4th, 5th from right, Mr and Mrs Lasisi, employees of LASG, during the launch of their book on fire prevention and management on Thursday in Lagos.
By Moses Omorogieva
A fire and safety expert, Mr Jumade Adejola, on Thursday advised the public against putting three fire agents – fuel, oxygen and heat – together to avoid fire outbreak anywhere.
Adejola gave the advice, while presenting a paper titled, “Need for Fire Protection in Homes and Offices”, at a book launch in Lagos.
The book being launched was written by a couple in the employment of the Lagos State Government, Mr Adedoyin Lasisi and Mrs Adenike Lasisi.
It has the title, “Introduction to Fire Protection and Management: A Practical Approach to Prevention and Management.”
Adejola, who is the Managing Director, Surveillant Fire Ltd., said that fire was a good friend if handled appropriately, stressing that it may become a worse enemy if not properly handled or prevented.
The expert pointed out that there were three fire agents that must never be allowed to be together if fire outbreak must be prevented.
“Fire needs three agents to occur. One is fuel. When I talk about fuel, not only petroleum, but things that can cause fire. People should be careful in keeping fuel at home now that there is fuel scarcity.
“The second agent is Oxygen. Where there is fuel and oxygen, it is a matter of time for fire to occur. The third agent is Heat.
“When the three agents are together, there will be fire outbreak, and you must do everything possible to ensure that one of the three agents is not available.
“Many people have property they don’t use always packed together, such can cause fire,” he said.
The expert commended the writers of the book, stressing that only foreign books on fire were available in Nigerian libraries.
Adejola charged government and Nigerians to be prepared for incidence of fire and urged all to always prevent it.
Another Guest Speaker, a Master Warrant Officer of the Nigerian Army, Akintunde Agunbiade, spoke on the topic, “Need for Multi-Agency Collaboration in Fire Disaster Management”.
Agunbiade said that if fire incidents are not prevented, it would affect all.
He added that because of the danger associated with it, there was the need for all agencies associated with emergencies to always work together and share experiences.
Mr Omobolaji Gaji, the Chairman of the occasion, said that he was happy to see a director in his ministry putting together in a book his experience at all levels, particularly on fire prevention and management.
Gaji, who is a Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry for Environmental Services, noted that apart from educating people on fire prevention and management, the book would also encourage others to document their experiences and thoughts for others to read.
He urged the men of the Fire Service to always document their activities and findings from their operations for others to learn from.
The Commandant, Armed Forces Resettlement Oshodi, AVM A.H. Ameshilola, represented by Lt.-Col. Abel Adeshina, commended the writers for the book.
Ameshilola called for trainings on fire to be added to the school curriculum for students to be taught about it.
Also, Mrs Margret Adeseye, the Director, Lagos State Fire Service and Rescue Agency Director, represented by Mr Semui Adeshina, said fire was a dangerous disaster that had confronted mankind for a long time.
She called for all hands to be on deck to prevent and control fire.
Adeseye said there was need for all to be educated on issues relating to fire prevention, stressing that the book was one way to teach people about fire.
One of the authors, Mr Adedoyin Lasisi, said that all the fire incidents in Lagos were all preventable, if people had been proactive about safety.
Lasisi said: “We decided to document our thoughts, experiences, data analysis collected for over 10 years as a retrospective study.
“The book is for Nigerian citizens as a guide. It may interest you to know that only 10 per cent of houses in Nigeria have fire extinguishers.
“However, we put our experiences for others to learn.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
From L-R: Publicity Secretary, Mr Patrick Agboola, Member of the electricity tariff hike committee, Mr Mathias Emenbe, NBA Ikeja Chairman, Mr Seyi Olawunmi and Secretary of the association, Dr Issa Adedokun.
By Adenike Ayodele
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, has given the Federal Government and Electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) a seven-day ultimatum to reverse to the old electricity tariff or face a lawsuit.
The chairman of the branch, Mr Seyi Olawunmi, said this at a news conference on Tuesday in Lagos.
Olawunmi described the increase in the electricity tariff by almost 300 per cent as not only unreasonable but also insensitive.
He said the National Electric Regulation Commission (NERC) order in respect to the tariff hike was not in line with the current economic realities of an average Nigerian.
He said the branch would seek appropriate remedies in the court if the Federal Government and concerned individuals failed to reverse the illegal electricity tariffs within seven days.
Olawunmi noted that NERC in December 2023, issued a new Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO 2024) which indicated a purported cost-reflective tariff chargeable by the various Discos.
He explained that large chuck of the electricity tariff was reportedly absorbed by the Federal Government under a subsidy arrangement.
The chairman said that the purported subsidy had reportedly been removed by the Federal Government, leading to an over 300 per cent increase in the electricity tariff payable by the end-user.
“We view this sudden astronomical increase in the end-user tariff irrespective of the technical arguments preferred in justification, as utterly exploitative and non-reflective of the current economic hardship that the masses are going through.
“The inflation and the depreciation of the Naira has affected their services that it is practically impossible to remain on the old tariff and electricity in Nigeria is not well priced.
“We, therefore, demand immediate stop to the illegal implementation of the N225 per kWh imposed on the so called band A customers at the discretion of both the Discos and NERC without any empirical basis.
“The classification into band A or B or C or D or E should be scrapped and it is either the Discos are guaranteeing 24 hours supply for all or they are not.”
Olawunmi said the government and the Nigerian people can not continue to subsidise their inefficiency in the name of band A or B or C etc.
“If the government fails to reverse the illegal hike within seven days, we will be left with no choice than to seek appropriate remedies in the court of law,” the NBA Chairman said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Yiaga Africa, an NGO, says its national debate competition will provide a unique platform for students across universities in Nigeria to articulate their vision for the nation of their dreams.
Mrs Antonia Onda, Senior Programme Officer, Yiaga Africa, made this known at the South West Zonal Debate titled: ‘My Nigeria – Our Nigeria’ held in Lagos on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Yiaga Africa invited students from accredited Nigerian universities to register to participate in the debate competition in February.
According to Onda, ‘My Nigeria – Our Nigeria’ debate competition is a Yiaga Africa initiative with support from the Open Society Foundations and in partnership with the National Universities Commission and All Nigerian University Debating Championship.
Onda explained it was organised to encourage participants to engage in insightful debates on crucial topics relating to citizenship, national values, governance, and politics to harness citizens’ inputs into governance and nation-building.
According to her, it is also a tool for promoting critical thinking, advocacy and vision amongst students of tertiary institutions.
She said: “We saw the involvement of young people at the last general elections and we can see their enthusiasm so we discovered that they need an opportunity and a platform.
“Also, they need to be encouraged every time. Therefore, the debate is an opportunity for universities across the country to come together, express themselves and have honest conversations on national issues.”
Onda further explained that the initiative was a platform for students to contribute actively to the discourse on the future of Nigeria.
She noted that the debate symbolised the essence of critical engagement and visionary leadership.
“This is to see how youths will be included and carried along and also encourage young people to participate in governance processes.
“Also, this debate gives them the platform to have a discuss on the issue that bothers them with regards to governance while prizes will be awarded to winners.
“The competition will embrace the opportunity to be a part of this transformative journey and join in shaping the future narrative of Nigeria,” Onda said.
The Yiaga Africa official disclosed that the debates were held at each of the six geo-political zones, and that winners at the zonal round would be invited to the grand finale in Abuja in May.
According to her, the final round of the debate will be broadcast live on TV and social media platforms.
One of the participants, Ifeoluwa Odeyemi, a 400 level student of Political Science at Obafemi Awolowo University said Nigeria was at a stage to make certain decisions that had to do with restructuring and procedures, to produce desirable results.
“Nigeria is at a stage where we have to make certain decisions that has to do with restructuring and procedures to produce the results we desire.
“This kind of platform provides more resources for the government to have something to rely on whereby citizens can actually speak where it matters.
“For as long as we continue to discuss issues that border on Nigeria on a more concentrated platform like this, l believe there are positive steps to the future that we want for our country.”
Another participant, Miss Halimat Ariyo, a final year Cell Biology and Genetics student at the University of Lagos, said the competition was an avenue for youths to have an engaging conversation that they would not necessarily have outside their daily life.
Ariyo said the competition was insightful because in most instances, youths shied away from engagements relating to nation building.
According to her, this debate is an avenue to bring youths together to make them have hard conversations that go beyond sentiments, favouritism, ethnicity or tribe.
“It allows us to make hard conversations in a friendly environment because in a debate environment, you cannot necessarily attack the speaker but you can proffer solutions to cases before you.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Environment and Safety Management Institute (ESMI) has urged the government and other stakeholders to prioritise the safety and security of workers in the country.
Alhaji Usman Ibrahim, Emir of Nasarawa Emirate and Chairman, Board of the institute, made the call at the 4th National Stakeholders’ Seminar on Environment and Safety organised by ESMI on Tuesday in Abuja.
The theme of the seminar was “Banditry as a Threat to Occupational Safety in Nigeria.’’
Ibrahim, who was represented by Mr Sunday Edibo, member of ESMI board, said “safety first is safety always.”
The traditional ruler said that prioritising workers safety involved the implementation of comprehensive safety measures, providing proper training and retraining of personnel.
He said it also entailed inter agency collaboration to address root causes of banditry and other forms of violence.
Ibrahim decried that the country was faced with a growing challenge of banditry threatening the safety and security of workers across all sectors in the country.
Citing Wikipidia, he described banditry as “a type of organised crime committed by outlaws (bandits) typically involving threat or use of violent acts.’’
He said that such act could be in form of robbery, kidnapping, extortion and murder in an ungoverned space or areas where rule of law had broken down.
Ibrahim said that the negative impact of banditry cut across every sector of the economy which included agriculture, educational institutions, religious, among others.
“In agriculture, our largest economic sector for instance farmers and farm workers are brazenly kidnapped from their farms, houses and processing factories leading to disruption of agricultural value chain.
“This adversely affects our food production, transportation, processing and marketing systems; exacerbating food insecurity, unemployment and poverty.
“Our educational institutions are not spared; our youths who are leaders of tomorrow are kidnapped in broad day light and subjected to harrowing trauma which survivors often experience symptoms such as post trauma stress, depression and anxiety.
“These conditions can significantly impair individual’s ability to function in daily life and maintain healthy relationship with members who may feel guilt for not been able to protect their loved one, “he said.
He added that bandits also vandalised power lines; thereby making the nation’s quest for stable power supply seemingly untenable.
Ibrahim said that the incidents not only affected lives of individuals at risk but disrupted the smooth functioning of businesses and governance as well as putting the economy in jeopardy.
On his part, Mr Martins Iorsamber, National President of ESMI, said the seminar was informed by the rising spate of banditry.
Iorsamber said the seminar was for professionals to brainstorm and come up with best solutions in tackling banditry in the country and to reduce its consequences on workers in the country.
According to him, occupational safety is not only referring to workers.
“We are referring to the farmers, artisans, craftsman, as well civil servants,’’ he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Mr Jide Awe, an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) expert, has advocated the removal of cultural norms and stereotypes that discourage women and girls from pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Awe made the call in Abuja on Thursday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the commemoration of the 2024 International Girls in ICT Day, slated for April 25.
NAN reports that the day aims to encourage young women and girls to build careers in ICT and also bridge gender gap in the tech industry, inspire girls to achieve their full potential in STEM.
The expert said there was a digital gender divide that had stunted the growth of the tech industry and the overall development of societies.
According to him, celebrating the day annually should not just be a slogan but should centre around how young women and girls can use ICT to solve problems and realise their dreams.
“Essentially, this entails addressing how girls and young women can be empowered to develop careers in the field of ICT.
“There can be no real change until girls and young women invest significantly in ICT careers and education.
“In addition to technical capacity, we must change culture in the ICT sector, stop the stereotypes and biases in the tech industry because the field is about solving problems and not a male field.
“The technology ecosystem is a space for everyone and in this regard, strong female role models and mentors in the ICT field are encouraged to speak on their experiences and provide guidance to young girls and women,” he said.
The expert said that the world needed the talents, ideas of the women, adding that a more diverse and inclusive tech industry would help everyone towards shaping the future of technology.
He added that young women and girls should be encouraged and inspired to take up ICT careers and pursue STEM education.
“Beyond talk, society must walk the talk by equipping and supporting young women and girls by providing them with access to training, career information, opportunities and resources needed to become successful ICT professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
A section of inductees at CITN induction on Thursday in Lagos
By Lilian U. Okoro
The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has inducted 605 new associate members as certified chartered practitioners in the field of taxation.
The 16th President of CITN, Mr Samuel Agbeluyi, who made this known at the 50th induction ceremony of the institute on Thursday in Lagos, urged members to make valuable contributions to the ongoing reforms in the tax and fiscal landscape in Nigeria.
Agbeluyi explained that the induction exercise was a mechanism to grow the tax administration system of the country.
He said that a lot had been happening in the tax and fiscal landscape in Nigeria, particularly since inception of the new government administration.
According to him, of particular reference, the approval of the 2024 budget underscored the imperative of enhancing tax revenue.
He said that the establishment of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms reflects a resolute commitment to charting a course for sustainable economic growth through effective and efficient taxation.
“Our responsibility as tax professionals is twofold: (i) ensuring that taxpayers fulfil their tax obligations to the government as and when due, and (ii) advocating for a tax system that is favourable and equitable for taxpayers.
“So, the guidance and counsel we offer to both clients and stakeholders alike are critical to fulfilling these roles effectively.
“We are more than willing to support the current government to achieve its objectives, which we have appraised and deemed to be highly beneficial to Nigeria and Nigerians in the long-run.
“I, therefore, urge the over 28,000 professionals registered under the CITN to demonstrate commitment and make valuable contributions to the ongoing reforms in the tax and fiscal landscape in Nigeria.
“To do this effectively, we must be fortified with the right skill set. We must be distinctive by the depth of knowledge we possess and the level of professionalism we demonstrate,” Agbeluyi said.
In her welcome address, the Chairman, Membership and Professional Conduct Committee, Dr Titilayo Eni-Itan Fowokan, extolled the importance of the roles of the new inductees.
According to her, the induction signifies commitment on the part of the inductees to become ambassadors of the profession at all times.
“This induction is not just a formality; it is the first step towards becoming an integral part of the Institute.
“It goes by saying that your clients will know and judge the institute through your character and service innovation; the manner in which you engage and render your professional duties to your clients will go a long way in shaping the perception of the institute.
“To this end, I encourage you to feel inspired, informed and engaged during this programme, so you can start your new roles with confidence and enthusiasm,” she said.
Fowokan, therefore, challenged the inductees to uphold the principles of peaceful, innovative and harmonious working relationship and to strive to make strides that lead to the growth of their respective organisations, the institute and the nation.
The Executive Chairman, Kwara State Internal Revenue Service, Mrs Shade Omoniyi, said the need for highly competent tax professionals to oversee every facet of the tax system in Nigeria was now more than ever, important.
Omoniyi, a Special Guest of Honour at the event, enjoined the inductees to harness technology for efficiency, saying that technological advancements could revolutionise tax collection and administration.
According to her, adapting to a digital economy presents both challenges and opportunities for taxation.
Chief Akinyele Oladeji, Chairman, CSDC Consulting Enterprise Solutions, advised the government to look inwards by exploiting tax as a means of stabilising the economy, bridging the infrastructure gap, supporting education, and creating employment opportunities.
In his Keynote address, Oladeji, said this idea has become the flagship of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, who had anchored his development plans around enhancing tax-to-GDP ratio.
To the inductees, Oladeji urged them to maintain professionalism in the course of discharging their mandates.
According to him, the discipline of taxation has never been more relevant at a time Nigeria is grappling with soaring debts, infrastructure deficits and rising costs of living.
“The tax landscape is dynamic, influenced by global economic shifts, technological advancements, and evolving regulatory frameworks.
“Your induction into this prestigious institute signifies your readiness to embark on this journey with a commitment to excellence and continuous learning.
“To be guided as tax experts it is important we are conscious about past trends of tax revenue of the country.
“I, therefore, charge you all, as new taxation professionals, to respond to this call and contribute to the development of the country,” Oladeji said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) says the UN has planned to priotise early warning systems against climate disasters globally, by 2027.
Dr Benard Gomez, the representative of WMO for West, Central and North Africa, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja in a good will message at the ongoing four-day 2024 Regional Climate Outlook Forum.
Gomez, who was represented by Mr Rowland Abah said, with the support of the African Union Commission and Partners, an `Earlier Warning for all Action Plan` had been developed for Africa as well.
“The state of climate in Africa report 2022 revealed that more than 110 million people on the African content were directly affected by weather, climate and water- related hazards in 2022.
“ This would cause more than 8.5 billion dollars in economic damages.
“The development of `Early Warning Systems` to cover everyone on the planet with Early Warning Systems by 2027 is now a priority of the United Nation, “ he said.
Gomez said WMO had migrated Global Data Processing and Forecasting Systems (GDPFS) to its Integrated Processing and Prediction System (WIPPS).
He said the migration would improve coordinate exchange of earth system observation, numerical weather prediction and access to model products.
Gomez commended AGRHYMET Regional Centre, a specialised institute for drought control, for its 50 years of providing climate and capacity development service to Sahelian and West African countries.
In his remarks, the Director General of AGRHYMET Regional Centre, Dr Abdul Ali, thanked the Federal Government and Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in particular, for hosting the 2024 regional climate outlook forum.
Ali said data from the centre revealed that more than 50 million people would experience food crisis in the region during the upcoming lean season from June to August, if appropriate measures were not taken. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Some of the start-up packs distributed by the Nigerian Correctional Service
By Ibironke Ariyo
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has distributed start-up packs to 32 ex-offenders who were trained on various trades while serving their jail terms.
Distributing the tools on Wednesday in Abuja, the NCoS Controller General, Haliru Nababa, expressed optimism that the skills acquired by the ex-offenders would usher them into a more qualitative phase of life.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the trade tools distributed were for tailoring, barbing, carpentry, welding, hairdressing, masonry and laundry among others.
Nababa, who was represented by Deputy Controller General Sylvester Nwakuche, said that the event was in line with the service’ core mandate of reformation, reintegration and rehabilitation of offenders through various training regimes.
According to him, sections 10 and 14 of the NCoS Act clearly mandates the Correctional Service to provide opportunities for vocational skills and training for inmates.
“This is necessary in order to facilitate their smooth reintegration into the society; the aftercare scheme is an extension of the humane care and attention given to inmates while in incarceration.
“It is fundamental to ensuring offenders’ re-entry into the society after serving their respective jail terms is easy and seamless; the essence of this scheme is to re-tool ex-inmates, thereby encouraging them to be productive and self-sustaining,’’ he said.
Nababa said that the implementation of the scheme remained the best way to keep the ex-inmates away from crime while ensuring that communities are safe and better for all to live.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to put their new skills to good use and work hard to improve on what they have learnt.
”With dedication, focus and hard-work, you can grow beyond self- sufficiency to the point of becoming employers of labour.
”I also wish to inform the public that beyond the After-Care Scheme, the service is doing quite a lot in setting social misfits on the path of propriety.
“This we do through psycho-social services, guidance and counselling, chaplaincy services, agricultural activities, adult literacy classes; also, our long-standing partnership with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) as well as other tertiary institutions.’’
The NCoS boss urged well-meaning Nigerians to wholly accept the reformed ex-inmates and support their progress by patronising their products and services.
He also appealed to public-spirited individuals and corporate entities to support the NCoS to enhance the training programme and provision of starter pact and other after-care facilities.
“The onus lies on all of us to break the cycle of criminality by helping ex-inmates to jettison their old ways and fully embrace better life,’’ Nababa added.
Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, one of the ex-offenders, who simply introduced himself as Amao, assured that they would make best use of the tools given to them.
“We promise to use these tools judiciously and be employers of labour so that we won’t have any reason to come back to the correctional centers again,’’ he said. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
Participants at a five-day capacity building workshop for Gender Desk officers, stakeholders on Gender Responsive Education Planning and Gender Equality on Monday in Niger
By Justina Auta
The Federal Ministry of Education (FME), in collaboration with International Institute for Educational Planning, UNESCO (UNESCO-IIEP) organised a capacity building workshop to reduce gender disparity in education in states.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, at the opening of the five-day workshop for selected state gender desk officers and other stakeholders in Niger State, said the move would improve inclusive education and gender equality.
Sununu said that the move was a step toward reducing the over 20 million out of school children in the country, with girls constituting over 60 per cent of the figure.
He said “education is an effective vehicle for enhancing human capabilities and for promoting social and economic development.
“Evidence abound that countries with highly developed education system are those with successful economies and high standards of living.
“It is on this backdrop that the ministry, in its bid to reposition the country’s education sector and boost gender equality and children’s enrolment into formal school system, organised this workshop.”
He said that the collaboration with development partners was to support states to increase gender equality in basic education.
While calling for increased awareness on the benefits of girl-child education, the minister urged stakeholders, especially in the states, to fully implement the Reviewed National Policy on Gender Education and its guidelines.
He said the implementation would promote effective coordination and implementation of strategies to bridge the gender gaps in education.
Abdourahamane Diallo, the Head of UNESCO Office in Abuja, said the workshop is aimed at building capacity of critical stakeholders to advance gender-responsive education planning and management in states of the federation.
He said “the facilitators, comprising experts from the IIEP, Abuja Office of UNESCO and the FME have designed the training contents to lead to increased understanding of key issues and challenges of gender equality in and through education.
“The contents will also increase understanding of school-based and non-school factors that cause gender disparities in education and how gender equality can be integrated into policy design, planning processes and implementation.”
Ms Sally Rosscornes, the Senior Gender and Education Specialist, IIEP-UNESCO, said “we are here to accompany states as they seek to understand the different gender inequalities and disparities and dimensions within their own context.
“And then for them to develop their own solutions to solving those challenges.”
Dr Folake Olatunji-David, the Director, Basic Education, FME, noted the effects of gender disparities, stressing the need for gender balancing in learning, planning, policymaking, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of activities.
She said “when we talk about gender, it is not just about girls, but about both boys and girls.
“So, ensure that we leave no child behind in all our policymaking and implementation, because each gender has his or her own peculiarities and a role to play.”
Also, Mrs Obianuju Anigboju, the Director, Educational Planning, Research and Development Department, stressed the need for the adoption of innovative strategies that would advance and promote gender equality. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Pa Edwin Clark, Leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has urged the Federal Government to appoint a special taskforce to ensure the rescue of the remaining Chibok girls held by Boko Haram
The elder statesman made the call while briefing newsmen in Abuja on Monday at a ceremony to mark the Chibok girls’ 10th anniversary in captivity.
While expressing displeasure over the failure of past administrations to rescue the girls, Clark urged President Bola Tinubu to leave no stones unturned to secure the release of the girls.
“About 90 of them are still missing after 10 years. This should be a source of worry and concern to any government.
“Tinubu should appoint a special taskforce with brave soldiers, who are competent and transparent and not nepotic.
“Their main duty will be to travel at all times to Sambisa forest or where ever these citizens are, to look for these girls and rescue them.
“In giving this advice, I also want to add that a time limit should be given to them to carry out this task.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Vincent Obi
X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
