Strike
By Esenvosa Izah
Lagos, June 1, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has directed its members to comply with the directive of the two labour centres to begin an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday.
Its General Secretary, Mr Afolabi Olawale, in a statement on Saturday, said the union was committed to ensuring total compliance with the directive.
Recall that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) declared an indefinite nationwide strike to begin on Monday, to express their grievances over the proposed new minimum wage..
In a joint statement signed by NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero and TUC President, Mr Festus Osifo, the centres declared the strike over the tripartite committee’s inability to agree on a new minimum wage and the hike in electricity tariff.
Afolabi said the union was concerned and disturbed with the insensitive attitude of the federal government “to the very critical issue of negotiating a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers”.
“This is in view of the various socio- economic policies of this administration that have impoverished the working people of this country.
“Leaders of our great union at all levels, from the units, zones and branches, should immediately put all processes in place to ensure total compliance with this directive.”
Also, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) said it was mobilising its members to embark on the strike following the directive of NLC and TUC.
The Acting. General Secretary, Mr Dominic Igwebike, gave the directive to the members in a statement.
Igwebike said that along with the reasons of inconclusive negotiations on the minimum wage and electricity tariff hike, apartheid categorisation of Nigeria electricity consumers into bands was another, to embark on the strike.
“Given the above, all national, state, and chapter executives are requested to start the mobilisation of our members in total compliance with this directive to ensure the government does the right thing as stated above.
“The withdrawal of services becomes effective on Sunday 2nd June by 12.00 midnight, “ the union leader said. (NAN)
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Nairobi, June 1, 2024 (NAN) The African Development Bank (AfDB), has urged its shareholders to ensure implementation of the recently increased Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The AfDB President, Akinwumi Adesina, said this at the closing of the bank’s 2024 Annual Meetings in Nairobi.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the AfDB’s meeting, which started on May 27, ended on Friday.
The IMF board approved using SDRs for hybrid capital instruments, allowing countries to channel SDRs through Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs).
This innovative SDR-based hybrid capital channelling solution will help unlock new lending by MDBs to address rising global challenges, including climate and food security.
The new instrument offers the opportunity to lend at least four dollars for every one-dollar equivalent of SDRs through the AfDB, the Inter-American Development Bank, and other MDBs to finance development projects.
“We look to you, our shareholders to help make the rechanneling of the SDRs now a reality for Africans.
“A reality that will help to transform the lives and livelihood of our people and support us in our quest to create hope for our youth.
“A reality that will turn them into the biggest economic dividends of our continent.
“We had from you, our governors, very strong support and endorsement of our drive to mobilise private sector financing for Africa
“You have our word, and you have our commitment. We will,’’ Adesina said.
According to Adesina, the SDR will deliver greater financing through rechanneling by the SDR-rich countries to the AfDB, Inter-American Development Bank, the World Development Framework, and other MDBs.
“This is a very important development, even though we still have to ensure it is properly rechanneled.
“It was a bigger development because the 20 billion dollars ceiling that the IPAC Board approved will allow us to leverage that as MDB at least four times.
“And that will deliver at least 80 billion dollars of additional financing to our countries. So this is a very important development.’’
Adesina said, “we have heard over the past four days about the importance of partnerships, so let us dream together for a better Africa, let us turn our dreams into reality.
“He thanked the government of Kenya for its support and for making the 2024 AfDB Annual Meetings a reality.
“He also thanked the various stakeholders, partners, AfDB staff, and everyone else who ensured the success of the meeting.
“We leave Kenya with hope and excitement—hope for a brighter future for Africa and for a brighter 60 years ahead for the AfDB. We leave with such fun memories.”
Also, Prof Njuguna Ndung’u, the Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury and Economic Planning of Kenya and Chair, AfDB Board of Governors, reiterated the importance of rechanneling the SDRs.
“We all acknowledge the critical and urgent need to reform the global financial architecture.
“The reforms explain the role of the multilateral development banks and build capacity to enable fit-for-purpose financial instruments that can adopt the changing circumstances.
“Our strong support goes to the rechanneling of the SDRs to Africa through AfDB, and this will signal the capacity of the bank,’’ he said,
Ndung’u commended all stakeholders for their support, presence, and role in making the meeting successful.
While reiterating the various challenges on the continent, Ndung’u urged for a stronger AfDB that could work and address the various challenges of Africa for a brighter future.
According to him, the theme of the meeting has been well executed, with ideas and action points to implement the road map.t
“The meeting clearly outlines the pressing development imperatives of Africa’s transformative progress.
“The recommendations by the governors that AfDB should seek an independent route for the continents rating is quite encouraging
“I, therefore, convey my appreciation for all your efforts in achieving this meeting, which hosted more than 8,300 participants in Nairobi, Kenya.”
Ndung’u, who is currently Chair of the board of governors, thanked all the various stakeholders for their support, which he said helped strengthen the bank’s affairs.
“I humbly exit the role of chairperson on the board of governance of the AfDB.
“t+The honourable Governor for Cote d’Ivoire is ready to take the baton, which I am ready to pass on, and I will avail myself of consultation when required,’’ he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Lagos, June 1, 2024 (NAN) Oando Plc, an energy solution provider, has posted a turnover of N3.4 trillion in its 2023 full year-end unaudited financials.
The figure represents an increase of 71 per cent when compared to N1.9 trillion posted in 2022.
Mr Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive Officer, Oando Plc, said this in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.
Tinubu said that over the last four years, the company consistently recorded a positive incline in turnover.
According to him, the company’s turnover stood at N477.1 billion in 2020 and grew to N803.5 billion in same period of 2021.
He also said that the energy company later posted N2 trillion as turnover in 2022 and N3.4 trillion in 2023 respectively.
Tinubi said although the year 2023 saw oil and gas companies impacted by spikes in incidences of militancy and sabotage, the company was still able to also record a Profit-After-Tax (PAT) of N74.7 billion in the year under review.
He stated that the result indicated a positive turn in the company’s fortunes in comparison to the preceding year when the company posted a loss after tax.
Tinubu said that in spite of the persistent pipeline vandalism across the Niger Delta, which ccontinued to dampen crude production, the company achieved an outstanding profit in 2023.
According to him, this was largely driven by increased trading volumes due to the company’s strategic global partnerships.
Also, the net foreign exchange gains on the group’s foreign currency-denominated assets as against losses on its foreign currency-denominated liabilities drove the positive performance.
Tinubu stressed that the year 2023 had seen Oando push forward with its growth agenda, recording positive highlights.
This, he noted, included the signing of a Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Italian oil major, Eni.
Tinubu explained that this would allow it to acquire one of its local subsidiaries, the Nigeria Agip Oil Company Ltd.(NAOC).
He added that the firm’s clean energy arm, Oando Clean Energy Ltd.(OCEL) launched its electric mass transit buses in partnership with the Lagos State government, signalling that things were beginning to look up for the Indigenous giant.
The group’s chief executive said that more significantly the release of the company’s 2023 financial results, albeit unaudited, finally brought the company a step closer to being in line with regulatory requirements for all listed companies.
He stated that it indicated that by the end of the year, the company would have been on track with its peers in reporting results, giving confidence to shareholders and investors in the company’s current state and future.
“Furthermore, our milestone signing of the Sale and Purchase Agreement with Eni towards the acquisition of 100 per cent of the shares of NAOC Ltd, marked a pivotal moment for our organisation.
“It is poised to unlock substantial synergies soon.
“Our focus is now on completing the acquisition and seamlessly integrating operations to deliver exceptional value to our shareholders,” he said.
According to him, while the country saw a decline in national oil output, precipitated by pipeline vandalism, oil theft and illegal refining, the Oando’s upstream operations saw an average daily production increase.
Tinubu revealed that the energy company’s upstream operations average daily production increased marginally by one per cent to 20,837 boepd in 2023, as against 20,703 boepd in 2022.
He said these production numbers comprised oil production at 6,024 bbls per day, compared to 4,939 bbls per day in 2022.
The group’s chief executive stated that natural gas production stood at 14,572boe per day in the year under review, compared to 15,292boe per day in 2022 financial year, while NGL production was 241bbls/MMscf/day, compared to 472bbls/MMscf/day posted in 2022.
He said: “In its trading operations, Oando marked improvement, recording a 50 per cennt increase in traded crude oil volumes of 32.8 million bbls in 2023, compared to 21.8 million bbls in 2022.
“The company however posted 15 per cent decrease in traded refined petroleum products which stood at 1,645,535 MT, compared to 1,937,833 MT recordes in 2022.”
Tinubu noted that having weathered the storm of recent years, the 2023 results provided a foundation for the energy company to consolidate and build for the future.
He stated that with its planned acquisition of NAOC, the company was positioned to take full operatorship and drive-up outputs, value and efficiencies.
“Moreover, our foray into and leadership in clean energy expand our footprint as a fit and proper integrated energy company with our feet firmly planted in today’s realities and the possibilities of the future,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Nairobi, June 1, 2024 (NAN) The Board of Governors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, has approved a capital increase of 117 billion dollars to further support Nigeria and other countries on the continent.
The AfDB President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, said this at the closing of the 2024 Annual Meetings of the bank in Nairobi.
“So the Board of Governors of the AfDB approved a general callable capital increase for the bank for 117 billion dollars.
“This is a major demonstration of the faith of our shareholders’ confidence in us. They have confidence in our ability to use resources well.
“They have confidence in our ability to mobilise more capital with what we have. And it will give us more liquidity as a bank and enable us to do more.
“And that means that the authorised general capital of the AfDB will increase from 201 billion dollars to 318 billion dollars,’’ he said.
According to Adesina, the resources will enable the bank to preserve its triple-A rating under any circumstance.
He said: “as president of the bank, I am grateful to our shareholders. I am humbled by the level of confidence they have in us.
“This is because the boat we are in has to carry Africa to the destination of its transformation. That boat cannot leave and must have all the resources it needs to get there.
“And I think what we found today is the confidence of the bank’s shareholders to ensure there will be no delay in that boat to carry Africa to its destination for transformation.
The AfDB president said during the meeting with its board that the bank was charged with doing more on the private sector, corridors, infrastructure, climate change, and concessional financing for countries.
“We have been asked to support the economic structural transformation of Africa’s economy, renewable energy and women and youth, among others,
“All of that requires a significant increase in resources. But they are mindful that we operate against different kinds of shocks.
“We get significant resources from our countries, donor countries, that if there are shocks and they are not mitigated, it could become quite challenging for us in those kinds of situations,’’ he said.
The bank president then commended the media for their partnership and for ensuring that the bank’s good works were spread throughout the continent.
“Thank you for showing interest in Africa and in the issues we are discussing.
“And I do not doubt that you will properly report the good news of Africa and the news of a resilient Africa. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
ASR Africa begins construction of N250m research lab for Lokoja varsity
3R- VC Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi; 4R- MD/CEO of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, during tye Groundbreaking Ceremony of a world-class Central Research laboratory, at FUL campus Felele Lokoja
ASR Africa begins construction of N250m research lab for Lokoja varsity
Groundbreaking
By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja, June 1, 2024 (NAN) The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) has commenced the construction of a world-class research laboratory for the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) in Kogi.
The Managing Director of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, said this at the project’s groundbreaking at FUL campus Felele, Lokoja
Udoh said the gesture was in continuation of ASR Africa’s various strategic commitments to the nation’s tertiary education interventions.
According to him, the N250 million world-class research laboratory is one of its many interventions under its Tertiary Education Grants Scheme (TEGS), drawn from ASR Africa’s 100 million dollars Fund for Social Development and Renewal.
Udoh thanked the management and students of the university for the warm reception accorded him and his team.
He reiterated the commitment of the chairman to supporting quality education within tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
He encouraged the management and students of the university to ensure proper use and maintenance of the facility as a show of appreciation for the grant.
Udoh noted the duration for the project’s execution would be within six months.
“The ASR Africa grant and award process began in December 2022 and the confirmation of the university’s nomination was met with great joy by the university community.
“At that time, the Vice-Chancellor described the gesture as a Christmas/New Year gift from God to him and the University.
“The Tertiary Education Grant Scheme of the ASR Africa is a personal commitment of the Chairman of ASR Africa and BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, to give back to the African continent.
“The objective is to make an enduring impact in education as a means of uplifting and restoring the dignity and lives of Africans,” Udoh said.
Earlier, the university Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, expressed gratitude to the chairman of ASR Africa, for his kind benevolence, saying it would enhance the institution’s capacity for scientific inquiry and innovation.
Akinwumi stressed that the project would address the challenge of infrastructure deficit, especially in the area of research, facing the institution.
Akinwumi emphasised that it would provide a learning platform for explorations, discoveries, innovations, and scientific advancements in physical and life sciences.
“This is not just a donation a financial contribution; it is a powerful investment in the future of our students and our university.
“We are immensely grateful for your support and your belief in our mission,” he said.
Akinwumi added that the facility would provide the students and researchers with the tools and environment necessary to conduct the cutting-edge research, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and drive scientific breakthroughs.
The VC pledged the commitment of the university to judiciously utilise the facility to its fullest potential, and ensuring that the donor’s investment yielded profound and lasting benefits.
Ms Beauty Ene-Ojo, the representative of the Students Union Government, thanked ASR Africa for the invaluable gesture.
Ene-Ojo stressed that the gesture was a testament to ASR Africa’s diligent effort and unwavering commitment to providing the students with the best possible learning environment.
The News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) reports that ASR Africa is the brainchild of African Industrialist, Philanthropist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu.
The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting Health, Education and Social Development within Africa. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
APC to Gov. Lawal: Employ more strategies to end banditry
Insecurity
By Ishaq Zaki
Gusau, June 1, 2024 (NAN) The Zamfara chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the state government under Gov. Dauda Lawal to employ more strategies towards ending banditry and other criminal activities in the state.
This is contained in a statement issued in Gusau on Saturday by the state APC Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris.
“The state APC chapter condemned recent attacks on the residence of State Hajj Commission’s Chairman, Alhaji Musa Mallaha in the state capital by bandits.
“The State APC Chairman, Alhaji Tukur Danfulani, on behalf of the party’s State Working Committee, executives and members in the state wishes to condole Mallaha and his family over the recent attack on his residence which led to the death of his son, Abdulmunafi.
“May Allah grant the deceased a home in Aljannatul Firdausi,” Idris said.
According to him, the party is equally touched and appalled by the abduction of other residents in the area during the attack who are currently in the bandits’ captivity.
Idris said, “We pray to Allah to save them and ensure their rescue very soon.
“We once again wish to implore the state government to employ more strategies to bring to an end the activities of bandits and other criminals in our state.
“We also pray for the continued unity, stability, and development of Zamfara and Nigeria in general..”
According to him, the party also wishes to extend its heartfelt condolences to the family of late Alhaji Yusuf Danhausa, an elder statesman who passed away recently in Gusau.
“Danhausa, who died at the stunning age of 126 years, lived a highly impactful life worthy of emulation.
“May his gentle soul continue to rest in Aljannatul Firdausi and may Allah accord the family the fortitude to bear this great loss,” Idris said (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
A cross section of participants at the event facilitated by ECOWAS in Abuja.
Growth
By Mark Longyen
Abuja, June 1, 2024(NAN) The Association of Investment Promotion Agencies of West African States (IPAWAS) says ECOWAS’ facilitation of the resuscitation of its hitherto moribund statute will engender sub-regional investment promotion and drive economic growth.
Members of the technical committee of the association made this known in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the end of a collaborative meeting on Saturday in Abuja.
Abayomi Salami, Chairman of the Technical Committee and Deputy Director, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), explained that the meeting was essentially for the member states to align their efforts, streamline regulations, and promote cross-border investments.
He said that the event was basically informed by the need for member states to be united to maximize their potentials and opportunities to promote and facilitate foreign direct investment into the West African region.
“That was the main objective of setting up thesehigh powers, having realized that it was actually set up in the year 2008, and for one reason or the other, it could no longer function.
“So, for this, we had the mandate of ECOWAS because the ECOWAS Commission mandated IPAWAS and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission to resuscitate and institutionalize the body,” he said.
Also speaking, Liberia’s Margaret Kawala, described the outcome of the deliberations as a win-win situation for the association and participants, who had spent days toiling to craft out something that they could call their own.
“It is like a win for all of us, who have participated in this process, because all the past few days, we have been engaging, networking in crafting something that we can take ownership of.
“So it’s a sense of pride. It comes to a sense of ownership for us. So it’s a win for us,” she said.
Mr Bruno Jauad, Director of Investments, Republic of Guinea-Bissau, said: “This is a very important process because we are trying to attract more investments to our region.”
Edward Ashong-Lartey and Eugenia Okyere, Director, Ghana Investor Services, and Head of Research, respectively, were upbeat about the positive outcome of the meeting and its recommendations.
“You know, we’ve just concluded the AfCTA protocol on investments, and as investment promotion agencies, we’ve taken note of the provisions and aligned it to our investment promotion efforts, as well as our regulatory regime for high powers.
“I’m very happy because I was there in the beginning and then somehow it became dormant. So this meeting which has revived it is very heartwarming.
“And I can confirm that whatever we are going to do as an association, and as independent investment promotion agencies, are totally aligned with the provisions of the AfCFTA protocol,” Ashong-Lartey said.
On her part, Okyere said: “Where we are now, I think that combining it with what AfCFTA holds, we would make great impact if the high powers come to stay.”
Gambia’s investment and export promotion agency boss, Ousainou Senghore, said that the activation of the high powers was in sync with the AfCFTA protocol, adding that when members promoted their individual countries, they would take ECOWAS as a market.
“We really need to thank ECOWAS for taking the initiative and bringing us together.
“This will definitely harmonize our laws, including creating a conducive business environment and also build an informal bond among ourselves,” he said.
Also speaking, ECOWAS Head of Investment Promotion, Peter Oluonye, explained that by this development, each member state was preparing its own environment to participate in the AfCFTA.
“For us, our focus in this segment is on investment attraction, preparing the ECOWAS community to work together as a bloc and to leverage the common market to achieve scale and synergy in AfCFTA and in the global market.
“So it is very much in sync with the goals of the AfCFTA. We are to prepare our people, we are to strengthen our integration and we are also to align our member states together,” he said.
ECOWAS Director, Private Sector, Anthony Elumelu, said the work had just started, adding that as a young region, ECOWAS was looking at the future, where it would like to be, for instance, by 2050.
“We are looking at the continental free trade, which is also to attract investment to the region and, whether we like it or not, the better you keep your region in terms of enabling the environment for others to invest, to bring in foreign direct investments, the better for you,” he said.
Elumelu had earlier in his opening address, explained that the meeting was organized to enable the stakeholders to deliberate on the draft statute that would govern IPAWAS, shape the framework for cooperation, and engender sustainable subregional development.
He stressed that the continuous collaboration of the member states’ investment promotion agencies with the ECOWAS Commission would enable investors to accept the subregion as the most favored destination for investment drive.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Anniversary: PWDs seek appointment of Tejuosho as Humanitarian Affairs Minister
By Sani Idris
Kaduna, June 1, 2024 (NAN) A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), has expressed concern with the vacancy of Minister at the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry.
This is just as the coalition mostly consisting of groups of People Living With Disability (PWDs) are also making a case for the appointment of one of them, Halimat Tejuosho, to fill the vacancy.
The coalition, which comprised no fewer than 100 CSOs, spoke as part of activities marking the one year anniversary of President Bola Tinubu.
They addressed newsmen on Saturday in Kaduna as part of the commemoration of the 2024 Democracy Day.
Some of them included PWDs across the 36 states and FCT, APC PWDs’ leaders in the 36 states, APC stalwarts, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and youth parliaments, among others.
The Chairman of the coalition, Aliyu Sani, said that their call was to align with other groups and individuals to drum support for Tejuosho.
According to him , she has over the years distinguished herself as a true humanitarian to be appointed as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation of Nigeria.
Sani said, ”Tejuosho is a selfless patriot who has been using her personal resources to bring succour to senior citizens, PWDs and the less-privileged through her NGO, the Queen Adenike Tejuosho Foundation (QATFoundation).”
He said the foundation gave her a position of responsibility in line with her passion and interest to do more for the downtrodden in the society.
“As a mark of true philanthropy, the quintessential lady recently celebrated children’s day with vulnerable and indigent children where over 500 school books, bags, shoes, water bottles, foodstuffs and writing materials were shared.
“Her Ramadan largesse to over 1,000 PWDs as well as Sallah packages to hundreds of households who could not afford to celebrate the festivities cannot be forgotten,” he said.
Sani, therefore, said judging by all the individual sacrifices and the sheer passion to touch lives, it triggered the coalition to appeal to Tinubu to consider filling the vacancy by appointing Tejuosho.
This, he said, would enable Nigerians to enjoy the dividends of democracy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda especially in the area of poverty alleviation.
“It goes without saying that since the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has been without a Minister, the government has not been providing succour to the less-privileged as it is supposed to do.
“From Tejuosho’s antecedents and if given the opportunity, she will continue to extend her generosity and passion to bring a turn around in the fortunes of the less privileged and downtrodden in Nigeria,”he added.
He reiterated the support of the PWDs community in Nigeria to Tinubu, while appealing to him to grant their only wish by appointing Tejuosho who is one of them.
Also, the Chairman, Arewa Youths Disability Forum, Muhammad Zaria, said the length of time the ministry was left vacant, poses danger to the smooth running of government affairs.
“Mr President, we are united with one voice without any external influence in making this appeal and prayer.
‘It will be a privilege to appoint this selfless woman as a Minister because we are very sure she will deliver.
“This is our collective resolve born out of the conviction that with the support she has been giving people in the community for over 10 years, she is the right person for the job.
”Politics, region and other considerations should be put aside to allow competence and merit to prevail,”Zaria said.
He congratulated Tinubu for a meritorious one year in office, while commending him on his progressive policies, support to PWDs and the senior citizens.
Zaria also thanked the First Lady, Sen. Remi Tinubu, for her firm support to Tinubu, while commending her for the agricultural support she has recently extended to women, youths and PWDs across the country. NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Badagry (Lagos State), June 1, 2024 (NAN) A cleric, Rt. Rev. Babatunde Adeyemi, on Saturday urged President Bola Tinubu to research thoroughly before introducing economic policies.
Adeyemi, the Bishop, Diocese of Anglican Communion, Cathedral Church of St. Thomas, Badagry, Lagos State, said that the present economic policies were tough.
He gave the advice at the second session of the Seventh Synod of the Diocese of Badagry, held at the Church.
“We want a better Nigeria and we know that he did well in Lagos, and we know he can do well in Nigeria.
“But, he should watch those who are working with him and then put things in proper perspective.
“The President should also not forget the restructuring of the country, each region to develop at its own pace,” he said.
The bishop also urged the federal government to address the multiple checkpoints along Agbara Badagry expressway.
The bishop said that the multiple checkpoints were problematic.
“Many security agencies at different checkpoints are even contributing to the problem of the country.
“In as much as we want the environment to be secure, this is not how to secure it.
“We want to revive the economy of Badagry and Nigeria; how do we do this, with many checkpoints?
“It is a border area; the security agencies should maintain the former three checkpoints which are in Agbara, Gbaji and Seme.
“Now, we have agencies like the police, Customs, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigerian Army at different checkpoints.
“The best thing the government can do is to clear the whole place; we don’t need so many checkpoints to catch a thief or smugglers,” he said.
Adeyemi said that he had travelled to many neighbouring countries and such things were done differently.
Mr Babatunde Hunpe, the immediate past lawmaker that represented Badagry in the House of Representatives, also spoke at the event.
He said that the bishop, in his usual way, had drawn government attention to the unusual things happening around Badagry.
“I could remember some years back, he spoke about Badagry Expressway, and we thank the government for the attention given to the road now.
“The issue of multiple checkpoints has been an issue for long and with the bishop talking about it today, I believe the government that is concerned will reduce, if not remove it completely.
“If you look at the route and the checkpoints we are talking about, it is not just one government agency that is manning these checkpoints.
“My candid advice is that some of these agencies should be merged and made to stay at few points, instead of spreading to many points,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr Olalekan Sewedo, the Chief of Staff to Mr Olusegun Onilude, the Chairman Badagry Local Government, said the multiple checkpoints slowed down travelling time from Agbara to Seme.
Sewedo, who represented the chairman, said the council had been trying to address the issue by involving security stakeholders in the town.
“We have been engaging Divisional Police Officer in Badagry only to find out that most checkpoints in Badagry have their authorities from places beyond the State Commissioner of Police, not to talk of the DPO of Badagry Police Station.
“You will find IG Spécial Squads, Commissioner Unit, I think that is where the problems of the checkpoints come in, and because of the peculiarities of Badagry being a border community.
“We will continue to engage to see what we can do,” he said. (NAN)
Prof.Rowland Worlu,of the Business Management, Covenant University, Ota, during the 32nd Inaugural Lecture of the Institution on Saturday
Elections
By Ige Adekunle
Sango-Ota (Ogun), June 1, 2024(NAN) A Professor of Marketing, Rowland Worlu, has advised the federal government to increase advocacy to discourage the culture of vote buying and other social vices undermining the country’s electoral processes.
Worlu, of the Department of Business Management, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun, gave the advice on Saturday.
He spoke during the 32nd inaugural lecture with the theme: “In Praise of Customers and The Electorate,” in the institution.
The don emphasised the need for the federal government to liaise with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Civil Society organisations (CSOS) in making things better.
“An improved advocacy will vigorously discourage the culture of vote buying and other social vices which have affected the democratic system and hindered the sanctity of the nation’s electoral processes.
“In addition, vote buying will not give room for credible leaders to be elected during elections as the citizens deserve better lives,” he said.
The don stressed the need to curb vote buying, which he claimed was still at a worrisome level in the country.
On the society, he said that government and business people should be sensitive to the needs of citizens and customers.
He said that citizens had expectations from government programmes and services.
In his welcome remarks, Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, said that inaugural lecture tends to address the fundamental aspects of national and sustainable development.
Adebayo urged the electorate to positively use their power to vote out leaders and politicians who are not sensitive to the yearnings of the people.
The VC stressed that as it is with marketing promises to customers, politicians must fulfil their commitments to the people during campaigns.
He said that Covenant University, as a leading class institution, would remain sensitive and committed to expansive viable solutions toward national and continental aspirations.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
