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  • IBB lauds NIPR management for upholding mission, vision of Institute

    IBB lauds NIPR management for upholding mission, vision of Institute

    Commendation

    By Rita Iliya

    Minna, June 2, 2024 (NAN) Former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, has commended the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for upholding the mission and vision of establishing the Institute by his defunct administration.

    Babangida stated this when he received the members of NIPR led by its National President, Dr Ike Neliaku, on a courtesy in his residence  in Minna on Saturday.

    The visit was part of the activities lined up to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the institute.

    Babangida explained that NIPR was the only institute that had brought its wisdom to bear in the affairs of the nation.

    “I have always believed that we have to write a new narrative for this great country, I want to commend NIPR for trying to provide a better society for all.

    “The institute’s strength has gone high, as time goes by, our society will be a place that everybody will be proud to belong,” he said.

    According to him, wherever he goes, he always advocates that other countries should copy what NIPR is doing.

    Babangida congratulated the institute for being steadfast in implementing what the country expected from them to do, adding that he was proud that NIPR was living to expectations.

    Earlier,  Neiliaku said the visit was part of the activities to mark the 60th anniversary of the institute that was established in 1963,

    He added that IBB gave the institute a law which had become the strongest enforcement in public relations all over the world 34 years ago.

    “The child you gave to us 34 years ago became 60 years old in 2023, but because of the general elections, we couldn’t celebrate last year and I will like to inform you that your efforts and sacrifice are not in vain,” he said.

    The NIPR boss said that the institute had initiated the ‘Rebirth Nigeria’, in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

    Neliaku said that the programme was established on four pillars of  citizens’ education, value reorientation, promotion of made- in- Nigeria goods and services as well as the promotion of service delivery.

    He disclosed that the institute was establishing a University of Public Relations and Leadership in Nasarawa State and had already gotten support from the state government.

    In the same vein, the members had earlier visited the Emir of Minna, Dr Farouk Bahago, to solicit for the royal father’s support, adding that the institute attached greater importance to the traditional institutions.

    Responding, Bahago thanked the institute for recognising the traditional institutions and the vital roles they play in the country.

    Also, Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger has applauded the foresight of Babangida in signing the 1990 Decree that gave birth to the Chartered of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations NIPR in the country.

    Bago, represented by Alhaji Abubakar Salisu, Head of Service, appealed to NIPR to support the ‘New Niger Agenda’ that cuts across infrastructural development, provision of security and agricultural revolution for food security.

    Also, the Minister of Information, Allaji Mohammed Idris, represented by Jibrin Ndace, Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), said he aligned with the vision of the institute in shaping the society.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the activities for the 60th anniversary commenced with a road walk and planting of sixty trees at the three arms zone in Minna.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    RIS/BAB/BRM

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

    Edited by Mohammed Baba Busu/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Saving youths from menace of tobacco industry interference

    By Oluwafunke Ishola

    Africa, and indeed Nigeria is known for its generally youthful population. However, data show that these youths are endangered as the tobacco industry has targeted them for their “predatory” tobacco marketing tactics to create profits, thereby breeding a new wave of addiction.

    According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health challenges the world has ever faced, killing more than eight million people around the world every year.

     

    The 2024 WHO Global Report on Trends reveals that children are using e-cigarettes at rates higher than adults in many countries and globally an estimated 37 million youth aged 13 to 15 years use tobacco.

     

    It revealed that 22 countries in the African region are on track to achieve a 30 per cent reduction in tobacco use by 2025. However, it emphasised that progress has been stifled by rising numbers of young tobacco smokers due to tobacco industry influence.

     

    This year, once again, WHO and public health champions from across the globe have come together leveraging the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) celebrated annually on May 31, to raise awareness about the harmful influences of the tobacco industry on youth.

     

    The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2024 is “Protecting children from tobacco industry interference”. It emphasises the need to protect future generations and ensure that tobacco consumption continues to reduce.

     

    WHO report titled “Hooking the next generation: how the tobacco industry captures young customers” revealed that the industry works to reach children and youth to replace customers who quit or die.

     

    According to the report, internal tobacco industry documents, dating as far back as the 1970s, show that tobacco companies have long considered children and youth to be “replacement smokers”, “pre-smokers” and a critical market to sustaining their business and the future of their brands.

     

    “The range of products the industry uses to appeal to youth has expanded significantly, from cigarettes, cigarillos and shisha to newer products like e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches.

     

    “Flavoured products and additives, sleek designs and child-friendly packaging and imagery make addictive products even more appealing to youth.

     

    “Companies rapidly launch new products that sidestep, or are not included, in current laws, and use every available means to expand their market share before regulations can catch up with them,” it said.

     

    The health agency revealed that the industry’s tactics include positioning many nicotine products as “safer” than cigarettes, potentially distracting policy-makers and consumers from the fact that nicotine itself is addictive and harmful, particularly to children and youth.

     

    “For example, e-cigarettes with nicotine are highly addictive and are harmful to health. While long-term health effects are not fully understood, it has been established that they generate toxic substances, some of which are known to cause cancer and some that increase the risk of heart and lung disorders.

     

    “Use of e-cigarettes can also affect brain development, potentially leading to learning and anxiety disorders for young people,” it said.

     

    The health agency lamented that the tobacco industry was succeeding in its efforts to create a new generation of young people who smoke, vape, suck nicotine pouches or use snuff. It noted that evidence from around the world shows an alarming uptake by children of some products, such as e-cigarettes.

     

     

    “History is repeating, as the tobacco industry tries to sell the same nicotine to our children in different packaging. These industries are actively targeting schools, children and young people with new products that are essentially a candy-flavoured trap. How can they talk about harm reduction when they are marketing these dangerous, highly addictive products to children?” Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General queried.

     

    During a virtual World No Tobacco Day webinar with Journalists, Mr Caleb Ayong, Executive Director, Vital Voices for Africa (VVA), Togo, said tobacco infringes upon children’s basic rights to health and welfare, noting that child labour in tobacco production persists in many parts of Africa.

     

    Ayong emphasised that 14 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals would not be achieved with tobacco industry operations, noting that it portends threats to actualisation of universal health coverage, disease prevention, and mental health promotion.

     

    “Tobacco industry targets young people with aggressive marketing, investing billions on the advertisement of its products. It organises parties, concerts, and product placements to specifically lure young and impressionable minds to its products and activities,” he said.

     

    He called for collaboration in shielding children from the clutches of tobacco, empower them with knowledge, and advocate for policies that prioritise their health.

     

    According to him, journalists hold immense power to ignite change, expose industry lies, and inspire action through their reports, urging them to amplify the voices of youths, unmask tobacco industry’s deception, and create a world where every child breathes freely.

     

    Similarly, Philip Jakpor, Executive Director of Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), said the media plays a strategic role in exposing the tactics of the tobacco industry through incisive reports to elicit policy level interventions

     

    “It is the media that must put our governments on their toes to ensure they do not shirk their primary responsibility of protecting our children,” he said.

     

    According to him, the MPOWER package of WHO focuses on six effective measures to reduce demand for tobacco products.

     

    “The W denotes the “Warn about the dangers of tobacco”, which is a role that the media is tasked with carrying out. The media shapes tobacco-related knowledge, opinions and influences individuals and policy-makers.

     

    “For signatories to the WHO–Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC) mass media anti-tobacco campaigns are key components of their tobacco control programmes,” he said.

     

    Corroborating Jakpor, Mr Achieng Otieno, Being Africa, Kenya, explained that the WHO-FCTC was a blueprint for governments to adopt effective tobacco control and assist curb the global tobacco epidemic.

     

    Otieno noted that the goal of the framework was to protect the present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental, and economic consequences of tobacco (and nicotine products) consumption and involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke.

     

    “The FCTC plays a vital role in promoting and protecting children’s rights concerning tobacco control by advocating for policies and measures to prevent tobacco use initiation, reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, provide access to information and education, and safeguard public health policies from industry interference,” Otieno said.

     

    Besides, Mohammed Maikuri of Development Gateway emphasised that the economic burden of smoking, including health expenditures and productivity losses, was estimated at $1.4 trillion annually, with a significant portion of this cost borne by developing countries.

     

    Maikuri said treating diseases caused by tobacco was estimated to have cost Nigeria ₦526.4 billion in 2019, which was nearly one tenth of all healthcare costs in the country.

     

    According to him, Development Gateway, in collaboration with the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health, supported by the Gates Foundation, leads the DaYTA (Data on Youth Tobacco in Africa) programme, focusing on addressing critical data gaps related to adolescent tobacco use in Nigeria.

     

    He said that the initiative aims to gather comprehensive country-level data on tobacco use among young people aged 10 to 17, thereby filling critical evidence gaps and complementing existing data.

     

    Maikuri, however, said that Nigeria’s performance got worse in a 2021 survey showing that the tobacco industry was intensifying its interference in spite of Nigeria’s tobacco control legislation and efforts.

     

    Commenting, Ms Oluchi Robert, Tobacco Control Advocate, noted that WHO report had shown Nigeria, the world’s seventh most populated country, has been recognised by major transnational tobacco companies (TTCs) as a market with enormous income potential due to its large youth population and expanding GDP.

     

    Robert lamented that the tobacco industry in Nigeria, like in many other countries, targets children and youths through various tactics including product marketing, advertising, flavoured products and accessibility.

     

    “Tobacco industry covertly engages in product advertisement through product placements in movies, music videos and use of social media to reach the younger audience.

     

    “According to a 2020 cross-sectional study of school adolescents in Lagos, the most frequently reported channel of exposure was through product placements, with 62 per cent reporting exposure in films, TV, and videos.

     

    “Up to 15.2 per cent and 12.6 per cent were exposed to tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship (TAPS) through promotional activities and sponsorships, respectively,” she said.

     

    She faulted the easy accessibility of tobacco products to children and youths, through stores or online platforms.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), worried by the alarming increase in young and underage access to tobacco products, launched the ‘Don’t Burn Their Future’ campaign.

     

    FCCPC said over 4.5 million Nigerians aged 15 and above are tobacco users, with more than 26,800 annual deaths attributed to tobacco-related diseases.

     

    The Commission emphasised that the campaign was a resolute move to safeguard the health and future of Nigerian youth and to curb the detrimental impact of tobacco products on society.

     

    FCCPC underscores the collective responsibility of individuals, communities, and a prioritised healthcare system in fostering a healthier future for the youth.

     

    Contributing, Dr Tunji Akintade, said there was a fundamental and irreconcilable conflict between the tobacco industry’s interests and public health policy interests.

     

    Akintade urged the government to strengthen its tobacco control policies, improve awareness and educate the public and policymakers about the devastating health and social consequences of tobacco use.

     

    Experts stressed that tobacco industry interference in health policy was a major reason why youth remain unprotected, or not as protected as they should be.

     

    They urged the government to protect current and future generations and hold tobacco and related industries liable for the harm they cause. (NANFeatures)

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • National Anthem symbol of citizens’ allegiance, loyalty -NOA D-G

    Anthem
    By Isaiah Eka
    Uyo, June 2, 2024 (NAN) Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), says the new National Anthem is a symbol of Nigerians’ allegiance and loyalty to the country.
    Issa-Onilu stated this in Uyo on Saturday while speaking to newsmen on some key programmes currently being implemented of the agency.
    The D-G applauded President Bola Tinubu for signing the new National Anthem Law, saying that the anthem contained better lyrics and more meaning.
    “It is more impactful, more meaningful and capable of uniting Nigerians more,” he said.
    He 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 dumped. That is the real reason for going back to that,” he said.
    Issa-Onilu noted that the national anthem is part of the values of a country, which should make the citizens to appreciate one another.
    He said the agency would soon begin the process of fashioning out a proper and acceptable way of rendering the anthem.
    “The national anthem must be officially rendered. Everyone should know the official rendition of the anthem, the process will begin soon
    “We are going to call for entries from musicians and others. This is an opportunity for us to have a national anthem that we can all connect with.
    “Can we put together our local instruments and produce a very beautiful rendition? these are the things we are looking at,” he said.
    The D-G urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in supporting the policies and programmes of the current administration to ensure better service delivery.
    He said that although Nigerians were facing hardship, every policy being implemented by the current administration was in interest of the nation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IE/TYC/AZU
    =========
    Editted by Thompson Yamput and Azubuike Okeh

  • As prices soar, Nigerians change fashion style

    As prices soar, Nigerians change fashion style

    Cost

    By Kemi Akintokun

    Lagos, June 2, 2024 (NAN) Nigerians are known for being fashionable, with fabrics tailor-made in classy designs, this is gradually changing due to increase in the prices of fashion accessories. nationwide,

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  visited various markets within Lagos metropolis and spoke with designers and their customers.

    NAN reports that there has been a significant increase in the prices of tailoring materials.

    A stop at the popular Oshodi Market, where both wholesalers and retailers usually get materials from, reveals that prices of items like thread, zipper, dull face, taffeta and Aba linings, increased by over 50 percent.

    Dull face and Taffeta, which were sold for N500 and N800 respectively, now sell for N700 and N1100 , while a pack of thread, which sold for 500, now sells for N800 to N1000 depending on the brand.

    At the popular Idumota Market, which is home to both tailoring materials and varieties of trimmings, the price increase was not different from the other markets.

    Some fashion designers, who spoke with NAN expressed views on the impact of the increase in tailoring materials.

    Mrs Yvonne Ideho, the Creative Director, of Yvonne’s Place, Ketu, Lagos, said the increase in prices had reduced the profit margin in clothes making.

    Ideho said:” With this current situation in the country, the profit in clothes making is not what it used to be, compared with 2022 and early 2023.

    “I don’t over charge my customers, in order to remain in business which is better than not having any income,” she said.

    In the same vein, Mrs Omotola Gabriel, a fashion designer in Ikotun, said patronage in the last two months had reduced.

    Gabriel, who owns Shiloh Stitches Fashion, specialising in female and male clothing, complained that the number of jobs she got in April and May was not encouraging, owing to amount of bills she paid monthly.

    “Business has not really been encouraging for some months, due to the increase in the prices of tailoring accessories.

    “Many customers, who sew up to five, seven clothes in a month made only one or two outfits.

    “Some of the customers I called to know why they had not made any outfit in the last few months, said they had more pressing needs to attend to.

    “I am hopeful that things will get better in the country,” she added.

    Speaking also, Joseph Azubuike, who also make clothes for both sexes, noted that patronage from his female clients had reduced.

    Azubuike, who runs a fashion business in his apartment in Igando, said the few female clients who patronise him now opt for styles with less charges.

    Azubuike said: “My male clients still patronise me as regular but I make more money sewing female outfits because of the styles involved.

    “Now, my female customers prefer to sew simple styles like boubou that won’t cost more than N5000, unlike when I charged them N20,000 and even more based on the accessories on the dresses”.

    Meanwhile, Mrs Taiwo Oduwole, an accountant, told NAN that she had reduced the number of clothes she made monthly.

    According to Oduwole, her main priority is to ensure that her children are well fed and ensure their school fees are paid promptly.

    “The last time I took any clothes to my tailor was four months ago because I used to like clothes with accessories, which costs between N15000 to N30000 to make.

    “The cost of buying rice, garri and pepper to feed the home is my main objective right now, not sewing.,” she said.

    Also, Yewande Adekunle, a Banker, said she no longer made sophisticated clothes because of the charges.

    Adekunle said:  “I still patronise my tailor but I do more of simple outfits these days.

    “The cost of sewing beautiful and well accessorised outfits is high,” she said. (NAN)
    KOA/IFY

    =======

    Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole

     

  •  Clerics laud Aliyu for donating 10 buses to religious groups

    Clerics laud Aliyu for donating 10 buses to religious groups

    Vehicles
    By Habibu Harisu
    Sokoto, June 2, 2024 (NAN) Islamic religious groups have commended Gov. Ahmed Aliyu for donating ten new 18-seater buses to them as part of his one year anniversary.
    Sheikh Aminu Sufi, the leader of the Tijaniyya Sufi Movement in the state, on Saturday lauded Aliyu for what he described as an invaluable gesture to the religious groups.
    Sufi, who spoke on behalf of the benefiting groups, expressed excitement over the gesture, which he said would enhance their  activities across the state and beyond.
    He said the effort was an exact replica of the gestures enjoyed during the tenure of  the former Governor of the state, Sen. Aliyu Wamakko.
    Sufi said, ”These efforts have demonstrated Gov. Aliyu’s commitment to religious advancement and educating people on religious rituals.”
    According to him, the Tijaniyya adherents and other religious bodies that benefited from the gesture would ensure the judicious use of the vehicles.
    Sufi also thanked the state government for the training of Mu’azzims (prayer callers),payment of N500,000 monthly stipends for the maintenance of Jum’at Mosques as well as  the provision  of gifts for sallah festivities to their members.
    He added,”These efforts, along with other gestures by the state government had distinguished the present administration from the past governments in the areas of concerns to religious groups’ activities.”
    Inaugurating the vehicles, former Zamfara Governor, Sen. Abdulaziz Yari, described the efforts as ‘distinct’ and enjoined the benefiting groups to properly utilise the vehicles for their routine activities.
    Yari, who also inaugurated 46, 22-seater buses for transportation services in the 23 local government areas of the state explained that the essence of governments was to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the citizenry.
    While commending Aliyu, Yari enjoined him to consider his position as ‘transitional’, which would be remembered by the impact he makes on the citizens.
    Aliyu also launched the distribution of N280 million as Eid-el-Kabir support to Islamic scholars selected from the 244 political wards of the state.
    He said the ongoing efforts, along with others executed by his administration, were aimed at cushioning the difficulties being faced by the citizens after the removal of fuel subsidies.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that former Governor of the state, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, also inaugurated some road projects in the Sokoto metropolis as part of the celebrations.
    Bafarawa said, ”’In spite of being a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), i will always acknowledge and support any government with commitment to facilitate developments and improve the people’s well=being.”  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    HMH/BRM
    ==============
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • ECOWAS, UNHCR kickstart special programme for refugees in West Africa

    Programme

    By Desmond Ejibas

    Port Harcourt, June 2, 2024 (NAN) The Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) have introduced a special programme to enhance the welfare of refugees and displaced persons in the West Africa region.

    Prof. Fatou Sarr, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, inaugurated the programme during the Ambassadors’ Retreat in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

    Sarr reiterated the importance of synergy in the protection and provision of welfare services for refugees and displaced persons in the region.

    “The focus of the retreat is to address the complex humanitarian needs arising from displacement within the region.

    “It aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders and to mobilise resources towards the protection and well-being of the affected populations.

    “The commission has provided nine million dollars in 2024 to support the plight of persons of concern in members states,” she said.

    Sarr highlighted the significant contributions of partners towards the success of various initiatives aimed at  protecting and ensuring the well-being displaced persons.

    The diplomat affirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to finding actionable solutions to issues of displacement in the West Africa region.

    Mr Xavier Creache, the Deputy Director, UNHCR Regional Bureau for Africa, expressed gratitude for ECOWAS’ assistance and cooperation in addressing the needs of refugees, stateless persons, and displaced populations.

    “We appreciate the dedication and financial support provided by the ECOWAS commission, notwithstanding the persistent obstacles posed by instability and insecurity.

    “There is a critical need for additional financial resources to effectively meet the needs of the impacted populations and communities,” he added.

    Musa Nuhu, the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to ECOWAS and Chair of ECOWAS PRC, underscored the significance of political will and commitment within the region in addressing the difficulties faced by refugees.

    He stressed the importance of using a combination of national and international legal frameworks to protect human rights and address humanitarian concerns.

    “PRC will continue its advocacy and sensitisation campaigns in member states to ensure effective and durable solutions,” he assured. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DES/AZU

    ======

    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • Kano residents seek improved security amidst emirship tussle

  • Bauchi Commissioner dies in auto-crash – Gov. Mohammed  

    Bauchi Commissioner dies in auto-crash – Gov. Mohammed

     

    Crash

     

    By Olaide Ayinde

     Ahmad Jalam, the late Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bauchi state

    Bauchi, June 2, 2024 (NAN) The Bauchi State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ahmad Jalam, has lost his life in an auto-crash that occurred on Saturday.

     

    Gov. Bala Mohammed disclosed this in a condolence message to the members of his immediate family and the entire people of the state issued in the early hours of Sunday.

     

    According to him, the commissioner lost his life in an accident that occurred on the busy Misau-Darazo highway.

    Mohammed described the deceased as a dedicated public servant, whose commitment to the development and well-being of his local communities was unwavering.

     

    The governor said, “During his lifetime, he championed numerous initiatives aimed at improving good governance and community relations.

     

    “Late Ahmed Jalam was known for his tireless work, integrity, and compassion for the people he served and his service will be remembered and cherished by all.

     

    “His demise is deeply felt by all and the countless individuals whose lives he touched during his lifetime.”

     

    Mohammed, on behalf of his family, government and the good people of the state, extended his deepest condolences to the members of the late commissioner’s family and the entire people of the state.

    He also prayed that the Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest.

     

    The governor said that the late commissioner, who left behind wives and many children, would be buried on Sunday in his hometown in Dambam Local Government Area according to Islamic rites.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    EED/BRM

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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • NIPOST: Thinking outside the box of postal services 

    NIPOST: Thinking outside the box of postal services

    Postal

    By Funmilola Gboteku/Stellamaris Ashinze

    Lagos, June 2, 2024 (NAN) In today’s digital age, postal services face significant challenges in maintaining relevance and staying competitive in an industry that is rapidly evolving.

    With the rise of e-commerce, changing consumer behaviour, and advances in technology, postal services must adapt to meet the demands of an increasingly digital world.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday took a check on some posts about the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), a government-owned and operated corporation, on social media platforms, specifically LinkedIn and Nairaland, to gauge netizens’ perception about how the Service has fared with the evolution of technology.

    The general perception was that NIPOST had lost its pre-technology glory and was dying, and though blessed with human resources, its equipment, infrastructure and style of operation were outdated and antiquated.

    Commenting on a write up on NIPOST on LinkedIn, Ebenezer, a social media user, said that NIPOST, having lost its pre-technology past glory, would need to go back to the drawing board to embrace new technologies.

    He said that its mode of parcel processing, sorting and distribution could be very daunting and would require modern automated processing equipment.

    Ebenezer explained that “this will mean for it to scrap the old style of mail (package) sorting, processing and distribution.

    “Being 10 dance steps behind, NIPOST needs to re-map its service regions via Zip codes or Post codes, to include newly built up cities, streets, roads, spaces by working along with real estate developers, getting approval from authorities at city, local, state and federal levels.

    “Accurate mapping will be required to address gaps in both existing and planned infrastructure, to include updated codes.

    Also commenting, another netizen, David, said NIPOST and Africa’s logistics infrastructure generally needed about 15 million miles of roads to connect wards, with villages, towns with cities, and transnational trunk roads with neighbouring countries.

    Echezona, a LinkedIn user, on the other hand, said there was no need reviving NIPOST, adding that it should be allowed to die a natural death like the Nigeria Telecommunication Ltd. (NITEL).

    In his own view, Nsikak, another netizen, said NIPOST had the infrastructure, human resources and competence, adding that all it needed was an upgrade or the government leaving it to the private sector to handle.

    He said that last mile delivery was of utmost importance to the development of a nation.

    Similarly, Fadeyi, another person commenting on LinkedIn, said NIPOST was not as proactive as before because there were no effective postal code system.

    Innocent, on the other hand, said to revive the corporation, government should look for avenues to outsource the use of NIPOST infrastructure to private sector actors, who would add more value to the economy in the interest of the people.

    Commenting on Nairaland, Habeeb, said the Nigerian Postal Service was his most patronised public parastatal and every time he went there, he couldn’t help but feel like he had been transported back in time.

    “From the structure of the building, to the old staff, and the analogue and old equipment still in use; the post office screams of the nineties,” Habeeb said.

    However, contrary to the opinions of many social media users, The Postal Manager in Kaduna, Mrs Tabitha Tauna, said during a road show, that NIPOST services still existed, as the evolution of technology had only improved the organisation’s service delivery.

    She noted that some challenges, which included absence of street names and numbers in some parts of the state among other problems, were surmounted with phone calls (Technology), where one could be called to describe his/her location or go to the post office for collection of items.

    “With this, the mobile phone which is perceived as a technology that ousted postal services, has only made our operations easier,” she said.

    Tauna said that beyond delivery of letters and sales of stamp, NIPOST had diversified into some areas of e-commerce, which also had to do with internet and mobile phones.

    She said that people could order for items online and certainly it would not be delivered online, but the human factor would be engaged for delivery, adding that delivering such orders to their destinations was in the purview of NIPOST.

    The postal manager explained that NIPOST, which also engaged in agency services, was the regulatory body for all logistics services.

    A NAN check of the NIPOST website, www.nipost.gov.ng, further shows that the corporation has diversified into other areas asides postal and regulatory services to generate revenue for the government.

    The organisation said on its website that as part of its Commercial Business Unit registered by the Federal Government, most of its unused/underutilised spaces within and outside post office buildings in good locations nationwide had been leased out.

    It said that there were warehouses for commercial leasing and operational use, space rental for third party uses e.g billboards, wall drapes, electronic displays and other signages.

    The website also showed that the corporation had also gone into real estate consultancy/facility management services to the general public, such as estate agency, amongst other services.

    Another NAN check of the NIPOST Branch Office at Ijora in Lagos State, shows that the organisation has gone into workshop services like producing various wood and metal furniture, fittings like wardrobes, sofas/settees, beddings, kitchen cabinets.

    It was also producing dining furniture, office furniture and fittings, motor body building work, including truck cabins and tankers, doors and gates.

    Other services observed included electrical works, coil winding works, plumbing services, corporate gift items, roof works, aluminum works, fitting works and vocational training.

    Speaking to NAN in an interview, Mr Remigius Ihediwa, the Assistant General Manager, NIPOST Ijora Branch, said the vocational workshop was in top gear as it engaged in different wood works.

    Ihediwa said that like other federal parastatal agencies, it was mandated to use its excess capacity to generate revenue, therefore meeting public and NIPOST needs since 2004.

    “NIPOST workshop services include home and office furniture, metal works, chairs for students and church pews, among others.

    The official added that the workshop was also used for vocational training, where people applied to train for carpentry, upholstery and electrical works among other skills.

    “Individuals or organisations can also liase with NIPOST for training.

    “NIPOST has supplied students’ furniture to both the Lagos State Government and the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

    “We have also supplied pews to churches as well as carried out training for repentant militants during ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration,” Ihediwa said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FOG/SKA/COF
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    Edited by Christiana Fadare

     

     

     

     

  • Court, sentiments, responsible for delays in matrimonial cases –Lawyers

    Court, sentiments, responsible for delays in matrimonial cases –Lawyers

    Matrimonial

    By Sandra Umeh

    Lagos, June 2, 2024 (NAN) Some Lawyers in Lagos have attributed the delays in deciding matrimonial disputes to the attitude of the courts and sentiments of society to divorce.

    The lawyers told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that litigation on marital disputes just like other forms of civil or criminal cases, were faced with a common problem of delay.

    They, however, noted that the peculiar delays in matrimonial proceedings, were due to the attitude of the courts and sentiments of the society towards divorce.

    In an interview with NAN, convener of the Duty Solicitors Network, Mr Bayo Akinlade, said that one of the reasons for the delays was the traditional belief that marriages were a lifetime commitment.

    He said that because of the belief that ‘marriage is the bedrock of any society’, judicial officers tended to adhere to the norm.

    “The traditional belief is that marriage is the foundation of every society, so, the theory of the judiciary is that, as much as possible, we keep the marriage institution sacred.

    “That is why even in the colonial era we made use of the Received English Law, which rules are similar to the Bible, which admonishes us to keep marriages “for better for worse”.

    “So, you find that some judges are often not disposed to granting divorces, and so, might delay parties with all the procedures in the Marriage Act.

    “In the long run, it becomes difficult to get quick marriage dissolution,” he said.

    Akinlade, however, noted that aside the moral or religious perspective, there was also the general problem of congestion of cases in the court’s docket.

    “In my opinion, once a petitioner is able to meet the requirements in section 15(1)(2) of the Matrimonial Causes Act, then that should take care of the issue.,” he said.

    He also noted that the statute regulating matrimonial causes was an old Act, which provides that before a marriage is dissolved, the parties must have been first separated for at least two years.

    “So, you find that when a petitioner, who wants divorce approaches a lawyer, he is first asked how many years they have  been separated.

    “So, if there has been a separation, the lawyer then advises the petitioner further on the grounds for dissolution; so, you see it is a process,” he said.

    He also highlighted another reason for delays, on the part of the respondents, who often frustrate the cases, even when the party has been served with processes to attend court.

    “So, if it is a man divorcing his wife, the woman, may make herself scarce and unavailable for service of processes and vice versa.

    “Now, if a party is not served with court process, they cannot legally come before court, so, this adds to the delays,” he said.

    Also, the President of the Africa Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Mrs Amanda Demechi-Asagba, highlighted some peculiarities, which cause delays in divorce cases.

    She told NAN, that divorce cases suffered delays just as other cases in court, however, the first hurdle was to  assign the suit number, and then, the court to try the matter.

    For instance, she said that the Lagos court dockets were “overflowing” with cases, and so, getting divorce matters concluded took “donkey years” unlike states like Ogun, Osun, Nasarawa, where duration was shorter.

    Demechi-Asagba also listed other factors that cause delays in divorce cases to include, service of court papers, entering of appearances. family emotions and stigmatisation of parties in a dissolution tussle.

    “Some of these delays are also caused by emotions that go with divorce, like family intervention and the customary taboos accompanying such cases.

    “There is also the threat to disown especially the daughter, for daring to bring shame to the family, as well as the time it takes to gather the necessary documents to support one’s case.

    “The court processes of compulsory conference, mandatory reconciliation or the mediation before the commencement of trial are also factors which cause delays,” she said.

    Demechi-Asagba also noted that the unwillingness of witnesses to come forward to testify for or against the parties due to family ties, was also a factor that added to the delays.

    She described the restraints on the part of witnesses, as a “defence” so they are not seen as being instrumental to the divorce.

    “In some cases the delays helped the parties to heal and get back together, while in some it escalates the tension, leading to violence and total breakdown,” she said.

    She, however, noted that there was no time frame for dissolution of marriage in court.

    She noted that undue delays in the dispensation of justice was generally not encouraged, because “Justice delayed is justice denied”.

    Also speaking with NAN, the Ogun State Coordinator of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Mrs Ebere Obiora, noted that delays in the judicial process were not peculiar to divorce cases .

    According to her, parties in divorce proceedings are not expected to stay together, it could be unsafe for them to live under same roof while in court.

    While confirming that delays could arise in  a divorce suit, she also said that counsel to either parties were at liberty to apply to the court, for speedy hearing.

    “Most of the time in the life of a marriage whose dissolution was ongoing, parties do not normally live together.

    “In any case, where parties are still living together and the matter becomes unduly delayed, counsel involved may apply for accelerated hearing of the suit.

    “This is to avoid any of the spouses becoming a victim of circumstances.

    “Meanwhile, I must point out that delays in matrimonial proceedings just as other cases, might occur due to the circumstances of the particular case.

    “Therefore, delays in litigation is not an issue that bothers on cases of marriage dissolution only,” she said.

    Another lawyer, who is a member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Mrs Vera Chiweuba, said that issues of delay in proceedings touched on all matters irrespective of its nature.

    “These delays cut across all matters whether marriage cases, criminal or civil, it is infact an issue calling for attention from apex judicial authorities.

    “So, the question should be why is the judiciary so slow; this is a situation from which our courts must purge itself,” she said.

    While noting that some delays maybe due to shortage of judges, Chiweuba urged the judiciary to expedite action in ensuring timely disposal of cases. (NAN)

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    Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole