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  • FG, ASUU  end meeting, agree on amicable resolution

    Strike
    By Funmilayo Adeyemi
    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on  Wednesday ended their closed door meeting with an agreement that all contentious issues will be amicably resolve to avert strike.
    The parties also agreed to  kick-start a communication process to avert the planned industrial actions by the union.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the parties had entered into a close-door meeting which began at about 4:30 p.m. at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
    The meeting which lasted for over two hours,
    had in attendance the two Ministers overseeing Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, and Dr Yusuf Sununu and other top officials in the ministry in the federal government’ team
    The ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, who led the union’s team, told newsmen after the meeting that negotiation process had begun, while hoping that the federal government would follow up on what had been agreed on.
    “We have discussions on all the issues and we have given assignment to some people to look at, and agreed on the way forward.
    On the two-week ultimatum issued by the union, Osodeke said they would go back and give the details of the meeting to their members.
    “What is important is that we have started the process and our prayers is that we resolve it for the interest of our young men and the interest of the nation .
    “The government has spent one year in office and we have not been called for any formal meeting. Today we are having the first formal meeting.
    “There is a process we have started and we are going to set deadlines, we are going to meet to look at what has been done on those issues and we hope the process will continue,” he said.
    On his part,  Mamman said that consultations would commence immediately to overcome the problems bedeviling education.
    “We’ve had a very good meeting and a very productive one. We’ve discussed progress on how to ensure that the system works well and lots of the issues we talked about are those that we inherited and some ongoing.
    “We discussed them all without exception and we have consensus on the way forward.
    “A lot of consultations will still continue on some information we don’t have, which are beyond the scope of the ministry and which will require us to connect with our colleagues in other ministries.
    “But, the most important thing is that we had a very good meeting and agreed to continue with the consultations to overcome the problems bedeviling education in Nigeria,” he said.
    It will be recalled that ASUU had threatened to embark on a nationwide strike over the federal government’s failure to meet its demands.
    The union had charged the government to act within two weeks to address all outstanding demands by the union.
    Some of the issues of contention are removal from IPPIS, Renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, all the backlog of Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) and all the outstanding salaries, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FAK/ROT
    ========
    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

     

  • FG tasks journalists on climate change awareness

    Participants at the NCCRP organised Capacity Building workshop for Media Professionals on climate change.

    Awareness

    By Mercy Omoike
    Lagos, June 26,2024 (NAN) The Department of Climate Change (DCC), the Federal Ministry of Environment, has tasked journalists on raising awareness on climate change issues in the country.

    The Director of DCC, Dr Iniobong Abiola-Awe, gave the charge at the end of a three-day workshop for media professionals on climate change on Wednesday in Lagos.

    Abiola-Awe was represented by Mrs Dolapo John-Akhighbe, the Desk Officer at Department of Climate Change.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that  the workshop under the auspices of the DCC and the Nigeria Climate Response Programme 2020-2024 (NCCRP) was organised to equip journalists for adequate reporting of climate change issues.

    The European Union funded NCCRP intends to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) pledge of 47 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases emissions by 2030 in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 13.

    Abiola-Awe who commended the participants for their active participation at the workshop called for increased awareness on climate change effects.

    “As we end this capacity building workshop for media professionals on climate change, I would like to extend my gratitude for your active participation and dedication over the past few days.

    “The knowledge and skills you have gained here will undoubtedly significantly impact your reporting of one of the most critical issue of recent times i.e. climate change.

    “Climate change is a global challenge that requires unified actions and as media professionals you hold the unique power to inform an inspire change.

    “Your role in raising awareness, holding stakeholders accountable and shaping the public opinion is crucial in driving the necessary action toward a more sustainable and resilient future,” Abiola-Awe said.

    She also stressed the importance of fact checking in climate change reportage

    “I encourage you to continue learning and evolving in your coverage of climate change.

    “To seek out diverse perspectives, to fact check vigorously and to communicate climate solution oriented stories that empowers individuals, communities, state and the national to take positive climate actions.
    “Remember the power of storytelling is immense and your words and pictures have the potential to inspire change, foster understanding and driven progress of climate action,” she said.

    The NCCRP Team lead, Dr Todd Ngara, encouraged networking among the journalists in creating awareness on climate change issues.

    “A lot of themes were discussed in the course of the workshop as regards climate change.

    “However, our focus as the NCCRP is to actualise a network of journalists on climate change report, hence the introduction of participants to Nigerian Journalists for Climate Change Action Network (NIJOCAN).

    “This workshop is the third gathering of journalists on climate change, and in the first workshop NIJOCAN was created, and the second in Keffi.

    “To include the southern journalists hence the workshop in Lagos to include journalists from the region.

    “For sustainability and inclusivity, we urge journalists from the South to be part of this network to push the frontiers of climate change reportage in the country,” Ngara said.

    On his part, Mr Michael Simire, a facilitator at the workshop, commended the journalists for their active participation.

    “The training has been successful so, indeed climate change communication is very important.

    “We have observed that the journalists have been very active and participatory in all the workshop sessions. They are enthusiastic and are learning, which is very commendable.

    “This will mean that the workshop will impact positively on their reportage of climate change issues.

    “This will foster better communication of climate change issues and the public will become aware of intricacies and the dynamics of climate change impacts.

    “Then they will be able to make necessary changes in their relationship with the environment,” Simire said.

    A key expert in communication and capacity building with the NCCRP, Ms Elizabeth Mwaniki, called for increased coverage of climate change issues by the journalists.

    “This workshop targets adequate reportage of climate change issues in media newsrooms in Nigeria.

    “Through the workshop, we learnt the importance of putting climate change reports on the front pages of our media reports.

    “Going forward, we expect that after this training, that journalists will go give climate change stories more visibility and expand their coverage of climate change issues.

    “We also hope to build more networks among climate change reporters to ensure sustainability of the reportage,” Mwaniki said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
    DMO/JNC
    ==========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • $27.2bn Escravos Seaport awaits FG’s validation

    From.L-R The Port Project Director of MMCC, Mr Asubet Udebu; Amb. Adenike Okonga; the Master Planner Developer of Escravos Project, Mr Alan Davies; the Chairman of Mercury Maritime Concession Company, (MMCC),Rear Adm. Andrew Okoja (rtd); Project Consultant; Prof. Charles Asenime; and Director MMCC Mr David Egbema during a news conference in Lagos on Wednesday.

    Seaport
    By Aisha Cole
    Lagos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Chairman, Mercury Maritime Concession Company (MMCC), Rear Adm. Andrew Okoja (rtd), said the Delta Government had revalidated the approval of Escravos $27.2 billion Seaport project, while waiting for Federal Government’s validation.

    Okoja, the Developer and Lead Promoter of the Escravos Port project made this known at a news conference in Lagos on Wednesday.

    He said that the Delta Government had granted the approval of the revalidation of the project to the developer of the proposed $27.29 billion Escravos Industrial Complex (ESIC) project in Delta.

    He said the developer had received assurance from the Federal Government that the revalidation of the earlier granted provisional approval would soon be granted.

    “We have received a revalidation from Delta State Government, which was communicated to us early this week.

    “We are also in touch with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the supervisory ministry for this project and they have assured us that the revalidation of the Federal Government would be granted before the expiration of the June deadline that the project financier gave us.

    “The project will run across eight ministries including the Ministry of Solid Minerals, the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Ministry of Power,’’ Okoja said.

    According to him, the port developer and its partners are bringing a development fund of $27.2 billion to support the present administration in its drive to attract foreign direct investments, develop the economy and create jobs.

    He called on stakeholders as well as state governments at different levels to join hands to build Nigerian economy by creating an enabling environment for the port project to thrive for the growth of the nation’s economy.

    Okoja said the developer had also secured both financial and developmental partners.

    “The EDIB International of Hong Kong had expressed willingness to invest in the project as the financial partner for the port project that will be located on 31,000 hectares of land in Escravos (Gbaramatu Island/Omadino) Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.

    “The port project will open up Delta State and seven other states including FCT Abuja to international investors in the area of trade, commerce and industry.

    “The project also involves building seven inland dry ports in Bayelsa, Imo, Delta, Edo, Kogi and Abuja and that all the deliverables would be achieved within five years of commencing construction,” he said.

    The Port Project Director of MMCC, Mr Ausbet Udebu, said the project involved one deep seaport, inland ports in seven states, such as Bayelsa (Nun river), Imo (Oguta lake), Delta (Okegbele), Edo (Inyele), Delta (Ebu), Kogi (Idah) and FCT Abuja.

    Udebu said the project involved building an intermodal transport system for cargo evacuation including 45km coastal roads, 150km rail line that would connect existing Warri-Ajaokuta-Itakpe railway and 600km of marine network.

    He said there would be an independent power infrastructure that involved 2,000 megawatts of Independent Power Project (IPP), two 500 megawatts of IPP in two inland ports and five 250 megawatts of IPP in five inland ports.

    Udebu said that there would be a Free Trade Zone, an industrial park and a Central Business District.

    He explained that Anambra and Niger would have equity ownership in the ESIC project.

    He said the project would be executed through a Joint Venture Partnership with a Nigerian firm, Mercury Maritime Concession Company Ltd. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AIC/AJA
    =======
    Edited by Adeleye Ajayi

  • NDLEA Special Command in Badagry arrests 194 suspects in 1 year

    Mr Owen Dinneys, Area Commander,  Special Command of National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) Sem

     

    Arrest
    By Raji Rasak
    Badagry (Lagos State), June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Special Command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Seme, Badagry, says it arrested 194 suspects and also convicted 48 people in one year.
    Mr Owen Dinneys, Area Commander, disclosed this on Wednesday during a news conference to commemorate the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Badagry.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the 2024 event is “The Evidence Is Clear: Invest in Prevention”.

     

    Dinneys stated that out of the 194 suspects, 149 were male and 45 female.

     

    “Several other cases are still ongoing at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.

     

    “A total of 159 drug users were counselled and discharged, while three referrals were made during the same period,” he said.

     

    The Area Commander noted that the command seized 10,974.12 kg of assorted drugs, equivalent to over 10 tonnes.

    The seized drug exhibits included: Cannabis: 10,967.5 kilogrammes;
    Methamphetamine: 0.98 kilogrammes; Tramadol: 3.576 kilogrammes; Diazepam: 2.06 kilogrammes; Rophynol: 0.3375 kilogrammes in the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA).

     

    NAN also reports that the command elevated its awareness campaigns in schools, churches, mosques, markets and government institutions.

     

    “We even carried our advocacy drive to traditional institutions and well-meaning community leaders/stakeholders,” Dinneys said.

     

    During the period under review, the WADA team visited 70 public and private schools, 16 mosques, 10 churches, and 54 public and private organisations, including markets, CDAs, and the Okada Riders Association, for awareness campaigns.

     

    “We intend to visit all the schools within our area of responsibility to ensure that no child is left uninformed on the dangers of drug abuse,” he added.

     

    NAN reports that officials of the agency, along with other security agencies, walked within the Badagry area, sensitising residents on the menace of drug abuse.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ROR/CHOM/AWA

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

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Olawunmi Ashafa

     

  • FG launches comprehensive fistula care to address 400,000 backlog

    FG launches comprehensive fistula care to address 400,000 backlog

    Fistula

    By Abujah Racheal

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Federal Government has launched comprehensive obstetric fistula care, initially targeting the National Obstetric Fistula Centres in Katsina, Bauchi, Ebonyi and Edo states, and also addressing backlog of nearly 400,000 cases.

    The programme which is to be implemented by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), will include saving lives, reducing physical and financial burden on women, and ensuring health for all Nigerians.

    Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, disclosed this during the inauguration of the Fistula Free Programme Steering Committee under NHIA Intervention at a ministerial launch on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury that affects millions of young women, primarily in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

    The condition, which leaves women unable to control their bladder and bowels, is caused by prolonged and obstructed labour where the baby’s head gets stuck in the birth canal, cutting off blood flow to the mother’s soft tissues and creating a hole between the bladder or rectum and the vagina.

    Surgery is the only cure and untreated fistula can lead to constant incontinence, kidney damage, ulcers, frequent infections and inability to have children.

    Pate, therefore, said that the comprehensive programme, set to begin in June, is to provide immediate medical interventions and long-term preventative measures in the country.

    The minister added that the programme focused on preventing fistula by ensuring mothers received proper nourishment, supervision by skilled professionals during delivery, and access to emergency specialist care to avoid complications.

    He noted that the initiative underscored the importance of community and societal involvement.

    The minister said “empowering and educating girls to ensure they are ready for motherhood is a key aspect of the programme, requiring the support of community and political leaders and civil society.”

    He explained that the key components of the programme include reducing the cost of access to treatment, surgical interventions, education, counselling and transportation of patients.

    The initiative, he added, also highlights the dedication of health workers and  importance of training programmes for surgical skills.

    “This issue has been present for a very long time, but we are finally taking significant steps to address it.

    “The success of the initiative relies on the commitment of healthcare professionals and community support.

    “With the right political backing and sustained efforts, this initiative aims to break the cycle of fistula and ultimately eliminate the problem in the country,” he stressed.

    He noted that addressing the challenge would help the country to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal three, which entails ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.

    In his presentation, Dr Kelechi Ohiri, the Director-General of National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at addressing the needs of women suffering from fistula, stressing the importance of financial access and systemic support for vulnerable populations.

    Ohiri, who doubles as the president of the committee, also highlighted the alignment of the initiative with the Nigerian health sector’s strategic blueprint, particularly focusing on the intersection of poverty and vulnerability among women with obstetric fistula.

    He described fistula survivors as “typically young, malnourished and from impoverished households, making them prime candidates for targeted intervention.

    “The chronic nature of their condition is not due to its medical complexity but because they cannot afford treatment.

    “The NHIA Fistula Free PProgramme aims to enhance financial access and care for these women.”

    He explained a phased approach, starting with the National Obstetric Fistula Centres in Katsina, Bauchi, Ebonyi and Edo, and later expand to other hospitals capable of providing care to women living with the condition.

    “The programme covers various aspects of treatment, from conservative management and surgical intervention to transportation, mental health counselling, and family planning.

    “Moreover, beneficiaries will be enrolled in a social health insurance programme to ensure sustainable outcomes,” he added.

    According to him, around two million women live with unrepaired obstetric fistula globally,  with Nigeria accounting for about 7.5 per cent of the number.

    He praised the commitment of medical directors at the National Obstetric Fistula Centres and highlighted the collaborative efforts with state social health insurance agencies and private health insurance partners to manage and monitor the programme.

    He also stressed the importance of data management and monitoring and evaluation to ensure high-quality care for beneficiaries of the programme.

    He reaffirmed NHIA’s commitment to provide efficient services, ensuring that vulnerable women received the care they deserved without compromise.

    Dr Halima Mukaddas, the Medical Director, National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Ningi, Bauchi State, said that fistula, a severe childbirth injury, has affected many women due to inadequate access to high-level medical services in the country.

    While commending the minister, Mukaddas said that the success of the programme would offer women a path to healing, and a dream of becoming useful to society.

    She said the consequences of obstetric fistula extend beyond the physical, with many women facing shame, isolation, social rejection and even accusations of witchcraft or promiscuity.

    She said that the tragedy deepens as many grieve the loss of their babies while dealing with constant leakage, making it difficult for them to reintegrate into their communities.

    Dr Kolawole Owoka, the Managing Director, United HealthCare, said that the NHIA fistula-free programme is poised to make substantial impact on maternal health in the country, offering hope and support to countless women across the nation.

    Owoka underscored the critical issue of affordability and access to care for women suffering from childbirth-related complications, particularly obstetric fistula.

    NAN reports that the membership of the steering committee include representatives from Federal Ministry of Health, Director-General of NHIA, Managing Director of National Obstetric Fistula Centres (NOFIC), Bauchi, Managing Director, United Healthcare Limited, and Third-Party Administrator.

    Other members include: President, Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Nigeria (SOGON) —  Chair, Forum of Executive Secretaries, State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIA, – CEO, EngenderHealth (Civil Society Organizations – CSO, Representative of Development Partners (TBC) and Director, Informal Sector (Secretary), NHIA.

    Their responsibilities include providing strategic guidance and direction for the intervention, reviewing intervention progress and making recommendations for improvement, ensuring adherence to programme goals and desired outcomes.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AIR/HA

    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • NCWS advocates policies, community engagement against drug abuse

    NCWS advocates policies, community engagement against drug abuse

    Drugs
    By Justina Auta
    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), has advocated the implementation of policies and programmes to end drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the country.
    The Acting National President of the council, Mrs Geraldine Ita-Etuk, made the call in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2024 theme for the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”
    Ita-Etuk noted the effects of drug abuse, quoting the UNODC as saying that “over 35 million persons, globally suffer from drug use disorder, hence the need to urgently curb the menace”.
    According to her, the National Council of Women Societies stands resolute in this commitment.
    “We will continue to advocate for policies that support prevention, to champion educational initiatives, and to strengthen our communities.
    “But we cannot do it alone. We need the support of government, businesses, educators, healthcare professionals, and every citizen.
    “Together, we can build a society where prevention is prioritised, and where every individual has the opportunity to lead a healthy, fulfilling life,” she said.
    Ita-Etuk who emphasised on the effects of drug abuse, urged the government and other stakeholders to invest more funds toward ending the menace and illicit trafficking of persons.
    ” Let us invest in prevention with unwavering determination. Let us work together to end the cycle of drug abuse and create a brighter, safer future for all,” she said. (NAN)
    JAD/MAM/IAA
    =========
    Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Isaac Aregbesola

  • NDLEA seeks more collaboration with sister agencies to stop drug trafficking

    The Assistant Controller, Immigration, Marine Command, Apapa, Mr Samuel Adewunmi, Area Commander, Tincan Island Ports NDLEA, Mr Muhammed Abubakar, Commander NDLEA Apapa ports, Mr Noah Udotong, the CEO, SNIV Polymers Ltd., Mr Ishwar Sewawi, the Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, Mrs Florence Ezeonye,during the Grand Finale of 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Collaboration

    By Aisha Cole

    Lagos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called for more collaboration with enforcement agencies and other relevant stakeholders to stop drug trafficking in Nigeria.

     

    The Apapa Commander, NDLEA, Mr Noah Ndutong, made the call on Wednesday in Apapa during the Grand Finale of the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that June 26 is observed as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

     

    The theme for the year is “The evidence is clear, invest in prevention”.

     

    Ndutong emphasised that joint efforts from stakeholders would ease the work of the NDLEA as the agency was determined to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the international goal of freeing society from drug abuse.

     

    He noted that nearly every family had been affected by drug abuse in some way and warned that the chances of overcoming drug abuse were slim.

     

    “The menace keeps depleting our workforce. Nigerians should invest more in preventing drug abuse.

     

    “Preventing drug abuse entails public enlightenment and sensitisation, among other measures. Our agency will drive drug dealers out of business faster with more synergy from other sister agencies.

     

    “Drug dealers won’t enjoy their businesses as they will all spend their time in jail. Drugs are a major contributor to crimes and criminality in the country,” Ndutong said.

     

    The Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, represented by Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Uchenna Agomuo, said that drug abuse hinders national development.

     

    According to him, Apapa Command aligns with NDLEA in the fight against drug abuse.

     

    “Drug abuse fuels insecurity, among other crimes and together, we can fight it. So, I urge all hands to be on deck to achieve our target of zero tolerance for drug trafficking,” Olomu said.

     

    The 23rd Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS), Commodore Rafiu Oladeji, urged everyone to support the fight against drug abuse, calling it a global menace.

     

    He commended the NDLEA for involving more youths and students in the awareness campaign, which he added would help reduce the rate of drug abuse in society.

     

    The Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, NDLEA, Mrs Florence Ezeonye, urged youths to prevent themselves from engaging in drug abuse rather than seeking cures after addiction.

     

    In his closing remarks, the Area Commander of Tincan Island Ports, NDLEA, Mr Muhammed Abubakar, commended the sister agencies and other stakeholders for their participation.

     

    He said that their collective efforts had contributed to a massive turnout of stakeholders and youths in the sensitisation campaign against drug trafficking.

     

    Abubakar urged Nigerians to join hands with the government to stop drug abuse and drug trafficking in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews ng)

    AIC/AWA
    ========
    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

    A cross section of the corp members student and other stakeholders during the Grand Finale of 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

  • Commission sensitises Bauchi community leaders to consumer rights

    Partnership 

    By Ahmed Kaigama 

    Bauchi, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has called for closer collaboration with community leaders to enhance awareness creation on consumer rights in Bauchi State.

    The Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr Adamu Abdullahi stated this during a sensitisation exercise organised for stakeholders, community and religious leaders, on Wednesday  in Bauchi.

    According to him, the FCCPC, as a federal government agency is established under the FCCPC Act 2018, to promote and protect consumers’ interest in the growing competitive market.

    “There is need for the agency to partner and sensitise the community leaders which include traditional and religious leaders and other stakeholders on its mandate.

    “We have the belief and confidence community leaders are close to the people that is why we feel it is imperative to embark on this sensitisation to acquaint you with our activities.

    “The collaboration would help the commission carry out its functions effectively because is expected of you to step down the sensitisation to the people,” he said.

    Abdullahi reitetrated commitment of the commission to ensure fair and competitive marketplace for all Nigerians. 

    The commission, he said encouraged consumers to report suspected price gouging and other unfair trade practices, adding that it would work with stakeholders to identify and remove unnecessary barriers to entry in various sectors, combat price fixing and dismantle cartels.

    “We will engage in advocacy and public awareness campaigns to raise awareness about price gouging and other unfair trade practices and provide guidance on identifying and reporting such practices”.

    The Emir of Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Adamu, who was represented by Aliyu Lame, the District Head of Lame, said the traditional institutions would support the commission to achieve its mandate.

    Also speaking, Mr Abraham Damina, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, pledged support to the commission.

    Similarly, Uztaz Tijjani, the Secretary of the Bauchi State Sharia Commission, promised to sensitise their people to the activities of the commission. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MAK/RSA

    =========

    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • Group calls for comprehensive database of PWDs

    Database

     

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

     

    Benin, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Center for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has called for a comprehensive database of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Edo.

     

    The centre also charged state governments to develop and implement budgetary policies that put PWDs into consideration.

     

    CCD acting Director, Mr Godwin Unumeri, gave the charge in Benin on Wednesday at a two-day training for PWDs on rights advocacy and advocacy action plan.

     

    Unumeri called on the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Edo to work with the government to come up with a comprehensive database of PWDs.

     

    The database, he said, would aid planning.

     

    According to him, state governments must ensure that PWDs are carried along in their budgets, right from planning to the implementation stages.

     

    “They should also provide them with easy access to all public infrastructure.

     

    “As of today, there is a gap; the prejudice is still there. The various state governments have to address this gap.

     

    “They must ensure that budgets are addressed in a way that will affect persons with disabilities; the male, the female and everything about PWDs.

     

    “Budgets are tools that affect your lives. So, PWDs-inclusive budgets need to involve them right from planning to implementation.

     

    “If you leave it to the governments alone to do it, they might be inclined to budget for only those visible to them at the planning stage.

     

    “Insist that everything you need is included in the budget,” he said.

     

    On her part, the Chairperson of JONAPWD in Edo, Ann Ojugo, thanked CCD for the training.

     

    According to her, the training will help them leverage advocacy to champion their rights. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    NY/AYO/MAS

     

    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi and Moses Solanke

     

  • Absence of witness stalls medical doctors’ alleged manslaughter trial

    Trial

    By Ngozi Njoku and Vivian Ibobo

    Ikeja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The trial of two medical doctors, Michael Atiba and Michael Ugbeye, before the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja, was stalled on Wednesday due to the absence of a witness.

    The doctors are being tried for alleged involuntary manslaughter of a patient, Ejiro Ugorobi.

    The case is presided over by Justice Oyindamola Ogala.

    When the matter was called upon on Wednesday, Justice Ogala was informed by the prosecution that the witness who was meant to testify in the case could not make it to court due to ill health.

    Consequently, Justice Ogala adjourned the case until Oct. 7, for trial to commence.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Lagos State Government had on March 25, arraigned the medical doctors for alleged involvement in the involuntary manslaughter of the deceased patient.

    Specifically, Atiba, a doctor at the Gbagada General Hospital, and Ugbeye, a Consultant with the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, are facing a count charge of involuntary manslaughter.

    While the arraignment lasted, the counsel for the Lagos State Government, A. O. Azeez, said the incident took place on Oct. 21, 2023.

    The lawyer also informed the court that the incident took place at No. 20, Michael Adekoya Street, Ilupeju, Lagos State.

    He added that Atiba and  Ugbeye unlawfully caused the death of one Ugorobi by wrongful application of medication before and after surgery.

    According to him,  the alleged offence contravenes Section 224 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The medical doctors, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge, prompting Justice Ogala to give a trail date.

    “Given the plea of the defendants, we are asking for a trial date,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the lawyers for the defendants informed the court of their bail applications, both dated March 21 and 22, 2023, respectively.

    The counsel for the second defendant, A. O. Fayemi, while moving the application for bail dated March 21, 2024, prayed to the judge to grant his client bail on self-recognistion

    Fayemi revealed that the application was based on six grounds of 31 paragraphs.

    He added that the first defendant has served the nation as a Consultant Orthopaedic for over 30 years.

    In his words: “The first defendant is a consultant who has served this nation as a Consultant Orthopaedic with the National Orthopaedic Hospital, he is not a young man who would not attend court.

    “He is a consultant medical practitioner, he has a clinic at Ilupeju, he is a person who will present himself for trial, I urge your lordship to grant him bail on liberal terms.”

    In a bench ruling, Justice Ogala granted the defendants bail in the sum of five million naira each with two sureties each in like sum.

    The judge directed that the sureties must be residents within the jurisdiction of the court.

    He added that the sureties must present credible home and office addresses and must have credible financial status.

    Justice Ogala ordered the sureties to present their BVN and NIN, evidence of payment of tax to the Lagos State Government, and explain their relationship with the defendants.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    NG/IZU/JNC
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma