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  • Businessman rewards policeman who rejected N150m bribe with land 

    Businessman rewards policeman who rejected N150m bribe with land

    Reward

    By Patricia Amogu

    Abuja ,June 30, 2024 (NAN) An Abuja-based businessman, Prince Chukwuemeka Okoye, has gifted Ibrahim Sini, a Superintendent of Police Ibrahim, a plot of land in Abuja for turning down a 150 million naira bribe allegedly offered to him by a defendant.

    Okoye, who is the Managing Director/CEO of Vegas homes Ltd, said at a party he organised to honour the policeman that Sini’s rejection of the bribe was an act that helped him retain his most valuable assets – integrity and peace of mind – which he maintained are his core values in life.

    Okoye, said Sini’s conduct remains exemplary and should inspire others and Nigerians to note that the Nigerian Police Force has men of integrity and good conduct and reminded citizens that indeed police is our friend.

     

    He said, “SP Sini’s actions have not only brought honour to himself and the Nigeria Police Force but have also inspired countless others to stand firm against corruption and uphold the highest ethical standards.

     

    “His integrity serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even in challenging circumstances, it is possible to remain true to one’s values.

     

    “This honour is aimed at not only appreciating the laudable conduct of Superintendent Ibrahim Sini but to demonstrate that society appreciates individuals of integrity and good conduct.

    “We want to also show that the Nigerian Police Force has officers that are professional and who live above board;  with the right incentives to engage in meaningful policing they can be worthy examples,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defendant, a Lagos-based businessman (names withheld) who was lleged to have offered the policeman the 150 million naira bribe had been arraigned at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja in 2023

    The Inspector General of Police, through his counsel, Mr Simon Lough (SAN) had brought the charge against the defendant on the allegation that he offered the policeman the said sum to suppress an investigation regarding a petition against him by an international oil firm operating in Nigeria.

    The charge further indicated that the defendant made a partial payment of 50 million naira to a team of investigators led by one Ibrahim Ezekiel Sini, of the Federal Investigation Bureau.

    Speaking at the party organised in his honour, Sini said he rejected the bribe in order to retain his most valuable assets – integrity and peace of mind.

    According to him, the two elements are his core values in life.

    “I am very happy to be here and I want to appreciate the organisers of this programme.

    “They have surpassed my imagination and have added more grease to my elbow.

    “I remember when the incident happened, the person in question asked me, if I wanted to be rich?

    “It was an opportunity for me to be rich. The bribe was offered to enable him to escape abroad and to influence me to write a favourable report about him after the investigation.

    “I said to him that it depended on the kind of riches he was talking about because I would like to have riches that would make it difficult to lay my head down and sleep at night.

    “So, I decided to do the right thing so that I can have peace of mind, not just for myself but for my organisation, that is, the Nigeria Police Force and also for the country at large,” he said.

    He called on the youth to stand for justice and integrity always no matter the circumstances.

    He further advised young people in the country not to trade their integrity for anything immoral.

    “Integrity counts. It is possible to be in the middle of a lot of challenges and the storms of life and still be upright.

    “Nigeria is our country and Nigeria shall be great,” he added.

    While presenting the title deeds of the land to Sini, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Mr Benneth Igweh said the policeman’s conduct has brought pride to the Nigerian Police.

    “We are proud of you, I want to let you know that your conduct has brought pride to the Nigeria Police Force and I i will continue to look out for you and encourage you to be the best example for others to follow.

    “We urge other members of the force to emulate SP Sini.

    “His integrity serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even in challenging circumstances, it is possible to remain true to one’s values.

    “This honour is aimed at not only appreciating the laudable conduct of Superintendent Ibrahim Sini but to demonstrate that society appreciates individuals of integrity and good conduct,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    PAO/YEE

    =========

    (Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

  • Rotational presidency will promote equity, justice-Ohuabunwa 

    Rotational presidency will promote equity, justice  — Ohuabunwa
    Presidency
    By Adekunle Williams
    Lagos, June 30, 2024 (NAN) A  former Chairman, National Economic Summit Group, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa ,says the proposed power rotation among the six-geopolitical zones will promote equity and justice.
    Ohuabunwa said  this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)on Saturday on Lagos .
    According to him, if the proposal eventually gains constitutional backing,it will deepen the country’s democracy and address claims of political marginalisation.
    NAN recalls that a bill seeking a rotation of the president and state governors was brought up on June 11 by 35 members of the House of Representatives.
    The 35 legislators, under the auspices of Reformed-Minded Legislators, said the proposition would lead to  reduction in the cost of governance.
    Speaking , Ohuabunwa said the antagonists of power rotation wanted Nigerians  to forget the “Federal Character Principle” in the constitution, which requires fair and equitable representation of different ethnic and regional groups in government.
    “For whatever it is worth, and for the sake of inclusiveness and sense of belonging, each of the six zones should have the experience of presidential power.
    “The rotation of power, is more or less a gentleman agreement, which is already more or less in practice since democracy was returned into the country in 1999..
    “The South-West had it through Olusegun  Obasanjo, the South-South had it through Goodluck Jonathan., the North-West had it through  Muhammadu Buhari.
    “The last time(2023) the South-East thought it would be their turn ,but it was denied as power went back to the South-West.
    “It is a painful reality that the agreement changed and that political leaders did not keep to it
    “It is in South-West now and it is believed that it will probably go back to the north in 2027, if the rotational presidency is not included in the constitution.”he said.
    Ohuabunwa,a former chairman of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria(MAN),urged that rotational presidency be included in the constitution before 2027 to address unrest and agitations for power in some parts of the country.
    Speaking on money politics, Ohuabunwa said it was unfortunate that Nigerians put money above competence and integrity when  choosing leaders .
    He said  money politics was destroying the country’s democracy by throwing up bad leaders.
    (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    WAC/BHB
    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

  • Without massive women votes I wouldn’t be governor- Alia

    Without Massive women votes, I wouldn’t be governor – Alia

    Women

    By Emmanuel Antswen

    Makurdi, June 30, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue, has acknowledged that without the massive votes of women in the state, he would not have won the 2023 Governorship Election.

    Alia stated this on Saturday in Makurdi, during the launch of the 774 Explode Project, an initiative of Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that 774 Explode Project, is being promoted by Dr Mary Alile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Woman Leader.

    The governor said without the massive votes of women, he and President Bola Tinubu, would not have won elections in 2023, and therefore, reassured them of their continued support.

    He said since he did not have a first lady, all great women of Benue State were his first ladies, while Mrs Tinubu was the mother of the state.

    He assured women in the state that he would continue to support them to attain their goals and realise their potential.

    On 774 Explode Project, Alia said his administration would ensure that Benue remained number one in its implementation nationwide.

    He said after training and skills acquisition by the women in their chosen skills, they would each receive N500,000 take-off support from the state government.

    He commended Mrs Tinubu for the initiative, and the APC national woman leader for promoting it across the country.

    He said the state was very grateful to Mrs the first lady for all the support, both in cash and in kind, to Benue women.

    He said so far, Benue women had benefitted from the provision of grains, fertiliser, scholarships, and several other things from the office of the First lady of Nigeria.

    Inaugurating the project, Alile said only five per cent of women were currently in governance in Nigeria.

    She said out of the 469 national assembly members, only 20 were women, adding that 15 out of the 36 current state houses of assemblies had no female representatives.

    She said women represented 49.3 per cent of the country’s population, and therefore, needed to wake up and make things happen for them.

    Alile commended Alia for funding the launch of the project in Benue.

    She also commended the governors over their support for the initiative, noting that it would benefit the states immensely.

    She said from the initiative, Nigerian women would acquire skills, political mentorship, capacity building, trainings, and many others.

    She disclosed that the beneficiaries of the initiative would be between the ages of 18 to 35 years old.

    Mrs Christie Ode, wife of the state’s deputy governor, said women played special roles in nation building.

    Ode expressed concerns over Nigeria being among countries of the world where women still had less participation in politics and governance.

    She said the launch of the 774 Explode Project was a significant step in the right direction in closing the gaps and including women in politics and governance.

    She commended the first lady for all she was doing for women in the country, and also Alia for giving the Benue women a fresh breath of life.

    In a keynote address tilted: “Enhancing Gender Space in Politics and Mentoring”, Mr Dennis Dzawua said without the support of women, no candidate would win election in Nigeria.

    Dzawua said women were the architects of their problems, and until they started supporting each other, they might not get their deserved political positions in the country.

    According to him, politics plays a significant influence over the decision-making process that impacts lives, so all women must strive hard to be in politics to influence such decisions.

    In his remarks, Benue APC Acting Chairman, Mr Benjamin Omakolo, said the project would further enhance women’s participation in politics beyond the state.

    Omakolo said women occupied a special place in APC and Alia’s administration.

    He commended the governor for his massive infrastructure strides within the last one year in office, saying under Alia, “everything has suddenly changed positively “.

    He said the governor had made history in Benue by becoming the first governor to be paying salaries, pensions, gratuities, executing projects, human capital development among other achievements without borrowing a dime.

    Earlier in an address of welcome, Scholastica Ben-Sor, Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, said Benue women who voted massively for the APC in the 2023 polls, were solidly behind the governor and and the president.

    Ben-Sor said the women had resolved to continue to support Alia and Tinubu to succeed.

    “Benue women voted massively for the governor, the president and the APC. Wherever the governor goes we will go with you. No turning back,” she declared. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AEB/DOR
    ========

    Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

  • Strike: ACCI urges FG, labour to put nation’s economy above all

     

    Economy

    By Lucy Ogalue

    Abuja, June 30, 2024 (NAN) The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), has urged the Federal Government and Labour Unions to prioritise the nation’s economic well-being by seeking amicable resolutions to disputes.

    The President of ACCI, Emeka Obegolu, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    Obegolu was reacting to the recent strike embarked upon by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) as well as the effects  on businesses and the economy.

    The NLC and TUC had on June 3, enjoined other affiliate unions on an indefinite strike.

    The strike was prompted by the clamour for a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers, aimed at ameliorating effects of the country’s current economic realities attributed to harsh government policies.

    The ACCI president expressed deep concern over any strike action, saying that it had detrimental effects on the economy, particularly small businesses.

    “The ACCI encourages the need for constructive dialogue and negotiations to resolve disputes without resorting to strikes.

    “We are urging all stakeholders to engage in open and effective communication to find sustainable solutions that protect our economy and the livelihood of millions of Nigerians.

    “We understand that the ripple effects of strikes extend beyond immediate financial losses, it hinders supply chains, delays projects, and create an uncertain business environment.

    “This uncertainty discourages investment and stifles economic growth, and we must stand against this,’’ Obegolu said.

    According to him, strike actions pose significant challenges to economic stability and growth. They disrupt economic activities, leading to a loss of productivity, revenue, and business confidence.

    The ACCI president said it mostly affected small businesses, which are our economy’s backbone. This resulted in severe financial strain and, in some cases, business closure.

    He, therefore, expressed the Chamber’s readiness to facilitate discussions and provide necessary support to mitigate the adverse impacts on small businesses and the broader economy.

    Similarly, an analyst, Gloria Uke, said the strike actions protesting against austerity measures and the government’s economic policies had adverse effects on the country’s economy.

    Uke said while the workers demanded better wages and improved working conditions, businesses grappled with the sudden disruption to operations and supply chains.

    According to her, this action is detrimental to businesses and economic growth and should be avoided as much as possible.

    An economist, Thomas Geoffrey, said the strike’s impact transcended sectors, seeping into daily life and affecting everything from healthcare services to education.

    Geoffrey said the strike affected the volume of foreign direct investment, increased unemployment, reduced consumer confidence, led to decreased spending, and stagnated the retail sector.

    “We must, therefore, find a balance between our aspirations for better livelihoods and the need for economic stability,” Geoffrey said.

    For Mr Ignatius Itodo, a businessman, strike action is an enemy of progress. It halts business activities and leads to poverty and hunger.

    Itodo said the country’s hardship and suffering had caused most of his customers to buy goods on credit rather than pay for items purchased as they used to do.

    He, however, drummed support for any measure that would ameliorate the sufferings of the poor masses and Nigerian workers.

    Adamma Okoronkwo, a small business owner, who sells in one of the secretariat buildings, said her mini business always got caught in the crossfire during demonstrations.

    Okoronkwo said her fabric shop, which was bustling with customers, was eerily quiet whenever workers were made to stay home for any reason.

    She said, ” the sad implication is that it affects my available income, thus limiting my ability to adequately care for my family.

    “ I do not have any other source of income except this one, so we depend on whatever profit I can make daily from this petty business.’’

    Meanwhile, a taxi driver, Uche Okoro, said very few passengers were usually seen during strikes, as they affect their businesses, especially with the increased cost of petrol in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    LCN/EEE

    ========

    Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

  • Katsina records 118 suspected cholera cases, zero-cases in Kaduna, Kano 

    Katsina records 118 suspected cholera cases, zero-cases in Kaduna, Kano
    Cholera
    By Bashir Rabe Mani
    Kaduna, June 30, 2024 (NAN)  As Nigeria grapples with a surging  cholera outbreak, available data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) showed that no fewer than 31 states have so far recorded 528 confirmed cases.
    Out of these cases, 53  deaths have been recorded in no fewer than 117 local governments across the country.
    However, the three tiers of government and their partners have been employing proactive measures to tame the outbreak and prevent it from spreading.
    President Bola Tinubu had since approved the establishment of a multi-sectoral cabinet committee on the control of the epidemic headed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate.
    In Katsina, the state government said it has recorded 118 suspected cholera cases out of which two were confirmed, disclosing that it was putting in place proactive measures to curtail the possible outbreak of the disease.
    The Director of Epidemiology, state Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Kabir Suleiman, stated this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Katsina.
    Suleiman explained that cholera was an ailment caused by bacteria, which was detected with acute diarrhea.
    “Based on our records, around March, this year, we had an outbreak of cholera in Kusada local government. There were 68 suspected cases where we have two confirmed cases with one death.
    “The situation was effectively managed by the government together with the development partners,” he said.
    Suleiman added that recently, about 118 suspected cholera samples were taken for laboratory tests.
    According to him, all the cases were negative, adding, “So, for now, we don’t have new cholera cases. But the state is fully prepared for any emergency.
    “Basically, we can coordinate any outbreak that can affect the state at any point in time.”
    The director said the state, together with some of the development partners, have the required equipment to fight against the disease.
    “We have all the needed equipment to treat such outbreaks. We have maintained our system at alert, where we are now at alert mode.
    “Rapid Response Teams, including surveillance and notifications officers have already been trained on proper detection and management of such diseases.
    “In terms of prevention and control, we are taking measures to curtail the spread of the disease to other places in the state,” Suleiman said
    He further said that the agency has produced jingles to sensitise the residents on the causes of the disease, treatment and preventative measures.
    The director further revealed that the government engaged about 3, 000 ‘Volunteer Community Mobilizers (VCMs)’ who visit house-to-house to sensitise women on the importance of maintaining personal hygiene.
    Suleiman also said that the government had established ‘Oral Rehydration Points’ at the 34 Comprehensive Health Centres (CHCs) for admission and treatment of cholera cases.
    “We also have a normal routine surveillance system that is working throughout the day in order to effectively fight against outbreak of emergencies like cholera,” he said.
    Suleiman added that the government was also building 102 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in the state to enhance healthcare services at the rural areas across the state.
    He. therefore,urged the people in the state to continue to imbibe the habit of personal hygiene and environmental sanitation, as part of the plausible measures to avert diseases’ outbreak.
    Meanwhile, in Kaduna, the State Primary Health Care Board (SPHCB) said that there was no any reported case of cholera in the state in spite of it being recorded in neighboring states.
    The Incident Manager (IM) of the board, Dr Abdullahi Musa, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna.
    Musa, who doubles as the board’s ‘Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO),’ therefore said the state was alert and prepared in the advent of any emergency to curtail it in a short time.
    He disclosed that the state had reactivated its rapid response team which consists of a team of experts that were competent and capable of responding to any form of outbreak or public health emergency.
    Musa also said they were able to identify some of designated health facilities at the local government levels that would serve as treatment centres in case of the outbreak of cholera in the state.
    He equally said they have identified some selected facilities that can diagnose the case of cholera, adding, “This are facilities that have laboratories for diagnosing cases of cholera.”
    Speaking on the area of surveillance, the DSNO said they were able to sensitise many personnel on how to identify cases of cholera.
    Stressing the importance of surveillance, Musa said they have Surveillance Officers, the DSNO’s at the LG level, other Surveillance Officers at facilities level and community informants.
    “We were able to sensitise them so they could be informed on the current outbreak of cholera in some states, and should be able to pick up cases on time before it spread, when it eventually comes to the state,”he said.
    Speaking on area of media engagement, Musa said they were airing jingles and having programmes in order to sensitise the public about the outbreak of cholera in the country and various ways it could be contacted, its signs and symptoms and prevention.
    He added that the government was also supporting them in areas of water purification by procuring chlorine to chlorinate sources of water.
    Musa added, “Currently, we have marked all the waves in the state.  Over 260,000 waves were marked out and about to start chlorination so as to purify sources of water for the public.”
    He urged the public to take any suspected case to the hospital, restating the state’s readiness to respond to the cholera outbreak without spreading it to other places in the advent of an emergency.
    Also in Kano State, the state government said it has not recorded any case of cholera.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) had earlier listed Kano among the states battling the disease.
    The Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran, said this while fielding questions from newsmen in Kano.
    Labaran, however, said that findings so far revealed that there was no cholera outbreak in the state.
    “We don’t have a single case as of now. We have seen some reports in the media but we can categorically tell you that there is none,” he said.
    The commissioner explained that the state government had unveiled proactive measures to safeguard the people against the cholera outbreak in the state.
    Labaran said, “As a government, we have taken necessary measures, including alerting our Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) committee two weeks ago when the disease broke out in Lagos.
    “The committee, comprising health practitioners, surveillance and notification officers, health educators, and ward volunteers, is tasked with reporting any strange disease or pandemic and taking prompt measures to halt its spread.
    “The state has launched a sensitisation campaign to educate people, particularly in rural areas, on how to protect themselves.
    “We have launched public campaigns to raise awareness and promote proactive measures within communities, focusing on personal and environmental hygiene, and avoiding the consumption of unsafe water.”
    He further said that the state government had procured drugs to combat the disease in the event of an outbreak.
    The commissioner also urged the communities to promptly report any malfunctioning public water facilities to the nearest officials for immediate repairs, ensuring access to clean water throughout the state.
    Similarly, the Director-General, Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC), Prof.  Muhammad Abbas, has called on the people in the state to take cholera with the seriousness it deserves due to its fatal consequences in the society.
    Abbas strongly advised the residents to take proactive measures to set the state free from the dreaded disease.
    The director-general  explained that the commonest identified symptoms of cholera were diarrhea, vomiting and rapid dehydration, advising, ”whoever is spotted with any or all of the symptoms should be rushed to the nearest health facility.
    ”The people must take timely actions to avert cholera outbreak in the state through frequent washing of hands with soap and water, drinking safe water and avoiding contaminated sources of water including rainwater.”
    The rest, said he, include avoiding close contact with the people showing symptoms of cholera, storing food appropriately and washing hands before and after using toilets.
    Abbas further emphasized that the people should develop the habit of staying safe with good hygiene as additional protection against cholera through use of proper toilets and hygienic disposal of wastes.
    According to him, all foods should be thoroughly cooked and safely stored, raw and cooked seafood should be avoided while fruits and vegetables must be adequately washed with clean water before use.
    The director-general also assured the people of the state that the agency was up and doing, through the fullest support of the ministry, to focus on any public disease that may cause havoc to their socio-economic well-being. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    By Reporters
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Cholera: Lagos residents lament access to potable water

    Lagos Water Corporation seen distributing potable water to Lagos Island residents.

     

    Water

    By Henry Oladele
    Lagos, June 30, 2024 (NAN) Some Lagos residents have decried the poor access to public water by the Lagos State Water Corporation (LWC), amid the cholera outbreak.

    They disclosed this in separate interviews with  the News Agency of  Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

    They spoke against the background of the LWC assurance to the residents that the state public water is the most safe because it conforms with the World Health Organisation’s standards.

    They told NAN that they had been relying on boreholes for so many years given that the state’s public water had not been working, thereby exposing them to water borne diseases.

    Mrs Abimbola Oloyede, a resident in Egbeda, told  NAN that the public water had not been functioning in Egbeda and Alimosho in general.

    Oloyede said that most areas don’t have access to public water.

    “I don’t use public water in my area. Unavailability of public water led to increased household expenditure both in buying sachet water for drinking and borehole water in gallons for other domestic use.

    “This adds an extra financial burden on the residents who are struggling already and posing environmental challenges with the littering of the sachet water,” she said.

    She urged the Lagos State Water Corporation to ensure the availability of public water to the residents to make access to clean and safe  drinking water a reality.

    Another resident who lives in Ikorodu, Mrs Bolaji Adesewa, told NAN that the LWC had not been working in the area for many years.

    “We all have boreholes that we depend on. Even though we cannot drink it, we use it for domestic use.

    “We are also careful of the water we drink because of the outbreak of cholera in town. The LWC should act fast, so we can enjoy potable water in Ikorodu.

    “Water scarcity also challenges the ability of residents to keep up with sanitation and healthy living habits,” she said.

    Mr Ayo Musari, a resident in the Lekki area of Lagos, told NAN that he had not seen any sign of LWC in his area since he started living there.

    “I buy water to drink, which is expensive. And you know we all need to be very careful because of the cholera outbreak in town.

    “The LWC needs to be well-funded. With this, everyone will have access to safe and potable water that is free from contamination,” he said.

    Mrs Omowunmi Abeeb, a civil servant and resident in Ebute-Metta, told NAN that the LWC was not functional in their area, adding that they stopped getting public water long time ago.

    “In the 90s, there used to be public water but it stopped all of a sudden and we resorted to boreholes.

    “We spend a lot for water and more for the water we drink because we won’t want to drink from the boreholes.

    “We hope that the old times will come back where the LWC will be very effective in water delivery,” she said.

    Meanwhile, Mrs Idayat Komolafe, a resident who lives around Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island, told NAN that the LWC has been supplying water to the area since the outbreak of cholera.

    “We don’t have a good water system on the Lagos Island, as what we have is contaminated, thereby causing a lot of communicable diseases.

    “We hope that the LWC will change and also get the water across to the rest of the city,” she said.

    An environmental consultant, Mr Taiwo Adewole, while speaking with NAN, said many people in the Lagos areas do not have access to the public water.

    “Almost every household in the state has its borehole, while some depend on well water, especially in the low income communities.

    Speaking on the health implications of unavailability of water in Lagos State, Dr Tunji Akintade, a General Physician, told NAN that  past tests had confirmed the contamination of some boreholes and well water by pathogens.

    Akintade added that nylon water was unsafe for consumption.

    “People can get cholera by drinking unsafe water or eating food contaminated with cholera bacteria,” he said.

    However, the Executive Director, Operations, LWC, Mrs Helen Omolanke, assured residents of safe and potable water, advising everyone to maintain good hygiene.

    “The water from the LWC is the most safe. We have tested the boreholes and other sachet waters in the past and we have seen that the LWC is the best.

    “It is reliable. It takes away sickness and you won’t have cholera from drinking LWC water.

    “Following reported cases of cholera in Lagos State, particularly Lagos Island, the LWC has started supplying potable water to affected areas,” she said.

    Omolanke added that Iju and Adiyan water works was undergoing massive reconstruction, assuring residents that the two water stations would serve the entire state and beyond when completed.(NAN)

    HOB/JNC
    ========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Police arrest robbery suspect in Lagos, recover firearms

    The suspect and exhibitArrest

    By Deborah Akpede

     

    Lagos, June 30, 2024 (NAN)Operatives of  Lagos Police  Command have arrested  a suspected armed robber in Idimu area of the state.

    The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest in a post he shared on his X handle @benHundeyin on Sunday.

    He said that the suspect was arrested on Sunday during a patrol of the axis(Idimu)

    “Today, at 3: 00 a.m. at Pipeline Street, Idimu, the suspect was arrested by officers from Idimu Division.

    “When searched, one locally made pistol and one live cartridge were recovered, ” the spokesperson said.

    According to the image maker, investigation is ongoing on the matter (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DOA/KOO/BHB

    ==========

    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Buhari Bolaji

  • Edo poll: Ex-aspirant slams candidates over failure to state focus

     

    Campaign

    By Usman Aliyu

    Benin, June 30, 2024 (NAN) A former aspirant for the 2024 Edo gubernatorial election, Prof. Sylvester Akhaine, has expressed disappointment over the failure of the vying candidates to drive their campaigns with how to solve the state’s challenges.

    Akhaine, who contested in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, expressed the disappointment in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Benin.

    He regretted that the campaigns had been devoid of substance, with candidates focusing on rhetoric rather than presenting tangible solutions to the state’s challenges.

    According to him, Edo has suffered years of infrastructure deficit as a result of a self-serving crop of leaders that had governed the state.

    “Today, the landscape of Edo State is visibly underlined by infrastructural deficit and the absence of basic social facilities.

    “The condition of schools is damnable to the extent that only an insignificant number of staff is on the government payroll.

    “Others are hired by development associations and old boys associations. Education budgets are among the lowest in the country.

    “Indeed, this reality contradicts claims by successive governments to the effect of having addressed them with billions of our hard-earned resources,” the professor said.

    The APC chieftain, who also decried the security situation in the state, said the state needed a new government bold enough to invest in infrastructure and education.

    “Whoever wishes to govern the state must pre-occupy him/herself with the issues outlined above.

    “The aspirant must explain the issues clearly to our people, including how resources will be mobilised to solve the problems beyond the monthly allocation from the central pool.

    “We need a government bold enough to invest in infrastructure and education.

    “We need policies and programmes that are meaningful to the ordinary people, not social media figures and propaganda,” Odion-Akhaine said.

    He added that in comparative and relative terms  Edo State could not be ranked as a leader in any notable sector of socio-economic activities due to neglect by successive governments. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AUO/JI

    Edited by Joe Idika

  • Former defence chief, Adm. Ogohi dies at 75

    Former defence chief, Adm. Ogohi dies at 75

    Death

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 30, 2024 (NAN) A former Chief of Defence Staff, Adm. Ibrahim Ogohi, has passed on after a brief illness at the age of 75.

    In a brief statement by the Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Sunday, the former defence chief died in the early hours of Sunday, at his Abuja home.

    He was the defence chief between 1999 and 2003, and was the first Nigerian Navy officer to attain a four-star general rank.

    “With deep sorrow, I announce the death of Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi (rtd), a former Chief of Defence Staff (1999-2003).

    “He passed on in Abuja in the early hours of today. More details will be communicated later,” Gusau said.

    Born on Nov.14, 1948, Ogohi hails from Okura Olafia in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.

    According to his public profile, he had his early education at St John’s College, Kaduna, from 1962 to 1966 and enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1967 of regular course 4, passing out in 1970.

    Ogohi attended his Midshipman course in the UK in 1971, and technical course in India in 1972, under water Warfare Course India in 1976, then the U.S. Naval War College Course in 1980 and 1992.

    He was Commanding Officer, Eken NNS France in 1982; Commander NNS Anansa in 1985, and Director of Administration at the NDA from 1986 to 1987.

    In 1992, he was Directing Staff in the National War College, and Deputy Commandant, Armed Forces Command Staff College, Jaji in 1995.

    In May 1999, he was appointed Chief of Defence Staff till 2003. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/DOR

    =======

    Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

  • Insecurity : Okupe backs state police,canvasses zonal military

    Dr Doyin Okupe, a former Presidential spokesman

     

    Security: Each region deserves its own military — Okupe

    Military
    By Adeyemi Adeleye
    Lagos, June 30, 2024 (NAN) Former Director-General of the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Campaign Council, Dr Doyin Okupe, says the creation of state police will help address the security challenges facing the country.

     

    Okupe, gave the view in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

     

    He was reacting to calls by some stakeholders for the adoption of state police, to address the security challenges in the country.

     

    The constitution only empowers the Nigeria Police Force(NPF) ,a federal police,to be in charge of policing in all the states of the federation.

     

    Prof. Pat Utomi ,a political economist,is one of  the stakeholders calling for adoption of state police.

    Okupe, former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) , said a central police had failed and that states should be empowered constitutionally to take care of their security.

    According to him, the excuse that governors will abuse state police is not a justification for not having the policing system, that can guarantee security of lives and property.

    “We only need to find a constitutional way to stop abuse by the state governors.

    “We cannot build and encourage what is  wrong and not working, just because we fear certain things. Policing should be totally and completely decentralised,” he said.

    Okupe also canvassed that each of the zones in the  country should have its own military ,with its own chief of army staff, to strengthen  security .

    “Each of the zone can have their own army and we have a central command somewhere, where each zonal chief of army staff links up.

    “In this situation, the issue of coup does not arise again.

    “If there is a war, all the zones will contribute soldiers to prosecute the war and after that everybody goes back to their zones.These are the things we need,” Okupe  said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AYO/BHB

     

    Edited by Buhari Bolaji