in 1895 as a foremost recreational club in the country.

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

    Abere revealed that Tanya Okpala’s father is a member of the Lagos Tennis Club that provided the platform to nurture young Tanya into 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 with her tennis career”.

    He noted that 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 and performed excellently well.

    She traveled out of the country for professional exploits where she fell victim to drug abuse.

    Also, Godwin Kienka, the Director of International Tennis Academy, who tutored Okpala, said she was a promising young star who completed and won competitions in the age group cadre before proceeding to the senior level.

    Kienka said that Okpala and Jacquelyne Okwueze, among others, performed well, such that all got scholarship to study in U.S.

    Okpala, however, returned to Nigeria in 2007 with drug-related challenges, but has been undergoing rehabilitation.  (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    EUC/VIV

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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

     

  • Reps, UN sign MoU on women inclusion in governance

    Reps, UN sign MoU on women inclusion in governance

    MoU

    By EricJames Ochigbo

    Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The House of Representatives has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Women on the need to increase the number of women in governance.

    Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas said on Thursday in Abuja that the partnership is to amplify the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill and the Bill on Women’s Parliamentary Seats.

    Represented by his Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, Abbas said that the advocacy partnership will service as a tool to lobby other stakeholders especially the constituents for women inclusivity.

    “So the advocacy should not only be within the people’s parliament alone, it should go beyond here to the rural areas for the constituents to know why we want to go this way.

    “Let them see the comparative analysis between our country and other countries, let them see what we are missing by not going this route all this while and let them see what we are going to gain if we go this route,” he said.

    He stressed the need to build the capacity of women and sensitise women to support female aspirants.

    He also said that women should be encouraged to bring their best in contributing to national development and not to compete with men or be seen to be antagonistic to men.

    Earlier, the UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong said that Nigerians are looking up to the National Assembly to address the problem of women underrepresentation.

    She said that there are about 4 per cent of women elected to the National Assembly, and that there are only seven women serving in the 45 member federal cabinet.

    She said that Nigeria is not doing well in the continental in terms of women representation in governance.

    “This is the challenge we must all work together to surmount. You have demonstrated leadership, dedication and passion in this journey.

    “UN Women is committed to walk this journey and to build a strong and sustainable partnership with your office and with the membership of the National Assembly,” she said.

    Eyong said that the UN Women, with financial contribution from the Government of Canada and Norway had since 2019 supported strategic partnerships focusing on enhancing women’s political.

    She said equal attention had also been given to economic empowerment, advancing the rights of women and girls, and strengthening women’s voice and leadership in development, peace, security and humanitarian response nexus among others. (NAN)(www,nannews.ng)

    EOO/FEO/SH

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    Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Sadiya Hamza

  • Audience measurement system will attract investment in media – Idris

    Audience measurement system will attract investment in media – Idris
    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris ( 4th Left) and other dignatries during the launch in Abuja on Thursday.
    System
    By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
    Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says the launch of the Audience Measurement System in Nigeria will enhance data, boost and attract great investments into the media sector of the country.
    Idris stated this at the launching of the Audience Measurement System  in Abuja.
    The event was put together by First Media and Entertainment Integrated Limited in collaboration with National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON).
    According to him, the System is for the broadcast sector to generate accurate and reliable data of television viewers in the country.
    Idris, who performed the launch, said the System holds immense importance in ensuring that broadcasting endeavors are not only impactful but also reflective of the diverse preferences and needs of the audience.
    The Minister described the introduction of the system as a groundbreaking achievement that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for a more prosperous and technologically advanced Nigeria.
    “The system is a tool that empowers us to understand and respond to the dynamic nature of our media consumers, providing valuable perception into their viewing habits, content preferences, and engagement patterns.
    “It is therefore gratifying to note that this project, which started in 2020, has finally come to fruition.
    “I am confident that a transparent and reliable audience measurement system will enhance data and attract greater investment into the media sector, driving economic growth and creating job opportunities.
    “It will also enhance Nigeria’s reputation as a market with robust and trustworthy media analytics,” Idris said.
    He said the introduction of the system becomes very necessary, because, the current Audience Measurement still uses age old Diary Method (pen and paper) of collecting data on TV Viewership and Radio Listenership
    He added that such does not reflect the true picture of what and how many people are watching or listening to a particular content.
    The minister said it is disheartening to note that in spite of having more than three times the eyeballs in South Africa, Nigeria’s television advertising market revenue is low compared to that of South Africa, and Kenya.
    “Hence, a development that necessitated the adoption of a system that will ensure that the advertising spend in Nigeria grows exponentially in the next couple of years.
    Speaking, the Director-General of ARCON, Dr Olalekan Fadolapo said, Nigeria has the biggest market, highest GDP and over 200 million population; and highest Internet users, but on return on investments, Nigeria is not among the top four.
    “This is as a result of series of leakages, and we have not been able to develop measures that will take cognisance of every story and advantage in the industry.
    “Now, we are celebrating a new dawn,meaning that, after this launch, all advertisers and media planners will have enough measurement to calculate what is being spent.
    Similarly, the Director-General of NBC, Mr Charles Ebuebu said the system would go a long way to improve the media sector in the country..(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CMY/SH
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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • NDLEA nabs 110 suspects, recovers 520.385kgs illicit drugs in Kaduna

    NDLEA nabs 110 suspects, recovers 520.385kgs illicit drugs in Kaduna
    Seizures
    By Muhammad Tijjani
    Kaduna, June. 7, 2024(NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Kaduna State Command, said its operatives have arrested 110 suspects and recovered  520.385kgs of illicit substances in the month of May.
    Its Commander, Mr Samaila Danmalam, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Kaduna.
    Danmalam said, “The command in the month of May  arrested 110 suspects comprising 105 males and five females.”
    He disclosed that the agency also seized various illicit substances that included  cocaine, Indian hemp, Tramadol and Methamphetamine, among others, weighing 520.385kgs .
    Danamalam added that 10  illicit drug joints were dismantled in the state.
    The commander said that the command secured the conviction of 12 suspects and arraigned 22 others within the month under review.
    He explained that in its efforts to combat the drug scourge in the state through drug demand reduction activities, the command carried out numerous sensitization programmes across the state.
    “This was with the aim of enlightening the citizenry on the ills associated with drug use and illicit trafficking while simultaneously counselling and rehabilitation of drug dependent persons,” he added.
    Danmalam  appealed to the public to shun illicit drug activities and trafficking.
    He urged the citizens to provide useful and timely information to assist the command in carrying out its mandate in the state.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TJ/NRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Katsina unveils e-tax billing system

    Tax

    By Abbas Bamalli

    Katsina, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Katsina State Internal Revenue Service (KSIRS) has introduced a digital billing system for ease of taxation.

    The billing system code named: Pay-by-Yourself or (Biya da Kanka), is designed to encourage tax compliance and management.

    Alhaji Sada Shu’aibu, the Director, Corporate Communication of the service, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday in Katsina.

    He said the measure was imperative towards centralising tax payment and administration to enhance revenue generation.

    According to him, the system will enable taxpayers to register with the service, to know their tax status and also pay directly to the government’s coffers.

    “With the new system, tax payers can register, calculate and also pay their dues at their convenience through their mobile phones or laptops.

    “The aim is to block leakages in revenue generation to enable the government to execute projects that have direct impact on the people,” he said.

    He, therefore, urged tax payers to download the App for ease of transactions, as all revenue generating agencies had been synchronised on the platform. (NAN)( www.nannews.ng)

    AABS/RSA

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    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • Rainy season: VIO chief cautions motorists on vehicle maintenance

    Rainy season: VIO chief cautions motorists on vehicle maintenance

    Rain
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) has called all motorists to be cautious on the roads during the rainy season while urging them to ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles.

    Dr Yusuf Suberu, Squadron Leader, Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) Mayors of the Federation said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

    Suberu also harped on the need for strict compliance with traffic rules and regulations among road users especially during the period.

    The VIO chief expressed concern about the rate at which people neglected the basic ethics of driving during the rainy season, which resulted in avoidable crashes, death and fatal injuries in some cases.

    He said that low level of vehicle maintenance among motorists, especially the commercial drivers had caused major havoc on the highway across the country.

    He also said that it was also imperative for drivers to be patient and calm while driving adding that it would help to ensure sanity on the highways during the season.

    This, he said would also help to avoid road hazards that occur as a result of wet and slippery road surfaces, foggy weather and occasional poor visibility that characterise the season among others.

    According to him, we wish to reiterate our commitment towards safer road use during this rainy period.

    “We want to warn the motoring public on the need to comply with all traffic rules and regulations as they ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles.

    “It is important that drivers fix the vehicle wiper blades, head and tail lights, brakes and avoid the use of worn-out tyres to enhance safety as they ply the roads when it is raining.

    “Motorists should also note that visibility might be affected when the rain is heavy and they are advised to reduce speed and stop when it is obviously unsafe to continue driving.

    “Also, if visibility is very poor, drivers should endeavour to move off the road and park safely, leave your parking lights on and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you”, he said.

    Suberu expressed the VIO’s concern over the attitude of many drivers in the country on tyre care and maintenance, adding that most Nigerian drivers have poor maintenance culture.

    He urged motorists to be mindful of potholes and pedestrians crossing the roads adding that the VIO mayors would visit motor parks and sensitise commercial drivers.

    He said that the sensitisation would be on how to desist from excessive speeding and dangerous driving on highways to avert road traffic mishap.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Agusto & Co upgrades Wema Bank’s rating to Bbb+ on improved performance

    Rating
    By Rukayat Adeyemi
    Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) A Pan-African credit rating agency, Agusto & Co, has upgraded Wema Bank’s rating from BBB to BBB+, following the bank’s strong 2023 financial  performance.
    Agusto & Co, also a leading provider of industry research and knowledge in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa,
    also confirmed a stable outlook for the bank.
    This is disclosed in a statement issued by the bank on Thursday Lagos
    Among the outstanding results achieved by Wema Bank was a 196 per cent increase in Profit Before Tax (PBT) from N14.75 billion to N43.59 billion.
    This translated to higher pre-tax return on average equity (ROE) and pre-tax return on average assets (ROA) from 21.5 per cent to 43.9 per cent  and one per cent to 2.1 per cent respectively.
    The bank also recorded a 220.4 per cent increase in Profit After Tax (PAT) from N11.21 billion to N33.66 billion, 70.63 per cent increase in Gross Earnings from N132.30 billion to N225.75, 53.64 per cent.
    It recorded an increase in loans disbursed from N521.43 billion to N801.10 billion and a reduction in cost-to-income ratio (CIR) from 80.1 per cent to 64.4 per cent due to significant earnings growth despite economic fluctuations.
    The bank also posted 220.53 per cent increase in earnings per share from N87.2 to N279.5, among other indices.
    According to Agusto & Co, “The upgrade of Wema Bank’s rating to Bbb+ is underpinned by improved profitability despite macroeconomic headwinds, lower impaired loan ratio, better deposit mix, strong shareholders’ support as reflected in the successful rights issue exercise and perpetual bond issuance.
    “We have also attached an ESG score of ‘2’, reflecting our view that environmental, social, and governance issues have a minimal impact on Wema Bank’s rating”.
    Mr Moruf Oseni, Wema Bank’s Managing Director, expressed the bank’s gratitude to Agusto & Co for acknowledging the strong progress made by the bank.
    “Wema Bank is on a journey to the top and we are driven by a commitment to delivering exceptional value, exceeding expectations, and providing optimum returns to every stakeholder—shareholders, customers, employees, and partners alike.
    “It is this commitment that has reflected positively in our numbers and will propel our growth over the next decade”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RUKY/AWA
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    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa