WordPress

Blog

  • Lagos inaugurates 270 homes, seeks private sector partnership

    Housing

    By Lydia Ngwakwe/Aderonke Ojediran
    Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Commissioner for Housing, Lagos state, Mr Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, has called on private companies to help in building more affordable housing units in the state to bridge the deficit gap.
    Akinderu-Fatai made the call at the official inauguration and handover of the 270 home units, Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Estate (Cluster 1), on Thursday, in Lagos.
    He said the occasion was a step toward alleviating the housing deficit in Lagos.
    Akinderu-Fatai added the housing project would bring succour to the people of the Igando-Ikotun in Alimosho Local Government Area.
    He emphasised that there were more people who needed affordable housing in Lagos than the government could currently provide on its own.
    He said, “We are also using this medium to call for more private participation in strengthening our resolve to reduce the challenge of housing deficit in the state.
    “Though we have made significant financial investment through budgetary allocations towards completion of all existing housing schemes, we still need private sector’s support and contributions in order to speedily achieve the Lagos of our dreams.”
    The commissioner said the project, with long and challenging journey, started in 2001 and had since faced multiple delays due to funding issues and changes in leadership.
    Akinderu-Fatai highlighted Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s dedication to completing the project and his vision for a 21st-century Lagos.
    The commissioner expressed optimism that Clusters 2 and 3 of the projects would be completed, adding 576 more homes.
    He said, “As we hand over the keys to the new homeowners, we reaffirm our commitment to completing Clusters 2 and 3.
    “We will continue to work assiduously to overcome any challenges, ensuring that every promised units are delivered.
    “This project is a clear indication that when we combine vision with dedication, the results are transformative.
    “May I, also add that Mr Governor, in his magnanimity has graciously approved that all existing subscribers with full payment for either a unit of two bedroom or three bedroom flat be given allocation from this very cluster at no additional fees to the selling price.
    “This is to appreciate their trust and commitment over-time in our dear state.”
    He, however, said that other subscribers with more than 50 per cent commitment on the initial selling price would be considered with an option to balance up at the current selling price.
    He added, “Please be informed that when the clusters two and three of the scheme is delivered in due course, there will be an additional 576 homes to the housing stock in the area, thus bringing us to the original vision of the project.”
    Akinderu-Fatai urged the new homeowners to go beyond simply receiving their apartments, encouraging them to feel a sense of responsibility for the entire estate.
    Also speaking,  Sanwo-Olu, at the inauguration of the 270 home units, expressed delight for bringing these homes to reality.
    According to him, housing is the fundamental human rights and the cornerstone of social economic stability.
    He expressed the resolve to make a significant investment to affordable housing to bridge the housing gap between the demand and the supply.
    sid, pledging to partner with investors.
    The governor urged the home owners to take proper care of the building, advising them not to do things that would endanger the lives of others.
    He thanked the ministry and contractors, promising to come soonest for the inauguration of the clusters two and three.
    The journey of Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Scheme began in 2001, with the ambitious goal of delivering 846 housing units to sub-urban dwellers in the state.
    However due to funding issues, the project was abandoned and transferred to the Lagos Building Investment Corporation in 2006.
    In spite of the significant interest and financial commitments from over 924 subscribers, the project stalled again and was taken over by the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure in 2013.
    With very minimal progress recorded, the project was returned back to the Ministry of Housing in 2016 by the former Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    LED/OAF/JNC
    ============
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Rainy season: 8 Zamfara LGAs on flood-risk alert—NEMA 

    Rainy season: 8 Zamfara LGAs on flood-risk alert—NEMA

    Flood

    By Ishaq Zaki

     

    Gusau, May 6, 2024 (NAN) Eight local government areas of Zamfara are predicted to be affected by moderate-flooding in the 2024 rainy season, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has disclosed.

     

    The Director-General of the agency, Hajiya Zubaida Umar, disclosed this in Gusau on Thursday at the sensitisation programme for  the 2024 down-scaling of flood early warning strategies for early actions.

     

    Umar, represented by the Director, ICT, Sani Alhaji-Lokoja, said the affected LGAs include: Bungudu, Bakura, Gummi, Gusau, Maradun, Shinkafi, Talata Mafara and Zurmi.

     

    “These LGAs are already listed in the earlier NEMA’s communication to the state government.

     

    “This underscores the downscaling and sensitization programme of the 2024 flood early warning strategies in Zamfara.

     

    “I am therefore calling for support from all stakeholders to cascade this initiative to the grassroots,’’ she explained.

     

    According to the NEMA boss, the agency found it necessary to stress that management of disaster risk in contemporary times hinges on community-wide participation, leaving no one behind.

     

    Umar added, “As we always emphasize, “disaster management is everyone’s business.

     

    “We must work together to safeguard communities at risk, protect critical infrastructure and support uninterrupted socio-economic activities in Zamfara.

     

    “This is the guaranteed path of driving socio-economic growth and development in line with the renewed hope agenda of the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu.

     

    “It is my hope that this event will go a long way in reducing the impacts of the annually recurring floods and to safeguard the private and communal livelihoods of the good people of Zamfara.’’ .

     

    In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Nakwada, described the programme as timely and a welcome development.

     

    Nakwada described the flood as a very unfortunate disaster, adding, ”therefore, this programme is to empower our people to take early warning actions very seriously.

     

    “I am using this medium to express the readiness of the state government under Gov. Dauda Lawal to continue collaborating with NEMA to implement disaster risk management measures in the state.

     

    “We are going to make sure that all the information shared from this event reach all stakeholders across the state/’’

     

    Other speakers were the Commissioner for Humanitarian and Relief Matters, Alhaji Salisu Musa, Emir of Bungudu, Alhaji Hassan Attahiru, Director-General and State Fire Service, Abdullahi Jibo, among others.

    They all pledged their support to the sensitisation programme on early warning actions at the grassroots. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    IZ/OIF/BRM

    ============
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Bashir Rabe Mani

     

     

     

     

     

  • Kano Emirship Tussle: Court to rule on jurisdiction June 13

    Kano Emirship Tussle: Court to rule on jurisdiction June 13
    Emirate
    By Ramatu Garba
    Kano, June 6, 2024(NAN) A Federal High Court in Kano has fixed June 13, for ruling in application challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the implementation of the Kano Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024.
    The applicant Alhaji Aminu Babba-Dan’agundi( Sarkin Dawaki Babba), through his counsel, Ibrahim Aliyu-Nasarawa, filed a motion exparte dated May 23.
    The applicant is seeking the court to restrain the respondents from enforcing, implementing and operationalizing the Kano State Emirate repeal law and reinstating Emir Muhammad Sanusi II.
    The respondents are the Kano State Government, Kano State House of Assembly, Speaker Kano State House of Assembly, Attorney-General of Kano State and  Commissioner of Police Kano.
    Others are the Inspector General of Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Department of State Security Service.
    When the case came up for hearing on jurisdiction issues, Counsel to the applicant, Mr M S Waziri, filed a written address dated June 6, in compliance with the order of the court.
    “I hereby adopt same and maintain that the court has jurisdiction so long because it is an issue of fundamental rights to fair hearing.
    “The applicant ought to have been involved as a member of the Kano State Kingmakers in reinstating the new emir of Kano.
    He urged the court to proceed with the case, adding that a breach of fundamental rights has no time line.
    Responding, Counsel to Kano State Government and Attorney-General of Kano, Mahmoud Abubakar-Magaji, SAN, filed a written address dated June 3 and filed on June 6, on jurisdiction issue.
    “The Emirate law went through legislative processes and the order of this court came only after the action was done and my client was served on May 27.
    He urged the court to decline jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
    “The applicant is neither a member of the House of Assembly nor  Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, he may not need to be consulted as only the house of assembly has the power and authority to make law.
    Counsel to the Kano State House of Assembly and Speaker, Mr Ibrahim Isa-Wangida, filed processes on jurisdiction issue dated June 5.
    Isa-Wangida argued that the applicant cannot claim his fundamental rights had been breached because the 2024 Emirate law was repealed and accented by the governor before the applicant filed the matter.
    He said the 2019 Kano Emirate Council law which gave the applicant power at the time of filing his action had been abolished.
    “The applicant seizes to be a kingmaker as of the time he filed the action because the governor has already accented the law.”
    Also, Counsel to the Commissioner of Police Kano and Inspector General of Police, Mr Sunday Ekwe, told the court that the duty of the police was to maintain peace in the state, that is why they did not file any responses on jurisdiction issue.
    Justice Abdullahi Muhammad-Liman, adjourned the matter until June 13, for ruling in the matter of jurisdiction.
    NAN reports that the court had on May 23, granted an Interim Injunction order directing parties to maintain status quo ante,the passage and assent of the bill pending the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.
    The Court also restrained the 5th to 8th respondents from enforcing, executing, implementing and operationalizing the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024.
    NAN reports that Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf, on May 23, dethroned Emir Aminu Ado-Bayero, and reappointed Sanusi II, as the Emir of Kano, four years after he was dethroned by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RG/SH
    ======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • IBEDC counsels customers on safety during rainy season 

    IBEDC counsels customers on safety during rainy season
    Rainy
    By Ige Adekunle
    Sango-Ota (Ogun), June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has admonished customers to be cautious around electrical installations to prevent unnecessary loss of lives during the rainy season.
    The Acting Managing Director, IBEDC, Mr Francis Agoha, gave the advice in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Ota, Ogun State.
    Agoha said that as the rainy season progressed, it came with the increased risk of electrical accidents.
    He said that it was crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard lives and property, as the safety of the customers and stakeholders of IBEDC remained their topmost priority.
    The acting managing director said that through vigilant maintenance, rapid emergency response and continuous public outreach, IBEDC strived to minimise risks.
    He urged customers to avoid fallen power lines, which could result from heavy rains and storms.
    “As part of proactive measures for customers to remain safe during the season, avoid any contact with these fallen power lines and immediately report such incidents to IBEDC’s emergency services.
    “Secondly, stay clear of flooded areas and flooded zones, as they pose significant hazards, especially if electrical equipment is involved. Refrain from walking through flooded streets or touching electrical fixtures.
    “Thirdly, inspect your surroundings and regularly check that your home or business’s electrical connections are secure and shielded from water. Look out for exposed wires or malfunctioning connections.
    “Fourthly, use protective gear, wear rubber-soled shoes and avoid metal objects while outdoors during heavy rainfall to minimise the risk of electrical accidents,” he said.
    According to him, adhering to these safety measures will help to ensure a safer rainy season for the people. (NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)
    IGE/AYO/SOA
    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Oluwole Sogunle

  • Anti-Corruption: EFCC, ICPC secure 3,412 convictions, forfeiture of N366.9bn

    Anti-Corruption: EFCC, ICPC secure 3,412 convictions, forfeiture of N366.9bn

    Anti-Corruption

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) secured 3,412 convictions, forfeiture of N366.97 billion through judicial process and recovered N161.6 billion within one year.

    The Director Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known during the joint briefing by Security, Defence and Response agencies organised by the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Thursday in Abuja.

    Buba, while reading the text of the brief, said the anti-corruption agencies played a significant role in maintaining law and order through their anti-corruption initiatives.

    He said that the money recovered by the agencies within the period included N161.6 billion, 43.8 million dollars, 25,365.00 pounds, 186,947.10 Euros, 51,360.00 Rupees, 3,750.00 Canadian Dollars, 740.00 U.S dollars, 74,754.00 Yen and 35,000.00 Rands.

    Others according to him are 42,390.00 UAE Dirhams, 247.00 Riyals, and 21.5 million Crypto Currency Units.

    Buba said the EFCC secured 50 convictions in the fight against internet fraudsters and currency racketeers.

    According to him, the ICPC also in the period under review recovered N66 billion in cash and rent on forfeited assets.

    “Meanwhile, the ICPC in the period under review the recovered N66 billion in cash and rent on forfeited assets.

    “The commission also secured restraining order on assets worth N5.8 billion, while N366.9 million was forfeited through judicial processes.

    “Furthermore, the ICPC secured 18 convictions.

    “Investigations and prosecutions saw 131 investigations and 18 convictions,” he said.

    In his opening remarks, Head of Strategic Communications, ONSA, Zakari Mijinyawa, said that robust interagency collaboration had been pivotal to the successes recorded so far by the Security, Defence and Response Agencies in Nigeria.

    Mijinyawa said the achievements were the result of the coordinated efforts to enhance national security and protect the lives and property of citizens.

    He said that ONSA had facilitated the UK-Nigeria security and defence dialogue, bringing together security and defence chiefs from both countries.

    According to him, ONSA had in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria, initiated a series of economic security measures against currency manipulators and speculators.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/IAA

    ========

    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

  • Tinubu’s leadership style achieving desired results in FCT – Wike

    Leadership

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the leadership style of President Bola Tinubu is achieving desired results in the territory.

    Wike stated this in Abuja on Thursday, during the inauguration of B6, B12, and Circle Roads in the Central Area by Tinubu, to celebrate his one year in office.

    Tinubu was represented at the event by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

    According to the minister, leadership is key, stressing that with the right leadership, you get the right results.

    “Because we have the right leadership, now we are getting the right results.”

    He said that the completion of the B6, B12 and Circle Roads was awarded on May 14, 2007, at N48.5 billion and revised to N98.8 billion in Jan. 2021.

    He pointed out that the project was ongoing for 17 years, but Tinubu completed it in just one year in office due to good leadership.

    He, however, complained that the Ministry of Finance building had encroached into the portion of the road and appealed to Tinubu to intervene.

    This, he said, was critical to enable the contractor to complete the portion of the road.

    “There is supposed to be a road from B12 connecting with Ahmadu Bello Way by the finance bridge, but the ministry of finance has encroached into the road.

    “We have pleaded with the ministry to allow us to do the road. We are all working for the same government, and we don’t want to use force to go and destroy the building.

    “We gave them the land, but they encroached on the way.

    “I want to plead with Mr. President to talk to them, so that we will be able to complete the road for the interest of the public,” Wike said.

    He reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to complete all ongoing projects in FCT, adding that 58 per cent of the 2024 FCT capital budget was set aside for completion of all ongoing projects.

    The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, commended the residents for their patience due to the inconveniences caused by the construction of the roads.

    “The projects being delivered is a testament to Tinubu’s commitment to progress and prosperity.

    “It will not only enhance accessibility into the Central District but contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the city,” Mahmoud said.

    Earlier, Mr Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), said that B6, B12 and Circle Roads, provided connection into Abuja Central Area from Airport Road axis in line with Abuja Master Plan.

    He said that the B6 also known as Constitution Avenue had been partially completed and put to public use.

    He, however, said that B12, named Independence Avenue, had not been completed.

    “The principal roads, particularly road B6 is about 6.6 km, B12 6.7 km, while circle road is about 4.6 km.

    “The cross sections of the roads as typical with other expressways are two main carriage ways of three lanes each, as well as two lanes both ways.

    “The roads will enable dual mode transportation into and out of the central area,” he said.

    The FCDA boss expressed optimism that the completed road will fizzle out the early morning gridlock being experienced at the City Gate. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/AMM

    ========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • CSOs seek synergy in fight against SGBV 

  • Stop attacks on our troops – Group warns

    Attacks
    By Sumaila Ogbaje
    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Ayudantes Empowerment Initiative (AEI), a civil society advocacy group, has called on Nigerians to stop deliberate attacks on and killing of military personnel.

    The Executive Director of AEI, Mr Amechi Oyema, made the call at news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

    Oyema extended condolences to the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Chris Musa, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja and families of the personnel who had in recent time, paid the supreme price while defending the nation.

    He said that the group had strongly condemned what he described as  gradually becoming a norm, noting that attacks on members of the armed forces by citizens must stop.

    According to him, it has been going on, but it is time Nigerians speak out against this barbaric attitude of some of our citizens towards members of the armed forces.

    “Just recently, a commanding officer, two majors, a captain and 13 others, were ambushed and murdered on March 14 while responding to the crisis between Okoloba and Okuama communities which had allegedly been engaged in an aged-long land dispute.

    “On May 18, there was a mob attack on personnel of the military at Banex Plaza in Abuja and we saw on national television how soldiers were being manhandled.

    “Just last week, terrorists of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Abia, killed five personnel at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area.

    “Troops of Operation UDO KA were deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens.

    “Also, on June 4, reports had it that suspected phone snatchers murdered a soldier, identified as Lt. IM Abubakar in the Unguwan Sarki area of Kaduna State.

    “We are here to say today that this is unfortunate, inhuman and undeserving for people that have laid their lives for our country,” he said.

    Oyema said it was wrong for citizens to continue to engage in demoralising activities, especially against troops that had been making sacrifices for the peace and stability of the country.

    He quoted Maya Angelou as saying, “How important it is for us to recognise and celebrate our heroes and she-roes”.

    He also quoted Gen. George S. Patton (Jr.), as saying, “The soldier is the army. No army is better than its soldiers. The soldier is also a citizen.

    “In fact, the highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for one’s country,” he said.

    Oyema commended the nation’s military for showing restraint in the face of blatant provocations by not embarking on reprisal in the senseless killings of its personnel in different parts of the country.

    “We, however, call on the military authority to go to whatever length possible within the ambit of the law to ensure that those who committed these heinous crimes do not go unpunished.

    “Nigerians must learn to respect and honour men and women in uniform especially military personnel.

    “This because there is no higher honour than serving in the military.

    “These are men and women that sacrifice their lives in defence of our territorial integrity. An attack on them is an attack on Nigeria,” he added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    OYS/KAY
    =======

    Edited by Kayode Olaitan

  • Independent state: Palestine seeks Nigeria’s support

    Independent state: Palestine seeks Nigeria’s support

    Support

    By Maureen Okon

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria Abu Shawesh, has called on the Federal Government to use her political weight to convince more countries to recognise Palestine as an Independent state.

    The envoy made the call at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja when he addressed newsmen on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war development.

    The envoy said recognising Palestine as a state would ease the challenge faced by its citizens in procuring visas.

    He said as a heavy weight in international affairs, Nigeria’s voice could go a long way in influencing more recognition for the State of Palestine.

    Shawesh said that heavy political weight can hang the balance not only in African continent, but all over the globe.

    According to him some European Union (EU) member states recognise Palestine as a state

    “Now we have over 20 or 27 European countries voting for a state of Palestine.

    “In the past 10 days some European countries have recognised Palestine as a state and this is an important move for the visa procurement’’, he told newsmen.

    NAN reports that Slovenia became the latest EU country to recognise an Independent State of Palestine after its parliament approved the move with a majority vote earlier on Tuesday.

    It would be recalled that Slovenia government last week decided to recognise Palestine as an Independent and sovereign state following the steps of Spain, Ireland and Norway as part of a wider effort to coordinate pressure on Israel to end the conflict in Gaza.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ETIM/BEN/HS

    ========

    Edited by Benson Ezugwu/ Halima Sheji

  • We’ll make police hospitals best in Nigeria – Minister

    We’ll make police hospitals best in Nigeria – Minister

    Hospital

    By Monday Ijeh

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, says the Federal Government will make police hospitals the best in the country.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim said this on Thursday in Abuja, during an assessment tour of infrastructure and welfare facilities of police hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    “From the tour, what I see is a drive for excellence and dedication to duty among personnel of the police hospitals we visited.

    “I can assure them that under the present administration of President Bola Tinubu, help will come and we will make police hospitals the best in Nigeria,” she said.

    The minister described the tour as a key component of the Renewed Hope Police Agenda of Tinubu administration.

    The minister commended the personnel for their dedication and resilience in the face of challenging circumstances.

    “Our government recognises the critical role that quality healthcare plays in the well-being of both our serving and retired officers.

    “We are committed to enhancing the quality of these facilities to ensure they meet the highest standards of care.

    “This will be done by upgrading equipment, improving infrastructure and providing the necessary resources to support healthcare professionals in their noble work,” she said.

    In her remark, the Managing Director of MD Abubakar Police Hospital in Dei-Dei, Dr Ruth Okunbo, thanked the minister for the visit.

    Okunbo, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, said the hospital had been useful in the advancement of healthcare delivery, for both families of police officers in the barrack and neighboring communities.

    She called for the intervention of the minister in the correction of the leaking roof of the hospital and provision of an ambulance for emergency cases.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister, during the tour, visited MD Abubakar Police Hospital, Dei-Dei, Police Hospital, Area 1, Police Hospital, Utako and Mohammadu Buhari Police Hospital, Area 11. (NAN)

    IMC/KOLE/AMM

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

    Edited by Remi Koleoso and Abiemwense Moru