Blog

  • Osinbajo, Oshiomhole, others storm Osogbo for APC mega rally

    Campaign

    By Victor Adeoti

    Osogbo, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN) Ahead of  the  Sept. 22 governorship election in Osun,  Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Mr Adams Oshiomhole, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Thursday stormed Osogbo to flag-off  the party’s campaign.

    Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC national leader, Gov. Rauf Aregbesola, his Kano State counterpart, Abdullahi Ganduje and Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti Governor-Elect, were also at the rally.

    Also at the rally were Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, his Ondo counterpart, Rotimi Akeredolu, and Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun, among others.

    Osinbajo, while presenting the APC flag to Gboyega Oyetola, said the party’s candidate would emerge winner by Sept. 22.

    The Vice President appealed to the electorate to come out en masse to vote for Oyetola.

    In his remarks, Oshiomhole, described Oyetola as a tested and trusted politician, who would perform excellently.

    He said the party’s candidate has passion for the sustainable development of the state, adding that he would not disappoint the people of the state.

    “If you know where this state was eight years ago before Gov. Aregbesola administration and now , you will understand there is need to vote for Oyetola for continuity.

    “Oyetola has the capacity to translate his vision into reality and that why I am appealing to you to vote for him during the election and he will not dissapoint, Oshiomole said”.

    Gov. Ganduje, who is the Chairman of the campaign committee, said a vote for APC candidate during the election would bring more development to the state.

    He said if elected, Oyetola would move the state forward and consolidate on the positive achievements of Gov. Aregbesola.

    Also speaking, Tinubu described Oyetola as a reliable and committed person, who would bring more development to the state.

    He said Oyetola would provide employment for the youths and also continue the good work of Gov. Aregbesola.

    In his remarks, Gov. Ibikunle Amosun, who described Osun as a progressive state, urged the residents to support the party to win the election.

    He said, “If you love President Buhari and the party, vote Oyetola.

    “Osun is a progressives state and it had been like that for long; we must not allow it to change.

    “I therefore implored you to vote for the party, Amosun said”.

    Also, Gov. Ajimobi appealed to the residents to vote for the party for continuity

    Gov. Akeredolu , urged the party’s members and the residents of the state to support APC to win the election.

    Dr Fayemi, described Oyetola as a trustworthy and loyal party member. He said those who love President Buhari and APC should vote massively for Oyetola on Sept. 22.(NAN)

    VE/

    08039223866/

  • 2019: NYSC warns corps members against electoral malpractice

    Malpractice

    By Zubairu Idris

    Katsina, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN) The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has directed Corps members to actively participate in the 2019 general elections and warned them against violating the Electoral Act.

    The NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Suleiman Kazaure made the remarks while addressing corps members deployed to Katsina and Zamfara States on Thursday in Katsina.

    “It is a directive from the Federal Government that corps members should participate actively in the national assignment, the General Elections.

    “Ensure that you do your work honestly for Nigeria to have free, fair and credible elections.

    “Never violate the Electoral Act by engaging in any form of election malpractice.

    “You are expected to be loyal and discipline throughout your service and beyond,” he said.

    Kazaure, represented by the Director Procurement, Mr Yakubu Jok, urged the corps members to continue to respect and integrate with their host communities.

    He further urged them to participate in the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme which was aimed at creating job opportunities to corps members.

    The director-general also warned the corps members against unnecessary traveling.

    In her remarks, the state NYSC Coordinator, Hajia Ramatu Sanda, said that the corps members were in good health and were participating in all camp activities.

    She commended the state government for its continuous support to the scheme.(NAN)

    ZI/GOM/MTM
    ============
    Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam/Tukur Muntari

  • NSE trading closes downward trend as market indicators depreciate 0.89%

     

    Shares

    By Lilian Okoro

    Lagos, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN) Equity transactions on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Thursday closed on a negative note with the market indices dropping further by 0.89 per cent.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the market capitalisation shed N111 billion or 0.89 per cent to close at N12.452 trillion against N12.563 trillion posted on Wednesday.

    Also, the All-Share Index, which opened at 34,414.37, lost 304.15 points or 0.89 per cent to close at 34,110.22 amid price losses.

    An analysis of price movement indicates that Unilever led the losers’ table with a loss of N3.20 to close at N46.80, Stanbic and Guinness trailed with N2 each to close at N45 and N88 per share.

    Guaranty Trust Bank declined by N1.70 to close at N34.95 and Interbred also lost N1 to close at N32 per share.

    Conversely, Forte Oil and Dangote Cement led the gainers’ table during the day, gaining N1 each to close at N21 and N224 per share.

    Fidson came second with a gain of 50k to close at N6 while PZ appreciated by 35k to close at N13.50 and Flour Mills lost 30k to close at N21.50 per share.

    Similarly, the volume of shares decreased by 17.86 per cent with an exchange of 164.500 million shares worth N2.07 billion transacted by investors in 3,188 deals.

    This was in contrast with 200.278 million shares worth N2.16 billion exchanged in 3,224 deals on Wednesday.

    NAN reports that Guaranty Trust Bank was the most active, exchanging 23.87 million shares valued N124 million.

    UBA traded 15.16 million shares valued N234.67 million, while FBNH followed with an account of 10.93 million shares worth N897.18 million. (NAN)
    LUC/AOM/DUA


    Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed/Dada Ahmed

  • Dalung inaugurates National Anti-Doping Committee

     

     

    Committee

    By Dorcas Jonah

    Abuja, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN) Solomon Dalung, Minister of Youths and Sports on Thursday inaugurated members of the National Anti-Doping Committee (NADC) with a charge on them to ensure Nigeria’s compliance with anti-doping policies.

    The minister said that the inauguration had placed Nigeria in the League of Nations, committed to promoting clean competition in sports.

    Dalung listed the terms of reference of the committee to include: working on the necessary executive and legislative instrument for the establishment of National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs).

    He said the committee would act as an Extra-Ministerial Department/Agency that would promote and coordinate the country anti-doping activities in line with World Anti-doping Agency (WADA) code.

    According to Dalung, the committee will also institutionalise the Therapeutic Use Exemption Sub-committee and Result management Sub-committee in accordance with procedures in the WADA Code and International Standards.

    Dalung said that the committee would serve as Nigeria’s NADO in the interim, with membership of four years to successfully ensure establishment of fully operational independent and legislatively backed code compliant.

    “Anti-doping campaign has gained prominence over the years due to the sheer number of high profile failed drug tests recorded at global sport events and alarming allegations of the state sponsored doping.

    “Nigeria has for long aligned with other Governments around the world to fight against doping in sports globally, through its endorsement of the World Anti-Doping Code.

    “The significance of today’s event is further seen in the fact that in Sept. 2011, Nigeria was faced with an imminent threat of being listed among non-code compliant signatory nations.

    “As identified, critical components of our national anti-doping programme were deemed to be deficient by reason of the absence of a National Anti-Doping Organsation (NADO).

    “Faced with this recurring scenario, Nigeria moved to address the matter and avert possible sanction by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which would have negatively impacted on the structure of our sporting programme,’’ he said.

    Dalung said that presidential approval was obtained to establish National Anti-Doping Committee (NADC), adding that the first committee was inaugurated in 2011 as an interim Code compliant structure that would drive national anti-doping activities.

    He said this committee was to further fast-track the establishment of a fully complaint NADC in the country.

    “I must note that since its inception, the Ministry of Sports has provided the necessary leadership and support to NADC in its effort to initiate and execute Code compliant anti-doping activities,’’ he said.

    Dalung said that efforts were intensified to ensure that the NADC had a clear budget line in the 2019 Appropriation Bill.

    “This I believe will address the financial independence required of a NADO and enable NADC to better plan and implement its programmes.

    Dalung said that the bill for the establishment of NADO was currently with the National Assembly and had passed necessary readings and public hearing.

    “It is hoped that the Senate will address this very important bill and harmonise it with the House of Representative for final passage into law.’’

    Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Olusade Adeshola, said the inauguration was a step to ensure the full compliance of Nigeria to WADA requirements of establishing the NADO.

    Adeshola said it was also in tandem with the policy thrust of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, to eschew corruption and promote probity in all facets of endeavours.

    Responding on behalf of NADC, Rasheed Kazeem, Chairman, said the committee would ensure that the task given to is carried to the letter.

    Other members of the committee are: Mainasra Illo, Ahmed Shehu, Joel Adagadzu, Felix Awoju, Athanasius Okon, Ben Okolo, M.O Lawal and Victoria Kayode.(NAN)

    DE/DUA

    Edited by Dada Ahmed

     

  • `Lifeless President:’ Orji Kalu okays Buhari’s silence on Trump’s comment

    `Lifeless President:’ Orji Kalu okays Buhari’s silence on Trump’s comment

    Lifeless

    By Emmanuel  Afonne

    Abuja, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN) Former Abia governor, Dr Orji Kalu has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for ignoring President Donald Trump of the United States of America, over his comment that he is a lifeless president.

    The former governor, who is also a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), urged the US President to sustain the age-long relationship between Nigeria and the United States of America.

    Recently, President Trump was quoted to have told one of his aides, as reported in the widely read and circulated Financial Times that President Buhari is a lifeless President.

    Faulting the claim by Trump, Kalu urged world leaders to maintain decorum in diplomatic relations for the sake of building a fair society.

    Kalu, via a statement, signed by Mr kunle Oyewumi, his special adviser, spoke in Washington DC, when he hosted African students of National War College.

    Kalu in the statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), acknowledged the robust bilateral relations between Nigerian and the US in the areas of trade, security, politics and other interventions.

    He recalled that Trump had in the past extolled President Buhari’s virtues.

    Kalu, who called on Nigerians at home and abroad to sustain their support for the President Buhari-led government, urged politicians not to put the country on precipice with unsubstantiated claims.

    He said that the current administration would not lose focus in its efforts to rebuild the nation.

    He said:” The recent statement credited to President Donald Trump of the United States of America, describing Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari as a lifeless President, should be disregarded.

    “The false claim, as reported in Financial Times, cannot be validated otherwise President Trump would have come out formally and openly to make such an acerbic statement.

    “The same US President had in recent times, applauded President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “It is no longer news that many world leaders have been visiting President Buhari in Nigeria. It is a testament to the acceptability of President Buhari’s laudable programmes and policies.

    “President Buhari has also been reciprocating the diplomatic gestures by visiting leaders across the globe.

    “Recall that President Buhari was well received in the White House by President Trump and both leaders had fruitful discussions that started yielding positive results.

    “We should not make issues out of a statement that is not official. Nigeria and the United States have come a long way in bilateral co-operation. Both countries have been supportive of each other.”

    Kalu called on Africans across the globe, not to hide their identity, adding that it takes the collective efforts of Africans in different parts of the world to build a prosperous Africa.

    He said: “Africans have intellectual in various fields of endeavours, which, if well harnessed, will impact lives positively on the African continent and beyond.

    “The world is a global village and as such, we must respect people of other continents and build a synergy that will translate into global development.”

    In his remarks, leader of the delegation, Thomas Agbaje from Sierra Leone, expressed appreciation to Kalu, who he described as a true Pan African, stressing that he had made tremendous contributions to Africa’s social-economic development.

    His words: As our tradition every year we are glad to be with you, to exchange ideas and learn from your wisdom and experience.

    “We always appreciate the time we spend with you because we tap from your experience, be it business, politics and humanity, there is usually something to learn.

    “With your business entities in Sierra Leone, Nigeria, The Gambia,  Republic of Togo and Guinea, you are truly a leader in Africa,’’ Agbaje said.(NAN)

    EMAF/OU

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    Edited by Obike Ukoh

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  • Oyo-Ita encourages civil servants to be diligent in spite of funding challenges

    Oyo-Ita urges civil servants to be diligent in spite of challenges

    Diligence

    By Kate Obande-Okewu

    Abuja, Sept. 6, 2018(NAN) The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, on Thursday in Abuja advised civil servants to be diligent in the discharge of their duties in spite of funding challenges in the country.

    Oyo-Ita gave the advice at the retirement ceremony of Mr Ayodele Folayan, the Permanent Secretary, Common Services in her Office.

    She charged civil servants to do their jobs not just for the financial benefit but for the progress of the country.

    The head of service commended the outgoing permanent secretary for his excellent service, brilliance and personality in the course of his duties.

    She described Folayan as a humble man and an accounting officer who was able to manage situations very well.

    “The outgoing permanent secretary is excellent in his duties; he evenly distributes the little funds available to all offices and efficiently maintained the cleanliness of the office.

    “He doesn’t talk much but gets the job done. The lesson for us here is to do our job and not always focus on the financial benefit.

    “A good name is better than gold,’’ she said.

    Also, Mrs Habiba Lawal, the Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office, congratulated Folayan on his retirement and wished him good health and prosperity.

    Mr Vincent Odafeu, the Director of Finance and Account, OHCSF, described the outgoing permanent secretary as great mentor and goal getter.

    “He is a superior that makes work go on even in the face of financial constraints; he is very passionate about his job.

    “He is an epitome of humility, and I pray God grants him the grace to excel in his future endeavours,’’ he said.

    In his response, Folayan thanked the head of service and the entire members of staff for their show of love toward him.

    He added that the head of service was his mentor, adding that nothing happened by accident in life as “God arranges everything divinely.’’

    Folayan urges civil servants to maintain balance and be dedicated to their jobs even when things got difficult in the cause of their duties.

    He said the reward for hard work was more work but encouraged young civil servants to equip themselves with knowledge as they could. (NAN)

    KTE/JEY/IA
    ========
    (Edited by Johnson Eyiangho/Idris Abdulrahman)

     

     

  • 2019 elections: Katsina State APC adopts indirect primaries, supports Buhari, Masari’s re-election

    2019 elections: Katsina State APC adopts indirect primaries, supports Buhari, Masari’s re-election

    Primaries
    By Zubairu Idris
    Katsina, Sept. 6, 2018(NAN) The Katsina State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has adopted indirect primaries for electing its candidates for the various offices during the 2019 General Elections.

    Gov. Aminu Masari disclosed this at APC stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday in Katsina.

    Masari said the stakeholders were invited to the meeting for them to be part of the decision making as regards the method of the forthcoming APC’s primary elections in the state.

    He assured that the state would stand by any decision taken at the meeting.

    ‘’It is of great importance to have the imprimatur of every stakeholder in adopting the method of electing the party’s flag bearers for the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

    ‘’That is with a view to forestalling future acrimony in connection with the primary elections,’’ he said.

    He further said that the meeting also agreed to raise funds to donate to President Muhammdu Buhari for his re-election campaign.

    Earlier, the State Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Shitu Shitu, said some members of the business community, under the leadership of business mogul and APC chieftain in Katsina state, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, had purchased form for Gov Aminu Masari at N22.5 million.

    Shitu said that was part of their efforts to ensure the governor’s re-election in 2019.

    He said that the stakeholders had unanimously endorsed the 2019 re-election aspirations of President Muhammadu Buhari and Gov. Aminu Masari.(NAN)
    ZI/IA

  • Eko Disco condemns incessant assault on staff

    Eko Disco condemns incessant assault on staff

    Assault

    By Yunus Yusuf

    Lagos, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN) Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) on Thursday decried the spate of harassment and violent attacks on its staff while on official duties in some communities.

    Mr Adeoye Fadeyibi, Managing Director of EKEDC, during a town hall meetng in Mushin area of Lagos, appealed to electricity consumers to desist from such act or face the full wrath of the law.

    Fadeyibi, represented by the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr Joseph Ezenwa, said that the essence of the town hall meeting was to rub minds on how to address issues affecting consumers and proffer solutions.

    He said the company was aware of several incessant attacks on its staff by some consumers and vandalisation of its property.

    Fadeyibi, however, said that the company would not hesitate to ensure that offenders were prosecuted.

    According to him, Section 173 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State states that any person who unlawfully assaults another and thereby does him harm commits felony and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for three years.

    “Consumers should support workers who come to rectify faults when reported.

    “It is wrong for consumers to attack our workers who are on the ladder, it is also an offence to pull them down forcibly,” he said.

    He said that neither poor power supply nor billing error should be a plausible excuse for consumers to take laws into their hands.

    According to him, the company only supplies power to its customers based on the bulk energy load it receives from the National Grid.

    Fadeyibi reiterated the company’s commitment to effective service delivery and continuous installation of pre-paid meters to consumers.

    He said that the company had installed about 54,230 meters to various categories of customers in Mushin business unit.

    He commended the Federal Government’s initiative on Meter Asset Providers (MAP).

    The EKEDC boss said that the MAP initiative would also widen metering scope for consumers within its operation’s network when it finally kick-start.

    He said that the company was currently doing due diligence on the MAP programme before engaging the indigenous meter manufacturers to commence operations.

    “We are committed to installation of pre-paid meters in premises of all customers under its network.

    “The metering process is an ongoing exercise; we promise that EKEDC will continue to ensure that more customers in the network are metered.

    The managing director appealed to customers within the network yet to be metered to be patient with the company.

    He, however, frowned at customer’s by-passing meters or engaging in energy theft, adding that the company would not hesitate to publish and prosecute anybody caught in such act.

    Fadeyibi commended the efforts of the security agencies toward collaborating with the company in bringing offenders to book.

    He said the company would continue to explore all legal means to ensure that perpetrators of such criminal acts did not go unpunished.

    Meanwhile, Mr Felix Onyenjekwe, Chairman Odi-olowo CDA, expressed appreciation to EKEDC for the improvement in power supply in the last few months.

    Onyenjekwe said that the entire Odi-Olowo and Agunlejika community in Mushin axis had seen remarkable improvement in power supply in the last two months.

    He said: “I have really been having a swell time in my area. Sometimes, the supply goes for as long as 20 hours without any interruption.

    “Things have really improved. Initially, we thought it was just a fluke. But with what we have witnessed in the past two months, it shows EKEDC is really working.” (NAN)
    YO/GOM/WOJ
    ===========
    Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam/Wale Ojetimi

  • Falana advocates adequate funding of police

    Falana advocates adequate funding of police

    Mateen Badru

    Funding

    Lagos, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN) Human Rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN), on Thursday called for adequate funding for the police, saying it would be difficult for them to uphold rule of law without funds.

    Falana made the call at a training organised by the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) and the Lagos State Police Command for senior cops.

    “There is a need to sit with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) for sufficient money to be availed the police for diligent investigation. Close Circuit Television Cameras (CCTVs) are to be installed in all police stations.

    “Police stations are supposed to be given running grants but it is not so. They are made to depend on the public to assist. This is why sometimes, it is about who pays the piper. It is not their fault but the fault of the society.

    “This is why I advise people clamouring for state police that certain things must be put in place first. Is it a state that cannot pay salary that will arm its police?

    “There are equipment the police can use to check if weapons are kept somewhere. This can be done through a radar. The same equipment can be used to scan vehicles even from a distance to a checkpoint and so, the police do not have to stop and start checking items.

    “All these come at a cost and this is why the police must be properly funded to perform their duty. Policemen do not have to stay on the road to monitor traffic offenders.

    “There are supposed to be cameras monitored from a control room. The police do not have to be on the road arguing with offenders. Anyone who commits traffic offence, should simply be posted his ticket at his residence.

    “We need to let the government know that you cannot police the road without gadgets. You cannot deal with suspects without equipment. You have to be very careful and be ahead of your suspects.

    “The key to the success of the police is for government to fund them adequately. When I was in Guinea Bissau, I noticed Nigeria Police men on Peacekeeping mission there performed very well. This is because they were well kitted and funded.”

    Falana condemned the government for sending security operatives to fight terrorists with inadequate weapons.
    He said it was the responsibility of the police to contact families of arrested suspects to notify them their relatives were being detained.

    According to Falana, such calls should be at the expense of the police, hence, another reason the agency need more funds.

    He advocated for conjugal visits and access to telephone calls for inmates, noting that visit by spouses would check issues of homosexuality, lesbianism.

    Falana said government was lucky because most Nigerians didn’t not know their rights.

    “You can sue the government for failing to protect your relative especially if he’s a bread winner who died during a crisis,” he said.

    Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Imohimi Edgal, said there were plans for the establishment of 10 modern interrogation rooms with state of the art recording devices.

    Edgal said the approval for the facilities was given by Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode.

    “Gov. Ambode has awarded contract for the establishment of interrogation rooms with recording devices in 10 Area Commands of the state.

    “The government has also approved a desk for police detectives at the DNA centre so that they can go to crime scenes with experts whenever the need arise.

    “Edgal said: “The contract has been given out. I thank the governor for supporting the police. Remember that the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJ) 2015 is Lagos law. Also, there is an Appeal Court Judgement to the effect that statement of suspects must be recorded.

    “That was what the Attorney General of the Lagos State, Adeniji Kazeem, put forward to the governor which gave rise to the 10 pilot interrogation rooms we will soon have.

    “They will be modern interrogation rooms where suspects’ statements will be recorded. There will be interpreters and writing experts to interpret statements from suspects’ language to English so that when we get to court, we are fully prepared to state out facts clearly in line with the law.” (NAN)

    BOM/WOJ

    Edited by Wale Ojetimi

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

  • LASG assures people with disabilities continuous support

    LASG assures people with disabilities continuous support

    Assurance

    By Bolaji Buhari

    Lagos, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN)The Lagos State Government on Thursday said it would continue to support and provide protection for people with disabilities in the state.

    Dr Babatunde Awelenje, General Manager, Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA), gave the assurance at a forum in Lagos.

    Awelenje spoke at the public presentation of a research on the assessment of the level of compliance of public institutions in the state to the provisions of the Lagos State Special People Law of 2011.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), an advocacy group for the rights of people with disabilities, conducted the research and presented the report.

    Awelenje said the state government was passionate about the well-being of People Living With Disabilities (PLDs) and thad taken steps to protect their interests.

    He listed some of the steps as the employment of 250 PLDs in the state civil service and the creation of a N500million Disability Fund to empower people with disabilities.

    “We are passionate about the well-being and the protection of people living with disabilities, and we have taken a number of steps to show that.

    “For example, Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode approved the employment of 250 people living with disabilities last year and I can tell you that those employed are already working at their various posts.

    “Apart from that, the state government created a N500million fund in 2015 and just last year 100 PLDs were given N100,000 each, non-refundable, to support them.

    “If you look at the projects such as pedestrian bridges we are executing, you will see we are incorporating things to ensure the convenience of people with disabilities.

    “We have also trained some people with disabilities, specifically those with hearing issues, on the use of sign language to be able to communicate verbally.

    “We have been doing this and more, and the government will continue to do its best to ensure the well-being of people with disabilities is protected,” he said

    Awelenje said the government had also distributed items such as wheelchairs to people in need, to ease their movement.

    The General Manager said LASODA had increased its presence in five local government areas including Alimosho, Ikorodu and Epe, to improve access to PLDs at the grassroots.

    He, however, acknowledged that it was difficult for the government through LASODA to reach all PLDs in the state, as some opted not to be supported while the influx of others into the state had made access difficult.

    “The problem of people with disabilities is a complex and a multi-dimensional one.

    “They are the poorest of the poor and obviously the least educated.

    “We will continue to do our best to impact on the lives of PLDs, but I must point out that we cannot reach some because they do not want to be reached.

    “Some say they do not want to belong to any cluster for us to reach them easily, while others are too ignorant to understand the meaning of integration.

    “”Also, the influx of PLDs to the state on a daily basis creates another challenge.

    “However, we are doing our best we get to as many PLDs as we are able to impact on,” he said.

    Awelenje said the state government had complied significantly with the provisions of its Disability Law and would continue to seek ways of ensuring more was done.

    He commended the CCD for the research and the report, saying the group demonstrated passion with PLDs with the idea.

    Speaking, Mr David Anyaele, Executive Director, CCB, said the essence of the research and the report was to monitor compliance with the Disability Law in the state.

    This, he said, was with a view to highlight the areas needing improvement.

    He, however, said the state government had done a lot to implement the law, but there was still need for improvement at the agencies in the provision of certain conveniences for people with disabilities.

    Anyaene also called for the domestication of the law at the local government level, to enable the tier of government cater for the needs of PLDs at the grassroots.

    “The government has done well no doubt, but we still need to domesticate the law at the grassroots because the councils are the closest to the people.

    “Also, a situation where PLDs need to be directed to ministries for certain conveniences in the agencies is not good enough. We need improvement too.

    “We will continue to provide facts and data on the law in Lagos and other states to monitor compliance and ensure the well-being of PLDs is promoted,” he said

    Also speaking, Mr Saheed Bakare, Vice-Chairman, Lekki Local Council Development Area, urged the state government to create more awareness about its programmes for PLDs at the grassroots.

    He said many people with disabilities were not aware of such programmes, urging LASODA to engage councils on its activities to bridge the gap. (NAN)
    BHB/SOA

    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle