NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Science & Tech

NABDA, stakeholders develop standardised legal framework for forensic practices

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By Sylvester Thompson

A forensic technical working group facilitated by National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), on Wednesday in Abuja brainstormed on how to develop a standardised legal framework for forensic practices in Nigeria.

The group comprised co-stakeholders from the Judiciary, STI Ministry, the Police, NDLEA, NEMA, NAPTIP, other law enforcement agencies, Medical and Dental Council, foreign experts and representatives of various organisations.

The crew is also responsible for developing a framework for national Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) database that iss comprehensive and cost effective to address gaps Nigeria faces in areas of security and medico-legal issues among others.

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of NABDA, underscored the importance and urgency of developing a robust standard forensic database that would regulate and enable institutions of government to perform at optimal level.

The D-G, who was represented by Dr Bartholomew Ibeh, Director, Medical Biotechnology Department, emphasised on the importance of a standardised forensic science practice in Nigeria.

Mustapha said:“It is very important in terms of security issues, serial offenders, rape cases and sexual molestations, cases relating to accident victims, missing persons, immigration as well as tracking of terrorists among others.’’

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria at the close of the workshop, Mustapha expressed optimism that Nigerians would begin to see the standardization of forensic science in the country.

He said: ”Nigerians would also witness how the DNA databank and other forensic data banks are built, the standards and patterns to be followed in administering forensic evidence in court.”

Mustapha assured that this would help to empower government institutions that had the mandate of discharging their responsibilities in areas relating to forensic science especially DNA.

He listed institutions such as the Police, Immigration, NDLEA, and the judiciary, among others, as where most of these issues ended up.

Mustapha said the agency was not only a facilitator, but it provided the expertise that was driving the process for Nigeria.

He said the agency had a forensic DNA laboratory which would enable scientists in the field to practice and lead to the country having a standardised forensic reference laboratory for investigations.

Prof. Dennis Agbonlahor, Chairman of the Forensic Technical Working Committee, told NAN that forensic science was a variegated and diffused field which found applicability in various sectors of national life.

The Chairman said various institutions of government were working with DNA to solve numerous issues relating to health, investigations of crimes and deaths, among others.

He, however, added that the activities of forensic institutions in the country needed proper coordination, regulation and a standard procedure for optimal performance.

Agbonlahor said consequent upon the constitution of a National Forensic Working Group (NFWG), the maiden edition of the workshop was held in 2019, but COVID-19 only gave room for virtual meetings.

“The workshop help to push the idea of ensuring that a bill would eventually emanate for the control, coordination and regulation of forensic activities across the nation.

“The only way to do that is to have a working committee to midwife the process and that is essentially why we are here.

“We are looking at a neutral body to regulate and coordinate the activities of these various institutions, departments and others whose activities have to do with forensic science,’’ Agbonlahor said.

He said the standard approach should be in tandem with international best practices and that Nigeria needed these standardised forensic procedures.

Dr Patrick Oyong, a Director in the Federal Ministry of Justice said though the field of forensics was not as old as other fields and resource persons were few, but that it was forensics significant.

He said there was need for a forensic bill to be transmitted into law through the National Assembly, adding: “We have started working on it and we will continue to engage other stakeholders on it.

“ We have also gone further by setting up relevant committees that would work towards that and we do not need to fold our hands because we know government is quite appreciative of this.

“It is our responsibility individually and collectively to put all hands on deck to ensure that our intention of this development becomes a reality.”

Dr Tijjani Mandaka of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria(MDCN), stated that forensic science would play a strategic role for Doctors and medical personnel especially in rape cases.

“With forensic science, criminals will not be set free, criminals are set free due to lack of evidences,’’ Mandaka said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Politics

Centre inaugurates app on 2023 general election

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By Angela Atabo

The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), a civil society organisation, has inaugurated an Electoral Act App aimed at keeping Nigerians abreast with information on the 2023 electoral process.

Executive Director PLAC, Clement Nwankwo, said this at the Unveiling and Dissemination of PLAC Electoral Act Web and Mobile App funded by the European Union (EU) in Abuja on Wednesday.

Nwankwo said that the 2023 General Election was a critical milestone in the history of Nigeria’s democracy and the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act had made it more important for people to be abreast with the technology that would be used.

He said that the Electoral Act Web and mobile app was part of PLAC’s awareness and dissemination of the provisions of the Act ahead of the 2023 General Election.

He said that it was a reference material that featured a complete text of the Act passed in 2022.

He added that it explanations for every section of the law, relevant court decisions that interpret the provisions and demonstrated its practical application as well as reference to additional reading material for researchers.

“The PLAC Electoral Act App contains the complete text of the Nigerian Electoral Act passed in 2022;it comes in a simplified web version as well as Android and iOS mobile versions.

“The objective is to disseminate the provisions of the law to the public and ensure that citizens have it in a readily accessible format,” he said.

Nwankwo urged Nigerians to leverage on the app to build their knowledge on the electoral process for free, fair and credible election as well as post electoral issues and it would also help lawyers during tribunals.

Ms Laolu Olawumi, Programme Manager, Democracy and Rule of Law, European Union, commended PLAC for putting together such a great tool to empower Nigerians with knowledge.

“It is an excellent initiative, that is easy to download and use.

“I was really surprised with the amount and the quality of information,I think whether you are a lawyer, or you are just somebody who is keen on research, or you are just an average citizen wanting to understand the electoral law, this really sets the tone and helps you.

“So embrace it, immerse yourself in the information and also connect with the process and it will help you authenticate certain materials that you receive to be able to engage with the process.

“What this app does for us is to help bridge that gap between the information and the actual process, what I would really love to see is that people are aware of this, because I think it’s excellent,” he said.

Olawumi said because the election was important for Nigeria,it was extremely important that the legal framework was well established and that people found it accessible as well as share it and interpret it in the way and manner it deserved to be interpreted.(NAN)(nannews.ng)

Editing by Ali Baba-Inuwa

Health

Stakeholders underscore importance of establishing National Mine Action Centre

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By Ahmed Ubandoma

Stakeholders in the Humanitarian sector have underscored the importance of establishing a National Mine Action Centre aimed at identifying and supporting persons affected by the devastating impact of mine action.

The stakeholders made this known at the inaugural meeting of Humanitarian Mine Action organised by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and other development partners on Wednesday in Abuja.

They said that the centre would provide the necessary psycho-social support to victims of mine action in the country.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry,  Dr. Nasir Sani Gwarzo expressed optimism that the National Mine Action Centre, when established, would cater to the humanitarian needs of  victims.

Gwarzo said the initial reason for the creation of the National Humanitarian Mine Action Committee, was to identify and support persons affected by the devastating impact of mine action.

“ That’s why we established the committee; this committee will coordinate all the necessary preparation that will eventually lead to the establishment of the centre.

“The  ministry had earlier concentrated on social support through the welfare, and poverty alleviation of the vulnerable populace.

“ Now, the ministry has widened its scope after three years, all these programmes have been well achieved and even institutionalised.

“ What remains now is to look at other activities that also need attention and one of those clear activities is that of Humanitarian Mine Action.

“Nigeria is plagued with so many epicentres of mine activities and it’s at the rate of almost one per week, you get a mine explosion somewhere, especially in the places that have experienced some social unrest.

“The initial letters that we have written to so many stakeholders and partners and the responses were overwhelming and very encouraging.

“ I believe that in the near future, Nigeria will be at a very comfortable stage of implementing this mine action“ he said.

A retired Group Captain , Sadeeq Shehu, who is the coordinator of the humanitarian mine action committee, expressed his commitment towards supporting the actualisation of the centre.

In his presentation,  the Director, Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, Mr Jaun Carlos Ruan,  reiterated the need for stakeholders to ensure multi-sectoral approach to strenthen Nigeria’s efforts to tackle cases associated with mine action.

Other stakeholders, who spoke at the event were unanimous on need for government to provide effective legal framework and a support action that would ensure full implementation of the humanitarian mine action for the benefit of all victims.

They also agreed that the establishment National Mine Action Centre would support victims affected by the devastating impact of mine action, especially in war-torn areas. 
(NAN).(www.nannews)

Edited by Grace Yussuf

General News

NDDC, centre train 70 staffers on policy formulation, security management

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Niger Delta Development Commission, in collaboration with the Savannah Centre for Development and Training L.td., on Wednesday in Abuja trained over 70 staffers of the commission on policy formulation and security management.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the training was: ” A management Implant on Policy Making in a Dynamic World and Security Management.”

Speaking to newsmen during the training, the Executive Director of the centre, Amb. Sani Bala, said that the aim of the training was to enhance the performance of the commission’s personnel.

Bala also said that the training would equip the staffers to have a better understanding of security issues in the Niger Delta, with a view to enabling them collaborate with the security agencies to ensure the security of the entire communities in the region.

He topics of the training centred on policy formulation, ”because all activities of organisations are largely dependent on the policies they produce to achieve our objectives and goals.

Bala said: “So, if you don’t have the right policy definitely you are going to have difficulties in attaining your goals and objectives and that is why we trained them on how to formulate policies.

” If you look at the content of the presentation on policy formulation it is very rich, comprehensive and garmane. The other aspects is on management. There is going to be a presentation management.

“How do you plan, organise, coordinate and also direct or implement the policy direction of the organisation? Then the third aspect is the issue of security because security is a very serious challenge, particularly in the Niger Delta region.

” And for any organisation that is going to operate in the Niger Delta region must be conscious of the security. So it is very important we equip the staff of NDDC on the issues of security challenges. How do you management, prevent the situation that may challenge the security of the region.”

Also, a Deputy Director at NDDC, Mr Chris Ekah, affirmed that the training was designed, among others, to equip the staffers with the relevant knowledge on policy making and assist them on how to deliver on the mandate of the NDDC.

“The second aspect of the training is on security management. As you are aware Niger Delta is a very volatile area unlike Abuja here, so we are training our staffers to be very mindful of the environment.

”It also focuses on how to guard themselves in the area as well as safeguard our information in terms of our work tools, information flow within the system and the commission,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, an Assistant Manager, Abuja Liaison Office of the commission, Mr Utin Archibong, said the training had been very incisive, educating and it brought to fore what policy formulation in context should look like.

He said: “It simply means that our policy should be more domesticated here, within our environment, the Niger Delta region and the country at large.

”And that it should be more inclusive because when we have a lots of inclusiveness, the outcome will be much more better than we see now.” (NAN) ( www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Features

Nigeria and imperative for credible 2023 polls

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A News Analysis by Bashir Rabe Mani, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Nigerians will be heading to the polls on February 25 and March 11, 2023 to elect a new president, members of national and state assemblies and governors. It will be another seamless transition from one democratically elected government to another since 1999 when Nigerians shed off the cankerworm of military dictatorship.

Democracy no doubt remains the most acceptable form of government globally, and as Nigerians get set for the elections, issues of credible elections, neutrality of security agencies, issue-based campaigns and a level playing field for political parties and voters to exercise their rights have remained paramount.

This has attracted the interest of patriotic Nigerians who have taken it upon themselves to ensure that the elections were not only seamless, but open, credible and acceptable.

One of such groups is The Compatriots, a forum of some patriotic eminent Nigerians with passion for good governance.

At its maiden press briefing in Abuja, Chairman of the Compatriots, Obong Victor Attah, a former governor of Akwa Ibom, expressed concern over the state of the nation, saying Nigerians should unite to overcome current challenges of insecurity, collapsed economy and educational system, tribal, religious, regional and class issues, and strive to build a new nation.

Attah said elections provide the platform for Nigerians to make informed choices by electing leaders who will effectively tackle the challenges facing the country.

Prince Tom Iseghohi, Secretary and Operating Officer of the Compatriots said the group would support fundamental social and political reforms to strengthen the Nigerian project.

”These include the promotion of core values of equity, justice and fairness for every citizen, realization of the full potentialities of every Nigerian, protection of the rights of every Nigerian wherever he or she decides to reside, and primacy of peaceful coexistence between and among Nigerian communities.

”The group will also inspire a proper sense of nationhood and common nationality.

“It promises to mobilise the best intellectual resources in addressing the key challenges that are hindering the development of Nigeria as a strong and viable political and economic community and promote a network of concerned Nigerians towards assisting in the improvement of governance at all levels as well as in the provision of social services.”

As its contributions to a robust political environment ahead of the elections, the Compatriots had engaged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), held parley with presidential candidates and raised awareness of Nigerians on the imperative for seamless elections devoid of violence.

At its meeting with INEC, the Compatriots made a presentation entitled: ‘Let Join Hands to Re-Invent Nigeria’.

At the meeting, the chairman among other things, commended INEC for its firm commitment to the conduct of free and fair polls during the general elections.

Attah said: “It is clear by your actions that we believe that sovereignty belongs to the people and their inalienable rights to sovereignty can only be protected by properly conducted elections that are free, fair, legitimate and reflect the will of the people.”

He urged INEC to take deliberate steps to demonstrate unquestionable transparency during the polls

Similarly, in its parley with the presidential candidates, the group said that the engagement was to ensure the conduct of credible polls, so as to bequeath a “new and better Nigeria for every Nigerian”.

The parley involved presidential candidates of the PRP, LP, SDP, PDP and APC, among others.

A communique issued at the end of the meeting with the presidential candidates said the interface was to contribute to the growth of democracy in Nigeria.

”INEC’s integrity and competence should be protected by all the stakeholders and Nigerians.

”It is necessary, however, to insist on the utilisation of capacities that represent independent audit of its systems and processes from now until the elections.

”Candidates and their supporters should recognise that all Nigerians look forward to these elections as being the ones that will produce a leadership that will make a difference between further decline and sustainable greatness.

”Nigerians expect a decent contest, a credible election and a peaceful transition to great leadership from all three arms of government.”

The Compatriots, therefore, admonished candidates who lose the elections to either accept defeat or seek redress in court, but ”must avoid throwing the country into crises over the elections.”

They emphasised that Nigerians who registered for the elections should be availed of opportunities to vote.

”This include allowing those who are legally registered to collect their PVCs and improving the security environment so that it does not disenfranchise voters on election days.”

The Compatriots also admonished the Judiciary to play its part in the entrenchment of democratic ideals and culture in the country.

”The judiciary has vital role in improving the quality of our democratic process, and these elections will provide it with an opportunity to exercise its responsibility with the highest level of integrity and impartiality,” the group said.

The Compatriots are also concerned about the current hardship in the country and how it may affect the elections.

It therefore urged that ”government should take steps to relieve the citizens of the severe difficulties under which they live at the moment.

”This will greatly improve the atmosphere under which the elections will be held.”

To engender mass participation of voters in the elections, the group said schools should be closed to allow students who registered for the elections to cast their votes.

It also admonished politicians to promote responsible campaigns devoid of violence.

“Students in tertiary institutions represent a critical segment in the entrenchment of our democracy, as such the government should give them opportunities to vote in the elections.

”Politicians should recognise that the elections are about the citizens’ right to freely exercise choices and not just about the ambitions of the contestants.

”Nigerians are worried about negative campaigns which include damaging rhetoric and actions which strip contestants, one of whom we expect to be elected President soon, of dignity and respect.

”More Nigerians should be given opportunities to see contestants discuss issues and contest ideas and strategies in the most mature manner as was witnessed at this meeting.

”For the new government to enjoy legitimacy and general support from the citizens, among other things, there must be an emphasis on ensuring credible elections,” the Compatriots emphasised.

It is clear that the Compatriots are fully committed to ensuring the conduct of credible elections in the world’s most populous black nation, as Nigerians head out to the polls on February 25 and March 11, 2023. (NAN Feature) (www.nannews.ng)

**If used, kindly credit to writer and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)**

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Metro

FCT minister vows to sanction filling stations violating safety regulations

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

Worried by the recurring incidents of fire outbreaks in filling stations, the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, has directed all filling stations to observe safety regulations or face sanctions.

Alhaji Abbas Idriss, Director-General, FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), made the disclosure during an emergency stakeholders meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja.

Idriss, represented by the agency’s Director, Forecasting Response Mitigation, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, said the minister ordered that any filling station that recorded a fire outbreak would be sanctioned.

The D-G said that no responsible government would fold its arms and allow loss of lives and property to be the order of the day.

Idriss said: “Sadly, while we recorded many successes in the aspect of flood management in the Federal Capital, the incidence of fire outbreaks especially in filling stations suddenly became a recurring issue of concern.

“This concern required extraordinary measures by all emergency stakeholders to tackle.

“This worrisome issue, as our findings reveal, is largely attributed to violations of safety regulations in loading, transportation and off-loading of petroleum products and other volatile substances.

“Also, there is a seeming lack of adequate knowledge of basic safety rules, absence of functional firefighting equipment and trained safety officers in most of our filling stations.”

Similarly, Idriss said that discharging petroleum products while the premises were already filled with vehicles and other customers awaiting was a very dangerous development.

He also frowned at the activities of black markers in and around the vicinities of the filling stations and highways.

Idriss added their activities were dangerous developments that needed to be addressed by all stakeholders to avoid catastrophic outcomes in the near future.

He added: “It is important at this juncture to inform stakeholders that our discussion today will be centred on such measures that could avert further escalation of fire outbreak within and outside the city of the territory.

“The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (Nimet), on Jan. 24, released its seasonal climate prediction which has implications on various sectors of our economy particularly, on agriculture, transportation, water, disaster management and other critical sectors.

“Therefore, we will also use this platform to review our performance in managing flood, fire, building collapse and other emergency incidents in the nation’s capital.

“This is necessary in order to further strengthen those areas where we delivered well and also improve on others where there were lapses.”

Earlier, Mr Justin Uwazuruonye, Head, Abuja Operations Office, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), reiterated the determination of the agency to mitigate and reduce the risk of disaster in Abuja and the nation at large.

He said: “NEMA is a national body that coordinates management in the country and our sister agencies at the state levels and the FCT are the State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA) and FEMA.

“We are happy with FEMA because it always carries all the stakeholders along. We are also encouraging all stakeholders to ensure synergy among them.”

The New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders emergency meeting was attended by the representatives of the Nigerian Navy, Federal Capital Development Authority, Nimet, and other critical agencies in disaster management. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru/Bashir Rabe Mani

Economy/Business

NGO gives scholarship to 100 pupils, donates furniture to school

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By Ruth Oketunde

The Daniel Onoja Foundation (DOF), on Tuesday, gave scholarship to no fewer than 100 pupils of the Local Education Authority (L.E.A), Primary School, Lugbe in the FCT.

The foundation also donated 100 sets of furniture, as well as school bags, uniforms, books, sandals and stationery to pupils of the school.

Mr Daniel Onoja, the Founder of DOF, said the donation was part of the foundation’s commitment to reducing the number of out-of-school children in the country.

He said the intervention tagged “DOF-School Intervention Project”, aimed at supporting the efforts of the government at ensuring that all Nigerian children had quality education.

“Education is critical to national development, and we know that most of these public schools do not have the necessary facilities to aid learning.

“So we discovered these gaps and we decided to come in with our intervention.

“Especially the out-of-school children, we picked them out of the streets and brought them back to school because we want to ensure that no child is left behind.

“We will also ensure that our monitoring team continues to monitor the progress of these children, even as we look forward to enrolling more children in the future,” Onoja said.

Mr Beedof Abireh, the Project Lead, DOF-SIP, explained that the foundation would continue to reach the unreached and lift the burden off vulnerable persons in the country.

“We donated 100 sets of furniture because we carried out the needs assessment in the school and we saw that most of the pupils were sitting on the floor.

“We made the donation so that learning can be fun and comfortable for the children.

“We also absorbed 20 new out of school children and paid PTA dues for 80 new pupils, totaling 100 pupils, and we paid for two terms for each pupil.

“The new enrollees were also given textbooks, exercise books, sandals, uniforms and bags.

“We hope to go to other rural communities in the country to ensure that all children in Nigeria get access to quality education,” he said.

Mr Mamman Chanchangi, the school’s Headmaster, appreciated the organisation for the donation, adding that the kind gesture would ameliorate the burden on parents.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

Politics

Elections: PWDs demand inclusion in electoral processes, access to polling units

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By Justina Auta

Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD), Tuesday, have demanded for inclusion in the electoral process at all levels and access to polling units nationwide.

The network, in collaboration with the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative(WRAPA) made the call during a walk and presentation of the charter of demand for women with disability to the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja.

Hajiya Zainab Abdulrasheed, Programme Officer WRAPA, said the removal of any physical barrier faced by PWDs during election day and in the electoral processes would enable them vote in line with Nigeria’s polling system.

Abdulrasheed, stressed the need for election management bodies and other stakeholders to protects the rights of women and PWDs, urging them to include them in the implementation of electoral processes in Nigeria.

“Part of it is ensuring polling units are accessible for PWDs and be able to participate meaningfully during election to exercise their franchise or voting candidates of their choice.

” And not be intimidated because inaccessibility of polling units can deter prospective voters from exercising their franchise.

“And this is the right time to promote PWDs especially women in the 2023 election and beyond.”

According to her, the aim of the rally is to create more awareness and promote the rights and inclusion of PWDs in the forthcoming election.

She added that an abridged version of a charter of demands that spells out what the provisions of the laws of Nigeria in disabilities rights are pertaining to the PWDs, particularly women in the forthcoming elections was also launched to make their demands known.

“We came to create awareness on this purpose for all stakeholders to come on board and ensure that the forthcoming 2023 election and beyond have to be very inclusive of women with disabilities.

” And to ensure that their rights are not infringed upon.

” They should not be discriminated for any reasons, they should be part of any development and governance in any society where they may exist.

“That is why we are here for people to know that they have a rights to vote and be voted for.

” This activity came at the right time towards the 2023 election, where we know that polling is about to take place and we hope INEC has put in place resources to ensure inclusiveness for PWDs and others alike,” she said.

Also, Ms Rose Daniels, Vice President, decried that women with disability have been relegated to the background in every sector, stressing the need for inclusion, which would empower them and contribute to national development.

“We want to be heard, To be included in the political sphere, we have capable women with disability who can run for offices and be voted for, to be in the parliament.

“We are demanding for our 10 per cent quota which I believe is not too much, to have our space in the national polity,” she said.

On her part, Ms Godiya John, Media and Communication Officer NWD, FCT Chapter, reiterated the need for inclusion of women with disability in all the affairs of the government, adding their right to inclusion should not be denied.

“All we are asking is inclusion in politics, governance, health, education. We are asking of inclusion, our rights to vote, rights to be voted for, rights to education, rights to gainful employment.

“We want government to include us in politics, we want them to know that there is so much ability in us, so much we can contribute to the political sphere of the government.

” So, we are asking for inclusion, women generally are asking for just 35 per cent, but we are asking for only 10 per cent from government.

“When you empower a woman with disabilities, you empower the nation because most are mothers.

“We have been discriminated and abandoned, but when we are empowered it will go along way in the contribution of the development of the country,” she said.

Responding, Representative of the Ministry of Justice, Winifred Oyekunle, assured the group that issues tabled will be presented to the relevant authorities with a follow up action.

Oyekunle said, “be assured that your issues are always considered as your interest will be protected.

“The Attorney General will do his best as your message will get across and you will be happy with his decision,” she said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Politics

2023: Civil Society tasks security agencies on synergy to tackle electoral violence

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By Naomi Sharang

Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) on Wednesday, tasked security agencies on the need to synergise to guard against break down of law and order during and after the general elections.

The Executive Director of the election observer group, Ms Faith Nwadishi made the call in Abuja, at the North-central stakeholders meeting in preparation toward the 2023 general elections.

While saying that security was a critical aspect of the electoral process that requires attention, security agencies should up their game in ensuring safety of lives during the entire electoral process.

She said: “INEC has recently raised an alarm indicating that insecurity may stall the 2023 elections.

“Citizens too have had cause to worry over the ugly and alarming trend of burning INEC offices and materials in recent times.

“This dangerous and criminal act if unchecked could pose a grave danger to the 2023 general elections.

“All men and women of goodwill should condemn these senseless attacks while joining hands to quench this ugly trend.

“We expect better synergy between the police, the lead security agency on election security and other members of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCESS) with stakeholders on election,” he said.

Nwadishi further urged the agencies to share important information with other stakeholders especially on flash points.

The executive director urged the electorate to say no to money politics, all forms of inducement and money laundering associated with politics and elections.

“Citizens’ choices must never be subverted by the negative use of money to influence votes including the criminal purchases of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) by politicians.

“We recognise clearly that the symbolic presence of law enforcement agents at polling units on election has not deterred vote buying.

“It is, therefore, important that a more result-oriented method like covert operations be adopted to curb this menace.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that representatives of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were in attendance at the event.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Water Resources

FG wants private sector to maximise dams, reservoir potentials

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By Tosin Kolade

The Minister of Water Resources, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu, on Tuesday, called on the private sector to invest in the potentials available in Nigeria’s dams and reservoirs.

Adamu made this call at a workshop on Effective Utilisation of Impounded Water in Dam Reservoirs’ in Abuja.

He noted that dams and reservoirs had not been fully utilised, following huge investments through the years, saying investing in them had the potential to change the fortunes of the country.

According to him, effective utilisation of the water impounded in dam reservoirs is expected to sustain the fast growing population through water and food security.

“This will also ensure youths employment in the farms and agro-allied industries that will spring up, thereby enhancing the standard of living of our people.

“Dam is a critical infrastructure to the sustainability of water resources. Water is stored in a dam reservoir during period of excess flow, so that it can be released from the reservoir during the period of inadequate flow to meet the demand of water users.

“Unfortunately, some of the impounded dam reservoirs across the country have not been put into best use after construction, thereby defeating the purpose for which they were built.

“The participation of the private sector in the utilisation of water impounded in our dam reservoirs across the country should therefore, be encouraged’’.

The minister said the workshop was timely and would fashion out ways to correct this ugly trend, saying state governments and other dam owners must ensure effective utilisation of reservoirs for various purposes.

He added that the ministry was interfacing with Katsina, Enugu and Imo State Governments with a view to effectively utilising the water in Mashi, Sulma, Adada and Inishi dam reservoirs, respectively.

This collaboration, he noted, was yielding fruitful results.

Adamu said the ministry had recorded some achievements in the area of concession of some hydropower projects, through Public Private Partnership, in pursuit of the agenda of the current administration.

“The 30MW Gurara Hydropower Project, 40MW Dadin Kowa Hydropower Plant concessions, the 40MW Kashimbila Hydropower Plant, and the 136MW Manya Hydropower Project, both in Taraba State, among others, are our achievements.”

Mr John Ochigbo, Director, River Basin Operations and Inspectorate with the ministry, said the workshop was crucial, considering the huge investment of government in the construction of these critical national assets.

He noted that dams had the potential of boosting the socio-economic life of a country through the provision of water for domestic, agriculture, industrial, hydro-power, flood control, recreation and environmental sustainability.

“It is however sad that the downstream development of these infrastructure that would have provided the above mentioned services, have been neglected over the years, which has resulted in heavy loss of revenue to the nation.

“The estimated 34 billion cubic meter of water impounded across the country, is a huge economic good or resource that can be utilised to boost economic growth especially at this difficult economic times,” Ochigbo said.

According to him, the partial Commercialisation of the river basin development authorities (RBDAs), would effectively harness the economic potentials that abounds in them.

“This is a wakeup call for the RBDAs to attract credible investors, to effectively utilise the impounded water in Dam reservoirs in the RBDAs for various purposes as earlier mentioned above.’’

A Dam and Irrigation Expert, Mr Matthew Offie, in his Presentation on `Challenges of Non-utilisation of Impounded Water in Dam Reservoirs’, expressed worry that many dam reservoirs in the country were not optimally utilised.

Offie said Nigeria was losing a lot from under-utilisation of its dam reservoirs, saying there was need to change this narrative.

“Nigeria has a lot of socio-economic benefits such as food security, water for all uses, agriculture value chain and employment generation, so we must maximise its full potentials.

“At one of my visits to Ikere-Gorge Dam in Oyo State, some workers did not even have water to drink, they had to seek water from other places, a lot of these dams are abandoned.

“Even during the flooding, we do not need to run helter-skelter if we maximise our dams and reservoirs efficiently’’.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that participants are expected to draw up a Draft Action Plan on Dam Reservoirs that would contribute meaningfully to the economic growth of Nigeria. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

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