Edo guber: NBA urges political parties to play the rules
Law
By Imelda Osayande
Benin, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Nosa Edo-Osage, Chairman, Benin Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has urged the 13 political parties participating in the coming governorship election in Edo to play by the rules.
Edo-Osagie made the call at the opening ceremony of the Annual Law Week of the branch also known as the Lion Bar on Monday in Benin.
The theme of this year is: “Law as a tool for economic advancement and national security”.
Edo-Osagie said that there was the need to ensure that the political parties and their candidates play by the rules to enthrone peace.
According to him, what is critical to the NBA is that they must play by the rules to avoid break down of the law and order.
“Anarchy is not what we crave for because when there is anarchy, there is a bigger problem than you expect.
”So for all those aspirants in the field, they must by necessity play by the rules.”
Earlier, the Chairman, Planning Committee of the Law Week, Mr Paschal Ugbome said the theme was chosen to reflect the current realities in the country.
Ugbome said that solutions to the issues would also be proffered at the end of the programme
He said that economic advancement and national security were capable of either moving the nation forward or make it remained static or totally collapse as a nation.
“As lawyers, we decided to look at it from the prism of law because we believe that law is a pivot on which these two issues rotate.
“We will interrogate how we have fared as lawyers, where the law itself has failed as an instrument for economic advancement to guarantee national security.
“We believe we will come out with a way forward on these issues at the end of the Week.”
In his goodwill message, Gov Godwin Obaseki, who was represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi said theme of the weeklong activity was apt.
“We must examine our legal framework with the possibility of reforming it to ensure it is fit for the current realities,” Obaseki said .
Present at the occasion are Mr Asue Ighodalo, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) who are both members of the NBA.
Others are Sen. Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC). They were invited by the NBA as speakers.(NAN) www.nannews.ng
Gusau, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Commissioner for Health in Zamfara, Dr Aisha Anka, says no fewer than 950,000 women in the state are on high risk of maternal deaths.
Anka said this in Gusau on Monday at the opening ceremony of a five-day workshop on preventable maternal deaths, for health workers in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training, is being organised by a Non Governmental organization (NGO), Health for Life and Development Foundation in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and Hospital Services Management Board.
The training is being supported by the United Nations Population Fund.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Executive Secretary, State Hospital Services Management Board, Mr Mustafa Marafa, described the training as very key.
According to the Commissioner, statistics credit Nigeria as having recorded 14 per cent of the total maternal death globally.
She noted that the Northern Nigeria including Zamfara had a record of 70 per cent of maternal deaths in Nigeria.
Anka explained that the 50 nurses and midwives attending the training were selected from different health facilities across the state.
“The workshop signifies government’s commitment to improve maternal health in the state.
“This training is aimed at ensuring safe delivery of babies across all health facilities in the state.
“The participants were carefully selected, they are nurses and midwives incharge of labour rooms in the health facilities across the state”, she said.
“As we are all aware, that Gov. Dauda Lawal declared a state of emergency on health sector and the state government embarked on total renovation of health facilities across the state.
“This training is part of the government’s commitment to promote capacity, manpower and skills of our health workers across the state”, she explained.
Earlier, the Executive Director Health for Life and Development Foundation, Dr Abubakar Danladi said the training was organised based on the realization of an increase in maternal mortality in the state.
“This training is to ensure that our health workers are well equipped to handle health cases related to maternal deaths.
“This is for capacity building of our nurses and midwives on management of direct and indirect causes of preventable maternal deaths.
“Part of the mandate of this training is for participants to cascade the skills they will acquire to their respective health facilities”, he explained.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
IZ/KOO/YGA
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Gabriel Yough
Protest at Lagos APC secretariat exaggerated– Spokesman
Protest
By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State says the protest by some party members at its secretariat on Monday was exaggerated by some media platforms.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a section of the media had reported that some angry APC members from Alimosho Local Government Area on Monday protested at the party secretariat and nearly beat up the State Party Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi.
Reacting, the Lagos State Publicity Secretary of APC, Mr Seye Oladejo described what happened as mere tempest in a teacup.
Oladejo said: “Our attention has been drawn to the news going round about a purported protest rocking Lagos APC.
“As much as this sensational piece of news might throw the opposition camp into premature celebration, the incident was a storm in a tea cup.”
According to him, since assumption of office ,the State Chairman Ojelabi, has continuously sought peaceful co-existence of all party members in all parts of the state.
He added: “It is on record that he has , at various times, been able to successfully reconcile warring party members across board to ensure cohesion.
“The incident today was about a meeting conveyed to reconcile the different factions of the party in Alimosho Local Government Area, which was unfortunately infiltrated by uninvited thugs with ulterior motives.”
The party’s spokesman, however,said security agencies promptly brought the situation under control.
He said that the victory of the progressives in the state since the inception of the present dispensation had been due to life-changing policies by various responsive and responsible governments and strict compliance with party discipline.
“Lagos State APC has a time- tested mechanism for settling disputes and will not hesitate to wield the big stick if need be.
“The sacrifices of the founding fathers of the party to engender democracy cannot be sacrificed on the altar of indiscipline and intolerance.
“We acknowledge protests as an integral part of democracy, but it has to be within acceptable norms without infringing on the rights of others,” Oladejo said.
Speaking with NAN on the protest, Mrs Omotayo Oduntan, who represented Alimosho Constituency II at the Lagos State House of Assembly for three tenures, described the protest as unfortunate.
Commending Ojelabi for his peace moves, Oduntan said that the protest was instigated by some leaders from The Mandate Movement ,who felt their people were not recognised at the reconciliation meeting initiated by the state party chairman on Monday.
Oduntan, a former Deputy Chief Whip, who was also at the secretariat for the meeting, said the Mandate Group and the Justice Forum were the two major groups within APC in Alimosho LGA.
According to her, some leaders and members of Mandate Group (led by Alhaji Abdullahi Enilolobo) moved out of the group to form the Mandate Movement (TMM).
She said Ojelabi invited three people from each of the two major groups (Justice Forum and Mandate group) to the Monday meeting with some party officials and council chairmen in local government area.
Oduntan alleged that some leaders in Mandate Group felt they were not recognised and mobilised thugs to protest and disrupt the meeting.
*It is not we in Justice Forum that have issues. It is the Mandate;It is Mandate versus Mandate now.
“The people that instigated the protest were people who left Enilolobo’s Mandate Group ,they were the people fighting among themselves”,she said.
Oduntan said that the group should have resolved the issues amicably among themselves instead of using violence and protest to vent their grievances.
“They should allow peace to reign. Nobody can be in government forever, Some will go and another set will come in. I don’t think that should bring a problem.
“If the party asked you to go and sit down after you have benefitted many times from the party, let us try to sit down.
“Another thing will come to you. There are thousands of people outside there who haven’t benefitted anything.
“We don’t want our people to suffer, because at the end of the day ,it is the people that will suffer. We should allow peace to reign,” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AYO/BHB
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola
Seafarers
By Aisha Cole
Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, will be at the forefront of the 2024 Seafarers Day on Tuesday.
Mr Edward Osagie, an Assistant Director of Public Relations at the Nigerian Maritime Adminstration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), made the disclosure in a statement in Lagos on Monday.
Osagie said that the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, and the Head of International Monetary Funds (ITF) Seafarer’s Trust Fund, Katie Higginbottom, would also actively participate in the celebration.
Osagie quoted Mobereola as urging Nigerians to celebrate seafarers’ resilience and dedication at the occasion.
He urged the use of hashtag #SafetyTipsAtSea on social media platforms for the celebration.
“Seafarers are the unsung heroes of our global economy. I will even describe them as the lifeblood of international trade.
“They sacrifice a lot for humanity’s existence as they leave their families for months for our sake.
“Let us celebrate their resilience, dedication, and the invaluable role they play in our world,” he said.
He said that the 2024 commemoration presented another opportunity to bring to the fore, the importance of seafarers, who he described as essential workers.
“This year’s theme also aligns with the agency’s drive to protect Nigerian seafarers and create more opportunities for those willing to take a career in seafaring,” he said.
NAN reports that the International Maritime Organisation set aside June 25 annually as Seafarers Day to recognise contributions seafarers make to international trade and the world economy.
The theme of the 2024 edition is: “Navigating the Future: Safety First”. (NAN)
NDLEA arrests149 suspects, seizes 1.49 tonnes of illicit drugs in Kogi
Drugs
By Thompson Yamput
Lokoja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 149 suspects with over 1.49 tonnes of illicit drugs between Jan. 1 and June 24 in Kogi.
The Kogi NDLEA Commander, Umar Yahuza, made the disclosure on Monday, in Lokoja at a news conference heralding a week long United Nations Day against drug Abuse and trafficking in the state.
Yahuza, who said that programme was organised by the agency in collaboration with Kogi Government, said 29 out of the 149 suspects arrested had been convicted, while cases against others were still pending at Federal High Court, Lokoja.
“The drug menace in Kogi and Nigeria is so disturbing and demands urgent action to arrest it before it destroys our youths and future leaders.
“This is because the ugly situation has serious implications on security, economics and the general wellbeing of the citizens.
“We have made a series of arrests and seizures of assorted drugs such as codeine, Methamphetamine, Diazepam, tramadol, Cannabis sativa, Pentazocine among others.
“In fact, statistics and empirical facts from the agency’s operations indicated clearly that the drug problem is mutating into a colossal social problem.
“It has become an issue linked beyond doubt to the escalation of insecurity and its attendant effects on peace and economy across the country, ” he said.
The commander attributed the effects of armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, rape and other violent crimes against humanity in the country to the use of illicit drugs.
He said that illicit drugs were mostly the catalyst for these vices, adding “anywhere there is drug, there is crime and vice versa.”
According to him, Kogi, being a microcosm of Nigeria, and a federating unit, cannot stand alone in the face of this ominous threat of drug abuse and trafficking.
Yahuza further said that from Jan. 1 to date, the command had engaged in various operations, sensitisation, courtesy/advocacy visits in an effort to curtail the menace.
He, however, called on government, corporate organisations and spirited individuals to collaborate with NDLEA to eradicate the menace of drugs in the society.
The commander commended Gov. Usman Ododo’s administration for the enormous support offered to the agency in its discharge of duties in the state.
Also speaking, the commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Monday Anyebe, commended NDLEA for its resilience in the fight against illicit drugs within the Kogi and the country at large.
The commissioner said that Ododo had genuine interest in the wellbeing of Kogi youths and desired that the youth and the entire populace to be sensitised on the harmful effects of this killer habit, believed to be primarily practiced by the younger generations.
“It’s evidently clear that investing in prevention is the most effective way to address drug abuse and addictions in society .
“By investing in preventive measures, we can empower the younger generations with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to make informed decisions about their health and well-being as well as the growth and development of the country, ” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TYC/KOO/IAA
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Isaac Aregbesola
Drug
By Mercy Neme
Asaba, June 24, 2024 (NAN) As part of activities to mark the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse, the Delta State Drug Control Committee on Monday took sensitisation campaign to streets of Asaba on dangers of drug abuse.
Members of the committee, drawn from the State Ministries of Health, Education, Justice, as well as representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Police amongst others, converged at the Oshimili South Arcade from where they walked through some streets of Asaba.
Mrs Helen Orie, the Chairperson of the committee and Director, Pharmaceutical Services, State Ministry of Health, who led the campaign/road walk, said drug abuse was on the increase and needed to be curbed before it got worse.
Orie, speaking on the theme for the 2024 celebration: “Say No To Drug Abuse”, noted that drug abuse always had devastating effects on individuals involved, the family setting and society at large.
Orie, also a Pharmacist, explained that the fight against drug abuse was in two dimensions; supply reduction, being championed at the Federal level and demand reduction, being handled by the Drug Control Committee at the state level.
She said the committee with the support of the state government had recorded some successes in the prevention and control of drug abuse in the state.
According to her, we have taken sensitisation campaigns to public places, including places of worship, markets, schools and communities with significant impacts.
“Today’s sensitisation/road walk is meant to further create more awareness on the need for a drug-free society,” she said.
Orie commended Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori for his support toward the campaign against drug abuse in the state.
Also speaking, Silas Omobude, the Assistant State Commander, Drug Demand Reduction, NDLEA, Delta Command, said that 14.4 million Nigerians, aged between 18 and 29, were involved in drug abuse and trafficking.
Omobude who is also the state Secretary of the committee, said fighting the drug war was a Herculean task which required the collective effort of all critical stakeholders.
He noted that the state government had reasonably supported the committee to record some breakthroughs.
On his part, the Chairman, Actors Guild of Nigeria, Delta Chapter, Mr Emmanuel Onyemeziem, debunked insinuations that the Nigerian movie industry had contributed to societal ills, including drug abuse.
Onyemeziem said the guild was in partnership with the NDLEA and the Delta government in the war against drug abuse, and urged youths to say no to drug abuse and embrace meaningful ventures. (NAN)( www.nannews.ng)
MOA/CHOM/AJA
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Adeleye Ajayi
Food
By Fabian Ekeruche
Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has distributed 1,674 metric tonnes of food items to Lagos state to cushion the effect of high cost of food items in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the food items included 780 metric tonnes of maize, which is equivalent to 15,600 bags of 50 kg maize; and 800 metric tonnes of sorghum, which is equivalent to 16,000 bags of 50kg sorghum.
The other included 94 metric tonnes of garri, which is equivalent to 3,760 bags of 25kg bag of garri.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NEMA, Hajia Zubaida Umar, said the presentation of the assorted commodities was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Umar was represented at the event by the Zonal Director, Southwest, NEMA, Mr Steven Adewale.
She expressed gratitude to the President for fulfilling his promise to cushion the effect of high cost of food items by ordering the distribution of food items across the country.
“In fulfillment of his promise to reduce the impact of the current economic downturn experienced in the country and in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda, Mr President approved the release of 42, 000 metric tonnes of food commodities from the national strategic reserve under the custody of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
“The assorted food commodity include maize, sorghum and garri.
“The above food items will be given to all the local government areas in the state.
“Based on the directives of Mr President, 20 per cent of the food items will be given to religious organisations, while three per cent to boarding schools in all the local governments in the state,” Umar said.
Dr Rasheed Macauley, Head of Veterinary Services, who received the items on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the kind gesture.
Macauley said that based on the population of Lagos, he requested that more of the commodities should be sent to the state.
One of the recipients, Mrs Victory Olaleye, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and Lagos state for the kind gesture. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FBO/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
British firm calls for resilient leadership among Nigerian executives
Prof. Paul Griffith, TEXEM faculty
Resilience
By Funmilayo Adeyemi
Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The United Kingdom based leadership development organisation TEXEM UK has urged Nigerian executives to be resilient in their leadership responsibilities to achieve best goals in volatile economic environments.
In a statement on its website, www.texem.co.uk, TEXEM’s Director, Special Projects, Caroline Lucas expressed the need for the leaders to revitalise their organisations so as to inspire sustainable growth in a recovering economy like Nigeria.
Lucas said in an era of unprecedented volatility, senior executives grapple with a myriad of challenges that necessitate innovative strategies and resilient leadership.
She said that
the TEXEM programme in Lagos, scheduled for July 17 and July 18, presents a transformative opportunity to invigorate Nigerian organisations and foster sustainable growth in the country’s economy.
The programme is titled “Revitalise Your Organisation: Inspire Sustainable Growth In A Recovering Economy”.
Lucas gave reasons why attending the programme is a strategic, compelling, and actionable decision for forward-thinking leaders.
“In today’s interconnected and unpredictable world, resilience extends far beyond mere operational continuity during crises.
“True resilience embodies a company’s capacity to absorb stress, recover critical functionality, and thrive in new circumstances.
“This holistic view of resilience, as a strategic advantage, enables companies to capitalize on opportunities when competitors are least prepared,” the director said.
Lucas said the TEXEM programme underscores the importance of embedding resilience into all organisational functions, from finance to IT to customer service.
According to her, participants will learn to build robust systems that not only mitigate risks but also leverage crises for competitive advantage.
“Through case studies and role-playing exercises, executives will acquire practical tools to operationalise resilience and drive long-term performance.
“While resilience is essential, regeneration propels business strategy further.
“Regeneration entails making bold, proactive moves that reconnect companies with their strategic foundations,” Lucas said.
She added that this approach transcends mere survival, fostering long-term value and enduring competitive advantage.
Lucas said the TEXEM programme will guide participants in adopting a regenerative mindset, focusing on the ability to inspire others to bridge the gap between strategies and operations, internal and external stakeholders, and technology and data.
“Executives will explore how to develop business models that generate greater long-term value, support a culture of continuous learning and development, and leverage technology to unlock new opportunities.
“This programme will equip leaders with the skills to drive sustainable growth and adaptability in an ever-changing world.
“The future of work, characterised by rapid technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, and evolving consumer demands, requires adaptable leadership,” she said.
Lucas urged leaders to leverage emerging technologies and navigate complex stakeholder landscapes with a “learn-it-all” mindset.
“The TEXEM programme will delve into the Learning Executives Framework, helping participants develop a vision, deliver values, and master the art of persuasion.
“By fostering an environment that encourages innovation and flexibility, executives will be better prepared to win in turbulent times.
“The programme’s methodology, including group discussions, self-reflection, and peer-to-peer learning, will enhance participants’ ability to lead through uncertainty and drive their organisations toward future success,” she said.
Lucas asserted that by participating in this programme, executives will enhance their strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
“The immersive learning experience, guided by Prof. Paul Griffith and other distinguished faculty, will challenge assumptions and stimulate innovative thinking.
“Interactive activities such as case studies, assessments, and role-playing will deepen understanding and enable the application of new concepts in real-world scenarios.
“The ultimate goal of the TEXEM programme is to equip leaders with the knowledge and skills to inspire sustainable growth and long-term prosperity,” she said.
Lucas added that by fostering adaptability, amplifying purpose, and balancing short-term efficiency with long-term resilience, participants will drive their organisations toward enduring success.
“In a world where disruption is constant, attending the TEXEM programme in Lagos is a strategic investment in your leadership development and your organisation’s future.
“By embracing resilience, focusing on regeneration, and preparing for an uncertain future with adaptable leadership, senior executives will be well-equipped to navigate challenges and seize opportunities,” the TEXEM director said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Cholera: Enugu Gov’t urges residents to be vigilant, report symptoms
Cholera
By Alex Enebeli
Enugu, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Enugu State Government has urged residents to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to preventive measures to avoid outbreak of Cholera in the state.
The State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Emmanuel Obi, made the call in a statement on Monday in Enugu.
While noting that the state was yet to confirmed any case of cholera outbreak, Obi said it was crucial for residents to stay informed and take preventive measures to protect themselves and their communities.
He described Cholera as an acute diarrheal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae that spread through contaminated food and water, especially during floods or inadequate sanitation conditions.
According to him, the disease affected approximately 30 states in Nigeria including states surrounding Enugu State.
“Therefore, you must remain vigilant and take precautions that include boiling or treat drinking water to ensure its safety and wash hands frequently with soap and clean running water.
“Avoid consuming raw or undercooked food, cook food thoroughly, avoid street food or food from unhygienic sources.
“Wash fruits and vegetables properly and educate your family, friends, and neighbours about cholera prevention,” he advised.
The commissioner also urged them report any symptoms promptly to health authorities nearest to them.
“If you experience symptoms of severe diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, seek medical attention immediately.
“Cholera can be treated effectively if detected early. Remember, prevention is our best defense against cholera and let us work together to keep our community safe.
“Enugu State Ministry of Health has pre-positioned drugs and consumables to contain the outbreak in case it comes to Enugu State,” he assured. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian stock market on Monday opened on a negative note, with performance indices dropping by 0.44 per cent.
Specifically, investors lost N248 billion or 0.44 per cent, as the market capitalisation, which opened at N56.423 trillion, closed at 56.175 trillion.
The All-Share Index also declined by 0.44 per cent or 439 points to close at 99,304.12, as against 99,743.05 posted on Friday.
Losses in Guaranty Trust Holding Company(GTCO), Zenith Bank, FBN Holdings, International Breweries, Oando Plc, Dangote Sugar, among other declined equities propelled the weakness in the market.
Market breadth closed negative with 26 losers and 20 gainers on the floor of the Exchange.
On the losers’ chart, International Breweries led by 44k to close at N3.96, Deap Capital Management and Trust Plc and Daar Communications followed by 5k each to close at 51k and 52k per share respectively.
Beta Glass lost five Naira to close at N53, while Oando declined by N1.10 to close at N13.85 per share.
On the other side, Secure Electronic Technology Plc led the gainers’ chart by 5k to close at 56k, while VDF Group trailed by four Naira to close at N44.60 per share.
John Holt gained 25k to close at N2.86, Thomas Wyatt rose by 20k to close at N2.30 and Transcorp Hotel added N8.40 to close at N98.40 per share.
Analysis of the market activity showed that trade turnover settled 70.24 per cent higher than the previous session.
A total of 973.62 million shares valued at N19.32 billion in 9,941 deals were transacted, compared to 617.22 million shares valued at N11.35 billion in 9,273 deals recorded in the previous session.
Meanwhile, FBN Holdings led the activity chart in volume and value with 627.64 million shares worth N13.45 billion, Beta Glass followed by 34.70 million shares valued at N1.9 billion.
Veritas Kapital Assurance sold 35.34 million shares worth N33.47 million, Chams traded 62.15 million shares valued at N60.3 million and AIICO Insurance transacted 24.30 million shares worth N23.24 million.
In a reaction, analysts at Cowry Asset Management Ltd., predicted ahead of the week that the local bourse will trade in mixed sentiment.
They said this would ride on the back of low valuation and portfolio repositioning for value stocks as investors continue to exhibit a wait-and-see approach.
The analysts advised market players and investors to trade in stocks of companies with sound fundamentals as trading volume patterns continue to
fluctuate.
According to them, the present market outlook suggests buying interest in some sectors and profit-taking in others, amid a wait-and-see attitude. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
