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  • World Bicycle Day: FRSC official calls for usage of non-motorised transportation

    Bicycle

    By Mujidat Oyewole

    Ilorin, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Kwara Command of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Monday in Ilorin called for the use of non-motorised transportation for movement from one place to another.

    FRSC Sector commander in the state, Corps Commander Stephen Dawulung, while celebrating the 2024 World Bicycle Day said it would enhance health, equity and sustainability.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the 2024 celebration of World Bicycle Day was “promoting health, equity and sustainability through cycling”.

    The Sector Commander said the aim of celebrating the day was to enhance the use of bicycles as a means of transportation.

    Dawulung noted that there were many benefits of riding bicycle, saying that it improves physical fitness, health, as well as build strength and flexibility.

    He said it also helps in weight management, through the burning of calories, and could control mental health by helping the body to reduce stress, anxiety and depression.

    “Riding bicycle frequently increases mobility and sustains another means of transportation.

    “There are environmental benefits of riding bicycle, as it is eco-friendly and reduces carbon emission, as well as being cost effective,” the Commander said.

    Dawulung however warned that while riding bicycle, there are some safety measures to follow in order to avoid accidents, such as the use of safety helmets and following the rules.

    “A bicycle rider should wear reflective clothes for visibility, should not wear gowns, use hand signals when necessary, maintain the movement of the bike and avoid distractions,” he said.

    The Sector Commander therefore enjoined members of the public to get used to non-motorised transportation, in order to help their health status, saying the benefits could not be over emphasised.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MOB/BEKl/OLAL
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    (Edited by AbdulFatai Beki and Olawale Alabi)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Strike: Skeletal work ongoing at Yaba Psychiatric hospital

     

     

     

     

     

    Strike: Skeletal work ongoing at Yaba Psychiatric hospital

    Strike
    By Lilian U. Okoro
    Lagos, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Skeletal works were seen ongoing at the Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Yaba on Monday as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) begin a nationwide strike.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NLC, had ordered workers to begin an indefinite nationwide strike following the May 31 deadline for the Federal Government to approve and implement a new National Minimum Wage.

    NAN also reports that last minute intervention on Sunday night by the National Assembly to prevent the nationwide strike was futile as the meeting with government representatives and labour leaders ended in a deadlock.

    The Federal Government had insisted on N60,000 as the new minimum wage, while labour demanded N495,000 as what was acceptable to the unions.

    NAN correspondent, who monitored the level of compliance at the hospital reports that few health workers including doctors and nurses were seen in the hospital rendering skeletal services to the patients.

    The number of outgoing patients did not reduce due to the strike, as almost the same number of patients were seen on ground just like every other normal day.

    A resident doctor with the hospital who pleaded anonymity told NAN that the resident doctors were at work irrespective of the ongoing nationwide strike.

    The doctor explained that the residents doctor were at work because the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) was not directly under NLC.

    He added that even other doctors like the consultant psychiatrists were at work because they too were not directly under Labour.

    “Because the ARD is not directly under NLC, so we are at work, but, work and activities will not be as normal due to the ongoing strike because some other health workers like the nurses, who are under NLC are observing the strike.

    “This is not something that started today; right from time, the resident doctors and even consultant psychiatrists normally are not directly under NLC.

    “So, strikes like this; we don’t always fully observe it,” he said.

    A psychiatric nurse with the hospital, who also pleaded anonymity, said that the nurses were at work despite the ongoing strike.

    She explained that the nurses were working despite the ongoing strike because, they were not in union.

    According to her, the Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Yaba Lagos, ceased to function since over two years ago when its major executives left the country for abroad in search of greener pastures.

    “So, we the nurses are at work because we are not in union presently.

    “If we join the strike, the management of the hospital may use that against us because we are not in union for now.

    “The nurses’ union of the hospital ceased to operate over two years ago when its major executives left the country to operate abroad,” she said. (NAN)www.nannews.ng
    LUC/VIV

    =====

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Strengthening national capacities for debt management crucial for govt’s funding needs – Cardoso

     

    CBN Governor,  Yemi Cardoso

     

    Funding

    By Kadiri Abdulrahman

    Abuja, May 3, 2024 (NAN) The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Yemi Cardoso, says strengthening national capacities for debt management is crucial for meeting government’s funding needs.

    Cardoso said this on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the Regional Training on Annual Borrowing Plan (ABP) Development organised by the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was jointly organised by WAIFEM, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    Cardoso’s address was delivered by Mrs Ladi Bala-Keffi, the Acting Director, Monetary Policy Department of the CBN.

    According to Cardoso, our countries must prioritise building a balanced and resilient debt portfolio.

    He said that at the core of sound public debt management was the Debt Management Strategy (DMS) – a formal plan devised by the government to achieve its debt management objectives.

    “These objectives typically include securing necessary financing at the lowest possible cost while prudently managing risk.

    “Additionally, developing the domestic debt market may also be a key
    objective in certain instances.

    “A DMS operationalises these objectives by outlining the government’s preferences regarding the trade-offs between cost and risk associated with its chosen strategy.

    “This strategy is typically established with a three-to five-year horizon and is assessed, reviewed, and updated on a rolling annual basis,’’ he said.

    He said that publishing the DMS was essential as it demonstrates the government’s unwavering commitment to its fiscal strategy, promoting transparency and accountability in debt management practices.

    According to him, this mitigates investor uncertainty and facilitates constructive dialogue with creditors, investors, and other key stakeholders, including credit rating agencies, regarding the
    optimal financing strategy.

    He said that the DMS was implemented annually through an ABP.

    “This plan translates strategic objectives into concrete actions for raising funds and managing the government’s debt portfolio based on budget analysis and cash flow projections,’’ he said.

    The Director-General of WAIFEM, Dr Baba Musa, said that the training was a significant milestone.

    According to Musa, recognising the critical importance of ABP development, we proudly offer this course as a standalone for the first time.

    He said that public debt had recently surged worldwide due to various factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, geo-political tensions, and other economic shocks.

    “This trend is mirrored in our sub region, where debt managers grapple with unique challenges, including volatile commodity prices, elevated debt levels, limited fiscal space, fluctuating exchange rates, and rising borrowing costs.

    “These challenges pose significant threats to debt sustainability, macroeconomic stability, growth prospects, and, ultimately, the well-being of the citizens.

    “In this context, sound public debt management strategies and well-articulated
    borrowing plans are more critical than ever,’’ he said.

    He said that WAIFEM member-countries diligently formulate and update Medium-Term Debt Strategies (MTDS), but faced considerable implementation challenges.

    According to him, the training on ABP Development is designed to address such challenges by providing a structured framework for operationalising the MTDS annually.

    “This approach facilitates a more granular and actionable approach to debt management, ensuring the translation of strategic objectives into concrete borrowing activities and targets for the fiscal year.

    “Aligning with the government’s budgetary and fiscal policy objectives, the ABP determines the sources of financing, instrument types, and maturities while remaining mindful of prevailing market conditions,’’ he said.

    NAN reports that WAIFEM is a regional capacity-building institution founded in 1996 by the central banks of the five West African Anglophone countries; the Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

    Its mandate is to enhance the skills of policymakers and practitioners in financial and economic management. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    KAE/EEE
    =======

    Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

     

     

  • Embrace cycling for transportation, healthy living – FRSC tells Nigerians

    Embrace cycling for transportation, healthy living – FRSC tells Nigerians

    Bicycle

    By Abiodun Lawal

    Abeokuta, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Ogun Command of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Monday in Abeokuta urged Nigerians to adopt cycling as a means of transportation and as a way of keeping fit.

    Mr Anthony Uga, the state’s Sector Commander, during an awareness ride to commemorate the World Bicycle Day explained that bicycle-riding had a positive effect on the human body’s physical well-being.

    He noted that cycling remained a sustainable and environment-friendly mode of transportation that could promote health equity and sustainability.

    Uga emphasised that cycling had numerous health benefits, including improving cardio-vascular health, and therefore encouraged motorists to consider using bicycles as a supplement to their vehicles.

    “This is United Nations’ Bicycle Day and the country falls within this ambit and FRSC in particular is concerned as the lead agency in road transport and management.

    “We encourage all motorists to also get a bicycle because it adds value to your health,” he said.

    In his remarks, the Commissioner for Sports Development in the state, Wasiu Isiaka, highlighted the importance of cycling.

    Isiaka described cycling as a sport that promotes sportsmanship, as well as teamwork.

    Similarly, the Commissioner for Transportation, Gbenga Dairo, commended the FRSC for organising the event, emphasising the need for road users to spare cyclists and ensure their safety on the roads.

    “The road users should also spare cyclists to also use the road. They have the right to be on the road and a right to be kept safe,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    LKA/DCO/SH

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    Edited by Deborah Coker/Sadiya Hamza

     

     

  • Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage meets on Tuesday

     

    Wage
    By Joan Nwagwu
    Abuja, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage (TCNMW), says it will hold its 8th meeting on June 4 to continue negotiations.

    Mr Ekpo Nta, member and Secretary of the committee said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

    According to Nta, I respectfully invite you to attend the 8th meeting of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage.

    “The meeting is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Area 11, Abuja at 10.00 a.m. prompt,’’ he said.

    He said that he minutes of the 7th meeting, the draft agenda for the 8th meeting, and the Zoom Link for virtual attendance will be forwarded in due course.

    Nta called on the chairman of the committee, members and observers to take note.

    It would be recalled that Organised Labour at the 7th TCNMW meeting had expressed disappointment that no governor was present at the last meeting.

    Labour had also complained that ministers were absent except the minister of State for Labour and Employment who also doubles as a conciliator.

    Labour said that there was none present on the side of the government with appropriate authority to commit them to any outcome.

    Meanwhile, labour has begun an indefinite nationwide strike following the Federal Government’s failure to meet their demand on the new minimum wage.

    It would be recall that the Federal government was offering N60, 000 as the new national minimum wage for workers in the country while Labour is demanding for N470, 000. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    JAN/EEE
    =======
    Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

     

  • FG plans brigade to promote citizenship, core values 

    Brigade

    By Isaiah Eka

    Uyo, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), says the Federal Government has concluded plans to establish citizens brigade with the aim of promoting core values.

    Issa-Onilu disclosed this while speaking at an advocacy visit to the Nigerian Christian Institute (NCI), Uyo on Monday.

    He said that the citizens brigade was part of the National Value Charter billed to be unveiled by President Bola Tinubu during the year.

    The D-G said that no fewer then 37,000 Nigerian children would be recruited into the brigade and raised as models to promote core values and good citizenship.

    He noted that the Nigerian child must be nurtured from the cradle with core values to enable them grown into patriotic and productive adults.

    “We have seven items on our plan to deepen national values, one of them is the establishment of citizens brigade.

    “It is to give opportunities to our children to be nurtured from tender age, it is one of the voluntary institutions we intend to create

    “It will be fashioned after what we knew those days as boys scout and girls brigade. They will be kitted and raised as model citizens,” he said.

    He said that the expectation was to enlist hundreds of children into the brigade in the next fews years.

    Issa-Onilu urged Nigerians to memorise and learn how to render the new national anthem as a way of demonstrating their patriotism to the nation.

    “The new national anthem is a symbol of Nigerians’ allegiance and loyalty to the country. It is more impactful, more meaningful and capable of uniting us”, he said.

    The D-G said that the new anthem not only brought back sense of patriotism and nationalism, but evoked the consciousness of Nigerians.

    ”The national anthem that we had in 1960 resonates more in comparison to the one we just changed.

    ”The lyrics are more impactful and more meaningful than the one that we just dropped. That is the real reason for going back to that,” he said.

    In her remarks, Ms Mfon Nze, Principal, NCI, Uyo, expressed gratitude to the agency for finding the institution worthy of the advocacy visit.

    Nze said that the impact of the visit would to be felt for a long time because it had revived the school’s value system

    “I feel elated that in all the schools in Akwa Ibom and Uyo, you chose the NCI, this will remain indelible in the history of this institution,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IE/DCO/AZU

    =========

    Edited by Deborah Coker and Azubuike Okeh

     

  • Strike: Labour unions shut down NASS

    Strike: Labour unions shut down NASS

    Strike

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 3, 2024(NAN) The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterparts on Monday, shutdown the National Assembly following the on-going indefinite strike.

    Scores of workers were prevented from gaining access to the national assembly complex, leaving most of them stranded.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the unions blocked the main gate to the entrance of assembly.

    Some of the workers who came as early as 6:00 a.m. were shocked to discover that the union members were already on ground to prevent possible entrance by workers.

    NAN reports that some aides to the lawmakers made fruitless efforts to explain to the members of the union that they were not part of the strike.

    Some of the Aides explained to the union that they could not have joined the strike, and therefore should not be prevented from doing their job.

    However, one of the members of the union who refused to disclose his name said the strike affected everybody and insisted.

    A contractor who works inside the assembly complex was also prevented along with his co-workers.

    The union members out of anger told the contractor that they were fighting in the interest of all workers, while urging them to show understanding of workers’ predicament.

    NAN reports that bank officials had a hectic moment explaining to the union why they should be allowed into the complex, but their explanation fell on deaf ears.

    The labour unions vowed that they would not be allowed into the complex until their demands were met.

    NAN reports that the unions had issued a June 3 ultimatum to the government if it failed to meet its demand for a new minimum wage.

    As at the time of filing this report, both the government and the unions had not agreed on an acceptable minimum wage.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ODF/GOM/JPE

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

    Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Joseph Edeh

  • Strike: Labour unions ground activities at Lagos airport

    Strike: Labour unions ground activities at Lagos airport

    By Itohan Abara-Laserian

    Lagos, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Flight operations and other activities at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal II (MMA2), were grounded on Monday, following a nationwide indefinite strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

    Airport unions were seen manning the entrance of the airport as stranded passengers stood by at the MMA2.

    Mr Francis Akinjole, General Secretary, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, ATSSSAN, said activities at the international wing, would also be grounded on Tuesday.

    He had earlier told passengers to return to their various activities if they had any, adding there was no sign that the strike would be called off soon.

    ”We just do not have any choice than to embark on what we are doing and it is clear.

    ”If the Federal Government signed the new minimum wage today we will leave but if they do not we are starting here today as the commencement day.

    ”Tomorrow, like we said in our notice to the general public, we are going to ground activities at the international wing.

    ”The only reason why we are not starting the international wing today is because we are aware that some flights were already airborne, so we are not as insensitive as some people might want think,” he said.

    Akinjole said the union was prepared for the length of time the strike would last, but called on the federal government to consider the yearnings of Nigerians.

    ”We are prepared to go the whole length. Government should pay the Minimum Living Wage that is what they should do,” he said.

    Also speaking, Mr Patrick Evuarhehe, National Chairman of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) branch of the Association of Nigeria Airport Professional (ANAP), said that no skeletal activity was permitted.

    Evuarhehe said that it was a fight for all and not of selfish interests because ‘an injury to one, is an injury to all’.

    ”Passengers that were here earlier, joined us in this strike because they are in solidarity with us. You understand.

    ”An injury to one is an injury to all, so, every passenger you see are all labour workers, they are actually traveling from here to one assignment or the other.

    ”As it is now, they know that my pain is their pain, so it is very important for them to join the struggle that is why you see many of them around.

    “They are sitting patiently, doing what they are supposed to do because it is very important for us to get this right at least for once in Nigeria,” he said.

    Also, Mr Olayinka Abioye, General Secretary, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) said that the action was a signal to the federal government.

    Abioye said that President Bola Tinubu, during his campaign, promised workers a living wage which he had yet to fulfill.

    ”When President Tinubu was campaigning two years ago, he promised Nigerian workers what is called a living wage.

    &nbs

    ”We can all see that even the proposed N60,000, cannot take anybody from his house to the market,” he said.

    A passenger, Ms Desire Joseph, who planned to fly to Calabar with Ibom Air, said that she was confused and hopeful that the strike would be called off before the day ends.

     

    Also, Mr Alabi Musibau, an Aero Contractor passenger, who planned to attend a conference in Abuja said that the strike was uncalled for.

     

    He said that the fight for the minimum wage increment was a spoiler as this could further increase the prices of goods in the market.

     

    Some other passengers who stood by with their luggages, out of frustration, said they were too angry to talk.

     

    At the General Aviation Terminal I, managed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN activities were also grounded.

     

    NLC had earlier notified the public of an indefinite national wide strike beginning June 3.

     

    In a letter signed by four aviation unions; ATSSSAN, ANAP, NAAPE and NUATE on July 2, notified operators and the general public that it would fully support the NLC in the action at Lagos airports.

    The letter had said that the MMA2 would be fully grounded while the Murtala Muhammed International Airport(MMIA) would begin on Tuesday..

    Aviation agencies, NAMA; FAAN and others were under lock and key with police presence. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ITM/DOE

    ========

    Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

  • ABUTH announces transition to renewable energy

    ABUTH announces transition to renewable energy
    Energy
    By Hussaina Yakubu
    Kaduna, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Ahmed Hamidu, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Shika, Kaduna State, has announced the hospital’s planned transition to renewable energy.
    CMD ABUTH Prof Ahmed Hamidu
    He revealed this in an interview with journalists in his office in Zaria on Monday, expressing concern that “the facility’s monthly electricity consumption of N75 million is unsustainable.”
    He stated each of the critical departments and unit blocks at the hospital would need to gradually transit to renewable energy sources over time.
    According to him, the hospital’s greatest challenge is energy.
    He explained that “last year, we paid around ₦240 million as outstanding payment to Kaduna Electric. By the end of the year, it accumulated to over ₦200 million again.
    “And due to the current increase in the energy tariff, last month alone, we paid ₦25 million, but the latest bill brought to us was ₦75 million.
    “Additionally, we spent ₦47 million on diesel last month. So, when you add everything, we’re talking about over ₦100 million per month for energy, which is not sustainable.
    “We are deeply concerned and don’t know where to get the money. Even if we use all the funds available in the hospital to pay for energy, it wouldn’t be enough.”
    The CMD, however, said that in spite of challenges at the  facility, it would not  increase charges for services.
    He stressed that “we cannot raise the cost of services or health inquiries due to our current challenges and our location in Zaria, which is a civil service town.
    “Increasing the cost of services is not an option because patients would stop coming, and we cannot shut the hospital.
    “If you were here in 2019 when I became the CMD, you wouldn’t have been able to sit in this office due to the state of the hospital.
    “The problem is that the hospital has been under construction for close to 40 years, and some facilities and buildings are deteriorating.”
    The hospital boss appealed to government for assistance, saying “we have exhausted all our funds, including those from patients who pay for services and other consumables.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    HUM/HA
    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Volley Coach urges KSTG`s support for other sports

    Volley Coach urges KSTG`s support for other sports

     

    Support

     

    By Georgina Adegbie

     

    Abuja, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Tajudeen Abass, head coach of Katsina State, has urged the state government to extend its support to other sports in the state.

     

    Abass stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

     

    The coach said that the state was not doing enough for other sports compared to football.

     

    He said that the state`s volley team`s participation at the just concluded Volleyball National division 1 league in Abuja, did not get any support from the government.

     

    Abass said he and some players supported the team to participate in the league because of the love and passion for the sport.

     

    “There was nothing like camp before the competition because the state ministry was not ready to help and support us.

     

    “We transported ourselves, we got accommodations on our own, we fed ourselves, and there were no allowances for the players.

     

    “We did not have any support from the state. The players played all their games and they were not discouraged.

     

    “This lack of support affected the performance of the players during the competition in Abuja.

     

    “We appealed to the state government to support us in our subsequent sports competitions whenever we are going to represent the state.

     

    According to the coach, the state government allocates N700 million to football alone, ignoring other sports.

     

    “We want the state government to support all other sports in the state for better performance.

     

    “The same privilege should be given to other sports within the state,” he said

     

    NAN reports that the Katsina team played a total of eight matches and  won only one game and lost seven. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    BOG/JPE

    =======

    Edited by Joseph Edeh