NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Agriculture

FAO, UNIDO present report on coconut development to LASG

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By Olayinka Olawale

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations and United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) on Friday presented a 300-page report on coconut value chain analysis to the Lagos State Government.

Mr Suleiman Abubakar, Assistant Food and Agriculture Organisation representative to Nigeria, presented the report to the Lagos State Government on behalf of the FAO-UN and UNIDO.

He said the importance of the report was to create coconut on planting awareness  to ensure its sufficiency in Nigeria, create more jobs while increasing the state’s GDP.

Mr Fred Kafeero, FAO-UN Country Representative to Nigeria, said the report would form the basis for investment in the coconut value chain by both public and private sector.

He said the report would help to foster the upgrading strategy for the development of the proposal in the state.

Kafeero was represented by Mr AlHassan Cisse, Head, North East Emergency Operations.

According to him, the official presentation of the Coconut Value Chain Analysis report today marks the beginning of a second phase partnership with Lagos state.

“This will ensure sustainable food security, improved livelihood, economic development in terms of revenue generation, improving the standard of living and local economy of Lagos people through employment and wealth creation opportunities.

“It will improve the overall environmental impact in mitigating against climate change and global warming.

“This is such a big progress that we should all celebrate about since the main objective is to make the coconut value chain in the state more feasible and cost effective.

“With assurance of optimum return of the government’s investment,” he said.

The FAO country representative commended the state government for promoting agriculture and coconut development in addition, make Nigeria among the top 10 coconut producing countries in the world by 2030.

“On behalf of FAO, I will like to once again commend the Lagos state for its efforts in promoting agriculture and specifically developing the coconut value chain to create employment opportunities for the teeming youth’s population.

“I want to reiterate that FAO will continue to strengthening its partnership with the Lagos state government in the development of programmes, building of capacities and facilitation of policies on all matters relating to food security and nutrition.

Receiving the report on behalf of the Lagos state government, Ms Abisola Olusanya, State Commissioner for Agriculture said government was doing a lot in promoting coconut value chain in the state.

Olusanya promised speedy implementation of the report.

She said the report was aimed at ensuring coconut contribute maximally to making Lagos a 21st century economy by creating more employment and more wealth for Lagos.

The commissioner said that the implementation of coconut upgrading strategy as contained in the document would attract more than twenty times the present public and private investments into value chain.

“The creation of close to 500,000 employment opportunities and supporting their livelihood, contribute significantly to fighting the effects of climate change by curbing phenomenon such as coastal erosion among others in the next five years.

She, however, urged LASCODA to develop a five-year plan for the smooth implementation of the report.

In his remarks, Mr Dapo Olakulehin, the General Manager, Lagos State Coconut Development Authority (LASCODA), said the report would help in the area of production, processing and commercialisation of coconut.

Olakulehin said a survey tagged Coconut Value Chain Analysis (VCA) designed an effective action plan that identified the necessary public and private investments, technical assistance, and policy implications for sustainable coconut value chain development.

“The cost of the survey was jointly borne by the LASG 75 per cent and FAO/UNIDO 25 per cent.

“FAO jointly implemented the coconut value chain analysis and design, with the UNIDO under the FAO-UNIDO jointly managed Agrifood Systems Transformation Accelerator (ASTA), previously known as 3ADI+.

“Consequently, the 289-page coconut value chain analysis has been completed, and an upgrading strategy developed for the development of the coconut value chain in Lagos State,” he said.

The programme was attended by Dr Olurotimi Fashola, Special Adviser to the Governor on Rice Value Chain, Mr Afolabi Ayantayo, SA Parastatal Monitoring Office and Mrs Tokunbo Emokpae, Permanent Secretary ministry of Agriculture.

Others include Ibrahim Obajomo, PS Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mr Emmanuel Olajide, Director of Budget, Dr Osuyi Otu, UNIDO Programme Officer (Nigeria) and Mrs Adeola Akinrinlola, Programme Officer, FAO Nigeria. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

General News

International Women Society empowers 1,500 widows

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Celebration of the 2023 Widows Feast (WINYEF) in Lagos
By Taiye Olayemi

 

The International Women Society (IWS) through its Widows Trust Fund says it has empowered no fewer than 1,500 widows since its inception.

Mrs Banke Adeola, Chairperson, IWS,  disclosed this durung the 2023 Widows Feast and commemoration of the 24th year anniversary of the Society, in Lagos.
Adeola said that the organisation had not only invested in empowering widows, but had also supported widows in their emotional and psychological lives through various platforms.
“IWS Nigeria is at the forefront of sustainable development for widows in Nigeria, for over two decades, over 1,500 widows have been empowered.
“Over the last two decades, the Widows Trust Fund has been providing support and empowerment to widows all over Nigeria, offering them a path to sustainability and helping them reclaim their lives.
“To date, IWS has been able to provide financial assistance to over 1,500 widows in need.
“We have also established partnerships with several local businesses to provide job training and employment opportunities for widows.
“Over the years, the fund has provided not just financial support, but also emotional and psychological support, helping widows to heal and to rebuild their lives,” she said.
Adeola noted that the organisation had been able to raise awareness about the struggles faced by widows through various community events and campaigns.
She said going forward, serious attention would be focused on ‘sustainability for widows’.
According to her, this will not only be providing immediate assistance but also creating long-term solutions that will empower widows to become self-sufficient.
Adeola explained that in Nigeria, widowhood most times comes with maltreatment, discrimination, and stigmatisation, also, traditions and neo-patriarchy present challenges to Nigerian women.
She said, “some traditions bar women from inheriting land and property, widows are forced to drink the water used to wash their husband’s corpse. This is in the belief that it will kill them if they are guilty of causing his death, or make to declare their innocence before a local deity.
“They may be forced to shave their hair, It is the most gruesome experience anyone could face.
“As widows move through their own experiences of grief, loss, or trauma after the death of a spouse, they may also face economic insecurity, discrimination, stigmatization, and harmful traditional practices.
“The stigma or outright rejection a woman who has lost her husband can face often leaves her abandoned.
“Superstition causes other women to believe they may lose their husbands if they associate with a widow, while some men fear they, too, will die.
“With all of this in mind, IWS established a Widows Trust Fund 24 years ago, long before the United Nations ratified the  International Widows Day,” she said.
Adeola appreciated every individual who had supported and donated to the course of the widows
“We understand that sustainable development is a continuous process, and we are committed to working tirelessly to ensure that widows have the resources and support they need to lead fulfilling lives.
“I would like to express my deep appreciation to all the supporters, donors, and volunteers of the Widows Trust Fund.
“Your generosity and compassion have made a profound difference in the lives of so many, let us continue to work together, to create a world where every widow can live with dignity, hope, and a sustainable future,” she said.
Mrs Hope Nwakwesi, a widow and founder of Almanah Hope Foundation, who delivered a paper on “Sustainablity for Widows”, disclosed that a bill seeking widows rights had passed the requisite readings and awaiting the next level on being signed into law.
She added that the bill would ensure that the maligned group would have respite from harmful widowhood traditional practices.
(NAN) (nannews.ng)
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
General News

INEC, NGO seek increased women’s participation in electoral process

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By Olatunde Ajayi

The SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria in collaboration with the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria has called for increased women’s participation in electoral process.

The call was made at the training for women and other marginalised groups on peace building, mitigation, human rights, gender and participation, on Monday, in Ibadan.

The guest speaker, Dr Esther Sanya, the representative of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Oyo State chapter, said that there had been growing recognition of untapped capacity and talents of women in political leadership.

Sanya noted that women’s engagement in politics would help to advance gender equality.

“Research indicates that whether a legislator is a male or female has a distinct impact on his or her policy priorities.

“There is also strong evidence that as more women are elected to office, there is a corollary increase in policy making that emphasises quality of life and reflects the priorities of families, women, ethic and racial minorities,” she said.

Also speaking, Mr Lateef Ariori, the Director, Child Welfare Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social inclusion, said that women should be given substantial consideration in the design and execution of political participation process.

Ariori charged women organisations in the state to work toward promoting gender equality among candidates, election officials, observers and other electoral participants.

“Women have a responsibility to oversee the electoral process because gender equality and true democracy fundamentally depend on women’s political engagement,” Ariori said.

Earlier, Mrs Catherine Ogwu, the Gender Desk Officer, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Oyo state, urged the women not to sell their votes or be intimidated during the forthcoming general elections.

She noted that the current Electoral Act and new technology from INEC would make 2023 general elections the most free and inclusive elections in the history of Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training featured lectures and presentations from different women groups in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Economy/Business

CBN, NIBSS launch ‘AfriGo’, Nigeria’s first National Domestic Card Scheme

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National Domestic Card, AfriGo

 

 

 

By Funmilola Gboteku

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it has collaborated with the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement Systems (NIBSS) to launch the National Domestic Card Scheme, ‘AfriGo’, to transform the Nigerian payment system.

The Governor of the CBN, Godwin Emefiele, made this known on Thursday at  a virtual launch of the National Domestic Card Scheme.

Emefiele said  the launch was another major step to ensure a thriving and competitive payment landscape in Nigeria.

He said: “I am gratified that the Nigerian banking community has risen up to the challenge of the national payment system through the implementation of a National Domestic Card Scheme.

”The cashless policy which commenced in 2012 signposts our core drive to strengthen the national payment system and the usage of electronic platforms in Nigeria.

”In line with the National payment system strategy, the CBN has been deliberate in collaborating with relevant stakeholders to enhance the national payments infrastructure through initiatives such as the Bank Verification Number (BVN).

“We will all agree that the cashless policy has created value and gender competition, attracted investments into the Nigerian banking and payments ecosystem,” he said.

The CBN governor said that while the penetration of card payments in Nigeria had grown tremendously over the years, many Nigerians were still excluded.

He said the challenges that had limited the inclusion of Nigerians included the high cost of card services as a result of foreign exchange requirements of international card schemes and the fact that existing card products did  not address local peculiarities of the Nigerian market.

He said that given the limited usage of cards by Nigerians and in a bid to deepen penetration, the banks actively promoted National Domestic card scheme, which would be accessible to all Nigerians and also address local peculiarities.

Emefiele said the scheme was therefore, an important plot in closing the gap that had remained since the cashless policy was introduced in 2012.

”It is important to note that the establishment of national domestic card scheme is in line with domestic global trends.

”With this initiative, Nigeria will be joining countries like China, Russia, Turkey and India, who have launched domestic card schemes, because of its transformative benefits for their respective payments and financial systems, particularly for the underbanked.

“The initiative is aimed at providing more options for domestic consumers while promoting delivery of services in a more innovative, cost effective and competitive manner,” he said.

Emefiele said the national domestic card scheme would provide opportunities for the economy to integrate the informal segments of the economy, reduce shadow banking and bring Nigerians into the formal financial services system.

“I look forward to more innovative products and services which will leverage on the national domestic card to avail digital financial services across all geographies and economic classes in Nigeria.

“It is important to note that all domestic transactions that are conducted in Nigeria will have to go through the national domestic card.

“This does not stop the usage of other existing cards but given that the charges on those cards are in dollars, we will no longer pay for those charges,” he said.

Also speaking, Aisha Ahmad, the Chairman of NIBSS and CBN Deputy Governor in Charge of Financial System Stability, said the forward thinking regulatory stance of the CBN had offered unique opportunities to drive cashless transactions to boost financial inclusion, deepen the financial system and promote inclusive economic growth.

She said that NIBSS had also become an important reference point for a variety of participants in the ecosystem, as they had paved the way for this latest initiative.

Ahmad said : ”We shall all be witness to a strategic turning point for our payment system because the Nigerian National Domestic card scheme is the first CBN led domestic IT initiative in Africa.

”The card will give us sovereignty over data, save costs and present new list of opportunities for those in the card business.

“This scheme was birthed with continental aspirations to make AfriGO a payment beacon for the African continent,” she said .

Andrew Walden, the Technical Consultant on the Nigerian National Domestic Card Scheme, said that Nigeria had been a regional leader in many of the global payment trends and was now ready to adopt the opportunities of the domestic card scheme.

“Nigeria has played an enviable role in advancing the forefront of revolution in the payment industry.

“This scheme provides an opportunity for Nigeria to cement its place at the forefront of digital payments innovation,”  he said.

Mr Premier Oiwoh, Managing Director of NIBSS, said that the scheme was developed to promote a robust in-country domestic card payment scheme tailored to address the specific requirements of Nigeria’s payment industry.

He said it was also to provide innovative offerings tailored to the Nigerian market and beyond.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that  AfriGOpay Financial Services Ltd. (AFSL) is an affiliate of the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) and will be responsible for deploying and managing the National Domestic Card Scheme for Nigeria.
(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

General News

INEC, NGO task Oyo stakeholders on violence-free elections

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By Olatunde ajayi

An NGO, SOS Children’s Village, has urged traditional leaders and religious bodies to use their platforms to ensure free, fair and inclusive elections in Oyo state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the call was made at the community forum on peaceful and non-violent elections organised by the NGO on Tuesday in Ibadan.

Mr Ayodeji Adelopo, Regional Programme Manager, South, SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, said that the forum seeks to bring critical stakeholders in election process together to scale down the message of peaceful and non-violent elections to the people at the grassroots.

Adelopo added that the focal areas for the programme were Ibadan North and Akinyele Local Government Areas in Oyo state.

“Election is a civic duty and not a warfare. When elections are largely peaceful, post-election violence, rancour and discontent are greatly reduced. Hence, lives, livelihoods and properties are protected.

“Credible leaders emerge through peaceful and fair elections. Expectedly, credible leaders will work for the welfare and development of the society,” Adelopo noted.

Also speaking, Mrs Catherine Ogwu, the Gender Desk Officer, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Oyo state, urged parents to talk to their children on the need not to engage in election violence during the forthcoming polls.

“With the new technology from INEC, snatching of ballots boxes, buying of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and other elections irregularities will be efforts in vain,” Ogwu said.

Ogwu said that Oyo INEC still have over 900,000 uncollected PVCs and called on all eligible voters to collect their PVCs so as to choose credible leaders for the country.

She noted that INEC recognised the role of women in election process which led to the creation of gender desk in the commission.

Ogwu encouraged women to participate fully in the elections.

Commenting, the Chief Imam, Ibadan North LGA, Mr Salawu Olayiwola, said that traditional and religious leaders must make good use of social and religious structures available at their disposal to ensure that their followers abide by electoral laws.

Also speaking, Mrs Olufunmilayo Soyege, the representative of the Ibadan traditional council, said that the rate of pre-election violence in the state had reduced compared to previous elections due to the synergy between INEC and other stakeholders in election process.

“We want more cooperation of parents, security agencies, traditional leaders and religious bodies before, during and after the general elections. This election is critical to the future of our children and this nation at large,” she said.

NAN reports that the forum featured key presentations from security agencies and other critical stakeholders in election process. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Features

Reigniting Nigeria’s hope in medical research through NIMR

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By Kemi Akintokun, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Over the decades, the outbreak of diseases have always highlighted the importance of advancement in medical research to curb their spread and negative impact on people.

These include the most recent pandemic – COVID-19 – which ravaged Nigeria and the global population.

The SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19, first reported in Wuhan, China, spread rapidly across the world, prompting the World Health Organisation (WHO) to declare the virus a pandemic due to its devastating impact.

Developed countries and giant pharmaceutical companies  within a year introduced vaccines and thereafter, booster shots, to tackle the various variants of the virus.

In a race to reduce the heavy burden of the virus that killed thousands of people daily in most of the reported cases in countries, including the U.S,, UK, Japan, Spain and Italy, vaccine nationalism birthed.

Governments of these countries signed agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers to supply their populations with vaccines before making them available for others.

Even before many of the now-approved COVID-19 vaccinations completed their clinical trials, many of these wealthy nations bought several million doses of the ones that seemed the most promising, leaving Africa at the mercy of COVAX.

COVAX, a global vaccine programme, was setup to provide innovative and equitable access to COVID-19 diagnostics treatment and vaccines.

In Nigeria, the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) was among the health institutions in the forefront against the spread of the virus, after recording the first COVID-19 case in Feb. 28, 2020.

The NIMR, established in 1977, conducts research into diseases of public health importance in Nigeria.

A month after the first detected case in Nigeria, the Institute started a free COVID-19 drive through test centre in the country in collaboration with LifeBank and had tested more than 10,000 Nigerians for free.

It also unveiled a Biotech Total RNA Purification Kit, developed by one of its Scientist, Dr Muinat Fowora.

This is Nigeria’s first set of local Ribonucleic Acid extraction kits, which expanded the nation’s capacity to test for COVID-19.

Also, two of its scientists, Dr Chika Onwuamah and Mr Joseph Shaibu, developed a SARS-CoV-2 Isothermal Molecular Assay (SIMA), a fast and sensitive point-of-care test for COVID-19 infection using a molecular technique and a SARS-CoV-2 Detection Assay (SCODA), a qPCR assay respectively.

In spite of the institute’s emergency response to COVID-19, it also conducted research into diseases of public health importance and developed structures for the dissemination of research findings.

For instance, in 2021, NIMR unveiled a Lassa fever and Yellow fever diagnostics kits – the first of its kind in Nigeria.

Also in 2022 it produced diagnostic PCR and ELISA kits for Monkey Pox, SARS-CoV-2, and Cholera; oligonucleotide synthesis, cloning, and expression of viral proteins.

Similarly, two NIMR laboratories maintained their ISO accreditation and WHO prequalification.

For Prof. Akin Abayomi, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, government should enable NIMR to conceptualise research ideas and translate them into innovations that would advance healthcare delivery.

Abayomi notes that NIMR has the resources required to actualise its mandate as the quaternary research institute in Nigeria.

“NIMR is the quaternary institute and this is equivalent to the National Institute of Health in the U.S and I hope the federal and state government will recognise NIMR for what it is.

“Government must do more to support NIMR in the areas of research that will proffer solutions to our health problem as a nation

“Most of the grant attracted to the institute are foreign grants and there are strings attached to these grants, but if they are internally generated, it will focus more on our problem,’’ he said.

According to a former Minister of State for Health, Olorunibe Mamora, NIMR, continues to impact the promotion of healthcare delivery in Nigeria through some of its research.

Mamora described the various diagnostic kits unveiled by the institute as a ground breaking research work.

“What we are witnessing in NIMR is a system that is working and the government is proud of the institute because this giant stride will continue to aid research in the country.

“Early diagnosis is key and extremely critical to prompt treatment of diseases such as yellow fever and Lassa fever that are of public health concern to Nigeria.

“Diagnosis is the most important step in the management of a patient because you cannot treat what you don’t know.

“Yellow fever and Lassa fever, over the years, had resulted in many causalities due to late diagnosis, but measures like this will make diagnosis tools readily available around the country,’’ he said.

Speaking on the institute gains and challenges, Prof. Babatunde Salako, the Director-General of NIMR, says  COVID-19 is a blessing in disguise for the institute.

“The negative impact of COVID-19 was felt globally in terms of deaths and the economic halt it created but it was also a blessing in disguise for us in NIMR.

“We were able to support the case detection through our drive through testing ground and production of a locally made test kits for the purpose.

“We did not stop there, we also produced test kits for Lassa fever, yellow fever and Monkeypox diagnostics kits and we have the capacity to produced diagnostics kits for any disease,’’ Salako said.

He notes that Nigeria must begin to fund research work that proffer solutions to diseases that peculiar to it through the establishment of a medical research council..

“There is the need for the establishment of a medical research council to fund research works peculiar to Nigeria.

“Medical research councils all over the world are in charge of research and research funding for most of their countries to fund research in areas of priorities.

“Creating such a council requires that government must give funding specifically for health research and look at areas of priorities, where we have challenges and ways to proffer solutions.

“The council, if put in place can work with the Federal Ministry of Health, on research priorities and policy for all medical institutions in the country.’’

According to him, funding and inadequate research are some of the problems affecting the institute and if addressed will make the mandates of the institute, which is to conduct research into diseases of public health importance, more realisable.

“The government has done a lot in terms of funding, we are grateful for the improvement; but we still need more to enable us to conduct more research.

“Some of our staff  retired and we are yet to get replacements. Some of them also travelled abroad for greener pastures,’’ he said. (NANFeatures)(www.nannews.ng)

***If used, please credit the author as well as the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

 

Edited by Dianabasi Effiong/Vivian Ihechu

Features

Improving justice administration through remote court proceedings

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By Itohan Abara-Laserian,
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Businesses and other societal activities globally have continued to embrace a digitally-enabled ecosystem to stay afloat.

The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019 registered strongly the need to embrace technology in all facets of life.

This gave rise to virtual court hearing in Nigeria, which has evolved into a more sophisticated approach known hybrid hearing – a combination of physical court hearing and virtual/remote court sitting.

Virtual court hearing can be done via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Skype and Video Conferencing, among other apps.

At its 91st meeting in April 2020, the Nigerian Judicial Council had constituted a committee to revise guidelines for court sittings. The guidelines included virtual court hearing.

The guidelines entitled: “National Judicial Council COVID-19 Policy Report: Guidelines for Court Sittings and Related Matters in the COVID-19 Period’’, had aimed at protecting judges and others against the pandemic.

Analysts are convinced that much can be achieved by leveraging technology for robust virtual court hearing.

They, however, believe that sustaining remote hearing will require relevant skill development by lawyers and judicial officers and workers.

A Delta-based lawyer and researcher, Prof. Teddy Idiabeta, argues that lawyers and judicial officers must upgrade their skills and invest in understanding the intricacies of remote hearing, for success.

Idiabeta, the Founder of Prof Teddy Idiabeta Law Consult, is convinced that the gains of virtual hearing are enormous.

“Hybrid hearing is here to stay. It was first virtual hearing but it has evolved to what we now refer to as hybrid hearing.

“There are three types – the court-ordered, the party-initiated, and the lawyer-initiated virtual hearing.

“The challenge, however, is that while some judges and lawyers are open to the technology of virtual hearing, some are not, because they are not tech savvy.

“Lawyers need to get training on virtual cross-examination. It is easier to tell if a witness in a virtual or hybrid witness box is telling a lie than when they are in a physical witness box, and it a quick way to dispense justice.

“You will know if a witness is reading out of a script in a virtual hearing, and virtual court hearing is mostly common in the high and magistrates’ courts,’’ he explains.

The professor, however, notes that virtual hearing is still not feasible in the Supreme Court.

“As lawyers, we have to be deliberate, we have to take initiatives and embrace this trend; some of us run away when we hear that a witness is not in the country.

“International clients are ready to pay for technology-related services, it is a money spinner.

“The benefits are enormous, it is an opportunity to promote the rule of law and become an international lawyer.”

Idiabeta emphasises that lawyers need to change their mindsets to succeed in the technology space.

Another lawyer, Mr Joseph Ikhai, is optimistic that virtual hearing is the way to go to increase transparency in the justice system.

He, however, notes that poor power supply, poor internet connection and disruptions in communication pose challenges.

A public commentator, Mr Jude Ugba, notes that in spite of the challenges, an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court has successfully conducted a virtual hearing while an Ikeja Special Offences Court virtually cross-examined a pathologist.

Mr Gabriel Tinka, Managing Partner, First Eden Solicitors, is of the opinion that virtual court hearing has given law a modern face.

“It has given relevance. Law has to keep up with time and events in order not to lose its relevance, thereby leaving the society lawless and ungovernable.

“The adoption of this virtual hearing has made law relevant in the face of a changing world, thereby curbing anarchy and arbitrariness.

“Virtual hearing also enhances security of all parties – the judge, lawyers, litigants and the public,’’ he says.

He regrets that some lawyers and others have died in accidents or kidnapped on their way to the courts.

“Many people have lost their lives in the bid to meet up with court physical sittings.

“This can be prevented when we embrace virtual hearing process,” he argues.

Tinka also believes that virtual hearing process is convenient.

“I cannot over-emphasise the convenience of this process. It saves time and energy.

“Litigants and their lawyers can only come online when it is their scheduled time of hearing, instead of sitting aimlessly at the courtroom waiting for their cases to be called.

“Justice is quickly dispensed using the virtual hearing process. We all know that an average case in Nigeria can take some years before judgment is eventually given.

“This virtual process has relieved witnesses outside of jurisdiction the stress of travelling just to attend a court sitting.”

He expresses optimism of improvement in Nigeria’s jurisprudence based on the evolving approach.

Analysts are hopeful that virtual hearing will receive a boost in Nigeria in 2023 through adequate preparation by judicial officers and workers, lawyers, litigants and the general society.

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

*** If used, please, credit the writer and agency***

Politics

Elections: Yiaga Africa pledges to promote electoral integrity through technology

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By Angela Atabo

Yiaga Africa ,a civil society organisation, has pledged to promote the intergrity of the 2023 General Election, through its Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT).

Executive Director, Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, said this at the Yiaga Africa Watching The Vote (WTV) Media Roundtable on the 2023 Presidential Election and Deployment of PVT, in Abuja on Thursday.

Itodo said  that the aim of the round table was for Yiaga Africa to reel out its intervention for the elction and to keep journalists abreast with its programmes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that PVT was an election day observation methodology that leveraged on statistics and technology for the observation of the process of voting, counting and tallying of results.

The process involved the deployment of citizen observers to randomly sampled polling units to collect data on the conduct of the elections and official polling units results.

Itodo said that with the results assembled from the sampled polling units, a citizen observer group could release projected estimates and verify the accuracy of results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

He said tha PVT allowed Yiaga Africa WTV to present an accurate and comprehensive assessment of the election day processes.

He said that Yiaga Africa would deploy 3014 statutory and 774 LGAs as well as 48 mobile citizen observers to a representative random sample of 1507 polling units across the 36 states and the FCT.

“For us at Yiaga Africa, when we think about the upcoming 2023 general elections there are a few things that actually come to mind because our vision is a people driven democratic and developed Africa.

“We see that there is a decline in the level of public participation not just in elections but in governance.

“However, there is also the added need to protect the integrity of elections because one of the reasons why people don’t show up at elections, is a lack of trust and faith in the electoral process.

“So we have seen, based on our work and engagement, that there is a need to protect election integrity because if we protect election integrity people will believe that their vote will count in elections,” he said.

Itodo said that although the electoral process had witnessed growth in the use of technology deployment,there was need to create a balance so as to avoid marginalisation .

He said that was why Yiaga Africa thought it was important to frame strategic objectives to align and respond to the technology trend.

He said that the organisation was poised to achieving four objectives in the 2023 election.

Itodo said that the first objective had to  do with providing citizens with a repository of accurate, simplified and concise information on the electoral process to improve turnout.

He said that the second was to limit election manipulation through Yiaga Africa’s trends analysis as well as strategic observation.

He said that the third was to protect the integrity of the 2023 elections through data driven election observation and the fourth was to provide technical support to marginalised groups.

Itodo called for the extension of the PVC collection to enable eligible voters get their cards.

Speaking,the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Chris Isiguzo,commended Yiaga Africa for the initiative adding that it showed a sense of commitment to ensuring a credible election.

“This is a very crucial election that has the capacity to make or mar the corporate existence of our beloved country, but we believe that by the time we go through this democratic process that we are going to emerge even stronger as a country,” he said.

Isiguzo said the media remained highly strategic in the electoral process and urged them not to encourage the dissemination of fake news, misinformation and disinformation.

He also advised journalists not to allow political actors take advantage of them and to also not pander to their whims at any time.

”We must therefore via our reportage ensure that we promote development journalism,” he said.

Also speaking,Ms Ladi Bala, the National President of National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), said journalists had critical roles to play in the electoral process as Nigeria election is a project that should be placed above any other issues.

Bala said the 2023 general election would define the future of Nigeria, saying that as critical stakeholders, journalists should play their role well in an unbiased way. (NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

General News

Sanwo-Olu promises increased salary for waste managers

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From left, Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi; Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; National President, Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN), Dr David Oriyomi; Managing Director, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr Ibrahim Odumboni; Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State during the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN) Mega Rally for Tinubu & Sanwo-Olu at Mobolaji Johnson Arena Onikan Lagos on Thursday 

 

 

 

 

By Fabian Ekeruche/Florence Onuegbu

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has promised to increase salaries and allowances of members of  staff of the Lagos State Waste Managers, particularly the street sweepers.

Sanwo-Olu made the promise in Lagos on Thursday, during the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN) Mega Rally to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate, Sen. Bola Tinubu and his  reelection bid.

He said  his administration remained committed to the welfare of those that were ensuring cleaner city and secured environment.

According to him, the support by waste managers becomes imperative as Tinubu is the brain behind the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) which many states in Nigeria have replicated.

He said the election of Tinubu at the federal level would raise the bar of more commitment to the environment and enable economic growth through the sector.

The governor urged everyone to vote immensely for APC candidates throughout the country to galvanise development across levels.

Deputy Gov. Obafemi Hamzat, appreciated the waste managers for their support, urging them to vote for Tinubu, as he had track records.

Hamzat also called on the waste managers to vote wisely and ensure they picked up their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs)  ahead of the February general elections.

In his goodwill message, the Managing Director, LAWMA, Mr Ibrahim Odumboni, said  the rally was an opportunity for the waste managers to appreciate Tinubu.

Odumboni said that what had become AWAMN today had its foundation solidly laid by the APC presidential candidate many years ago.

He said that since one good turn deserved another, it was only worthwhile that the association mobilised its personnel in hundreds and thousands for APC’s victory in February elections.

”Today, we cannot effectively discuss waste management in Lagos state without mentioning PSP and AWAMN. Since a stream will not forget its source, we use this opportunity to thank our Jagaban for the legacy of a lasting waste management structure for Lagos state.

”Very importantly, I commend AWAMN, its executive and the teeming PSP personnel in attendance here, demonstrating a massive show of support for our leader’s presidential ambition, and the reelection bid of our performing governor  and hisdeputy.

”I must specifically note that, while this mobilisation is very encouraging, we must equally translate the massive support to electoral votes on election day. This is the only way to truly appreciate and help actualise the worthy ambitions of our leader, as well as our governor.

”If all of us here today can cast our ballots for the tickets of Tinubu/Shettima and Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat; and for other APC candidates, you know what that means in number.

”Therefore, let us actualise their ambitions by actually voting. For those who are yet to collect their PVCs, the opportunity is still open. Ensure you collect yours to ensure victory for our leader, our governor and other APC candidates,” he said.

In his welcome address, the AWAMN President, Dr David Oriyomi, said that in 1999 when Tinubu became the governor of Lagos state, he inherited a state which was overcome with waste, and was labeled one of the dirtest in the world.

Oriyomi said that Tinubu had the option of bringing a foreign company to manage the waste in Lagos, but chose to empower the people with his famous quotes – ”If our people cannot clear their cities, what can they do?”.

He said that Tinubu nurtured and empowered the waste managers through the small-medium business model, and successive governments had built the solid foundation.

According to him, Lagos was transformed and received numerous accolades as one of the cleanest states in Nigeria and Africa.

”When our livelihood came under attack and 350 businesses were faced with the risk of bankruptcy, Asiwaju came to our rescue by speaking out for us and hereby, securing our livelihood.

”Today, the small business model established by Asiwaju has been replicated in over nine states in Nigeria and other West African countries.

”It is for this reason, we as an association is fully and wholly committed to voting and campaigning for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the next president of Nigeria.

”To our amiable governor, we recall that we were the first organisation that endorsed his candidature in 2018. We are pleased that he has proven us right by the great work that he has done in the state and for the environment,” he said.

The AWAMN president also said the people would recall that Tinubu inherited heap of waste across the state, and started by declaring a state of emergency and backed it up with action, leaving Lagos better than what he inherited.

”Now, under his leadership, waste is seen as  resources and we are humble to be his foot soldiers to making circular economy a reality. We are committed to a Greater Lagos Rising!,” he said.

The waste managers’ boss promised that the members would embark on a door-to-door campaign, as they had the reach to every nook and cranny of the state they operated in.

He pledged to secure 10 million votes for the association’s grand patron, Tinubu and Shettima and also two million votes for Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat.

Also, the APC Chairman, Lagos State Chapter, Mr Cornelius Ojelabi, urged the waste managers to vote massively for Tinubu for laying the foundation for a solid Lagos.

”Vote for him to become president. Collect your PVCs, tell others to go and collect their PVCs so that we can vote for Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu,” Ojelabi said.

Dignataries who attended the rally included Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello; Mr Joe Igbokwe, the Special Adviser on  Drainage and Water Resources to Sanwo-Olu and the Ogun Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Chinyere Bassey/Chioma Ugboma

Judiciary

Court stops Lagos A-G, others from forcefully taking over market

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By Adenike Ayodele

An Ikeja High Court on Tuesday restrained the Office of Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and Kosofe Local Government from forcefully taking over the Alaba Section of Mile 12 Market.

Justice Latifat Oluyemi gave the interim  injunction pending determination of an application before the court.

Other respondents in the suit  number ID/6464GCMW/2022, include Ikosi/Isheri Local Council Development Area, Dr Chris Onyekachi, Total Value Integrated Services Ltd. and Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

 

The application was initiated by Incorporated Trustees of Orirere Community Leaders and Traders Association, Yeye Precious Modupe Ojo, Alhaji Akinwale Jimoh and Babatunde Adetula.

The claimants sued for themselves and on behalf of the traders from the Alaba Section of Mile 12 Market.

Justice Latifat Oluyemi restrained the respondents, their agents, servants, privies and any other person from demolishing or forcefully taking over the section pending  determination of the motion on notice.

The suit was brought under Order 42 Rules 1 and 4 and Order 43 of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, and other provisions.

The claimants’ counsel, Mr M.G. Quadri, alleged that he was refused entry and chased out by Princess Samiat Abolanle-Bada, the Chairman of the Ikosi-Isheri LCDA at a mediation meeting held on Dec. 19, 2022, which  he said, all parties attended.

Quadri had alleged that  the respondents continued with demolition of the said section of the market on Dec. 18, 2022, in spite of service of court processes and prior agreement by parties concerned.

He said that the agreement which took place at the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, on  Dec. 17 2022, was  to stay active until the Dec. 19, 2022 meeting.

“On Dec. 19, the second meeting was held. All parties who attended the previous meeting also attended this one.

 

“The respondents orally promised the applicants to begin some sort of resolution process and stop further destruction of the market.

 

“Despite the promises given, destruction of properties and assault on helpless traders by heavily armed thugs have not stopped.  It only increased exponentially.

 

“From the time the motion on notice was filed, up until now, more parts of the Alaba Section of the Mile 12 Market have been destroyed.

 

“Traders have been forced away from their shops, and thugs have been patrolling the area, assaulting anyone that comes close,” the counsel had submitted.

 

The judge  adjourned the case until Jan. 19 for further hearing. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

 

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

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